WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the Demon Slayer Manga
Summary
- Zenitsu’s character growth in Demon Slayer is evident, from a jokester with limited abilities to a powerful fighter.
- Zenitsu’s motivation in the Infinity Castle Arc stems from avenging his master’s death, leading to a significant change in attitude.
- Despite being underestimated, Zenitsu’s development allows him to defeat a powerful foe and play a crucial role in the anime’s final arcs.
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Arc |
Infinity Castle |
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Begins |
Chapter 140, “The Final Battle Begins” |
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Ends |
Chapter 183, “A Clash of Wills” |
Zenitsu is one of the most loved characters in Demon Slayer. From the early stages of the anime, he has been a source of humor because of his silliness. But as the show has continued, he has grown both in character and in strength. How much impact will he have on the Infinity Castle Arc?
Zenitsu’s character has probably seen the most development in Demon Slayer. He started as a funny character who was only capable of fighting when asleep, but his failures were hidden behind a moving backstory. Right before the start of Infinity Castle Arc, we see a change in his attitude. How will this change in attitude impact the anime’s most important arc?
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Zenitsu Before the Infinity Castle Arc
Zenitsu’s Steady Growth
Throughout the anime, we have seen Zenitsu grow steadily. Initially, he was only capable of using the first form of Thunder Breathing. As time went on, he enhanced this first form into stronger variants which allowed him to fight strong demons like Daki. Every time, when in the face of danger, we have seen Zenitsu recall memories of his master, which highly motivated him.
While Zenitsu seems cowardly and undermotivated, he has gone through immense training similar to Tanjiro and Inosuke. The trio were able to master Total Concentration: Constant, an essential yet extremely difficult skill used by all Hashiras. Zenitsu also went through the rigorous and merciless Hashira Training, which suggests that he has grown immensely since we last saw him in action.
Zenitsu’s Change in Attitude
In Season 4, Episode 7, after he receives a letter, we see a complete change in Zenitsu’s attitude. Zenitsu had always been cheerful and hilarious, but suddenly we see him become extremely serious and motivated.
It is assumed that the letter he received was from his master, whom he cares the most about. In a conversation with Tanjiro, Zenitsu also admits to having finally understood what he needs to do. This implies that some turn of events has finally given him the motivation that he always needed.
As for me… what I’m supposed to do… what I have to do, no matter what… It’s become clear to me, that’s all.
– Zenitsu, Season 4, Episode 7
Zenitsu During the Infinity Castle Arc
Zenitsu’s Motivation Revealed
In Chapter 144, Zenitsu reveals that the letter was indeed from his master, Jigoro Kuwajima. Kuwajima died from committing seppuku because his apprentice, Kaigaku, had turned into a demon. When training together, Kaigaku always looked down on Zenitsu due to his weakness. Kuwajima also refused to make Kaigaku his sole successor and wanted Zenitsu and Kaigaku to be his joint successors, proving his faith and love for Zenitsu.
After receiving the letter, Zenitsu, aware of the fact that he was still weak, resolved to become stronger so he could defeat Kaigaku and avenge his master’s death.
Zenitsu fights Kaigaku
In the Infinity Castle, Zenitsu finally comes across Kaigaku, who has now become the newest member of the Twelve Kizuki. But he was not startled as he had prepared and awaited this encounter. Similar to his Demon Slayer days, Kaigaku continues to look down on Zenitsu, considering him a failure who is only capable of using the first and most basic form of Thunder Breathing. Zenitsu manages to evade Kaigaku’s first attack and even cuts him.
Kaigaku continues to merge his Thunder Breathing techniques and Blood Demon Art to create attacks that crack Zenitsu’s skin and also burn his flesh. But Zenitsu catches Kaigaku off guard by using the Seventh Form of Thunder Breathing. This technique instantly beheads Kaigaku. Kaigaku blames Kuwajima for teaching a technique exclusively to Zenitsu, but Zenitsu corrects him by confessing that he created the new form on his own.
A Seventh Technique, he said?
From Thunder Breathing, which only has six forms…
…He developed a Seventh?
He did? A guy who can only use the First Form?
This filth who was weaker than me?
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Despite being considered the weakest for the longest time, Zenitsu was able to single-handedly defeat the Upper Moon Rank Six. He also created a Breathing Form for one of the main Breathing Styles, something which had only been done previously by Tomioka Giyu. He also aided immensely in the final battle against Muzan, enabling the Demon Slayers’ victory. His influence in the final arcs of the anime is immense.
Demon Slayer is available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll.