Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has captured the hearts of anime fans around the world. This story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who embarks on a journey to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon. Over time, Tanjiro’s courage, skill, and determination have made him one of the most beloved protagonists in recent anime history. But throughout his journey, one question has continued to linger: Will Tanjiro become a Hashira?
The Hashira, also known as the Pillars, are the highest-ranking members of the Demon Slayer Corps. They are the elite warriors who hold the responsibility of protecting humanity from demons. Each Hashira specializes in one of the five main Breathing Techniques and is known for their strength and leadership. Tanjiro, with his remarkable growth as a swordsman and his unyielding determination, has impressed many fans and characters alike. But does he have what it takes to join the ranks of the Hashira? In this article, we will explore Tanjiro’s journey, his strengths and weaknesses, and analyze whether he could one day become a Hashira.
What is a Hashira?
Before diving into whether Tanjiro will become a Hashira, it is important to understand what being a Hashira means in the world of Demon Slayer.
The Role of a Hashira
The Hashira are the top nine warriors in the Demon Slayer Corps. Each Hashira is a master of a specific Breathing Style, a technique used by Demon Slayers to fight demons effectively. The Breathing Styles include Water Breathing, Flame Breathing, Wind Breathing, Stone Breathing, Thunder Breathing, Mist Breathing, Love Breathing, Serpent Breathing, and Sound Breathing. These styles are not only fighting techniques but also philosophical and spiritual methods that guide the Demon Slayers in their battles.
The Hashira are the leaders of the Demon Slayer Corps and are tasked with protecting humanity from demons, especially the Twelve Kizuki, the most powerful demons under the command of Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King. To become a Hashira, one must prove their immense strength and skill, often by passing the rigorous Final Selection test, completing numerous missions, and demonstrating the ability to defeat demons of great power.
The Expectations of a Hashira
The title of Hashira comes with immense responsibility. These warriors are expected to lead by example, showing both strength in battle and wisdom in decision-making. They are also expected to train and guide lower-ranking Demon Slayers, as well as carry out missions that directly impact the safety of humanity.
To achieve this, the Hashira must push their bodies and minds to the limit. They often endure intense physical and emotional hardships in their quest to protect the world from demons. For a character like Tanjiro, who possesses remarkable abilities and a strong sense of justice, the prospect of becoming a Hashira seems like a natural progression. However, there are many factors that will determine whether he can achieve such a lofty goal.
Tanjiro’s Journey and Growth
Throughout Demon Slayer, Tanjiro has faced numerous challenges, and with each battle, he has grown stronger. His development as a swordsman, his mastery of Water Breathing, and his fierce love for his sister Nezuko have shaped him into one of the most formidable characters in the series.
Tanjiro’s Strengths
1. Incredible Willpower and Determination: Tanjiro’s most notable strength is his unwavering determination. Despite facing overwhelming odds and immense personal loss, he never gives up on his goal of saving his sister. His dedication to protecting those he loves and his willingness to fight for justice are qualities that make him an inspiring hero.
2. Mastery of Water Breathing: Tanjiro initially learns Water Breathing from Urokodaki, a former Hashira. His natural ability to learn and apply the techniques of Water Breathing quickly allows him to become proficient in this style. As the series progresses, Tanjiro’s mastery of Water Breathing becomes even more impressive, as he learns to develop new techniques and improve his combat skills.
3. The Power of the Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing): One of Tanjiro’s most important abilities is his eventual mastery of Hinokami Kagura (the Sun Breathing technique). This powerful technique was passed down to him through his father and becomes a pivotal part of his combat style. The Sun Breathing is known to be the original and most powerful Breathing Style, which gives Tanjiro an edge in battle against demons, particularly against the Twelve Kizuki.
4. Tactical Mind and Leadership: Tanjiro’s ability to think quickly in battle and adapt to new situations makes him a valuable ally. He can strategize on the fly, adjusting his fighting techniques based on his enemies’ weaknesses. This adaptability, paired with his leadership potential, is one of the qualities that makes him a strong candidate for becoming a Hashira.
Tanjiro’s Weaknesses
1. Limited Physical Strength: While Tanjiro is incredibly skilled, he has some physical limitations. He is not as naturally strong as some of the other characters, such as Kanao Tsuyuri or Inosuke Hashibira, both of whom have exceptional physical strength. Although Tanjiro compensates for this by using his wits and his Breathing Techniques, his physical limitations could hinder his chances of becoming a Hashira, especially when compared to the sheer power of other top-tier fighters.
2. Emotional Vulnerability: Tanjiro’s strong emotional ties to his sister Nezuko are both a strength and a weakness. While his love for Nezuko drives him to fight harder, it also makes him vulnerable to emotional turmoil. His connection to her sometimes clouds his judgment, and in the heat of battle, his emotions can lead to hesitation or reckless decisions.
3. Mental and Physical Exhaustion: Throughout the series, Tanjiro often pushes himself to the limit in his efforts to defeat demons. While his endurance is impressive, it is also evident that his body and mind are pushed beyond their capacity at times. The toll that this takes on his health could become a significant factor in his potential to become a Hashira, as they are required to maintain peak performance over long periods.
The Path to Becoming a Hashira
So, what would Tanjiro need to do to become a Hashira? Let’s break down the necessary steps.
1. Training and Mastery of Breathing Techniques
To become a Hashira, Tanjiro would need to continue mastering his Breathing Techniques. While he has already become proficient in Water Breathing and learned Hinokami Kagura, he would need to reach an even higher level of skill and control. The Hashira are masters of their Breathing Styles, and Tanjiro would need to push himself beyond his current limits to match their level of expertise.
2. Defeating Powerful Demons
A core requirement for becoming a Hashira is to demonstrate the ability to defeat powerful demons, particularly members of the Twelve Kizuki. Tanjiro has already faced numerous powerful demons, including Lower Rank demons and Upper Rank demons. However, to be recognized as a Hashira, he would need to consistently defeat powerful and dangerous enemies, showcasing his strength and tactical ability.
3. Gaining Recognition from the Hashira
In addition to personal growth, Tanjiro would need the recognition of the existing Hashira. The Hashira are highly respected, and to join their ranks, Tanjiro would need to prove himself to them. This could involve earning their trust, showing his leadership ability, and demonstrating his loyalty to the mission of the Demon Slayer Corps.
4. Passing the Hashira Selection Process
The Hashira Selection process is intense and rigorous, and only the most exceptional Demon Slayers are chosen. Tanjiro would need to pass this test by showing that he has the physical, mental, and emotional strength required to lead the Demon Slayer Corps.
Could Tanjiro Become a Hashira?
Based on his growth throughout the series and his natural talent, it is clear that Tanjiro has the potential to become a Hashira. His unique combination of intelligence, emotional depth, and fighting ability make him a strong candidate for the position. However, there are significant challenges he must overcome to reach this goal.
The series has yet to show whether Tanjiro will officially join the ranks of the Hashira, but it is certainly within the realm of possibility. His determination to protect his loved ones, his skill with Breathing Techniques, and his ability to inspire others all make him a likely candidate for the role of a Hashira.
Ultimately, whether Tanjiro becomes a Hashira will depend on how the series unfolds and what challenges he must face in the future. However, his journey is far from over, and fans can look forward to seeing just how far Tanjiro will go in his quest to protect his sister and defeat the demons that threaten the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer as to whether Tanjiro will become a Hashira, it is clear that he has the qualities required to do so. His strength, determination, and ability to adapt in battle make him a formidable warrior, and his emotional depth and leadership potential suggest that he could one day join the elite ranks of the Hashira. Whether or not he will achieve this goal is still uncertain, but fans will undoubtedly continue to follow his journey with anticipation and excitement.
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