Demon Slayer: 7 Characters Who Fought Tanjiro And Should Have Won

The following article contains major spoilers for the final arc of the series.

One of the most enjoyable things about Demon Slayer is watching Tanjiro Kamado constantly overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, if the show followed its own internal rules strictly, it would have ended quickly. While Tanjiro is brave and kind, the power gap between a new demon slayer and a centuries-old demon is usually too large to overcome with good intentions alone. Many viewers have noticed that in such a dangerous world, Tanjiro often seems unbelievably lucky, as if he’s being protected by a guardian angel or a very generous author.

This list explores anime villains who came incredibly close to winning, only to be stopped by a plot twist or a last-second rescue. These weren’t just challenging opponents; they completely overwhelmed the heroes, from early threats to the final boss. Here are seven times fans probably wished the villains had actually succeeded.

7. Yahaba

The fight against Tamayo’s partner, Yahaba, was incredibly frustrating for viewers because it forced Tanjiro to fight against seemingly impossible forces. Yahaba used arrows like guided missiles, able to fling Tanjiro around without even being close enough to attack with his sword – a terrifying situation for anyone who prefers to fight up close. Since Tanjiro was already injured with broken ribs, each impact could have been devastating, and Yahaba’s ability to change the direction of the force made it almost impossible to brace for the attacks.

The hero survived this encounter because Yahaba was overconfident and the hero took extreme measures to lessen the impact of the attacks. Yahaba could have easily defeated the hero by manipulating his body instead of relying on powerful arrows, leaving the hero helpless to defend against his Blood Demon Art. This near-fatal situation showed everyone just how dangerous demons can be when they abandon honorable combat and start manipulating the surroundings.

6. Enmu

The Mugen Train arc is popular with fans, but it also features one of the most terrifying moments in the series. The villain, Enmu, traps Tanjiro in a dream where the only escape is to end his own life, creating a dangerous and deadly loop. The dreams changed so quickly that Tanjiro couldn’t figure out what was real. While dreaming, he nearly sliced his own throat with his sword. If he had succeeded, he would have died before the train even reached its destination, ending his story prematurely.

Fans often point to this moment as the time Inosuke saved Tanjiro by actually blocking his attack. Thanks to his boar mask and natural fighting ability, Inosuke was able to see through Enmu’s illusions. He even yelled at Tanjiro to wake up right as the blade was about to hit him. Without Inosuke, and with Nezuko’s Blood Burst helping to break Enmu’s control, Tanjiro would have been defenseless. Enmu had won the mental battle, but Tanjiro survived because his friends had his back and covered his weaknesses.

5. Hantengu

The fight against Upper Moon Four was incredibly challenging for Tanjiro, and he wouldn’t have stood a chance without help. His opponent, a massive, multi-headed dragon named Zohakiten, controlled the battle with powerful sonic booms and wood-based attacks. Tanjiro was constantly on the defensive, nearly defeated several times by the overwhelming force of the attacks. He was completely exhausted, and only kept fighting because of the fear instilled by the Upper Moon.

Will they criticize me again, saying I lack genuine emotion? I’ve been suppressing my abilities out of fear, but that’s changing now! – Mitsuri Kanroji

I’ve noticed a lot of fans believe Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, was the real savior in that fight. She arrived just when Tanjiro needed her, intercepting a massive attack that would have otherwise killed him instantly. Because Mitsuri took the brunt of it, Tanjiro was still struggling to locate the real Hantengu – a tiny creature hiding in the grass. The urgency came from the rising sun; if they’d been somewhere like the Infinity Castle, Hantengu could have worn Tanjiro down over time, but the daylight was a real threat.

4. Rui

As a Demon Slayer fan, I think the Mt. Natagumo arc is where things really started to click with the power levels. It was amazing seeing Tanjiro unlock the Hinokami Kagura – such a powerful, fiery move! But honestly, it was a tough pill to swallow when it didn’t quite finish Rui off. That demon was seriously clever, cutting off his own head with his Cutting Thread Cage to stay alive! And poor Tanjiro… all that energy he poured into the dance completely wiped him out, leaving him totally helpless on the ground. It really showed how strong the Upper Rank demons were going to be.

The most memorable turning point in this series is when Giyu Tomioka arrived with his Eleventh Form: Dead Calm, saving Tanjiro from Rui, who was about to defeat him. Some fans believe Rui actually won that fight, because he countered Tanjiro’s strongest attack and still had plenty of power left. For Tanjiro, it was a harsh lesson that showed him how much stronger he needed to become.

3. Daki & Gyutaro

The battle in the Entertainment District left Tanjiro feeling completely shattered. He was repeatedly struck by Gyutaro’s Blood Sickles, which carried a potent poison capable of killing a normal person within minutes. Many viewers recall how overwhelmed Tanjiro felt. Without the help of Tengen, Inosuke, and Zenitsu, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat an Upper Rank demon on his own at that stage. Gyutaro was a seasoned killer, responsible for the deaths of fifteen Hashira, and he believed a group of inexperienced demon slayers couldn’t possibly win against him.

Tanjiro survived the battle thanks to a combination of luck and quick thinking. Nezuko’s ability to burn away poison saved him from immediate death, and Tengen Uzui’s technique created a crucial window for recovery. Even after winning, Tanjiro was barely alive, and according to the established danger of the Upper Moon demons, Gyutaro had effectively defeated him. It was only through a series of fortunate interventions that Tanjiro was kept from dying.

2. Akaza

Tanjiro defeated Akaza with a powerful blow, managing to bypass Akaza’s defense thanks to his incredible focus. However, the stories suggest Akaza was the stronger fighter overall. Even after losing his head, Akaza refused to die, shockingly regenerating it while Tanjiro was exhausted and unable to fight. With that terrifying display of power, the battle ended, though Tanjiro had given everything he had, it wasn’t enough to prevent Akaza, Upper Moon Three, from continuing his rampage.

Honestly, one of the things I love most about the Akaza fight is how it wasn’t about Tanjiro winning. Everyone gets that Tanjiro didn’t actually beat Akaza – Akaza defeated himself. It’s so powerful that when Akaza remembered his past, his human life with Koyuki and Hakuji, he chose to end it all himself, using his own power. It’s wild to think that if he hadn’t, he would’ve stayed a demon for just five more minutes, and Tanjiro and Giyu wouldn’t even be around! What makes it so special is that it’s rare in shonen—the villain was way stronger, but the conflict was resolved through a moral awakening, not just a power-up or a bigger attack. It’s just… beautifully done.

1. Muzan Kibutsuji

The final fight against the Demon King quickly became a brutal struggle for survival, and Tanjiro nearly lost several times. Muzan was incredibly fast and powerful, overwhelming the demon slayers with poisonous blood that rapidly destroyed their cells. Tanjiro suffered a devastating blow, swelling half his face and even briefly dying during the battle. He was only revived thanks to a risky and potent medicine created by Tamayo.

Details from the story reveal that Muzan fought a battle lasting an entire night while simultaneously suffering the effects of four different poisons – and he nearly won. In fact, he would have succeeded if not for the Demon Slayer Corps protecting him and the sun weakening him. It took everything remaining – a massive drug dose and the sacrificed souls of the Hashira – just to barely defeat him. Tanjiro didn’t truly win this fight; he simply survived a catastrophe thanks to the willingness of others to give their lives for him.

2026-01-28 05:35