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Training for the Final Battle

Since its debut, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has elegantly balanced style with substance while subverting typical shōnen expectations. It’s because of these qualities it has skyrocketed as one of the most popular series. These qualities are even more present in the fourth season, the Hashira Training Arc.

Going in, I expected Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc to be another generic training arc focused on fights and obstacles with no real stakes. Instead, it was divided between Tanjiro catching up with the other Hashiras and characters undergoing personal growth during the training. All this culminated in an ending that sets the groundwork for the epic conclusion of the series.

It should be noted that I’m anime only regarding the series. Hence this review will not compare Hashira Training Arc with its description in the manga. Instead, my critique will be based on the anime adaptations’ own merit.

To Defeat Muzan

Following the events of the Swordsmith Village Arc, Nezuko Kamado has undergone a transformation. This allows her to conquer her weakness to the sun while restoring most of her humanity. This transformation also captures the attention of Muzan Kibutsuji, who now prioritizes finding and consuming Nezuko to absorb her powers. Aware of this imminent threat, the Demon Slayer Corps must prepare for the final battle.

At the same time, Amane Ubuyashiki reveals that a lost power of the Demon Slayer Corps has resurfaced. It was first awaken through Tanjiro Kamado and has been passed on to Mitsuri Kanroji and Muichiro Tokito. It becomes a race to unlock this newfound power and be fully prepared for Muzan’s impending assault.

The Strongest Demon Slayer

It should go without saying, but the quality of the animation remains impressive. Since its premiere, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has consistently captivated me with its distinctive artistic style and high-quality animation. This excellence continues in the Hashira Training Arc, evident in both the training sessions and the season’s conclusion. The solid soundtrack also helps to enhance the overall atmosphere, perfectly complementing the art style.

Yet there is more to this season than just the animation and artistic choices.

One aspect that deserves a lot of praise is its handling of a training focused story arc. Training arcs often seem like fillers, centered around fights or obstacles with no real stakes. If you’ve watched a lot of shonen anime, you know what I mean. The Hashira Training Arc, however, emphasizes character growth and development, particularly the relationship between Tanjiro and the Hashiras. While the need to overcome challenges is still present, they serve a story purpose and don’t dominate the episodes. This training arc was so well done that I didn’t feel the need to skip a single scene or episode.

Another way the season defies expectations is how the final moment sets everything up for the series’ conclusion. Personally, I despise cliffhanger endings, especially when it’s the conclusion of the first season or has been used repeatedly. Yet, I’m not mad at this cliffhanger ending. It concludes with a reflection of its art and style, complemented by an unforgettable soundtrack. Our heroes think they have the upper hand against Muzan, only to be teleported to the Infinity Castle. We watch as each character reacts to being brought to this final confrontation, with the music heightening the excitement for what’s to come. Thus, preparing us for the end of the series

I Eat Demons

When it comes to the shortcomings of the Hashira Training Arc, it comes down to Episode 5, “I Even Ate a Demon” being the weakest link. The issue with this episode is that it feels like a “Tanjiro hate episode.” Most of the focus is on Obanai Iguro and Sanemi Shinazugawa’s overt disdain for Tanjiro. Obanai’s hatred is rooted in jealousy of Tanjiro’s relationship with Mitsuri Kanroji. Sanemi, still holding a grudge from the events of the first season, only intensifies his animosity during the training sessions. Overall, these moments offer no growth or character development, just two characters whose entire relationship with Tanjiro is based on hating him.

To the Final Battle

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc sets the groundwork for the final battle while avoiding all the tropes of a typical training arc. It’s not a generic filler but an emphasis on character growth, particularly the growing bond between Tanjiro and the other Hashiras. While I’m not usually a fan of cliffhangers, this one stands out thanks to its artistic style, complemented by a memorable musical score.

Everything I watched was simply a build up for what is to come when the series concludes. Not just a final confrontation but also the end of a series. An ending that could either go out with a bang or a whimper.

Disclaimer: I watched the entire season on Crunchyroll, which I pay for myself.

8Bit/Digi is an independent news outlet that provides insight into the video game and fandom community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It's not a generic training arc that acts as filler.
• Emphasis on character growth, particularly between Tanjiro and the Hashiras.
• One of the best cliffhangers because we know what is to come.
• Music score featured in the final moments perfectly set the tone.
• The artistic style and quality of the animation is still amazing.

Cons

• Episode 5 feels more like a "Tanjiro hate" episode.