Does Tanjiro Defeat Upper Rank 4? Unraveling the Battle Against Hantengu
The battle against the Upper Moon demons in Demon Slayer is a cornerstone of the series, each encounter testing the limits of the Demon Slayer Corps. The fight against Upper Rank 4, Hantengu, is particularly significant, showcasing not only Tanjiro’s growth but also the critical support from his sister, Nezuko. So, the question remains: Does Tanjiro defeat Upper Rank 4? The answer is a nuanced yes, Tanjiro does ultimately defeat Hantengu, but it’s crucial to understand the circumstances and contributions of others to this pivotal victory.
Tanjiro’s Decisive Strike
While it’s true that Tanjiro Kamado delivers the final blow, the path to that moment was complex and fraught with peril. Hantengu’s unique Blood Demon Art allows him to split into multiple manifestations, each representing a different emotion, making him an incredibly challenging opponent. Initially, Tanjiro, along with other Demon Slayers, struggled against Hantengu’s various forms.
The key moment came when Tanjiro finally discovered Hantengu’s true, minuscule body hidden within the heart of one of his severed forms. This was not an easy task, as Hantengu’s body was protected and concealed within the ‘Headless Hantengu’ shell. After locating him, Tanjiro slashed Hantengu’s torso, effectively ending the Upper Moon 4’s existence. This final blow is what ultimately led to Hantengu’s defeat.
Nezuko’s Crucial Role
However, to say Tanjiro alone defeated Hantengu would be misleading. The reality is far more collaborative. Tanjiro was able to land the final strike only because Nezuko Kamado, his sister, played an indispensable role. During the battle, Tanjiro was often overwhelmed and vulnerable. Nezuko’s actions bought Tanjiro the precious moments he needed. She bravely faced Hantengu’s attacks, protected Tanjiro from fatal blows, and even pushed Tanjiro away when he was distracted, allowing him to focus on Hantengu’s vulnerable heart. Nezuko’s selfless sacrifices were absolutely pivotal in providing Tanjiro with the opportunity to defeat Hantengu.
The Collaborative Effort
It’s vital to emphasize that while Tanjiro delivered the final blow, the fight against Hantengu was not a singular victory. It was a collaborative effort. Other slayers were also fighting against Hantengu’s clones, drawing their attention and diminishing the power of the main threats that Tanjiro faced, further assisting the final defeat of the demon. It was a battle fought through immense sacrifice, teamwork, and courage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions surrounding Tanjiro’s fight with Upper Rank 4 and related themes:
1. Did Tanjiro beat Upper Moon 4 single-handedly?
No, Tanjiro did not beat Upper Moon 4 single-handedly. While he delivered the final blow, it was a collaborative effort, primarily with Nezuko’s assistance. She was crucial in giving him the opening to attack the demon’s true body.
2. Who killed Upper Moon 4 Hantengu?
Tanjiro ultimately killed Upper Moon 4 Hantengu by slashing his torso after discovering his true, miniature form hidden within the heart of a larger body.
3. What was Hantengu’s Blood Demon Art?
Hantengu’s Blood Demon Art allowed him to split into multiple forms, each representing different emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, and pleasure. These forms possessed unique powers and fighting styles.
4. How did Nezuko help in the fight against Hantengu?
Nezuko’s bravery and resilience were critical. She shielded Tanjiro from attacks, pushed him away from danger, and actively engaged Hantengu’s forms to give Tanjiro the necessary space and opportunity to attack Hantengu’s true form.
5. Why didn’t Tanjiro become a Hashira after killing Hantengu?
Tanjiro did not immediately become a Hashira because he did not meet the criteria for the rank. To become a Hashira, a Demon Slayer needs to either kill 50 demons or slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki as a Kinoe-ranked slayer. While Tanjiro had defeated Kizuki members, he had not been a Kinoe when he did it. Additionally, the Demon Slayer Corps disbanded after Muzan’s defeat, so there was no system for ranking up.
6. What other Upper Moon demons has Tanjiro defeated?
Tanjiro has also played a part in the defeat of Upper Rank 6, Gyutaro and Daki, working alongside other slayers like Tengen Uzui, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. He also played a crucial role in the defeat of Akaza, Upper Rank 3 though he had help from Giyu Tomioka.
7. How old is Tanjiro when he dies?
According to information from the manga, there was a fear that Tanjiro would be bedridden and frail by the age of 25 due to a curse. However, it is implied that Tanjiro does not die at that young age and lives a longer life.
8. Was Nezuko able to defeat Hantengu on her own?
Nezuko could not have defeated Hantengu on her own. She greatly assisted in the fight, enduring many attacks and creating crucial openings, but did not have the power to defeat Hantengu by herself.
9. Is Nezuko immune to sunlight?
Yes, Nezuko is immune to sunlight. This is a significant development in the series, and it’s suggested that the Kamado family’s knowledge of the Blue Spider Lily may be related to her immunity.
10. What was Hantengu afraid of?
Hantengu was paranoid and fearful of the world around him. He believed the whole world was out to get him and saw himself as innocent. This fear was a central aspect of his character and personality.
11. Did Genya become a demon?
Genya did not fully become a demon. He had a unique ability to temporarily gain demon-like powers by consuming demon flesh due to his special digestive organs, but he was not a demon by nature.
12. Did Tanjiro surpass Akaza in power?
Yes, Tanjiro did surpass Akaza in speed during their final fight. He was able to decapitate him with the Hinokami Kagura, showcasing his immense growth.
13. How many Hashira died during the series?
Many Hashira lost their lives. The main ones that survived until the end are Sanemi Shinazugawa, Giyu Tomioka, and Tengen Uzui.
14. Why was Muzan afraid of Tanjiro?
Muzan feared Tanjiro because of his connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the original user of Sun Breathing. Tanjiro also possessed the same Hanafuda earrings and used the same breath style, making Muzan see him as a threat.
15. Did Tanjiro become a demon?
Yes, Tanjiro did briefly become a demon when Muzan used his last remaining energy to transform him. However, he was later turned back into a human by a special medicine.
Conclusion
In summary, while Tanjiro was the one who ultimately defeated Hantengu, it was not a solo victory. Nezuko’s critical interventions and the collaborative efforts of other slayers were essential. This battle highlights not only Tanjiro’s strength but also the importance of teamwork, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family bonds in the Demon Slayer world. It’s a testament to the characters’ resilience and the strength of the human spirit when faced with unimaginable evil.