Shinjuro Rengoku: The Tragic Fall of a Flame Hashira

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Summary

  • Shinjuro Rengoku struggled with alcoholism and bitterness after losing his wife, neglecting his sons and causing regret.
  • Shinjuro had an inferiority complex about Flame Breathing compared to Sun Breathing, despite his past status as Hashira.
  • Despite his harshness, Shinjuro’s love for his sons is evident post-tragedy, as he seeks redemption and acceptance.

Shinjuro Rengoku, who was once the esteemed Flame Hashira, is the father of the late Kyojuro Rengoku. In his heyday, Shinjuro was highly respected as a Hashira, but following the devastating death of his wife, he sank into despair and turned to excessive drinking and resentment. He eventually left the Demon Slayer Corps and neglected his responsibilities as a father towards his sons, Kyojuro and Senjuro.

Additionally, he harbors a sense of inadequacy regarding Sun Breathing compared to his use of Flame Breathing, as Sun Breathing is considered the original and strongest form. To him, other breathing techniques are mere copies. Despite appearing stern, Shinjuro’s tale is riddled with remorse and sorrow.

The Bitterman Who Chose To Ignore His Family

Shinjuro Neglected His Sons And His Family

Shinjuro’s wife, a gentle soul, had been the anchor of his life, along with her two sons. When she passed away following an illness, Shinjuro found himself overwhelmed and descended into a deep sadness. He neglected his responsibilities as a father and turned to alcohol to ease his pain. The realization that Flame Breathing might not achieve the same greatness as Sun Breathing in ancient scriptures left him feeling inadequate, making him believe all his efforts as a Flame Hashira were fruitless. He also became harsh towards his eldest son, Kyojuro, trying to dissuade him from pursuing the role of a Hashira and failing to acknowledge his achievements. He even chose to overlook his youngest, Senjuro, dismissing him as too feeble to be a Demon Slayer.

The original breathing method that spawned all others! The strongest technique among them! Every other method is a spin-off from Solar Breathing! They’re merely imitations, lesser versions compared to Solar Breathing! Fire, Water, Wind… they’re all copies! – Shinjuro Rengoku [Inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba]

Despite Shinjuro often being unkind towards Kyojuro, Kyojuro maintained deep respect for his father and persistently pursued his ambition of becoming the Flame Hashira. Kyojuro viewed it as his responsibility to protect others and held great admiration for his father’s past, even though he encountered hostility from him. Day after day and night after night, Kyojuro trained relentlessly, even in the absence of his father. This determination largely stemmed from Shinjuro’s own self-doubts. Believing that no matter how powerful he became, he would never attain the prowess of a user of the Sun Breathing Technique, Shinjuro displayed this insecurity when he confronted Tanjiro about his Hanafuda earrings, expressing suspicion towards Tanjiro’s presence in his home and implying that Tanjiro had come to mock him.

The Road To Redemption Is A Rocky One

The Secret Love He Had For His Sons

After hearing about my son, Kyojuro’s demise, I didn’t crumble in sorrow but instead erupted with rage and denial. I declared his sacrifice as meaningless. However, encountering Tanjiro later on, I underwent a transformation of heart. In truth, the loss of my eldest son weighed heavily upon me, and I had always cherished Kyojuro deeply. Yet, entangled in the wheel of despair, I couldn’t openly show my affection for him.

Following Kyojuro’s death, I slowly came to terms with my mistakes and sought to change my ways.

In the Sunrise Countdown Arc following Muzan’s demise, Shinjuro, accompanied by his son, pays a visit to Tanjiro. At this juncture, Shinjuro appears more composed and mentally sound compared to his past self. Shinjuro’s youngest son did not continue the Flame Hashira lineage as he lacked the necessary skills compared to his older brother. Consequently, he abandoned his ambition to follow in his brother’s footsteps and left it to Tanjiro to uphold Kyojuro’s legacy within the esteemed Demon Slayer Corps. Shinjuro’s tale is marked by loss, remorse, but also acceptance as he endeavors to make amends for the time lost. A lingering question arises: If Shinjuro had trained Kyojuro from the beginning, could Kyojuro’s fate been altered? Or would he have ultimately met a similar end?

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2025-02-15 23:08