#SPOILERS FOR Demon Slayer: Hashira Training AHEAD!!!
Definition of entertain:
noun | entertained; entertaining; entertains
To provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment.
Demon Slayer continues to be the most entertaining anime of all time.
The plot of the Hashira Training Arc follows up right after the events of the Swordsmith Village Arc. After the climactic battle of the Swordsmith Village Arc, Tanjirou and the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps are called back to headquarters. The demons have halted their attacks and are instead searching for Nezuko. This gives our beloved Demon Slayers the chance to train in preparation for the decisive battle ahead. Although it is a training arc, the Hashira Training Arc manages to be even more captivating than any of the previous installments into the Demon Slayer anime.We get to explore all of the current Hashira and even get to visit some of the old. ufotable also did a wonderful job of adding anime exclusive content that made the world of Demon Slayer feel much more alive. For example, we get much more insight into Tengen’s training. It is always fun to spend more time with characters from past arcs. We also got a anime exclusive sparring match between Sanemi, Obanai, and Muichirou. This short, yet spectacular, sparring match was more than enough to fill in the absence of major action in this arc. In place of the action we have grown accustomed to was wholesome and comedic interactions amongst our Demon Slayer Corps members. We even got an anime exclusive paper airplane contest between Tanjirou and Muichirou, which was incredibly wholesome and funny after their long and harsh training session.
Aside from anime exclusive content, we also had the flawless manga content to go alongside it. We get a peek into the relationship and inner turmoil of the brothers, Sanemi and Genya. We also get to see more of the hilarious dynamic between Tanjirou and Giyuu. Although they may have their funny moments together, in this arc we get to learn about Giyuu’s backstory and how he has become the way he is. Speaking of backstories, we also were graced with Gyoumei’s backstory, which was incredibly heartbreaking. To top things off, we got to see Muzan’s entrance at Ubuyashiki’s mansion and the execution of Ubuyahsiki’s master plan. The cliffhanger of the entire Demon Slayer Corps getting transported into the infinity castle was one of, if not the best cliffhangers in all of fiction. This cliffhanger really showed how Muzan wanted all the smoke because he transported everyone rather than transporting them one by one. I do not know how they managed to do it, but this season of Demon Slayer once again redefined peak plot.
The more characters, the better. The Hashira Training Arc gave almost every character their own time to shine in just one arc. We finally got to spend more time with all of the Hashira and it did not disappoint. The most interesting Hashira of the season had to be Sanemi, Obanai, Gyoumei, and Giyuu.The poor relationship Sanemi has with his brother, Genya, is very intriguing and builds off the glimpse of Genya’s backstory we got in the Swordsmith Village Arc. Although Sanemi’s backstory is similar to many others, the way his backstory affected his relationship with his brother is a welcome touch. I look forward to seeing more of his relationship with Genya in the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movies.
It was nice to see Obanai get some more love in the anime. The first episode gave us a great anime exclusive fight and really showcased the art of serpent breathing. The moments between Mitsuri and Obanai sprinkled throughout the season were great. I cannot wait for these moments to be expanded upon in the future.
The reveal of Gyoumei’s backstory really showcased what a powerhouse he is while also being heartbreaking at the same time. Gyoumei’s backstory was much more than just a Demon killing those he considered family. Him being blamed for killing the children he considered family, led to his relationship being established with Ubuyashiki. This bond foreshadowed the big reveal that Gyoumei knew Ubuyashiki was going to use himself as bait for Muzan all along. An excellent use of a backstory to connect characters and foreshadow events.
Other than the Hashira, Tanjirou and Zenitsu’s displays of growth were some of the biggest moments of the season. Tanjirou remembering Rengoku’s words to help him push the boulder was a truly heartwarming moment. Tanjirou has really come a long way since slicing that boulder in half in season 1. After receiving a letter, Zenitsu stopped acting like a cry baby and finally got serious. It is sad to see our comedic cry baby go away, but it is about time he woke up. Zenitsu’s character development in this arc was some of, if not the best character development in all of fiction.
It is crazy how accustomed we have gotten to ufotable’s amazing work. We must still praise how ufotable has once again surpassed themselves and provided us with the most fluid and beautiful animation to ever grace a screen. The use of CGI alongside 2D animation has always been superb, not to mention the amazing choreography of the small amount of fights we got. The 5 minutes of slow motion walking by Muzan may have been the best animated sequence in all of Demon Slayer. It is amazing how ufotable goes all out for scenes that are not just fights. Only a story as good as Demon Slayer’s could garner this level of animation quality.
The OST for the Hashira Training Arc was more of the same, but that is not a bad thing. Demon Slayer has always had a phenomenal OST and it is always welcome to return in any Demon Slayer media.
The opening, MUGEN (夢幻), by MY FIRST STORY and HYDE was a blessing to the ears and also featured some of the best animated sequences alongside it. Even with such a great opening, they managed to also nail the ending too. Tokoshie (永久 -トコシエ-) also by MY FIRST STORY and HYDE was a delight that just left you craving more Demon Slayer at the end of each and every episode.
With the Hashira Training Arc in the books, I can confidently say that Demon Slayer has once again redefined peak fiction. Though it may have been redefined, I do not expect this standard of peak fiction to remain stagnant because I am certain the adaptation of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle will once again redefine peak fiction.
178 out of 274 users liked this review
