Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) has quickly become one of the most popular and beloved anime series of the modern era, captivating audiences with its breathtaking animation, intense action, emotional storytelling, and complex characters. At the heart of this gripping series is Tanjiro Kamado, the series’ protagonist, whose journey from a humble and loving young boy to a skilled and powerful demon slayer is one of the most compelling story arcs in anime. Throughout the series, Tanjiro faces numerous challenges, grows immensely in strength, and overcomes incredible obstacles in his fight against demons. However, one of the central questions fans often ask is: what is Tanjiro’s final rank as a demon slayer?
In this article, we will explore Tanjiro’s rank progression, the various milestones he achieved in his career as a demon slayer, and the factors that contributed to his growth. We will also discuss the meaning of his rank in the broader context of the Demon Slayer world, focusing on his relationships with other characters and his ultimate impact on the battle against demons.
The Journey of Tanjiro Kamado
Before we dive into his rank, it’s essential to look at Tanjiro’s journey and the obstacles he had to face to reach the level he did. Tanjiro’s story begins with tragedy. He is a kind-hearted young boy who comes from a humble family of charcoal makers. His life takes a dark turn when he returns home one fateful night to find his entire family slaughtered by demons, leaving only his younger sister Nezuko alive, though she has been transformed into a demon herself.
Determined to protect his sister and avenge the death of his family, Tanjiro embarks on a journey to become a demon slayer. His path is fraught with peril, as he encounters various demons, faces incredible physical and mental challenges, and masters powerful combat techniques. Through sheer determination, Tanjiro hones his skills, learning the art of swordsmanship and the techniques of the Water Breathing style, ultimately becoming a formidable force in the fight against demons.
Tanjiro’s unique strength lies in his ability to connect with the people and demons he encounters. His deep sense of empathy and unwavering determination make him an admirable character, and his growth throughout the series is a testament to his perseverance and inner strength. He trains relentlessly, making use of his remarkable sense of smell, sharp intellect, and instinctive talent to push the boundaries of his physical and mental abilities.
The Rank System of the Demon Slayer Corps
To understand Tanjiro’s final rank, it is important to first understand how the rank system of the Demon Slayer Corps works. The Demon Slayer Corps is an organization tasked with hunting down and exterminating demons, and it is made up of individuals who have undergone rigorous training and testing to prove their strength and dedication.
The rank structure within the Demon Slayer Corps consists of the following levels:
Mizunoto (Water Element): The lowest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps, given to newly recruited members.
Hinoto (Fire Element): The second rank, given to those who have proven themselves capable of handling the basic challenges of demon slaying.
Hinokami (Fire God): A higher rank that is often given to those who excel in combat and demonstrate greater skill and ability.
Kage no Kage (Shadow of the Shadow): Those who have achieved mastery over demon-slaying techniques, often taking on more difficult and dangerous missions.
Hashira (Pillars): The highest rank within the Demon Slayer Corps. The Hashira are the most powerful demon slayers, each of whom specializes in one of the Breathing styles and has earned the title through extraordinary feats and dedication.
While the rank of Hashira is the ultimate goal for many demon slayers, it is not an easy rank to attain. Only those who prove themselves capable of defeating powerful demons, including the Twelve Kizuki (the most elite demons under Muzan Kibutsuji’s command), are allowed to rise to this level.
Tanjiro’s Rank Progression
Tanjiro’s journey through the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps is unique. While he is not immediately placed at the top of the ranks, he rapidly rises through the ranks due to his incredible growth, determination, and success in battle.
The Early Stages – Becoming a Demon Slayer
Tanjiro begins as a Mizunoto rank, the lowest rank, after successfully passing his Demon Slayer Corps entrance exam. The exam is grueling, testing both his physical and mental endurance. During the exam, Tanjiro demonstrates his unique abilities, such as his exceptional sense of smell, which allows him to track and detect demons in ways that other demon slayers cannot. His first major victory as a demon slayer is the defeat of the demon responsible for Nezuko’s transformation.
Throughout the early parts of his journey, Tanjiro follows the path of a standard demon slayer, taking on missions to eliminate low-level demons and gradually increasing his skill. His rapid improvement is the result of his intense training and the guidance of experienced mentors, including Urokodaki, a former Hashira, who teaches him the Water Breathing techniques.
The Rank of Tsuchinoto – Intermediate Rank
Tanjiro’s ability to defeat demons much stronger than his rank suggests quickly leads him to an intermediate level. By this point, he has mastered several forms of the Water Breathing style, and his success in battle against demons, including high-ranking demons like Rui (one of the Twelve Kizuki), earns him recognition within the Corps. Although he does not hold a formal rank higher than Hinokami (Fire God), he is starting to receive recognition from his peers.
Despite his growing strength, Tanjiro’s emotional vulnerability and empathy for demons complicate his journey. He questions whether it is right to kill demons that still retain human emotions, even as he continues to pursue his goal of curing Nezuko.
The Achievements of Tanjiro Kamado – A Rising Star
As Tanjiro moves deeper into the war against Muzan Kibutsuji’s forces, he faces increasingly powerful demons. By the time he defeats demons like the Upper Rank demons in the Mugen Train and the battle against Akaza, Tanjiro’s skill and combat abilities surpass even those of seasoned Hashira. However, despite his impressive feats, Tanjiro is never formally promoted to Hashira, a position that requires the support of the entire Corps, including the other Hashira.
This lack of formal promotion is not a reflection of his abilities or accomplishments, but rather due to his non-traditional approach to demon slaying. In several key moments throughout his journey, Tanjiro demonstrates incredible leadership qualities and becomes an invaluable asset to the Corps. His empathy and unyielding drive inspire others to rise to greater heights as well.
The Final Battle – Tanjiro’s Final Rank
In the final arc of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro’s fight against Muzan Kibutsuji becomes the climactic showdown of the series. The battle is long and grueling, with Tanjiro pushing the limits of his strength and technique in order to defeat the ultimate demon. Throughout this battle, Tanjiro is on the verge of death several times, yet his will to protect his loved ones and his fellow demon slayers keeps him going.
Although Tanjiro’s strength and achievements in this battle would technically make him deserving of the rank of Hashira, the series concludes before any formal promotion takes place. He is never officially given the title of Hashira, and it is left up to the reader’s interpretation as to whether he would have eventually reached that rank. However, his contributions to the defeat of Muzan and the eventual restoration of peace mark the pinnacle of his journey and growth.
Conclusion
Tanjiro Kamado’s final rank remains somewhat ambiguous in the Demon Slayer series, as he never officially receives the title of Hashira. However, his remarkable growth, accomplishments, and the relationships he forms with other demon slayers solidify him as one of the most important and powerful figures in the series. His journey reflects the themes of perseverance, empathy, and self-sacrifice that are central to Demon Slayer.
Tanjiro’s strength, both physical and emotional, is unparalleled. While he may not have reached the rank of Hashira, his contributions to the defeat of Muzan and his ability to inspire those around him make him one of the most influential characters in the Demon Slayer universe. Through his journey, he proves that rank is not the only measure of a hero. His true legacy lies in the lives he changes and the hope he brings to those who fight alongside him.
Ultimately, Tanjiro’s rank may be left open-ended, but his impact on the world of Demon Slayer is undeniable, solidifying his place as one of the most memorable protagonists in anime history.
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