Summary
- Being a Tsuguko is an elite position, requiring impressing a Hashira and close training.
- Ways to become a Tsuguko include applying, being scouted by a Hashira, or using their Breathing Style.
- Tsuguko are the next generation Hashiras, preserving knowledge for future leadership and growth.
A Tsuguko is an elite Demon Slayer who is chosen to be a direct apprentice or successor to a Hashira. Not all Demon Slayers are given the opportunity to become a Tsuguko, and it takes a lot to impress a Hashira and to get them to notice a powerful Demon Slayer in the making.
The selected Tsuguko is given close training under a Hashira, and they are able to learn their mentor’s techniques and fighting styles, preparing them to take over in case the Hashira decides to either retire or dies in battle. The Tsuguko are extremely lucky as they receive more one on one training than other Demon Slayers.
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How Does One Become A Tsuguko?
Can Anyone Become A Tsuguko?
The two main ways in which a Demon Slayer can apply to become a Tsuguko is by submitting an application and being accepted. An example of a Demon Slayer who tried this method was Genya Shinazugawa, who desperately wanted to become a Hashira. Even though he lacked the ability to use a proper Breathing Style, Genya badly wanted to train under the strongest Hashira – Gyomei Himejima and become his Tsuguko.
While Gyomei did not make Genya his Tsuguko, he still unofficially provided Genya with training. Training provided by a Hashira speeds up a Demon Slayer’s progression among the ranks, allowing them to reach a Hashira level much faster than their peers. The role of the Tsuguko comes with a lot of responsibility as they are expected to master their mentor’s technique in order to carry on the legacy. Failure to do so would result in wasted potential and a possible end to a Breathing Style.
You should become my Tsuguko, my apprentice! I’ll look after you!
Another method in which a Demon Slayer could be selected as a Tsuguko is by being scouted by a Hashira. This is an extremely high level of prestige, because when Hashira recognizes a Demon Slayer for their worth, it means they see something in them that could go a long way. In the series, Tengen called Tanjiro, Insouke and Zenitus his Tsuguko even though they were not officially his students. This level of praise from a Hashira is rare and only seen in the best of the best.
The Opportunity Of A Lifetime For A Demon Slayer
The Tsuguko Are The Next Generation Hashiras
The ability to use a Breathing Style that is derived from a Hashira’s Breathing Style, is also an opportunity for a Demon Slayer to become a Tsuguko. Although this requirement is not a must, it does increase the chances of a Demon Slayer to be selected as a Tsuguko. This is seen when Kanao Tsuyuri becomes Shinobu Kocho’s Tsuguko. This is because Kanao uses Insect Breathing, which is derived from Shinobu’s Breathing Style – Flower Breathing. The Tsuguko are basically the next generation of Demon Slayers who will carry the mantle of the Demon Slayer Corp forward and uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them. The current Demon Slayer generation, however, have few Tsugukos because potential proteges are scared of the immense strength portrayed by the Hashiras and are driven away when they realize they cannot live up to a Hashira’s expectations.
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Being handpicked by a Hashira is no simple feat and some Demon Slayers are chosen just by their natural abilities. By maintaining Tsugukos, the Demon Slayer Corps are able to preserve their knowledge for future generations and gradually move potential Tsugukos to leadership levels.
While the path of a Tsuguko is not easy, it is essential for the Demon Slayer corps progression and growth. At least if a Hashira who has a Tsuguko is lost in combat, the Tsuguko is able to gradually take up the Hashira’s place and fill the void with the Breathing Style and power needed to fight demons. Too many Hashira’s lost in combat would prove to be futile for the Demon Slayer corps, hence why the Tsuguko play a key role in the future.