Does Tanjiro Surpass Hashira Level in Demon Slayer?
Yes, Tanjiro Kamado unequivocally surpasses Hashira level by the end of the Demon Slayer manga. While his official rank within the Demon Slayer Corps remains relatively low for a significant portion of the story, his raw power, skill, and unique abilities grow exponentially, ultimately positioning him as the strongest living Demon Slayer and even capable of challenging Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons. This article will explore how Tanjiro’s development, feats, and inherent potential propel him beyond the limitations of even the most powerful Hashira.
Tanjiro’s Progression Through the Ranks
Early Struggles and Initial Ranking
At the beginning of his journey, Tanjiro starts as a novice, learning the basics of Water Breathing under Sakonji Urokodaki. He is initially ranked as a Mizunoto, one of the lowest ranks in the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite this humble beginning, he possesses an incredible determination and a natural talent that allows him to quickly overcome challenges. His first major achievement is defeating a recently enhanced Lower Six Moon demon during the Train Arc, showcasing a potential that is already above the typical Demon Slayer.
Advancement to Kanoe
Due to their exceptional achievements and rapid growth, Tanjiro, along with his companions Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, are promoted to the rank of Kanoe in Season 2. This rank advancement signifies a significant step, but it still falls considerably short of the Hashira, the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. However, their progress is undeniable, and they are recognized for their potential. Despite his official rank, Tanjiro was already demonstrating strength far beyond his assigned position.
Recognizing Hashira-Level Potential
Even with his low rank, Tanjiro is acknowledged as having Hashira-level power long before he officially becomes one. His battles, especially in the Entertainment District Arc, against Upper Rank Six demons demonstrate his remarkable capacity for growth and adaptation. His ability to learn and evolve mid-battle becomes a crucial part of his strength.
Beyond Hashira Level: Feats and Abilities
Battles Against Upper Moon Demons
Tanjiro’s encounters with Upper Moon demons are some of the best indicators of his power. Defeating an Upper Rank Six demon early in his career is already an incredible accomplishment. He goes on to face, and even decapitate, Akaza (Upper Rank Three) after awakening the See-Through World and the Selfless State. This achievement places him in a realm of power that even many Hashira could not reach, demonstrating his exceptional skill, combat awareness, and his ability to anticipate enemy actions.
Confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji
The final battle against Muzan solidifies Tanjiro’s position as the most powerful demon slayer. He is able to go toe-to-toe with Muzan, landing more hits, dodging more attacks, and fighting for longer than any individual Hashira. His ability to fight Muzan one-on-one clearly places his power level beyond that of even the most seasoned Hashira. His unique mastery of the Hinokami Kagura, combined with his acquired skills, makes him a true force to be reckoned with.
Mastery of Unique Abilities
Tanjiro’s power is not only about raw strength. His ability to use the See-Through World and the Selfless State allows him to perceive his opponents’ movements with incredible clarity and strike with unparalleled precision. He also masters the Hinokami Kagura, a powerful breathing style derived from the Sun Breathing technique, which becomes his signature fighting style. The combination of these unique attributes allows him to defeat demons far stronger than himself and push his body to its limits.
The Ultimate Demon Slayer
Ultimately, Tanjiro’s journey transcends the traditional boundaries of the Hashira. He becomes a symbol of human potential and determination, capable of not only defeating powerful demons but also confronting and defeating the Demon King himself. He does this all while remaining true to his compassionate nature. He truly represents the pinnacle of human achievement within the Demon Slayer world. Therefore, while he is never officially granted the Hashira title, his actual capabilities far exceed them, positioning him as more than just a Hashira level fighter, he is the greatest Demon Slayer of his time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Tanjiro’s official final rank in the Demon Slayer Corps?
Tanjiro’s final rank remains Kanoe. Ranks are given based on missions and experience, so his explosive growth didn’t quite correlate to a rank upgrade.
2. How does Tanjiro’s power grow over the series?
Tanjiro’s power grows dramatically through intense training, battles, and the development of unique abilities like the See-Through World, Selfless State, and his mastery of the Hinokami Kagura.
3. Does Tanjiro ever become a Hashira?
Tanjiro never officially becomes a Hashira, but his power and capabilities far exceed those of even the strongest Hashira.
4. What is the significance of the See-Through World?
The See-Through World allows Tanjiro to perceive the inner workings of his opponents’ bodies and anticipate their movements, drastically increasing his combat effectiveness.
5. What is the Selfless State?
The Selfless State is a mental state where Tanjiro completely removes his fighting spirit, making his movements unpredictable and impossible for demons to detect with their traditional methods.
6. Can Tanjiro defeat all Upper Moon demons?
While Tanjiro’s power increases drastically, he doesn’t single-handedly defeat all Upper Moon demons. He often works alongside other slayers. However, his individual feats, like defeating Akaza, demonstrate his capabilities against even the highest-ranking demons.
7. How does Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura compare to other Breathing Styles?
The Hinokami Kagura is derived from the original Sun Breathing style and is one of the most powerful breathing techniques. It allows Tanjiro to use incredibly devastating attacks.
8. Why is Tanjiro’s ranking so low despite his power?
The ranking system is based on mission completion, not individual raw power. Tanjiro’s rapid growth often outpaced the time it took to achieve rank advancement.
9. Does Tanjiro ever turn evil or become a demon?
Yes, Tanjiro briefly becomes a demon towards the end of the story but is eventually turned back into a human. He becomes a powerful demon, second only to Muzan at that point, and can walk in the sun. He doesn’t remain a demon for long, and does not become inherently evil.
10. What was Tanjiro’s most significant battle?
Tanjiro’s most significant battles are arguably his confrontations with Akaza and Muzan. These battles show off his unique power and abilities.
11. How does Tanjiro contribute to Muzan’s defeat?
Tanjiro plays a pivotal role in Muzan’s defeat, demonstrating the ability to fight toe-to-toe with the demon king, landing more hits, dodging more attacks, and outlasting all the Hashira combined. He also helps mentally defeat Muzan.
12. Is Tanjiro related to Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
While Tanjiro is not directly related to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he is a descendant of his lineage, which explains his affinity for the Sun Breathing and the Hinokami Kagura.
13. Does Tanjiro have any weaknesses?
Despite his incredible strength, Tanjiro is not invincible. His tone-deafness is a quirk that is mentioned, and his compassionate nature can sometimes put him at a disadvantage. He also is known to take immense damage.
14. What becomes of Tanjiro at the end of the series?
At the end of the series, Tanjiro is a survivor and is married to Kanao Tsuyuri. In the modern world, he has descendants named Sumihiko Kamado and Kanata Kamado.
15. How does Tanjiro compare to the other Hashira?
Tanjiro surpasses all the other Hashira by the end of the series. He is stronger, more skilled, and able to unlock abilities that put him in a completely different league. While he holds the rank of Kanoe, his skill and power place him at the very top among all Demon Slayers.