Best Enemies-Turned-Allies In Demon Slayer

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Summary

  • Obanai Iguro distrusts Tanjiro but eventually becomes an ally after Hashira training.
  • Tamayo, once under Muzan’s control, aids Tanjiro in taking down the king of demons.
  • Genya Shinazugawa starts hostile but learns to trust Tanjiro, joining forces to fight demons.

During the summer of 2025, no other anime has caused as much excitement and frenzy as “Demon Slayer,” led by Tanjiro Komado. The final arc of this captivating series started with a bang when the movie titled “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” hit the screens, winning over fans not just in Japan but across the globe.

As Infinity Castle establishes its dominance, Demon Slayer has persisted in thriving, notably by introducing characters who initially come across as adversaries or antagonists such as Tanjiro. During this action-packed anime, numerous viewers eventually find themselves sympathizing with or relying on Tanjiro and his diverse band of companions. Over time, these former enemies evolve into crucial allies in the battle against demons.

1. Obanai Iguro

Malicious Hashira That Begins To See Tanjiro’s Potential

Among the select few Hashira, it was Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, who harbored doubts about Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Nezuko. At first, Obanai came across as stern and seemed to take pleasure in causing discomfort to a puzzled Tanjiro, making it challenging for him to even catch a breath while restraining him during their confrontations. However, following the Swordsmith Village Arc, a bond of friendship between Obanai and Mitsuri Kanroji blossomed, which subtly revealed an undercurrent of jealousy in Obanai as he witnessed Tanjiro’s unwavering optimism.

After undergoing rigorous training from the Hashira and improving his swordsmanship, Tanjiro, it seems, gradually earns Obanai’s acceptance, despite Obanai’s prior connection with Kanroji. When Muzan, the powerful demon, finds himself ensnared in an explosion that claims the life of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, both Obanai and Tanjiro, alongside other Hashira, bravely leap into action, ready to engage Muzan in battle.

2. Tamayo

Demon Under The Control Of Muzan Breaks Free To Aid Tanjiro

Initially serving as a demon under the command of Muzan, the demon king, Tamayo transformed into a compassionate and helpful demon who joined forces with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Demon Slayer Corps in their mission against Muzan. Having spent centuries as Muzan’s pawn, Tamayo gained her freedom and self-determination, an uncommon trait among demons. Driven by revenge for the loss of her family at Muzan’s hands, Tamayo dedicates her life to eradicating him from the world.

Together with her assistant Yushiro, Tamayo devotes her life to defeating the villain. In this battle, Tamayo plays a crucial part when Muzan, the formidable antagonist, suddenly appears and attempts to kill Ubuyashiki. In response, Tamayo uses drugs that temporarily halt Muzan’s regenerative powers.

3. Sanai Shinazugawa

Hashira Full Of Hatred Who Taunts Nezuko And Tanjiro

From late Season 1, one of the eight Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, is presented as a harsh and vengeful swordsman who delights in provoking Tanjiro by teasing his demon sister, Nezuko. His provocative actions towards Nezuko, urging her to bite him, immediately earns him Tanjiro’s enmity. Over time, Sanemi’s behavior becomes less confrontational, though he remains a challenging character for Tanjiro to interact with.

Following their progression through the ranks, Sanemi continues to carry a deep-seated anger towards Tanjiro. The main character’s role in the complex sibling relationship between Sanemi and Genya Shinazugawa prompts Tanjiro to challenge the Hashira, leading to a confrontation between him and Sanemi. Nevertheless, amidst the strained dynamics between them during the Hashira Training Arc, Sanemi sets aside his differences with Tanjiro upon Muzan’s unveiling, teaming up with him to battle their shared adversary.

4. Genya Shinazugawa

Hardened Brother Of Hashira Learns To Trust Tanjiro

In the anime, Genya, Sanemi’s younger brother, makes an entrance as a hostile demon slayer during the Final Selection. He aggressively targets one of the Ubuyashiki daughters, leading Tanjiro to intervene and grab Genya’s arm. Since then, Genya has displayed clear antipathy towards Tanjiro and his companions, often appearing sullen and aloof. His harsh behavior can be attributed to his troubled past, which has left deep scars.

In the Swordsmith Village Arc, Tanjiro changes the tough-minded Genya, who was initially influenced by his older brother Sanemi’s harsh attitude as a Hashira. However, it wasn’t until Tanjiro motivated and supported Genya during battles that their bond began to strengthen. This transformation made Genya more approachable and friendly towards Tanjiro, and when the time came for Tanjiro to move a boulder in the Hashira Training Arc, Genya offered him advice, reciprocating the kindness shown by the protagonist.

5. Nezuko

Demon Sister Of Tanjiro Soon Becomes A Source Of Hope For The Demon Slayers

In the debut episode of “Demon Slayer”, Nezuko, Tanjiro’s younger sister, endures a brutal attack that leaves most of their family dead. This horrific incident transforms her into a demon, causing her to lunge at her shocked brother upon his return home. However, her assault is halted when she encounters Hashira Giyu Tomioka, which becomes a pivotal moment in the series and establishes the plot for “Demon Slayer”.

Starting from then, Nezuko fights together with her brother in the Demon Slayer Corps, refusing to harm humans while in her demonic form. This self-restraint and her unwavering loyalty towards her brother, despite facing skepticism within the Demon Slayer Corps due to her being a demon, underscores the strong family bond they share. The siblings, who are key figures in Muzan’s plans, manage to gain acceptance even from some of the top-ranked Demon Slayers, or Hashira, who were initially wary of Nezuko.

6. Inosuke

Mountain Boy Whose Brutish Attitude Soon Wanes After Spending More Time With Tanjiro

In the Tsuzumi Mansion Arc, wilderness-reared character Inosuke, who initially causes trouble for Tanjiro and Zenitsu by trying to get at Nezuko’s box, meets them. Eager to kill demons, Tanjiro fights Inosuke, a boar-headed demon slayer, leading to a fierce confrontation. After Inosuke is knocked out, he begins to bond with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Zenitsu. As they journey together, Inosuke’s rough exterior softens, revealing a more amicable side, and their friendships lead to emotional and intense battles. Tanjiro’s kindness has a profound effect on Inosuke.

Despite consistently displaying his fierce personality, Inosuke becomes an essential part of the group consisting of Tanjiro and Zenitsu. Their shared experiences, humor, and mutual challenges create a bond between them, making Inosuke even more endearing to viewers as he battles alongside the main character.

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2025-07-29 03:07