Tanjiro Kamado does not directly kill the primary body of Upper Moon 4, Hantengu. Instead, Tanjiro, alongside Nezuko, Genya, and Mitsuri Kanroji, corner and ultimately destroy Hantengu’s original, cowardly form in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc, Episode 11, “Connecting Bonds.”
This article will delve into the specifics of this climactic battle, providing context, character insights, and answering frequently asked questions about the fight against Hantengu.
The Swordsmith Village Assault: A Prelude to Carnage
The Swordsmith Village Arc throws Tanjiro and his companions into a perilous situation: defending the secluded village of swordsmiths from a surprise attack by Upper Moon Demons. Notably, Muzan Kibutsuji, driven by paranoia after Gyutaro’s and Daki’s defeat, dispatches two Upper Moon demons to eliminate the swordsmiths and cripple the Demon Slayer Corps’ ability to replenish their weapons.
Hantengu, bearing the rank of Upper Moon 4, is one of these sent demons. However, his power is remarkably unique and terrifying. His ability to split into multiple clones, each embodying a different emotion and possessing formidable power, makes him an incredibly challenging opponent.
Unraveling Hantengu’s Power
Hantengu’s Blood Demon Art, the power to split into multiple copies representing his emotions, initially presents as four distinct demons: Sekido (Wrath), Karaku (Pleasure), Aizetsu (Sorrow), and Urogi (Joy). As the battle intensifies, these four merge into a more powerful form, Zohakuten (Hatred), who possesses even greater strength and control over elemental attacks like lightning and wind.
The ability to continuously regenerate and evolve, coupled with the individual strengths of each emotion-based clone, makes Hantengu a psychological and physical nightmare for Tanjiro and his allies. They must overcome not only immense power but also the constant shifts in their opponent’s strategy.
The Triumphant Conclusion: Episode 11 – Connecting Bonds
Episode 11 culminates in the harrowing pursuit of Hantengu’s minuscule, cowardly original form, the true source of his power and the key to ending the ordeal. After a series of devastating battles against his emotion-based clones, Tanjiro, despite his exhaustion and injuries, focuses his determination on finding and eliminating the root cause of the chaos.
Nezuko’s assistance proves crucial as she manages to overcome her sunlight weakness, allowing her to provide invaluable support and ultimately expose Hantengu’s hiding place. Genya’s unique ability to consume demon flesh and momentarily gain their powers helps him hinder Hantengu’s escape. This collective effort highlights the theme of camaraderie and teamwork that defines the Demon Slayer Corps.
The Final Blow: Sun Breathing and Overcoming Cowardice
Tanjiro, utilizing his Sun Breathing technique, unleashes a powerful attack that finally decapitates Hantengu’s original form. The episode emphasizes Tanjiro’s unwavering resolve and his ability to overcome adversity.
The resolution isn’t a straightforward victory, however. It underscores the psychological aspect of demon slaying, forcing Tanjiro to confront and destroy the embodiment of pure cowardice and fear, represented by Hantengu’s original form.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Hantengu Battle
Here are frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the battle against Hantengu and its significance within the Demon Slayer universe:
1. What made Hantengu such a difficult opponent?
Hantengu’s difficulty stemmed from his unique Blood Demon Art. His ability to split into multiple clones, each embodying a different emotion and possessing unique powers, made him highly unpredictable and resilient. Furthermore, even after seemingly defeating each clone, they could merge into Zohakuten, an even stronger form, forcing the Demon Slayers to adapt constantly.
2. Why couldn’t the Demon Slayers initially find Hantengu’s original body?
Hantengu’s original body was extremely small and cowardly, constantly hiding and attempting to escape. His clones served as powerful distractions, allowing him to conceal himself effectively. He actively minimized his presence, making him nearly impossible to detect amidst the chaos.
3. What role did Nezuko play in defeating Hantengu?
Nezuko played a vital role. Her overcoming her weakness to sunlight allowed her to directly participate in the fight and pinpoint the location of Hantengu’s original form, which had been previously undetectable. Her Blood Demon Art also proved effective in hindering Hantengu’s attempts to escape.
4. How did Genya contribute to the fight against Hantengu?
Genya’s ability to consume demon flesh and temporarily gain their powers allowed him to disrupt Hantengu’s clones and slow them down. His actions, though not directly resulting in the killing blow, were crucial in buying time for Tanjiro and Nezuko.
5. Was Mitsuri Kanroji instrumental in the fight?
While Mitsuri Kanroji fought against Zohakuten and prevented further devastation to the village, she wasn’t directly involved in the final confrontation with Hantengu’s original form. Her battle provided crucial relief and bought time for Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya.
6. Why is Hantengu’s original form so weak?
Hantengu’s original form embodies pure cowardice and fear, explaining his lack of physical strength. His strength lies in his ability to split into powerful manifestations of his emotions, relying on them to do the fighting for him while he remains hidden and protected.
7. What does Hantengu’s defeat signify in the overall narrative?
Hantengu’s defeat signifies a crucial victory for the Demon Slayer Corps, proving that even the most powerful Upper Moon demons can be overcome with teamwork, determination, and ingenuity. It also demonstrates the increasing power and resilience of Tanjiro and his companions.
8. What Breathing Style did Tanjiro use against Hantengu?
Tanjiro primarily used Sun Breathing, the first and most powerful Breathing Style, to combat Hantengu. While he incorporated elements of other Breathing Styles he learned, Sun Breathing was his primary offensive technique.
9. Did Hantengu’s clones retain memories of their original self?
It is implied that the clones were extensions of Hantengu’s consciousness, but not necessarily retaining the exact memories of his previous life. Their actions and personalities were driven by their respective emotions (wrath, pleasure, sorrow, joy, and hatred), but they were all ultimately controlled by the original, cowardly form.
10. How did the Swordsmith Village get attacked in the first place?
Muzan Kibutsuji, growing increasingly paranoid after the defeat of Gyutaro and Daki, feared that the Demon Slayer Corps was getting too strong. He ordered Hantengu and Gyokko, another Upper Moon demon, to attack the Swordsmith Village to destroy their ability to produce new Nichirin blades.
11. What were the consequences of Hantengu’s defeat?
Hantengu’s defeat resulted in the annihilation of one of Muzan Kibutsuji’s strongest Upper Moon demons. It boosted the morale of the Demon Slayer Corps and provided valuable information about Muzan’s paranoia and his strategies. It also highlighted the importance of teamwork and the evolving power of Tanjiro and his allies.
12. How does the fight with Hantengu develop Tanjiro’s character?
The fight against Hantengu pushed Tanjiro to his limits, forcing him to rely on his training, his friends, and his unwavering determination. It showcased his compassion and his ability to empathize with even his enemies, highlighting his growth as a demon slayer and a person. The encounter emphasizes the need for collaboration and highlights Tanjiro’s increasing mastery of the Sun Breathing technique.