Demon Slayer: Mugen Train or Demon Slayer: Infinity Train, released in 2020 is based on the “Mugen Train” arc of the series – Demon Slayer. Not only was it a hit in Japan but it was also a very big success internationally. It received praise for the amazing storytelling, the plot, the animation and the great management of the emotions.
The movie is nothing less than a work of art. However, a part of the big success of the movie is the death of the Flame Hashira – Kyojuro Rengoku.
In this blog, we will discuss- who is Rengoku, how Rengoku died, who killed Rengoku and various other topics.
WHO IS KYOJURO RENGOKU- THE FLAME HASHIRA
Kyojuro Rengoku (played by Satoshi Hiro) is one of the most important deuteragonists in Demon Salyer. He is one of the Hashira, (from a group of 9 people) who are known to be the strongest Demon Slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps. Kyojuro uses the Flame Breathing Technique which makes him the Flame Hashira. Kyojuro’s family has been producing Demon hunters for generations. Before him, the title of the Flame Hashira was owned by his dad, Shinjuro Rengoku. As a kid Kyojuro used to train with his dead but when Shinjuro stopped teaching him, he started learning from the guide book of Flame Breathing and trained hard by himself in order to become a Hashira. Kyojuro believed in the beliefs his mother taught him when he was a kid. His mother often said “Those who are born powerful, have a responsibility to protect the weak”.
MUGEN TRAIN ARC
Kyojuro is introduced in the Mugen Train Arc, where he is appointed to investigate various events such as deaths and mysterious disappearances of people who board the train. It is also where he meets Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu and Inosuke who are also there to investigate the case. They are able to defeat Enmu, Lower moon one (member of the 12 demon hosts) who was behind the events taking place in the train. Enmu was tasked by Muzan Kibutsuji, to attack the train and kill the hashira in it.
WHO KILLS RENGOKU – WHO IS AKAZA?
The Upper Moon Three, Akaza is the demon who killed Rengoku in Demon Slayer. He is overall the 4th strongest demon and holds the 3rd rank in the 12 strongest demons appointed by Muzan himself.
Even though demons are known for brutality killing and eating anyone regardless of their gender or age, Akaza has his own set of beliefs. He refuses to kill or eat any woman. This could be related to his backstory. Centuries ago, when Akaza was a normal human being, his name was Hakuji. He was a great martial artist. But due to a series of events he transforms into a demon with the help of none other than Muzan Kibutsuji.
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HOW DOES RENGOKU DIE
After Enmu is defeated by Tanjiro and Insouke, they escape the train controlled by the demon with Nezuko, Zenitsu and Kyojuro notices that Tanjiro was bleeding heavily and helps him in healing himself by a method which requires breathing control. Just as the two are talking and Kyojuro tells Tanjiro that he doesn’t need to worry anymore as everyone is saved, something falls on the ground with great force and comes behind both of them. The dust disappears and Tanjiro looks into the eye of the person revealing that he is none other than the Upper Rank Three, Akaza. Akaza goes to attack Tanjiro (as an order from Muzan) but Kyojuro uses his Flame Breathing and cuts his arm off. Akaza impressed by Kyojuro’s speed, backs away and regenerates his arm. He looks at Kyojuro and is able to figure out that he is a hashira, the two introduce each other and Akaza offers Kyojuro to turn into a demon, which he declines. Akaza tells him that he can become a “Supreme Territory” if he turns into a demon as he’ll be able to keep training for years and years instead of growing old and dying like a normal human. Kyojuro again declines the offer and a fight between the two begins. As a result, Akaza uses his power and sticks his hand through Kyojuro’s stomach, dealing heavy damage but Kyojuro also manages to swing his sword towards Akaza’s neck and just as he was about to cut his neck, Akaza rips his arms and pulls away. After noticing that the sun was about to rise up, Akaza runs away. As Akaza is running into the forest, Tanjiro tells him to stop running away and calls him a coward. After Akaza is gone, Kyojuro has a talk with Tanjiro and entrusts his will with him as he draws his last breath.
WHY RENGOKU’S DEATH WAS NECESSARY
As painful as Rengoku’s death was, his sacrifice in Demon Slayer made sense for both his own character and the storyline. Rengoku doesn’t see himself as someone special, rather an ordinary man who just worked hard to gain power. However, he sees something special in Tanjiro which is why he risked his own life to save him and the others. Not only that but his death served as a great motivation for the other Demon Slayers, especially Tanjiro. The trio works hard to improve their physical abilities as well as develop personally as they have Rengoku’s legacy to uphold.
