Summary
- Nakime Vs Mitsuri and Obanai – A battle of wits and reflexes with Nakime’s elusive abilities challenging the demon slayers.
- Doma Vs Shinobu – Shinobu seeks revenge against her sister’s murderer, Doma, in an emotionally charged showdown.
- Kaigaku Vs Zenitsu – Zenitsu confronts his old bully, Kaigaku, in a fight driven by vengeance and honor towards his deceased master.
Demon Slayer‘s Infinity Castle arc is arguably the best arc in the series. Filled with high-stakes battles and emotional confrontations, it sets the stage for the final war with Muzan Kibutsuji.
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Although other story arcs deliver intense action and drama, none of them can outdo Infinity Castle in terms of the sheer impact and scale of each battle, each of which have far-reaching consequences. Smong the many fights that the arc covers, which stands as the best? Based on the overall impact, background, combat intensity, and emotional weight, this is how the fights in Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle arc stack up against each other.
6
Nakime Vs Mitsuri And Obanai
The New Upper-Rank Four Faces Love And Serpent Hashira
- Manga: Chapters 164 and 182
After Hantengu dies in the Swordsmith Village, Muzan replaces him with Nakime as the new Upper-Rank Four of the Twelve Kizuki. She is not as overpowering and ruthless as Muzan’s other underlings, but her unorthodox blood demon art is surprisingly flexible with myriad applications that take advantage of a human being’s reliance on their reflexes.
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.
Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji and Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro have the misfortune of coming across Nakime as they search for the Demon King himself. Although they try to finish her off immediately, it soon becomes evident that she is no pushover. Nakime’s battle with Kanroji and Iguro is not driven by any personal enmity, so it is not as emotionally charged as other battles in the Infinity Castle, but it is still exciting, as the demon slayers struggle to overcome her elusive abilities to get to Muzan Kibutsuji.
5
Doma Vs Shinobu
Shinobu Battles Against Her Sister’s Murderer
Shinobu Kocho’s childhood is forever scarred by the senseless murder of her parents by a bloodthirsty demon. The incident becomes a turning point in her life as she decides to become a demon slayer, but in this struggle, Shinobu is not all alone. Her older sister, Kanae, experiences the same trauma and stands by Shinobu like a rock.
Their bond is understandably deep, but things take a dark turn when Kanae is killed by Doma following an unexpected encounter. Ignoring her sister’s dying wish, Shinobu waits patiently for the day when she gets to exact her revenge on the devious monster that took Kanae away from her. In the Infinity Castle arc, the Insect Hashira finally has the chance to accomplish her long-awaited vengeance as she faces the Upper-Rank Two all alone.
4
Kaigaku Vs Zenitsu
Zenitsu Seeks Revenge For His Master
- Manga: Chapters 143 to 146
During the Hashira training, Zenitsu receives a haunting letter regarding his master’s decision to commit seppuku. By the time he gets the news, Jigoro is already dead, and he learns that his master made such a harsh decision after learning that one of his pupils has become a demon. This student is none other than Zenitsu’s old bully, Kaigaku, who goes on to replace Gyutaro and Daki as the new Upper-Rank Six demon.
Until you die, you haven’t lost. You may rub your face in the dirt, you may lose your home or drink muddy water, people may curse you for stealing money, but as long as you live on, you can win someday. You will win. I have moved forward with that belief.
Zenitsu was raised by Jigoro from a young age, and he considers him his grandfather. His death is a devastating blow for Agatsuma, who is filled with grief and regret. Jigoro is the only person who never gave up on Zenitsu, so to honor their relationship, Agatsuma allows the need for vengeance to overtake him.
Jigoro Kuwajima’s death and the accompanying grief propel Zenitsu to confront Kaigaku in the Infinity Castle. Their shared history serves as an extra drive for an incredible fight that is arguably one of the best battles in the series.
3
Doma Vs Kanao And Inosuke
Inosuke And Kanao Fight For Their Loved Ones
- Manga: Chapters 157 to 162
Doma, being one of the most manipulative and cold-hearted demons, lives a life devoid of genuine emotion, endlessly gratifying his twisted desires. Over the years, he has committed countless murders and devoured numerous innocent humans without ever feeling an ounce of regret over his actions.
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However, unbeknownst to Doma, his cruelty has had a far-reaching influence, and his past sins come back to haunt him as Kanao and Inosuke confront the demon moments after his battle with Shinobu. The intense fight is driven by deep-rooted hatred and sorrow that engulfs the battlefield, pushing the trio to their limits.
2
Akaza Vs Tanjiro And Genya
Tanjiro Sets Out To Avenge Rengoku
- Manga: Chapters 146 to 156
In the Mugen Train arc, Tanjiro watches helplessly as Akaza fatally wounds Rengoku after the Flame Hashira puts up a brave fight. Observing Kyojuro as he slowly succumbs to his wounds leaves a profound impact on Tanjiro, filling him with grief, anger, and a desire for revenge.
There were never any Flames among all the Hashira I’ve killed until now. And no one ever took me up on my offer, either. Why do you think that is? As a fellow martial artist, I just don’t get it. Not when only the chosen ones can become demons! Watching the hideous decline of someone blessed with extraordinary powers, it pains me! I can’t bear it! Die, Kyojuro, while you’re still young and strong.
Kamado finally meets Akaza again in the Infinity Castle. Having manifested the demon slayer mark already and accompanied by Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka, Tanjiro is prepared to avenge Rengoku. Their last encounter sets the stage for an epic battle filled with unexpected twists and drama.
1
Kokushibo Vs Genya, Sanemi, Muichiro, And Gyomei
Muzan’s Greatest Asset Fights Demon Slayers
- Manga: Chapters 165 to 176
Kokushibo is the strongest demon after Muzan Kibutsuji. Having lived for hundreds of years, he has mastered swordsmanship to a degree that modern demon slayers can’t match his unparalleled skills.
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Once inside the Infinity Castle, Kokushibo is perhaps the biggest hurdle in front of Kagaya’s men as they hunt for Muzan Kibutsuji. Unlike other battles in the arc, Genya, Sanemi, Muichiro, and Gyomei’s fight is not driven by personal vendetta but by sheer necessity. It is arguably the most intense battle in the arc because Kokushibo is ruthless and very overpowering, bringing out the best in his rivals.