Demon Slayer: Why Akaza is the most relatable Demon

As a writer, I find myself deeply moved by the story of Akaza from Demon Slayer. His journey is one that resonates with me on a profound level, as it mirrors the struggles we all face in our own lives – grief, regret, and the search for purpose.

Caution is advised, as this post includes significant revelations about the finale of the Demon Slayer manga. If you haven’t completed reading it yet, please exercise care while proceeding further.

Summary

Akaza is a complex demon with tragic backstory and subtle honor code.
His transformation into a demon was borne out of despair, not malice or greed.
Akaza’s redemption, acceptance of humanity, and eventual death make him relatable to fans.

Akaza undeniably stands out as one of the most intricate and awe-inspiring characters in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” Unlike other demons portrayed in the series, he possesses his unique motivations and hardships. His story is not only captivating but also resonates deeply with viewers due to its emotional depth. Despite being a demon, he does not possess the same characteristics as those he hunts for daily survival. However, the life of a demon for Akaza isn’t straightforward. The essence of this character revolves around complexity, honor, and profound sadness.

His character and fighting style clearly tell a story more than the fact that he was just a strong demon to fear. Instead, it is a story of loss and rage and the scraps of humanity left in a man who has been through enough that he has nothing to live for. Akaza’s story leaves fans with powerful thoughts about grief, regret, and love—that can outlast time and memories.

Who Is Akaza?

Third of The Twelve Kizuki Upper Rank

Akaza occupies the third-highest position among the Twelve Kizuki, serving under the formidable Muzan Kibutsuji. His immense power, unwavering allegiance to Muzan, and insatiable thirst for combat against stronger adversaries make him a figure of dread for both demon slayers and demons. His debut is striking as he squares off against one of the cherished Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, during the events on the Mugen train.

While Akaza holds a high rank, his power in battle is undeniably strong, yet his masks hint at a more complex narrative beneath the brutality. This fight not only underscores Akaza as a powerful adversary but also reveals a less obvious side of him. Despite being a demon, he possesses an unusual code of honor that acknowledges Rengoku’s strength and offers him an opportunity to ascend as a demon. This suggests a complex dynamic between Akaza’s conceptions of power and morality, foreshadowing his tragic past.

Role of Akaza As An Upper Rank Demon

A Demon With A Code

In a higher position, Akaza’s duty was unmistakable: He existed to assist Muzan and eliminate any of Muzan’s subjects who might pose a threat to his rule. However, this doesn’t make Akaza any less malevolent than other demons; he simply doesn’t act out of pure wickedness. Instead, his primary focus on battling the strongest stems from his human life, where he understood the immense power that people could possess. As such, he chose to engage with what he was familiar with.

Despite transforming into a demon, his battle strategy remains consistent; this unwavering sense of honor persists till the present time. Unlike other demons who were either compelled or lured into their forms, Akaza’s transformation was more of a desperate response rather than a chosen path. When Muzan proposed an escape from his misery, Akaza reluctantly agreed, not out of desire but despair. This unwilling loyalty adds to his tragic tale by leaving him with no other option but to fight, and he resists it.

Let me tell you why you can’t enter the realm of the highest. Because you’re a human. Because you’re going to grow old. Because you’re going to die. Become a demon, Kyojuro. Do that, and you can go on training for a hundred, two hundred years. You can become stronger.

The Story Behind Akaza That’s Heartbreaking

The Birth of Akaza

Initially known as Hakuji, Akaza was once a young man living in poverty, taking care of his ailing father. To afford his medication, he resorted to theft and violence, only to face harsh punishment. Despite his efforts, his father ended his life, feeling like a burden on Hakuji. This tragic event left Hakuji without purpose or hope. His life took a turn when he met Keizo, a martial artist who welcomed him and offered guidance. Keizo taught him, and entrusted him with the protection of his daughter Koyuki, who was similarly ill. For the first time in a long while, Hakuji found solace and acceptance within this new family.

Nevertheless, Hakuji was forced to part ways with his family again when Keizo and Koyuki were fatally poisoned by an opposing dojo. This act infuriated Hakuji beyond reason, causing him to lose control in a fury and brutally slay all 67 members of the rival dojo using only his bare hands. His prowess was undeniably extraordinary, even in human form. Following this brutal massacre, Muzan Kibutsuji encountered Hakuji, finding it hard to believe that a human could commit such atrocities. As a result, he assumed Hakuji was a demon and was astounded when he discovered that Hakuji was indeed a man. Consequently, Muzan offered Hakuji the opportunity to alleviate his suffering by transforming into a demon, which Hakuji reluctantly accepted, thus becoming Akaza.

Despite obtaining immense power, he forfeited recollections of his human existence. Yet, deep-seated values and feelings persisted within him. The peculiarity of Akaza, who doesn’t kill or consume women despite himself, stems from a principle rooted in his affection for Koyuki. This sets Akaza apart from other demons, even under regular circumstances. It’s this subconscious link to his humanity that distinguishes him, regardless of how beastly he once was.

Akaza’s Redemption and Death

Why Fans Relate to Akaza

Akaza starts to get his memories back in his final battle against Tanjiro and Giyu. His memories of love and wisdom come back to him as he is back in his past. Their voices tell him to stop fighting, to let go of hurting himself and others. Guilt and sorrow washed away, with Akaza making the most inevitable decision to eventually kill himself and refusing Muzan’s control and his pain. It’s so incredibly powerful because Akaza chose his very own death when he could very well have killed both Giyu and Tanjiro, something not even Muzan was able to do. Unlike other demons living so desperately just to survive, Akaza accepted his humanity in his final moments. It didn’t only break Muzan’s hold on him but also paid tribute to those whom he once loved.

As someone deeply immersed in the world of Demon Slayer, it’s a bittersweet realization that Akaza has become one of the darkest and yet most relatable characters. His story resonates deeply with fans because it mirrors our own life struggles: grief, remorse, seeking purpose. These universal themes touch many hearts: his determination to protect, his inability to escape his past, and his path towards redemption. Akaza’s humanity, despite his monstrous actions, is undeniable, making him a symbol of resilience and love that never fades. Unlike other demons who transformed out of malice or greed, Akaza was transformed by despair. He is one of the most relatable characters in the series, and perhaps the most so, as almost everyone can identify with him at some point on his journey.

2024-12-21 21:05