Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, created by Koyoharu Gotouge, is a tale of resilience, growth, and intense battles against supernatural forces. One of its most beloved characters, Tanjiro Kamado, embarks on a journey as a Demon Slayer with a singular goal: to save his sister, Nezuko, and avenge his family. A key aspect of the Demon Slayer Corps is its structured ranking system, which measures a slayer’s progression and skill. Understanding what rank Tanjiro is in this hierarchy provides insight into his development and challenges throughout the series.
Understanding the Demon Slayer Corps Ranking System
The Demon Slayer Corps is an organization devoted to combating demons. To maintain order and measure the abilities of its members, the Corps employs a rank system divided into two tiers: lower ranks for ordinary Demon Slayers and higher ranks for the elite Hashira. The ranks are as follows:
- Mizunoto
- Mizunoe
- Kanoto
- Kanoe
- Tsuchinoto
- Tsuchinoe
- Hinoto
- Hinoe
- Kinoto
- Kinoe
At the pinnacle of this system sit the Hashira, the nine most powerful Demon Slayers. Each Hashira specializes in a unique Breathing Style and is tasked with taking on the most formidable demons.
Tanjiro’s Initial Entry into the Corps
Tanjiro begins his journey as a determined yet inexperienced youth. After intense training under Sakonji Urokodaki, he masters the fundamentals of Water Breathing and earns the right to participate in the Final Selection, a life-threatening test to become a Demon Slayer. Upon surviving the trial, Tanjiro officially joins the Corps as a Mizunoto, the lowest rank.
At this stage, Tanjiro’s skills are rudimentary compared to seasoned Demon Slayers. However, his potential and unwavering resolve quickly set him apart. His early missions serve as a foundation for honing his abilities and understanding the dangers of his path.
Rapid Growth Through Experience
As Tanjiro progresses, his encounters with demons become increasingly perilous. Each battle pushes him to adapt, learn, and grow stronger. Notable milestones in his journey include:
The Battle Against the Swamp Demon
Tanjiro’s first major mission introduces him to the harsh realities of his role. He successfully defeats the Swamp Demon using his Water Breathing techniques, showcasing his determination and quick thinking.
Facing Kyogai, the Drum Demon
This fight demonstrates Tanjiro’s ability to strategize under pressure. Despite his injuries, he adapts to Kyogai’s unique Blood Demon Art, a testament to his growing combat intelligence.
The Fight on Mount Natagumo
A turning point in Tanjiro’s journey, this arc highlights his resilience and ingenuity. Facing the formidable Spider Family, Tanjiro pushes his abilities to the limit and awakens his first hints of Sun Breathing, the ancestral technique tied to his lineage.
These battles contribute to Tanjiro’s promotion within the Corps, advancing him from Mizunoto to higher ranks such as Mizunoe and beyond. While specific promotions are not explicitly detailed in the series, his progression is evident through his increasingly difficult missions and recognition from his peers.
The Discovery of Sun Breathing
One of Tanjiro’s defining characteristics is his mastery of the Sun Breathing technique, also known as Hinokami Kagura. This ancient Breathing Style is the origin of all others, making it immensely powerful and unique. Tanjiro first accesses Sun Breathing during his battle with Rui, a member of the Lower Moons. This ability sets him apart from other Demon Slayers, including many Hashira.
While Sun Breathing does not directly impact Tanjiro’s rank within the Corps, it enhances his combat capabilities significantly. Its rediscovery also ties Tanjiro to a long-forgotten legacy, further cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the fight against demons.
Recognition by the Hashira
Tanjiro’s ascent within the Corps is marked by his growing respect among the Hashira. Although initially skeptical of him and Nezuko, the Hashira acknowledge Tanjiro’s strength, determination, and unique skills. Key moments of recognition include:
Training with Kyojuro Rengoku
The Flame Hashira serves as a mentor figure to Tanjiro, offering guidance and inspiration. Rengoku’s respect for Tanjiro becomes evident during their mission aboard the Mugen Train.
The Support of Giyu Tomioka
As the Water Hashira, Giyu plays a significant role in Tanjiro’s journey, saving him on multiple occasions and advocating for him within the Corps.
Despite not achieving the title of Hashira, Tanjiro’s feats rival those of these elite warriors, particularly during the later stages of the story.
Tanjiro’s Rank During the Final Battle
By the time of the climactic battles against Muzan Kibutsuji and the Upper Moons, Tanjiro’s rank within the Demon Slayer Corps remains technically below the Hashira level. However, his actions during these battles demonstrate that his strength and resolve surpass his formal position.
Key highlights include:
Defeating Upper Moon Six, Gyutaro and Daki
Alongside Zenitsu and Inosuke, Tanjiro proves instrumental in defeating these formidable opponents, an achievement that few Demon Slayers outside the Hashira could accomplish.
The Fight Against Akaza
Though primarily Rengoku’s adversary, Akaza serves as a measure of Tanjiro’s growth. During their encounter, Tanjiro’s Sun Breathing and tactical ingenuity allow him to stand his ground against this powerful foe.
Facing Muzan Kibutsuji
In the final battle, Tanjiro plays a crucial role in the defeat of the Demon King. His unwavering determination, combined with his mastery of Sun Breathing, places him at the forefront of the fight.
Why Tanjiro Does Not Become a Hashira
Despite his exceptional abilities and contributions, Tanjiro never officially becomes a Hashira. This is primarily due to the timing of events. The series concludes shortly after Muzan’s defeat, leaving no opportunity for formal promotions. Additionally, the Demon Slayer Corps disbands following Muzan’s death, rendering the rank system obsolete.
Tanjiro’s journey is less about titles and more about his growth as a person and warrior. His achievements speak louder than any rank, earning him the admiration and respect of his peers and the audience.
Conclusion
Tanjiro Kamado’s rank within the Demon Slayer Corps may evolve from Mizunoto to higher positions like Mizunoe, but his significance transcends formal titles. Through relentless training, unparalleled determination, and the rediscovery of Sun Breathing, Tanjiro becomes one of the most formidable Demon Slayers in history. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and compassion, proving that true strength comes not from rank but from the heart.
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