7 Most Impactful Deaths in the Manga, Ranked

The following contains spoilers from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba recounts a dark tale of humanity’s centuries-long struggle against the Demon King and his subordinates. The seemingly endless conflict was violent and demanded countless sacrifices. It should not come as a surprise, then, that several loved characters, who had dedicated themselves to the greater good and wished to protect humanity, met tragic ends.

Throughout the series, numerous deaths left a lasting impression on viewers, some even reducing them to tears. However, these few were arguably the most impactful, not only because of their emotional influence but also due to their overall effect on the narrative.

Mitsuri Kanroji

Love Hashira Died in Obanai’s Arms

• Manga Debut: Chapter 44
• Anime Debut: Episode 21

Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji’s death has to be one of the most emotional in the series. After fighting a long battle against Muzan and his underlings, she sustained life-threatening injuries. With death staring at her, she found herself in Obanai Iguro’s arms. The two could no longer control their emotions and confessed their feelings for each other.

I remember now! I was searching for a worthy man… But I was also searching for a place to be myself! I must be flexible… and lithe. I must be more like myself. What should I do, Rengoku? At a time like this, I… I can’t stop… my heart from pounding! ~ Mitsuri Kanroji

Despite their tragic circumstances, they promised to reunite in another life and died moments after one another. Mitsuri’s dream of being Iguro’s bride remained unfulfilled in this life, but the duo did keep their promise and met again after they reincarnated.

Tamayo

Tamayo Played a Crucial Role in Defeating Muzan

• Manga Debut: Chapter 14
• Anime Debut: Episode 18

Tamayo used to work closely with Muzan many centuries ago. But after witnessing a battle between the Demon King and Yoriichi, she was filled with hope of outgrowing Muzan’s influence and potentially ending his reign of terror.

When the final battle broke out, it was Tamayo who injected Kibtusuji with a human-transforming drug. She was brave enough to go after the Demon King moments after Kagaya took his own life, using a massive explosion to corner him. But confronting Muzan came at a huge cost for Tamayo, who lost her life soon after the battle shifted to the Infinity Castle. However, it was only because of her valiant efforts that Kibutsuji was eventually stopped.

Muichiro Tokito

Mist Hashira Brave Severe Wounds to Fight Kokushibo

• Manga Debut: Chapter 44
• Anime Debut: Episode 21

Muichiro Tokito was arguably the most gifted swordsman of the Taisho Era. He became a Hashira just two months after picking up a sword and went on to fight several high-stakes battles. But his greatest battle has to be against Kokushibo when he teamed up with Gyomei, Genya, and Sanemi.

Despite suffering life-threatening injuries early in the clash, Tokito showcased immense strength and kept fighting with his life on the line. He played a crucial role in defeating Kokushibo. But Muichiro’s wounds were too severe, and he lost too much blood as well. Soon after the battle, Tokito took his last breath, having established beyond doubt that he was one of the greatest swordsmen to have ever lived.

Shinobu Kocho

Insect Hashira Died to Kill an Upper Moon

• Manga Debut: Chapter 28
• Anime Debut: Episode 15

Ever since Shinobu Kocho’s sister was killed by an Upper Moon, she had been burning with a desire for revenge. Before the final war broke out, she hatched a sinister plan for the day she confronted Kanae’s killer. In the Infinity Castle arc, Kocho finally crossed paths with Doma and realized immediately that he was the demon she had been looking for all this time.

How can you feel sorry for something that’s killed humans? I’ve never heard of anything so absurd. But if that was how my sister truly felt, then I must carry it on. If there’s a way not to kill these pitiful demons, I have to keep trying to come up with it. Without ever extinguishing the smile my sister said she loved… ~ Shinobu Kocho

In her last moments, Kanae had expressed fear that Shinobu, too, might die if she tried to avenge her. The Insect Hashira knew that she had no chance of defeating Doma in a one-on-one confrontation. That’s why she absorbed highly concentrated wisteria-based poison for months to alter her body. When Kocho fought the Upper Moon, the battle was one-sided, and Kocho could barely hurt the demon. But as she had hoped, Doma absorbed her alive, taking in all the poison she had in her body. Shinobu’s brave end allowed Inosuke and Kanao to fight and eventually defeat Upper Rank Two. However, her death was surely one of the most shocking moments in the manga.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni

The Greatest Swordsmen Died of Natural Causes

• Manga Debut: Chapter 99
• Anime Debut: Episode 50

Yoriichi Tsugikuni was from the Sengoku era, and although his era did not get enough attention in the manga, his death had far-reaching consequences in the grand scheme of things. It was Yoriichi who invented breathing styles and helped demon slayers of his generation manifest a mark. Because of his contributions, the demons, including Muzan, were pushed into a corner.

Tsugikuni’s death was due to old age, and in his last moments, he had challenged his brother, who had turned into a demon. Even at that age, he was too quick for the demon and would have won the fight had natural causes not claimed him. It could be argued that someone of his caliber already knew he was about to die, and he just wanted to meet his brother one last time. Regardless of the reasons, Tsugikuni’s death allowed Muzan to terrorize the world with extreme cruelty for a few hundred years more.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki

Ubuyashiki’s Suicide Eventually Took Down Muzan

• Manga Debut: Chapter 46
• Anime Debut: Episode 22

Kagaya Ubusyashiki led the Demon Slayer Corps during one of the most challenging times. He assembled a legendary team of Hashira who went on to defeat Muzan and his underlings, ending the centuries-old war between good and evil. But Kagaya’s death was not only impactful because of his achievements. His suicide act was the spark that turned into an all-consuming fire that eventually took down Muzan Kibtusuji. If it weren’t for Ubuyashiki’s predictions and insights, the Demon Slayer Corps would have never defeated the Demon King.

Kyojuro Rengoku

Flame Hashira Sacrificed Himself Defending Tanjiro

• Manga Debut: Chapter 44
• Anime Debut: Episode 21

Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku was a fearless warrior who was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. So when he, along with Tanjiro and his friends, was cornered by Akaza following an intense battle with Enmu, the brave Hashira took it upon himself to fight the Upper Moon. Unfortunately, the power gap between the adversaries was too significant, but in spite of that, Rengoku surprised Akaza with his relentless fighting prowess. The demon even felt that Kyojuro was too special to die as a human and should join the Twelve Kizuki.

Go ahead and live with your head held high. No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead. Even if you stop and crouch down, time won’t wait for you or snuggle you and grieve along with you. Don’t feel bad that I’m going to die here. As a Hashira, of course I would shield my juniors. ~ Rengoku to Tanjiro

The Flame Hashira rejected Akaza’s devious offer, retaining his humanity and fighting till the end for the greater good. His death shocked Demon Slayer fans as the Hashira were considered invincible until that point in the story. Rengoku’s selfless sacrifice had far-reaching consequences and went on to influence the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan’s forces.