Who Killed Upper Rank Six in Demon Slayer? A Definitive Guide
The title of Upper Rank Six in Demon Slayer isn’t straightforward. It’s been held by multiple demons throughout the series, with varying circumstances surrounding their demise. Let’s break it down:
Initially, Upper Rank Six was held jointly by the sibling demons Gyutaro and Daki. Gyutaro was decapitated by Tanjiro Kamado with crucial assistance from Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira. Simultaneously, Daki was beheaded by a combined effort from Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. This dual victory marked the end of their reign as Upper Rank Six.
Later, after Gyutaro and Daki’s defeat, a new Upper Rank Six emerged: Kaigaku, a former Demon Slayer and Zenitsu’s senior disciple. Kaigaku was ultimately defeated and killed by Zenitsu Agatsuma who used a modified seventh form of Thunder Breathing specifically designed to counter Kaigaku’s style.
Therefore, the answer to “Who killed Upper Rank Six?” depends on which Upper Rank Six you’re referring to. If you mean the original Upper Rank Six, the answer is a combined effort of Tanjiro, Tengen, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. If you mean the subsequent Upper Rank Six, Kaigaku, the answer is Zenitsu.
Decoding the Battles: A Closer Look at the Upper Rank Six’s Defeats
Understanding the specific battles is crucial to appreciating the significance of these victories.
Gyutaro and Daki: A Brother-Sister Demonic Duo
Gyutaro and Daki presented a formidable challenge due to their synergistic abilities and the unique way they shared the Upper Rank Six title. Gyutaro possessed immense strength and deadly blood sickles, while Daki’s sash-based attacks and ability to absorb humans made her a dangerous opponent.
The battle against them was a grueling, multi-faceted fight that tested the limits of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Tengen. It required them to push past their injuries, master new techniques, and work together seamlessly. The fact that their deaths had to occur virtually simultaneously highlighted the interconnected nature of their demonic existence.
Kaigaku: The Fallen Swordsman
Kaigaku’s rise to Upper Rank Six was a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of power and the depths to which a Demon Slayer could fall. His mastery of Thunder Breathing, coupled with his demonic enhancements, made him a terrifying adversary for Zenitsu.
Zenitsu’s victory over Kaigaku was not only a triumph of skill but also a deeply personal one. It represented his overcoming of inferiority and his unwavering dedication to the principles he learned from their master. The development of the Seventh Form was a direct response to Kaigaku’s specific fighting style, showcasing Zenitsu’s growth as a swordsman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Upper Rank Six
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Who were Gyutaro and Daki before they became demons? Gyutaro was a debt collector who lived in the Rashomon Riverbank district, and Daki was his younger sister. They lived in poverty before becoming demons. Daki, originally named Ume, worked as a courtesan.
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How did Gyutaro and Daki become demons? They were approached by Doma (Upper Rank Two at the time) after Daki was burned alive for stabbing a samurai, and Gyutaro, enraged, retaliated. Doma offered them his blood to save their lives, turning them into demons.
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Why were Gyutaro and Daki considered a single Upper Rank? Muzan Kibutsuji viewed them as essentially one entity, recognizing that Gyutaro was the true source of their power and that Daki’s existence was dependent on him. Their coordinated attacks and shared life force justified their joint ranking.
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What was the significance of Gyutaro giving Daki his eye? Giving Daki one of his eyes allowed Gyutaro to monitor her and provide her with additional power. It further emphasized their symbiotic relationship and his protective nature towards her.
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How strong was Tengen Uzui compared to Gyutaro? While Tengen was a powerful Hashira, Gyutaro’s poison and immense strength pushed him to his limits. Tengen nearly succumbed to the poison and lost an eye and a hand during the battle, highlighting Gyutaro’s formidable power.
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What breathing style did Kaigaku use? Kaigaku used a corrupted version of Thunder Breathing, having learned it alongside Zenitsu. However, he couldn’t master the First Form, and his style became characterized by his ability to use the other forms.
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Why did Kaigaku become a demon? Kaigaku betrayed the Demon Slayer Corps to save himself from Kokushibo (Upper Rank One). He was offered demon blood by Kokushibo and chose to accept it to gain power.
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What was the name of Zenitsu’s Seventh Form? Zenitsu’s Seventh Form is called Honoikazuchi (炎雷神, Honoo Ikazuchi), and it translates to something along the lines of “Flame Thunder God.” It’s a powerful single-strike technique.
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How did Zenitsu develop the Seventh Form? Zenitsu created the Seventh Form as a direct response to Kaigaku’s mastery of the other Thunder Breathing forms. He needed a technique that could overcome Kaigaku’s skill and exploit his weaknesses.
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What motivated Zenitsu to defeat Kaigaku? Zenitsu was driven by a desire to honor their deceased master, Jigoro Kuwajima. Kaigaku’s betrayal and descent into becoming a demon tarnished their master’s legacy, and Zenitsu felt obligated to restore it.
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What happened to Kaigaku after his death? Like most demons, Kaigaku disintegrated after being killed by Zenitsu’s Demon Slayer sword. His existence as a demon was erased.
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Who became Upper Rank Six after Kaigaku’s death? After Kaigaku’s death, no demon immediately replaced him as Upper Rank Six. Muzan prioritized replacing the Upper Moons who had directly opposed him or proved unreliable.
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How does Upper Rank Six compare to other Upper Ranks in terms of strength? Gyutaro and Daki, as Upper Rank Six, were significantly weaker than the other Upper Ranks, especially the top three. Their defeat marked a turning point in the power scaling of the series, showing the increasing challenge the Demon Slayers faced. Kaigaku, while strong, was likely weaker than Gyutaro.
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Was there any resentment among the other Upper Ranks towards Gyutaro and Daki? While not explicitly stated, it’s implied that other Upper Ranks like Doma and Akaza looked down on Gyutaro and Daki due to their comparatively weaker abilities.
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How did the defeat of Upper Rank Six impact the overall plot of Demon Slayer? The defeat of Gyutaro and Daki was a major victory for the Demon Slayer Corps, boosting their morale and demonstrating their capability to defeat even powerful demons. It also served as a catalyst for the subsequent events, leading to the battles against the remaining Upper Ranks. The emergence of Kaigaku as Upper Rank Six further intensified the personal stakes for Zenitsu, driving his character development.
The defeat of Upper Rank Six, whether referring to Gyutaro and Daki or Kaigaku, represents significant milestones in the Demon Slayer narrative. They highlight the themes of teamwork, perseverance, overcoming personal struggles, and the corrupting nature of power. The individual battles and the circumstances surrounding each demon’s demise contribute to the rich tapestry of the series.
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