The Demon Slayer: Mugen Train movie culminates in a devastating victory against the powerful demon Enmu, but at a significant cost. Following the defeat of Enmu and his incorporation into the Mugen Train itself, the Demon Slayer Corps face an even greater threat: the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza, who arrives seeking to prove his strength against the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, resulting in Rengoku’s tragic death after a fierce and protracted battle.
The Confrontation on the Mugen Train
The film’s climax is a whirlwind of relentless action and emotional turmoil. After Tanjiro Kamado and his companions successfully sever Enmu’s control over the sleeping passengers of the Mugen Train, they find themselves facing the physical manifestation of Enmu fused with the train itself.
Taming the Dream Weaver
Enmu, the Lower Rank One demon, possessed the power to trap people in their dreams, manipulating their subconscious desires and fears. The Demon Slayer Corps, particularly Tanjiro, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, struggle to break free from his illusions, repeatedly entering and escaping the dream world to awaken themselves and their comrades. This portion of the battle underscores the importance of mental fortitude and the strength of bonds between the Demon Slayers. They ultimately discover Enmu’s weakness – his neck bone, which lies hidden within the train – and work together to sever it, effectively defeating him in his initial form.
Akaza Arrives: A Test of Strength
However, the respite is short-lived. The arrival of Akaza, a significantly more powerful demon, marks a turning point in the film. Akaza’s primary goal is to battle strong opponents and persuade them to become demons themselves, believing that immortality is the ultimate path to strength. He is immediately drawn to Rengoku’s unwavering spirit and impressive combat skills.
Rengoku vs. Akaza: A Clash of Ideologies
The battle between Rengoku and Akaza is a brutal and visually stunning spectacle. Rengoku, despite having sustained injuries in the fight against Enmu, faces Akaza head-on, displaying his mastery of Flame Breathing techniques.
The Power of Flame Breathing
Rengoku’s Flame Breathing techniques are showcased in their full glory during this fight. Each strike is imbued with intense power and determination. He uses various forms, each designed to inflict maximum damage on Akaza. However, Akaza’s regenerative abilities, a hallmark of Upper Rank demons, allow him to quickly recover from Rengoku’s attacks, making the fight a seemingly endless struggle.
A Sacrifice for the Future
Despite his valiant efforts, Rengoku is ultimately unable to defeat Akaza. He sustains a fatal wound while protecting Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu. Before succumbing to his injuries, Rengoku imparts his wisdom and encouragement to Tanjiro, urging him to become a stronger Demon Slayer and to continue his fight against Muzan Kibutsuji. Rengoku’s final words are a powerful message of hope and resilience, inspiring Tanjiro to honor his legacy. The ending highlights themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The rising sun forces Akaza to flee, leaving behind a devastated Tanjiro who vows to become strong enough to defeat him.
The Aftermath and Its Implications
Rengoku’s death is a profound loss for the Demon Slayer Corps and a devastating blow to Tanjiro and his friends. The film concludes with Tanjiro inheriting Rengoku’s will and resolve, promising to carry on his fight against the demons.
A New Resolve
Tanjiro, deeply affected by Rengoku’s sacrifice, is determined to become stronger and to avenge his death. He recognizes the immense power of the Upper Rank demons and the urgent need to hone his skills. This experience serves as a catalyst for his future training and growth. The final scene shows Tanjiro gripping Rengoku’s broken sword guard, symbolizing his commitment to honoring his mentor’s memory and continuing the fight for humanity.
Preparing for Future Battles
The Mugen Train incident underscores the immense challenge that lies ahead for the Demon Slayer Corps. It reveals the true power of the Upper Rank demons and the necessity for rigorous training and unwavering determination. The film’s ending sets the stage for future battles and highlights the importance of teamwork, courage, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly was Enmu’s power as Lower Rank One?
Enmu possessed the power to manipulate dreams. He could trap people in their dream states, altering their perception of reality and exploiting their deepest desires and fears. By controlling their dreams, he could essentially render his victims helpless and vulnerable. He would then dispatch underlings to destroy the “spiritual core” within their dreams, killing them in real life.
Q2: How did the Demon Slayers break free from Enmu’s dream world?
Breaking free from Enmu’s dream world required piercing one’s own subconscious and recognizing the inconsistencies and distortions within the dream. The Demon Slayers used various methods, including physically harming themselves or having a comrade awaken them. Tanjiro’s strong will and determination were crucial in escaping the dream.
Q3: Why did Akaza want Rengoku to become a demon?
Akaza believed that becoming a demon was the only way to achieve true strength and immortality. He sought out strong opponents, like Rengoku, and tried to persuade them to abandon their humanity and embrace the power of demonhood. He saw Rengoku’s potential and believed he could become an even stronger demon.
Q4: What were Rengoku’s final words to Tanjiro?
Rengoku told Tanjiro to “Set your heart ablaze,” and to continue fighting for the sake of humanity. He emphasized the importance of protecting the weak and encouraged Tanjiro to believe in himself and his abilities. He also instructed Tanjiro to look up his family and learn about the Flame Breathing style. He also acknowledged that he believed in Tanjiro.
Q5: How did Rengoku die?
Rengoku died from a severe wound inflicted by Akaza during their battle. Despite using all his strength and techniques, he was unable to withstand Akaza’s relentless attacks and regenerative abilities. The final blow involved Akaza piercing Rengoku’s abdomen.
Q6: What is the significance of Tanjiro inheriting Rengoku’s sword guard?
Tanjiro inheriting Rengoku’s sword guard symbolizes the transfer of Rengoku’s will, spirit, and determination. It represents Tanjiro’s commitment to carrying on Rengoku’s legacy and continuing the fight against the demons. It is a reminder of Rengoku’s sacrifice and a source of inspiration for Tanjiro.
Q7: What is the Flame Breathing style, and how does it work?
Flame Breathing is a combat style that mimics the power of fire. It involves mastering specific breathing techniques and movements to enhance strength, speed, and agility. Rengoku’s mastery of Flame Breathing allowed him to generate powerful attacks and defend against demon attacks.
Q8: Why did Akaza flee from the battle despite seeming stronger than Rengoku?
Akaza fled because the sun began to rise. Demons are vulnerable to sunlight, which can incinerate them. Despite his strength, Akaza had to retreat to avoid being destroyed by the sun’s rays.
Q9: What role did Inosuke and Zenitsu play in the final battle?
While Tanjiro faced Akaza alongside Rengoku, Inosuke and Zenitsu sustained injuries during the fight with Enmu and were in a weakened state. They attempted to assist Rengoku, but their injuries prevented them from being effective in combat. They primarily served as support and witnesses to Rengoku’s bravery.
Q10: What made Rengoku such a formidable opponent, even against an Upper Rank demon?
Rengoku’s strength stemmed from his rigorous training, his mastery of Flame Breathing, and his unwavering determination. He possessed exceptional physical abilities, a strong moral compass, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His courage and resolve allowed him to fight with incredible intensity, even when facing overwhelming odds.
Q11: What lasting impact did the events of the Mugen Train have on Tanjiro’s character development?
The Mugen Train arc served as a significant turning point in Tanjiro’s character development. Rengoku’s death instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility and a renewed determination to become stronger. He learned the importance of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering resolve. He was exposed to the true power of Upper Rank demons, motivating him to train harder and hone his skills.
Q12: Where does the Demon Slayer story go after the Mugen Train movie?
Following the Mugen Train arc, the story progresses into the Entertainment District Arc, where Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, on a mission to investigate rumors of demons in Yoshiwara. This arc introduces new challenges, powerful demons, and further explores the themes of sacrifice, teamwork, and the unwavering fight against evil. The overarching narrative continues to focus on Tanjiro’s quest to turn his sister Nezuko back into a human and defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.