Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc premiered on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 11:45 a.m. PDT. The special episode, “To Defeat Muzan Kibutsuji,” is about forty-nine minutes long and sets the tone for the rest of the season. Marking the beginning of Demon Slayer season 4, the episode begins with the Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, and the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, on a mission with two other demon slayers.
The episode begins with the four swordsmen following a demon who had captured a woman. As the Hashira fight their way into an abandoned mansion to rescue her, they seem confused by the countless number of demons. During the clash, when Iguro and Sanemi climb atop the roof, they immediately witness the Infinity Castle. However, it disappears instantly, along with all the demons, leaving the Hashira puzzled.
Elsewhere, Kanao returns from a mission, and Shinobu Kocho updates her on the Swordsmith Village incident. Moreover, the Insect Hashira tells her that Muzan Kibutsuji must be onto Nezuko since she has become the first demon to conquer the sun. She also informs her that the Hashira have to attend an emergency meeting.
The episode then cuts to Tanjiro in conversation with a Kakushi. The Kakushi informs Tanjiro that the Swordsmith Village is being restored and that the Demon Slayer Corps have empty villages where they can move during emergencies.
Back at the Ubuyashiki Estate, the Hashira gather and meet with Amane, Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s wife. Much to their surprise, she informs the Hashira that Kagaya can never appear before the demon slayers due to his worsening condition.
Then, Amane asks Muichiro Tokito (the Mist Hashira) and Mitsuri Kanroji (the Love Hashira) about the unique marks that appeared on them while fighting the Upper-Rank Demons. As context, she explains that a mark similar to demonic patterns used to appear on certain swordsmen, one of whom almost defeated Muzan Kibutsuji, during the Sengoku period.
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc episode 1 recap: The demonic mark, explained
During the meeting, Amane explains to the Hashira that not much is known about the mark. As per the notes of one of the First Breathing swordsmen, it is mentioned that when a person’s mark appears, those around him manifest similar designs on their faces. This is when Amane informs them that one such person has been able to unlock the special mark in their generation. However, it is not a Hashira.
Turns out, Tanjiro is the only person to bear the mark in the present generation. However, he could not articulate how he came to bear the same and neither could Kanroji. Tokito, nevertheless, explains his experience with the mark.
The Mist Hashira explained that it happened during his battle against the Upper Moon 5 demon Gyokko. While he was poisoned, Tokito was able to regain his memories, and then he felt a wide range of emotions. Consequently, his heart rate exceeded two hundred beats per minute, and his temperature was over 102 degrees.
Tokito further explains that though he was on the brink of death, the mark appeared on him only because he chose to fight instead of giving up. So, the appearance of the mark depends upon the decision one makes in a similar crucial moment.
The meeting concludes with the remark that it is a top priority for the Hashira to awaken the mark. At the same time, Amane hinted at the curse associated with the mark, which the episode did not reveal.
After the meeting ends, Giyu Tomioka leaves the room, although others try to stop him. When matters get violent, the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, stops the rest to discuss a proposal.
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc episode 1 ending: Lord Ubuyashiki seeks Tamayo’s help
At the Butterly Mansion, Zenitsu returns from his mission to find Aoi, Naho, Kiyo, and Sumi welcoming him. After he explains the details of his bravery on the mission, a stunned Zenitsu finds Nezuko out during the day, welcoming him. Unfortunately, Nezuko shatters him when he hears her say Inosuke’s name instead of his. Meanwhile, the Kakushi tells Tanjiro that Inosuke has been training Nezuko to learn his name.
Later, a reeling Haganezuka arrives to give the protagonist his sword. Adding to the latter’s excitement, the katana has Rengoku’s sword guard. Haganezuka explains that it was drawn from high-quality steel. The sword has the characters for the word “Destroy,” a symbol that the swordsmith forged as an indication of destroying all demons. Only Hashira’s swords have the words “Destroyer of Demons” engraved on them.
After Haganezuka departs, the episode reveals that Genya and Tanjiro were brought to the Butterly Mansion. Just then, Inosuke makes a noisy entrance to inform that the group strength training program is about to begin.
Simultaneously, the Hashira strategize and discuss the details of the Hashira training. Gyomei states that the number of demon appearances has decreased since the Swordsmith Village incident. To prepare for the worst-case scenario, Gyomei proposes the Hashira training for every member of the Demon Slayer Corps. While almost every Hashira agrees to the plan, Giyu Tomioka steps away from it.
Although Tengen Uzui is no longer a part of the Corps, he trains the demon slayers with special focus on their stamina. That way, the trainees can progress to the different stages of the training under the Hashira. However, towards the end of the episode, a letter reveals to Tanjiro that Tomioka will not be partaking in it.
However, a major development takes place in the plot. Ubuyashiki’s messenger crow approaches Tamayo to request her presence at the Demon Slayer headquarters. It is revealed that Kagaya Ubuyashiki wanted Tamayo’s assistance in Kocho’s research to help them in their fight against Muzan Kibutsuji.
The next episode of Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc will be released on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
