Demon Slayer: What if Rengoku Had Survived the Battle With Akaza?

Key Takeaways

Rengoku’s survival would have changed the trajectory of the story, altering key events and the Demon Slayer Corps.
Rengoku’s mentorship would have improved Tanjiro and the Hashira, potentially leading to better preparation for future fights.
Rengoku’s potential new powers could have made him a greater threat to demons, impacting battles and strategies.

As a scholar of narrative arcs and human development, I find myself deeply engrossed in the tale of Tanjiro Kamado and his fellow Demon Slayers. The tragic yet inspiring story of Rengoku, one of the Hashira, is no exception to my fascination.

Significant scenes within anime often serve as turning points for the entire narrative. Fans frequently ponder how differently things might have unfolded if just one element had been altered. In the gripping battle between Kyojuro Rengoku, Flame Pillar, and Akaza, Upper Rank Three, in Demon Slayer, such a pivotal moment occurred when Rengoku fell. If he had survived that critical confrontation, it would have drastically reshaped the storyline, as numerous crucial scenes could have been rewritten, along with the course the Demon Slayer Corps might have taken.

If Demon Slayer protagonist Giyu Tomioka had chosen to side with Muzan Kibutsuji during the Hashira Training Arc or final fights, it would have significantly impacted the development of other characters’ arcs and possibly the outcome of their battles. Since his fight against Akaza in particular, and given his role in the storyline and Tanjiro Kamado’s journey, there are numerous implications that could have surfaced.

Flame Embers Remain Strong

Rengoku’s Role After Surviving the Battle

Demon Slayer: What if Rengoku Had Survived the Battle With Akaza?

Keeping Rengoku alive would have significantly elevated his influence within the Demon Slayer Corps. As a powerful and influential figure, his continued guidance would have further honed Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke’s skills. He could have served as a mentor to them, imparting advanced techniques that prepared them for their limits, helping them surmount these challenges more effectively.

If Rengoku had survived, his perseverance might have motivated the other Hashira to redouble their efforts. His courage and optimism would have strengthened their bond and deepened their resolve in vanquishing demons. His leadership skills would have significantly contributed to preparing the Corps for their future battle against Muzan and the Upper Moons, potentially preventing some of the battles that followed from turning into such a catastrophe.

Flame Hashira’s Training

Impact on the Hashira Training Arc

In this scenario, the Hashira Training Arc would provide additional support to Tanjiro and his companions through the guidance and motivation offered by Rengoku. With his proficiency in flame breathing, Rengoku could aid in enhancing and modifying this skill to suit Tanjiro, as he possesses some form of flame breathing from his family in the form of Hinokami Kagura. Under Rengoku’s tutelage, Tanjiro would undoubtedly accelerate his progress and growth towards becoming a skilled demon slayer.

Through this, it’s possible that the Hashira training arc could have strengthened the unity of the Hashira under Rengoku’s leadership. His ability to inspire others might have made the Hashira collectively stronger, readying them for battles against the Upper Moons and Muzan himself. If Rengoku had survived, the Corps would be in a significantly stronger position to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Rengoku’s Demon Slayer Mark Awakening

New Powers Rengoku Could Have Gained

If Rengoku had lived on and progressed further, it’s plausible that he would have innovated novel and sophisticated methods of pyrokinetics. His resilience and close brush with death at the hands of Akaza might have spurred him to access higher echelons of his flame skills. These newfound capabilities could have elevated him into an even more formidable adversary for demons, potentially providing the advantage he required to subdue additional Upper Moons.

Rengoku’s evolution as a fighter would have brought about not only new techniques but also an elevated understanding of how to battle demons. His leadership could have guided the Hashira into developing strategies that combined their respective breathing techniques, creating team-based attacks that could overwhelm even the strongest demons, since Rengoku was one of the strongest Hashira. With Rengoku at the forefront, the Demon Slayer Corps could have made significant strides in their fight against Muzan and his Upper Moons.

Rematch at Infinity Castle

Could Rengoku Have Defeated Akaza

As a gamer, I can’t help but wonder if Rengoku would’ve managed to defeat Akaza in a rematch, given the chance to level up. Their initial battle was neck-and-neck, and while it took Tanjiro, the others, and even Tenzen to barely edge out Gyutaro, Rengoku held his own against a stronger foe on the train. Considering his Demon Slayer Mark and refined skills, it’s plausible that Rengoku could have taken down Akaza during the Infinity Castle Arc under different circumstances.

Regardless of whether Rengoku was still alive for a rematch, Tanjiro’s storyline seems to have been set up in such a way that only he could have defeated Akaza. While it’s possible Rengoku could have severely injured Akaza, Tanjiro may have been the one to deliver the final blow due to his predestined role. Furthermore, Akaza’s decision not to regenerate after recalling his memories and allowing the demon slayers to win raises the question of whether he was truly defeated or if this event might have unfolded differently under different circumstances.

Sun And Flame Duo

Was Rengoku’s Fate Inevitable for Tanjiro’s Growth?

Although it might seem appealing to envision Rengoku carrying on and battling alongside Tanjiro, his demise significantly influenced Tanjiro’s adventure. Rengoku’s self-sacrifice became a potent driving force for Tanjiro, urging him to become stronger and fully embrace the role of a demon slayer. Moreover, Rengoku’s passing served as a pivotal emotional trigger that galvanized the remaining Hashira towards the decisive battles.

If Rengoku had lived, Tanjiro’s character progression could have taken a different path; it might have been slowed down or sped up. Tanjiro greatly relied on Rengoku’s mentorship, and with him still around, Tanjiro may not have experienced the same emotional struggles that propelled his growth. Rengoku’s demise served as a crucial narrative tool to make Tanjiro the main protagonist in the battle against Muzan.

Rengoku’s survival following his confrontation with Akaza opens up a captivating “what if” situation that might have significantly reshaped the plot of Demon Slayer. For instance, he could have influenced the Hashira Training Arc differently or even defeated Akaza within the Infinity Castle. However, Rengoku’s death served as a crucial milestone in Tanjiro’s development, and although his survival raises interesting questions, it seems probable that the central focus of the series on Tanjiro as the main character would have stayed consistent.

2024-10-25 19:34