Spoiler Alert !!!
This article contains Demon Slayer Manga spoilers.
The massive popularity and the commercial success of Demon Slayer is extraordinary. Besides the spectacular animation, what hooked fans to the series were the characters. The series had an easy-to-understand power structure that categorized the characters as either good or evil. The demons represented evil, while the Demon Slayer Corps and the Hashira fought for justice. The Demon Slayer corps were extremely strong, especially the Hashira, but it’s intriguing how their leader wasn’t ever able to fight.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki was the head of the Demon Slayers, but he was battling with a life-threatening disease, and that prevented him from engaging in fights. Even then, he led the Hashira through his foresight and his exemplary vision. He had an eye for talent, and the youngest Hashira best exemplifies Kagaya’s exceptional foresight.
Kagaya’s Faith in Tokito From the Beginning
Muichiro Tokito was the youngest Hashira and arguably the most talented. Tokito joined the Demon Slayer Corps when he lost his brother, but he was approached by Amane Ubuyashiki way before that. Kagaya knew about Muichiro’s ancestral lineage and while that was part of the reason, he recruited Tokito because he had faith in the young boy. He knew that Tokito was capable of withstanding the demons.
However, he never let Muichiro be alone with his burdens. He was aware that losing his memory and bearing a responsibility to save people was not easy for a fourteen-year-old boy. So he always dealt with the youngest Hashira with kindness. Kagaya was always there for all the Hashira and offered everyone words of encouragement whenever he felt the need to do it. As for Muichiro, we caught a glimpse of Kagaya’s feelings towards him when he visited the wounded Hashira with Amane.
He asked Tokito to prioritize his survival, and knowing that Tokito’s amnesia troubled him, he reassured him that his memories would return. Although he was initially aloof and distant, Kagaya was the only person whose feelings of closeness were accepted by Tokito.
Tokito’s Magnificent Character Development in Demon Slayer
Kagaya was spot on in recruiting Tokito. Despite his age, he was able to become a Hashira in two months. He evolved his breathing style and developed it into its seventh form. Even in the face of death, he continued to fight against Kokushibo. Tokito was aware of Kagaya’s affection towards him and he also respected the head in return, which helped him move forward in life. During his fight with Gyokko, Tokito remembered Kagaya’s words and defeated the demon.
His rage was on a different level when he went to the Infinity Castle after Kagaya’s demise. He referred to Kagaya as ‘master’ and always treated him like one. After his memories returned, Tokito grew more warm and welcoming. However, before that, the only person he wasn’t cold towards was Kagaya. Their relationship was one of the best aspects of Demon Slayer. Even though we didn’t get to see much of it, Kagaya really valued all the Hashira and his brief interactions with them are a testament to his affection.
Demon Slayer is available to stream on Netflix.
