Summary
- Sanemi is physically stronger than Obanai.
- Obanai is smarter and more strategic than Sanemi.
- Sanemi shows stronger mental fortitude and resilience.
The Hashira are the backbone of the Demon Slayer Corps. Among the many elite demon slayers who have ascended to this prestigious rank, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Obanai Iguro are arguably two of the best combatants. Both have considerable experience under their belt and have spent years refining their fighting prowess.
But who is better? Let’s compare the two Hashira based on physical strength, intelligence, combat style, and mental fortitude to determine who stands out as the more dependable fighter for the Demon Slayer Corps.
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Physical Strength: Who Packs the Stronger Punch?
Sanemi is Far Stronger Than the Serpent Hashira
Obanai Iguro’s short stature and feeble-looking body might give the impression that he could be easily overwhelmed in a physical confrontation, but nothing could be further from the truth. While it’s true that he is not one of the strongest Hashira, Iguro is still capable of manhandling most demon slayers without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, Sanemi is a ruthless fighter who can easily overwhelm any demon slayer except Gyomei with his frightening strength. He is one of the rare fighters who earned the praise of Upper Rank 1, Kokushibo, by fighting the demon head-on.
I know how unfair the world is… because good people… die one after another.
In the Hashira training arc, when the two allies have a brief sparring session, Obanai is able to hold his own against Sanemi. But having considered all factors, it would be criminal to underestimate the difference in physical strength between the two Hashira. While Iguro might do well initially if the two were to fight head-on, Shinazugawa’s strength and endurance would eventually overwhelm the Serpent Hashira. Despite being quite strong for his size, Obanai is significantly weaker than Sanemi when it comes to physical strength.
Intelligence: Strategic Brilliance in Life-Threatening Circumstances
Obanai Iguro is Smarter Than the Wind Hashira
Sanemi’s overwhelming strength allows him to engage his enemies in a fight without analyzing the situation deeply. His fighting technique is honed to perfection, which makes it incredibly hard to stop him. Relying on these strengths, Shinazugawa can do well even if his strategy is not optimal. But having said that, Sanemi’s combat intuition is still quite impressive, as he can deconstruct his opponent’s fighting techniques and figure out weaknesses with relative ease. He has also demonstrated in many battles that he can deduce effective countermeasures on the fly, which makes him a dangerous rival.
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On the other hand, Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro is a cold and calculating fighter who prefers to remain emotionally detached to increase his efficiency. He is willing to go to any lengths to get the job done and is brilliant at using the resources at his disposal to outsmart his enemies. Obanai has also trained his companion Kaburamaru extremely well. Even when he loses his vision in the Sunrise Countdown arc, Iguro is able to rely on his companion to fight against the Demon King. Having the foresight to plan strategically for such an incident demonstrates that Obanai is a deep thinker who leaves no stone unturned to ensure he is always one step ahead of his enemies.
Although Shinazugawa is gifted with great combat intuition and the ability to deconstruct his opponent’s technique, he is not nearly as calculating and efficient as Obanai Iguro. The Serpent Hashira is a dedicated strategist who prepares for the unpredictable, with countermeasures that allow him to thrive in circumstances that should have otherwise turned deadly. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that Obanai is somewhat more intelligent than Shinazugawa.
Mental Fortitude: Who Can Take More Pressure?
Shinazugawa is Mentally Stronger Than Obanai
Hashira are expected to fight the most powerful beings in existence in emotionally taxing circumstances. Only people who have the mental fortitude to face the cruelest realities of life with courage are capable of joining the highest ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps. Obanai Iguro grew up in horrible circumstances in an abusive clan and suffered unimaginable trauma. Exposure to cruelty early in his life made him a tough individual capable of fighting fearlessly in any circumstance.
I want to die defeating Muzan, and I pray that it will purify my filthy blood. Then, if I am reborn as a human being in a peaceful world without demons, I will tell you of my feelings for you.
Meanwhile, Sanemi Shinazugawa was burdened with responsibilities from a young age. When his mother was turned into a demon, he had to kill her to protect his younger brother, Genya. Life had been cruel to him, so he wanted to protect Genya at any cost. But his desires were never fulfilled, as he saw his brother die in front of his eyes while fighting Kokushibo. With countless injuries and the emotional toll of losing his younger brother, Sanemi went on to fight the Demon King. Shinazugawa not only helped the Demon Slayer Corps defeat Muzan Kibutsuji, but he also survived the ordeal to live a few more years.
It can be said that the two Hashira have had a harsh life and have fought in perilous circumstances with remarkable courage. However, it is evident that Sanemi is mentally stronger and has demonstrated many times that he can thrive even in some of the most inhumane and heartbreaking situations. He has not only shown superhuman resilience but also unreal dedication to his duties as a demon slayer.
Combat Style: Speed vs. Precision
Wind Hashira and Serpent Hashira Have Unique Approaches to Combat
Sanemi and Iguro’s combat styles differ significantly. While the Wind Hashira blindly relies on his raw speed and violent attacks, the Serpent Hashira takes a more calculating and emotionally detached approach. Shinazugawa’s style is effective against most enemies, as he is able to overwhelm them with a barrage of attacks while relying on his combat intuition to respond to enemy movements.
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On the other hand, Obanai is a technically sound combatant with brilliant strategic plans for the most unexpected circumstances that allow him to outsmart his rivals. Both Hashira have spent countless hours refining their techniques and have their own strengths and weaknesses. It would be unjust to put one ahead of the other, especially when it comes to a combat style, as they are somewhat incomparable because of their unique techniques and overall approach.
Final Verdict: Who is the Better Hashira?
Obanai Iguro is Good, But Sanemi Shinazugawa is Better
Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro overcomes the disadvantage of his short stature with his strategic brilliance, well-refined techniques, and years of relentless work on his body. Although he is a respectable combatant, Sanemi is a better Hashira in comparison. Shinazugawa thrives even with insurmountable odds stacked against him and has survived countless cruel battles. By surviving the final war with Muzan, the Wind Hashira proves that he is special—arguably the best Hashira of his generation.
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