Demon Slayer: How Will Zenitsu Impact the Infinity Castle Arc

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WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the Demon Slayer Manga

Summary

  • Zenitsu’s character growth in Demon Slayer is evident, from a jokester with limited abilities to a powerful fighter.
  • Zenitsu’s motivation in the Infinity Castle Arc stems from avenging his master’s death, leading to a significant change in attitude.
  • Despite being underestimated, Zenitsu’s development allows him to defeat a powerful foe and play a crucial role in the anime’s final arcs.
Arc Infinity Castle
Begins Chapter 140, “The Final Battle Begins”
Ends Chapter 183, “A Clash of Wills”

Zenitsu, a cherished character from Demon Slayer, has been known for his comical antics since the beginning of the series. However, as the story unfolds, Zenitsu is not only developing as a character but also demonstrating increased strength. What role will he play during the Infinity Castle Arc?

Observing “Demon Slayer”, it appears Zenitsu’s character has undergone significant transformation. Initially, he was humorous, with his combat abilities limited to when he slept. Yet beneath that facade lay a complex backstory, his struggles often going unnoticed. As the Infinity Castle Arc commenced, there was a noticeable shift in Zenitsu’s demeanor. This change could have profound implications for the anime’s pivotal arc, hinting at a more mature and resilient Zenitsu ready to face challenges head-on.

Zenitsu Before the Infinity Castle Arc

Zenitsu’s Steady Growth

Over the course of the anime, Zenitsu has consistently advanced. At first, he was limited to using just the initial form of Thunder Breathing. However, as things progressed, he improved this basic form into more powerful versions, enabling him to battle strong demons such as Daki. Whenever confronted with peril, Zenitsu often recalls memories of his master, which serves to greatly inspire him.

Although Zenitsu may come across as timid and lacking drive, it’s essential to remember that he, like Tanjiro and Inosuke, has undergone rigorous training. The three of them have mastered the challenging skill called Total Concentration: Constant, which is crucial for all Hashiras. Furthermore, Zenitsu has been through the grueling and relentless Hashira Training, indicating significant growth since his last appearance in battle.

Zenitsu’s Change in Attitude

In the seventh episode of Season 4, following the arrival of a letter, Zenitsu undergoes a significant shift in demeanor. Known for his jovial and comedic nature, he unexpectedly displays an intense seriousness and determination instead.

It’s believed that the letter he got was from his dearest master. During a chat with Tanjiro, Zenitsu confessed to figuring out what actions he should take. This suggests that some recent occurrences have provided him with the long-awaited inspiration he required for action.

In simpler terms, Regarding my duties, it has become apparent what tasks I need to fulfill, regardless of circumstances.

– Zenitsu, Season 4, Episode 7

Zenitsu During the Infinity Castle Arc

Zenitsu’s Motivation Revealed

In Chapter 144, Zenitsu discloses that the letter was truly from his master, Jigoro Kuwajima. Kuwajima took his own life through seppuku because his pupil, Kaigaku, had transformed into a demon. During their training days, Kaigaku often belittled Zenitsu due to his perceived weakness. Remarkably, Kuwajima did not choose Kaigaku as his sole successor, but rather intended for both Zenitsu and Kaigaku to share the mantle of mastery, demonstrating his trust and affection towards Zenitsu.

Following the receipt of the letter, Zenitsu realized his own weakness and decided to grow stronger in order to vanquish Kaigaku and avenge the demise of his master.

Zenitsu fights Kaigaku

Inside the Infinite Castle, Zenitsu eventually meets Kaigaku, who has joined the group of the Twelve Kizuki. However, he remained calm because he had anticipated this interaction. His past as a Demon Slayer was echoing in his memory as Kaigaku still looked down on Zenitsu, viewing him as an unsuccessful user of Thunder Breathing, only able to wield its most rudimentary form. Nonetheless, Zenitsu dodged Kaigaku’s initial strike and even inflicted a wound on him.

As I watch, Kaigaku seamlessly combines Thunder Breathing and Blood Demon Art, unleashing attacks that leave deep marks on Zenitsu’s skin and scorch his flesh. However, Zenitsu manages to take Kaigaku aback with the Seventh Form of Thunder Breathing. In an instant, this technique decapitates Kaigaku. Feeling betrayed, Kaigaku accuses Kuwajima for teaching this move solely to Zenitsu. Yet, Zenitsu sets the record straight by revealing that he developed the new form on his own.

A Seventh Technique, he said?

From Thunder Breathing, which only has six forms…

…He developed a Seventh?

He did? A guy who can only use the First Form?

This filth who was weaker than me?

– Kaigaku, Chapter 146

Despite being known as the weakest for quite some time, Zenitsu astonishingly overpowered Upper Moon Rank Six on his own. What’s more, he designed a new Breathing Technique, a feat that had only been accomplished by Tomioka Giyu before. Furthermore, his contributions were instrumental in the ultimate showdown against Muzan, ultimately leading to the Demon Slayers’ triumph. Zenitsu’s impact in the latter stages of the anime is immense.

Demon Slayer is available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

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2025-03-15 04:04