The Hashira are the most powerful and skilled demon slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps in the popular anime/manga series Demon Slayer. They are the pillars that hold up the organization. There are 9 Hashira in total, each representing a different skill – from having mastered different Breathing Styles to expertise with certain weapons. So far, all of the Hashira that have been introduced have been human demon slayers.
The 9 Hashira
Here are the 9 current Hashira that have been introduced in the story:
- Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
- Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira
- Obanai Iguro – Serpent Hashira
- Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira
- Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira
- Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira
- Sanemi Shinazugawa – Wind Hashira
- Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
- Rengoku Kyojuro – Flame Hashira
As you can see, they are all human demon slayers who have honed their skills over years of training to reach the highest ranks of the Corps. There is no demon among their ranks.
Could a demon become a Hashira?
While there are currently no demon Hashira, it’s not entirely impossible for a demon to become one:
- Demons can choose not to consume humans and walk a more peaceful path, as evidenced by Nezuko Kamado after becoming a demon.
- If a powerful demon chose to align themselves with the Demon Slayer Corps and use their strength to help humans, they could potentially prove themselves and be accepted.
- However, it would likely be difficult to gain the trust of the demon slayers as well as Master Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who ultimately appoints the Hashira.
- A demon would have to demonstrate complete mastery of a combat style or skill on par with the current Hashira.
- They would also need to show the values of the Corps – selflessness, protecting the weak, and a sense of duty.
So while there are significant obstacles, it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility for a demon to potentially become a Hashira if they had the skill and commitment to the Corps’ values.
Would a demon Hashira be accepted?
If a demon did manage to become a Hashira, gaining acceptance from the other Hashira and regular demon slayers would likely be very difficult:
- Many demon slayers harbor intense hatred and animosity towards demons due to traumatic pasts and losses.
- They may distrust or even refuse to work with a demon Hashira.
- A demon Hashira could be seen as a threat or infiltrator by paranoid demon slayers.
- However, if the demon Hashira proved themselves and earned the respect of the other pillars over time, acceptance could gradually happen.
- Master Kagaya would likely need to strongly endorse the demon Hashira to influence attitudes Corps-wide.
- But pockets of dissent, prejudice and fear would still likely persist.
So a demon reaching Hashira rank could certainly happen, but being fully welcomed into the ranks would be a long, uphill battle and require changing the deep-rooted perceptions many demon slayers have towards demons in general.
How would a demon Hashira be advantageous against Muzan?
Having a demon Hashira could potentially bring some important advantages and perspective against the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji:
- Inside knowledge of demon abilities, instincts and weaknesses from firsthand experience.
- Being able to predict demon strategies and countermeasures.
- If they once followed Muzan, they may have valuable intelligence about his own abilities and vulnerabilities.
- A high level of demon strength, healing and endurance.
- Immunity to some of Muzan’s demon conversion powers.
- A different viewpoint that could identify angles and insights humans may miss.
Having a reformed demon at the highest ranks could be an incredible asset if their loyalty proved true. Their capabilities and knowledge could make them a powerful ally in the war against Muzan.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are currently no demon Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps, it is possible for a powerful, skilled demon devoted to humanity’s cause to potentially earn such a position. However, gaining acceptance and trust among demon slayers conditioned to hate demons would be very difficult and take significant time. If that acceptance was achieved, a demon Hashira could bring advantageous abilities and intelligence against Muzan Kibutsuji. But such a thing currently remains only hypothetical. For now, the Hashira ranks are held by the most skilled and accomplished human demon slayers alone.