Who Killed Mitsuri Kanroji? The Tragic Fate of the Love Hashira
The answer to the question of who kills Mitsuri Kanroji is complex and somewhat unconventional within the narrative of Demon Slayer. Unlike some characters who fall directly to the hands of a specific demon, Mitsuri’s death is ultimately a result of the brutal circumstances of the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji and her own grievous injuries sustained in the fight. She doesn’t die from a direct attack by Muzan, but rather succumbs to her wounds. Thus, it’s accurate to say that Muzan is indirectly responsible for her death. He is the catalyst of all the destruction and pain that befalls the Demon Slayer Corps, making his defeat vital to saving anyone. Mitsuri’s death is due to bleeding out from her wounds, sustained while fighting alongside her beloved Obanai Iguro against Muzan and Nakime, not a single fatal blow from one of them.
Mitsuri’s Final Moments
Mitsuri’s story culminates in the Infinity Castle Arc, where she fights alongside Obanai Iguro to defeat Nakime, Muzan’s biwa-playing demon responsible for altering the castle’s layout. She fights valiantly, showcasing her immense strength and unique fighting style. After overcoming Nakime, she joins the other Hashira and Tanjiro in confronting Muzan. This is where she sustains fatal injuries. Even as she is dying, Mitsuri’s final thoughts are filled with love for Obanai and hope for a future with him in the next life. This makes her death all the more heartwrenching and a true sacrifice for the defeat of evil.
The Love That Endures
Mitsuri and Obanai’s relationship is one of the most poignant in the series. They share a deep, unspoken love that is only fully expressed in their dying moments. Obanai and Mitsuri finally confess their feelings for each other and pledge to be together in their next lives as they lay dying on the battlefield. Their bond is an integral part of the narrative, making their intertwined deaths an emotional climax. This tragic end solidifies their place as some of the most memorable characters in Demon Slayer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Mitsuri die in Demon Slayer?
Yes, tragically, Mitsuri Kanroji does die in Demon Slayer. She perishes during the final battle against Muzan in the Infinity Castle Arc, succumbing to injuries sustained during the fight, rather than from a direct blow from Muzan.
2. In which arc does Mitsuri die?
Mitsuri dies during the Infinity Castle Arc, which is the final major arc of the series and the setting of the final, all-out battle against Muzan.
3. How does Mitsuri die specifically?
Mitsuri dies from bleeding out due to the serious wounds she sustains while fighting alongside Obanai against Muzan and his forces. Her death is not caused by a single, direct attack, but rather the accumulation of injuries in the fight.
4. Did Obanai die with Mitsuri?
Yes, Obanai Iguro also dies during the same battle. He is also mortally wounded fighting alongside Mitsuri against Muzan. They die close to each other, confirming their love before passing away.
5. Do Mitsuri and Obanai get a happy ending?
Yes, in a way. Although they die in the fight against Muzan, they are reincarnated together in the final chapter of the manga. We see them married and running a restaurant, fulfilling their wish to be together in the next life. They also have five children in this new life, as shown in the volume extras.
6. How many Hashira die in the final battle?
Most of the Hashira die during the final battle against Muzan. Only Sanemi Shinazugawa, Giyu Tomioka, and Tengen Uzui survive. The rest, including Mitsuri and Obanai, perish while fighting.
7. What is Mitsuri’s fighting style?
Mitsuri uses Love Breathing, a unique style that suits her flexible sword and immense strength. It’s characterized by its graceful movements and powerful, whip-like attacks.
8. Who is the weakest Hashira?
While all Hashira are incredibly skilled, Shinobu Kocho is often considered the weakest in terms of pure physical strength. However, she is a formidable opponent due to her unique use of poison and insect-based techniques.
9. Who killed Muzan Kibutsuji?
Muzan is not killed by a single individual. He is defeated through the combined efforts of the remaining Hashira, Tanjiro, and his allies. Tanjiro’s mental fortitude and resolve are instrumental in defeating Muzan. Ultimately Muzan is defeated and vanishes for good.
10. Who killed the Upper Moon demons?
Various Demon Slayers were involved in defeating the Upper Moon demons. Here are a few examples:
- Kokushibo (Upper Rank 1) – Defeated by Muichiro, Sanemi, Gyomei, and Genya (though Muichiro and Genya were killed in the fight)
- Doma (Upper Rank 2) – Defeated by Inosuke and Kanao, avenging Shinobu.
- Akaza (Upper Rank 3) – Defeated by Tanjiro, but Akaza ultimately commits suicide after remembering his past.
11. Did Tanjiro die in the fight against Muzan?
Tanjiro does die in the battle against Muzan. However, he is temporarily revived by Muzan’s blood, turning into a demon. He is ultimately cured by Kanao using a medicine made from Wisteria flowers.
12. Does Nezuko die in Demon Slayer?
No, Nezuko does not die during the main events of the Demon Slayer manga. While she faces significant danger throughout the series, she survives and eventually becomes fully human once more. She does die off-screen of old age at the end of the series.
13. Will Nezuko become human?
Yes, by the end of the series, Nezuko does become fully human again. She overcomes her demon form and regains her human memories and speech.
14. Is Genya a demon?
Genya is not a demon in the traditional sense. However, he has a unique ability to temporarily gain demon-like characteristics by consuming demon flesh, due to his special digestion and bite strength.
15. Who does Tanjiro marry?
Tanjiro marries Kanao Tsuyuri. They are seen as a couple in the final chapter of the manga and have descendants in the modern-day epilogue.
In conclusion, Mitsuri Kanroji’s death is a tragic but pivotal moment in Demon Slayer. While she was not killed by a direct demon attack, she succumbed to her injuries from battling Muzan. Her story highlights the brutal reality of war and the enduring power of love and hope, making her loss deeply felt by fans of the series. Her journey and tragic sacrifice will continue to resonate with fans long after they finish the anime and manga.