Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, does not engage in a direct fight with either Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, or Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, in the Demon Slayer anime or manga. There are instances of tension and differing opinions, particularly regarding Nezuko’s acceptance, but these never escalate into a full-blown combat scenario.
Understanding the Dynamics of the Hashira
The Hashira represent the pinnacle of strength and skill within the Demon Slayer Corps. Each possesses a unique breathing style and unwavering dedication to eradicating demons. While united in their goal, individual personalities and beliefs often lead to friction. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to comprehending why a fight between Muichiro, Sanemi, and Obanai never materializes.
The Initial Skepticism Towards Nezuko
The primary source of tension arises from Nezuko Kamado’s existence as a demon who hasn’t consumed human blood. Sanemi, a staunch advocate for immediate demon extermination, displays outright hostility towards her. Obanai, typically reserved but deeply devoted to the Demon Slayer Corps’ ideals, shares Sanemi’s initial skepticism, fueled by the tragedy he witnessed in his own past involving demons.
Muichiro, while initially indifferent and seemingly detached due to his amnesia stemming from trauma, eventually demonstrates a capacity for understanding and even empathy. While not actively defending Nezuko in the same forceful manner as Tanjiro or Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, he doesn’t exhibit the same level of aggression and distrust as Sanemi and Obanai.
Respect for Hierarchy and Shared Goal
Despite their contrasting opinions and personalities, the Hashira generally adhere to a hierarchical structure within the Demon Slayer Corps. They ultimately respect the authority of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader, and are united in their overarching mission to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji and protect humanity. This shared goal, coupled with their inherent sense of duty, prevents any internal conflicts from escalating into physical altercations, especially among themselves. A full-blown fight would be detrimental to the corps, as it would waste their resources and divide their focus from the ultimate enemy.
Addressing the Misconception
The misconception that Muichiro fights Sanemi and Obanai likely stems from a combination of factors:
- Tense Interactions: The discussions surrounding Nezuko’s fate are undoubtedly fraught with tension. Dialogue is sharp, and emotions run high, creating the impression of impending conflict.
- The Hashira Meeting: The Hashira meeting where Nezuko’s fate is decided is a pivotal scene, filled with strong personalities clashing. This scene is incredibly dramatic and visually impactful, which may be interpreted as a fight.
- Character Interpretations: Fans often project their own interpretations onto the characters, sometimes exaggerating existing tensions or imagining scenarios that never actually occur in the source material.
- Fanfiction and Alternate Universes: The popularity of Demon Slayer has spawned countless fanfictions and alternate universes (AUs) where such a fight could conceivably occur. This can blur the lines between canon and fan-created content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify Muichiro’s relationship with Sanemi and Obanai:
FAQ 1: Did Muichiro ever express dislike towards Sanemi or Obanai?
While Muichiro wasn’t outwardly expressive, he displayed a general detachment from most of the Hashira due to his amnesia and stoic personality. He didn’t express explicit dislike towards either Sanemi or Obanai. His indifference could be interpreted as a lack of connection rather than outright animosity.
FAQ 2: Was Muichiro present during Sanemi’s attempt to prove Nezuko was a demon?
Yes, Muichiro was present during Sanemi’s demonstration where he attempts to lure Nezuko into attacking him with the scent of rare blood, ultimately attempting to prove she was a threat to humanity. Muichiro, however, remained largely a passive observer.
FAQ 3: How did Muichiro feel about Nezuko?
Initially, Muichiro was indifferent. However, as the story progresses, particularly during the Swordsmith Village arc, Muichiro begins to show glimpses of empathy and understanding, arguably extending to Nezuko as well. This is part of his broader character development, regaining his memories and reconnecting with his emotions.
FAQ 4: Could Muichiro have defeated Sanemi or Obanai in a fight?
Hypothetically, this is difficult to answer definitively. All three are incredibly powerful Hashira. Sanemi’s Wind Breathing is known for its aggressive and powerful attacks, while Obanai’s Serpent Breathing is highly adaptable and unpredictable. Muichiro’s Mist Breathing relies on speed and deception. A battle would depend on numerous factors, including terrain, specific techniques used, and the fighters’ physical and mental states. There’s no definitive answer to this, making it a hypothetical debate amongst fans.
FAQ 5: Did Obanai ever acknowledge Muichiro’s strength?
Obanai’s primary focus was on Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. He rarely interacted directly with Muichiro in the anime or manga. While he likely acknowledged Muichiro’s strength as a Hashira in general terms, there are no specific instances of him explicitly praising or commenting on Muichiro’s abilities.
FAQ 6: Why was Sanemi so distrustful of demons?
Sanemi’s distrust stemmed from a traumatic childhood experience where his mother was turned into a demon and subsequently killed his siblings. This event deeply scarred him and fueled his unwavering hatred for demons, making him particularly suspicious of Nezuko.
FAQ 7: What were the key differences in ideology between Muichiro, Sanemi, and Obanai?
Sanemi believed in the immediate extermination of all demons, regardless of circumstances. Obanai generally agreed with Sanemi and prioritized absolute adherence to the Demon Slayer Corps’ rules. Muichiro, initially detached due to amnesia, gradually developed a more nuanced perspective, becoming more empathetic and understanding. His trauma from the past was affecting his judgement as well.
FAQ 8: Did Muichiro interact more with any other Hashira?
Muichiro’s most notable interactions were with Tanjiro and Kotetsu during the Swordsmith Village arc. He also had a connection with Kanamori, the swordsmith who crafted his blade. His interactions with other Hashira were limited due to his aloof personality and amnesia.
FAQ 9: How did the Hashira resolve their disagreements regarding Nezuko?
Ultimately, the Hashira were forced to accept Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s decision to allow Nezuko to live, trusting that she would not harm humans. This decision, while not universally accepted, was respected due to Kagaya’s authority and the overarching need for unity against Muzan.
FAQ 10: Is there any official Demon Slayer content depicting a fight between Hashira members?
While there are training sessions and sparring matches mentioned, there are no canonical instances of Hashira engaging in serious, life-or-death combat with one another within the main Demon Slayer story.
FAQ 11: What are the most accurate sources for Demon Slayer information?
The most accurate sources are the original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, the anime adaptation produced by Ufotable, and official Demon Slayer guidebooks and artbooks. Avoid relying solely on fan theories or unverified online sources.
FAQ 12: Where can I learn more about the Hashira and their relationships?
You can explore the Demon Slayer manga and anime, paying close attention to the Hashira Meeting episodes and the character-focused arcs. Official guidebooks and artbooks also provide valuable insights into their backgrounds, personalities, and relationships. These resources will deepen your understanding of the intricate dynamics within the Demon Slayer Corps and give the full picture.