Updated April 1, 2023 by Ernie
Koyoharu Gotoge’s Demon Slayer is the leading example of how one can touch the hearts of millions with pure simplicity. It’s just Gotoge’s love, passion, and dedication for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba that has reached millions across the globe. Though the abrupt ending of Demon Slayer manga has left us wanting more.
Table of Contents
But the Demon Slayer Movie: Infinity Train has made us forget about its absence with its astounding visuals and a heartwarming farewell to our beloved Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku. The man who was and always will be the epitome of flame burning within our hearts. I think that’s the reason why the Demon Slayer movie topped 40 billion yen in Japan for the first time!
So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into the details about Kyoujuro Rengoku.
Demon Slayer Wiki: Kyoujuro Rengoku
Kyoujuro Rengoku
Character Information
| Title: | Flame Hashira |
| Status: | Deceased |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 20 |
| Height: | 177 cm (5’10”) |
| Weight: | 72 kg (159 lb) |
| Birthday: | May 10th |
| Hair Color: | Gold with Red Tips |
| Eye Color: | Gold with Red Irises |
Professional Status
| Occupation: | Demon Slayer |
| Affiliations: | Demon Slayer Corps |
Appearances in ANIME/MANGA
| Manga Debut | Chapter 44 |
| Anime Debut | Episode 21 (Season 1) |
Relations
| Father | Shinjuro Rengoku |
| Mother | Ruka Rengoku |
| Younger Brother | Senjuro Rengoku |
Voice Actors
| Japanese: | Satoshi Hino |
| English: | Mark Whitten |
Appearance
As the Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku’s appearance radiated trust, strength, and warmth. Kyoujuro was tall, athletic, and oozed confidence through a smile cemented on his face almost all the time. Just like a flame, Rengoku’s long hair was bright yellow with red tips, with two shoulder-length bangs, and two-chin length bangs respectively.
Even his eyebrows were like the tips of the flames. And he had golden Iris and bright red pupils burning with passion. Every inch of his being resembled the flame of fire.
Unlike the regular black costume of Demon Slayer Corps, Kyoujuro Rengoku donned a brown version of it. His costume consists of a brown gakuran jacket, a white belt around his waist, and brown hakama pants. On top of that, he wore the Haori, which only the Flame Pillar is allowed to wear. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
The haori has a yellow gradient with red flame-like finishing which his father, Shinjuro Rengoku donned as the former Flame Hashira which is passed through generations in his family. Besides that, he wore red kyahan with yellow flames patterned on it with a pair of pale brown tabi socks and a white pair of zori with red straps.
Though he wore the regular Demon Slayer Corps uniform in his early days, soon as he rose the ranks, he proudly donned the brown uniform and the Flame Pillar Haori. Wow, that’s a lot of costume details! It makes me want to take a look at one of the best Demon Slayer cosplays!
Personality
Kyoujuro Rengoku is the symbol of enthusiasm. Though he isn’t always happy, the eternal smile on his face says otherwise. Rengoku might come out as an empty shell, but in reality, he has decided to toughen up and take the responsibility of a Hashira at an early age.
He was like any other kid in his childhood. But losing her mother during his childhood and witnessing his father drown in sorrow left Rengoku with a burden he was unprepared for. Though he was always shunned by his father after his mother’s death, Kyoujuro Rengoku never disrespected him. However, his mother’s parting words have helped him to stand proud as a Hashira who protects the weak.
“Helping the weak is the duty of those born with strength. You must take your responsibility seriously and do your duty…and never ever forget that.” Ruka Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
And those words are the foundation of the Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku. Not only did he take the rank of the Flame Hashira in his father’s absence, but he also supported his younger brother during the hard times by being true and honest with him.
Sadly, we were only able to witness Rengoku’s warm and hearty smile in his last breath.
During that moment, not only did he ask Tanjiro to visit his house and relay his message to his father and brother, he also acknowledged Nezuko as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. His last words to them were to keep learning and growing until they become a Hashira.
But the words that tore us apart were also his last words,
“ Mother…Did I do well? Did I use my gift wisely?” –
Kyoujuro Rengoku
“You did splendidly.” – Ruka Rengoku (Mother)
(Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 66)
And this final dialogue between a mother and her son summarises the personality of our beloved Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku. Strong, Reliable, and Disciplined till his last breath.
Strength And Skills
Kyoujuro Rengoku was one of the strongest members among the nine Hashira. Fighting against the Lower Ranker One Demon, Enmu, and the Upper Rank Three Demon, Akaza while saving lives of all 200 passengers on the Infinity Train. That too, in a single night, proves the towering strength of the Flame Hashira.
If not tired from saving the passengers and fighting against Enmu, Kyoujuro Rengoku would have defeated Akaza of the Twelve Kizuki. (Twelve Demon Moons)
Furthermore, Shinjuro Rengoku mentioned that Kyoujuro is a self-made Hashira who learned Flame Breathing all by himself with the help of only three volumes. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 81)
According to Akaza, Kyoujuro Rengoku was close to perfection which meant he was close to obtaining the Transparent World and Selfless State.
All these facts point out that if his father had continued training him, Kyoujuro Rengoku would have been invincible till the end of the story.
Enhanced Instinct
Even with his extraordinary sense of smell, Tanjiro Kamado was unable to sense the demon before Kyoujuro Rengoku. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 54)
Not to mention, while Enmu merged with the whole train, instead of panicking Rengoku quickly assessed the situation and assigned roles to everyone while handling the hardest part of the job by himself. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
He was also able to sense Enmu’s demonic presence in the spell which helped him to break out from the dream.
Rengoku was also the one who taught Tanjiro how to stanch the torn blood vessel using breathing techniques. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Kyoujuro Rengoku’s instinct was in a class of its own. Sharp and Precise.
Stamina and Endurance
Kyoujuro Rengoku’s stamina and endurance resemble the Daruma doll. Doesn’t matter how much damage is inflicted, Kyoujuro Rengoku will always stand strong on his two feet carrying the duty of being the Flame Pillar.
In his fight against the Flute Demon, Rengoku didn’t hesitate to burst his eardrums to counter the demon’s spell. Without eardrums one would easily lose his composure and balance, but not Rengoku. Furious about his comrade’s death, he slashed the demon down to its grave. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 205.1-Special One-Shot)
To prove that he is capable of being the Flame Hashira, he was tasked with defeating one of the Twelve Kizuki (Twelve Demon Moons). During his fight with the former Lower Rank Two, Hairo, Rengoku suffered severe injuries and wounds from gunshots, followed by a fatal explosion.
But that didn’t stop him from buying time for his team to disarm the bombs planted across the city. Following which he defeated Hairo. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
On the Infinity Train, when Enmu fused with the train, Rengoku defended five out of eight cars by himself and successfully did so. That proves his unending endurance. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
After successfully defending 200 passengers of the Infinity Train against Enmu, Rengoku defended worn-out Tanjirou, Inosuke, and others against Akaza, a demon of the Upper Rank, even with several internal organ injuries, a crushed eye, and broken ribs. (Demon Slayer: Kiimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
Fighting two demons of the Twelve Kizuki (Twelve Demon Moons) in a single night proves Kyoujuro Rengoku’s immense stamina and endurance. A strong pillar indeed.
Inhuman Speed and Reflex
In terms of speed and reflexes, Kyoujuro Rengoku, just at the age of 20, was toe-to-toe with Upper Rank Three Demon, Akaza who was 200 years old during the battle.
When the Infinity Train was controlled by Enmu, Rengoku reached Tanjiro at such a speed that the train itself was this close to being derailed. Tanjiro was shocked at how Kyoujuro’s fast movements caused tremors across the train. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
Without Rengoku’s fast reflex Tanjiro would have been killed by Akaza.
During his battle with Akaza, Tanjiro Kamado was unable to track either of Rengoku’s or Akaza’s movements, let alone join the fight to help the Flame Hashira. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Even the prideful Inosuke Hashibira was unable to perceive their movements and remarked on their movements being from another dimension.
“I feel it. If I get too close, there is only death.” Inosuke (Chapter 64)
At times, Kyoujuro Rengoku was even able to out-speed Akaza. Overwhelming a demon, that too an Upper Rank, in the aspect of speed and reflex proves the Flame Pillar’s inhuman ability.
Monstrous Strength
Don’t go by his looks, Kyoujuro Rengoku is strong enough to derail a moving train. Yes, a 20-year-old young adult can do that.
On the Infinity Train, to relay the strategy to Tanjiro, Rengoku used the Flame Breathing technique to reach him, which nearly derailed the train.
“What?! A demon attack?!” – Tanjiro Kamado
That’s what Tanjiro thought.
To defend the rear five cars of the train, the Flame Hashira used the same technique and vanished in thin air, seeing which Tanjiro was shocked to witness the tremor throughout the train. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
If you are looking for inspiration for your leg day, Rengoku is the man.
Rengoku’s one katana swing sent Akaza flying. Rengoku’s monstrous strength is further demonstrated when Akaza was unable to get out of Rengoku’s grip even with a hole through his solar plexus.
“He stopped my fist! Unbelievable power! But my fist has pierced his guts!” Akaza (Chapter 64)
Invincible Will
Be it his enhanced instincts, inhuman speed, reflex, stamina, endurance, or monstrous strength, nothing would have mattered if Rengoku lost his will to protect the weak and break the promise he made to his late mother.
Without the indomitable will, Kyoujuro Rengoku wouldn’t be a Flame Hashira despite a life full of obstacles. Be it his father’s wallowing in sorrow and leaving his two sons on their own, or training by himself to take the rightful place that his father left as a Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku kept moving forward.
Even with the sorrow of his mother’s demise, Rengoku looked after his brother with care and ultimately became the Flame Hashira to fulfill his mother’s dying wish.
During the battle, despite being severely wounded, with a busted eye and ribs and ruptured internal organs, Rengoku didn’t slow down. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
Instead, with the will of fire, Rengoku with a pierced solar plexus grabbed Akaza till dawn but unfortunately, he escaped by tearing his hands apart. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 65)
Though his will wasn’t enough to defeat Akaza. However, the will of fire was passed onto Tanjiro Kamado.
As we all know, the Hashira is a group of highly skilled members of the Demon Slayer Corps, celebrated for their exceptional combat prowess and formidable power. Throughout the series, they have demonstrated their superiority by effortlessly defeating demons that posed a significant challenge to Tanjiro Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma – a basic knowledge of the fandom. Tch.
But of course, they are just humans too. So despite their proficiency, demons possess innate abilities that make them a daunting adversary. Their unparalleled natural talents, endurance, and regenerative capabilities far surpass the physical limits of a Hashira, who are mere mortals with finite physical stamina and no regenerative powers. We have seen this for the nth time. Even with other anime series, right?
In the battle against Akaza, the Upper Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki, it just proved a hashira’s limit cannot guarantee success in every battle. The Flame Hashira’s intervention was necessary to save Tanjiro and the other demon slayers, underscoring the fact that even the most powerful demon slayers have weaknesses. And we still can’t move on from his ill fate. No one ever will. (I just remembered the scenes. 🙁).
Back to reality, the death of Rengoku, one of the most powerful and loved hashira, has had a profound impact not just on the main characters, but also on the entire Demon Slayer Corps. This has motivated Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu to strive for personal growth and enhance their physical abilities in honor of Rengoku’s legacy. I personally think that it is one of the catalysts for the trio’s big development in the series. Indeed, when you run, you gain one. And when you move forward you gain two. (Sorry, that’s my favorite quote from the Witch from Mercury!)
Anyways, the aftermath of Rengoku’s death has left the Hashira at a disadvantage, but has also sparked a surge of demon slayers seeking revenge and aiming to eradicate demons. One is Sanemi Shinazugawa, the hot-headed wind Hashira.
And based on what we have seen in the second season of “Demon Slayer ”, we have come to see even more powerful demon adversaries, including higherranked upper moon demons – Gyutaro and Daki, due to Rengoku’s death. Which is a different discussion.
On a lighter note, after the tragic fate of Kyoujuro, we can definitely say that the series has taken a new direction, presenting more opportunities for exciting and emotional scenes. All of us are now even more excited as the third installment of the franchise will be released in April 9, 2023 and will be having a 1 hour pilot episode special!
Sharp Intellect
With only 3 volumes as to his guide to learning the Flame Breathing Technique, Kyoujuro Rengoku mastered the technique at a very young age. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 81)
While Tanjiro was in a state of panic, Rengoku quickly assessed the situation and came up with a plan to find the demon’s head, and asked Tanjiro to follow it, taking care of everything within a matter of seconds. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
It was Rengoku who assessed Tanjiro’s wounds without any delay and told him to use the breathing technique properly to close off the severed blood vessel. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 62)
During his battle with Akaza, Rengoku instantly realized the fact that he has to fight closer to Akaza to get the upper hand.
“If we keep fighting at a distance like this…it will be tough to cut off his head. So, I’ll get in close!” – Kyoujuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
In his early days, while fighting against the Flute Demon, Rengoku was quick enough to analyze his comrade’s sign language and use it as an advantage to kill the Flute Demon. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 205.1-Special One-Shot)
Fighting Style
Kyoujuro Rengoku is a highly skilled swordsman. Even amongst the nine hashira, his ability as a swordsman is highly regarded. The sword he carries is not just a weapon, the demon-slaying sword was a part of his body.
He proved his ability during his battle against Akaza, Hairo, and Enmu on the Infinity Train.
“To come this far, I had to do some really precise blade-work…so I think the demon’ll need some time to regenerate..” – Kyoujuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
“Such amazing speed! And your amazing sword technique! Time will steal it all, Kyoujuro!” – Akaza (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Sword
Kyoujuro Rengoku carried a katana made out of nichirin. The katana has a reddish-orange tone resembling the flame. The words “Destroy Demons” were engraved on the sword.
The hilt of the sword looked like a flame with a red and orange tone. After Rengoku’s demise, his younger brother, Senjuro gifted Tanjiro with the hilt.
“I want you to have it. I’m sure it will protect you.” – Senjuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 69)
The sheath of the sword is white and grey.
Breathing Technique
Kyoujuro Rengoku is the user of the Flame Breathing Technique, which has been passed down to generations in the Rengoku family. The former being his father, Shinjuro Rengoku.
Surprisingly, Kyoujuro is a self-taught Flame Hashira who mastered the Flame Breathing Technique from just the 3 volumes. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 81)
There are a total of nine forms in the Flame Breathing Technique. Out of which only six forms are known.
First Form: Unknowing Fire
In The Flame Breathing First Form: Unknowing Fire, the user charges towards the enemy with speed and goes behind the enemy to slash its head in one single stroke.
Rengoku used it to cut the first demon’s head in the Infinity Train. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 54)
Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun
In the Flame Breathing Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun, the user swings the sword towards the opponent creating a crescent shape, unlike its name.
Rengoku used this form to save Tanjiro from Akaza’s attack. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Third Form: Blazing Universe
In the Flame Breathing Third Form: Blazing Universe, the user jumps high up in the air and uses the momentum while falling into a vertical slash.
Rengoku used this technique while fighting against Akaza. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Movie: Infinity Train)
Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation
In the Flame Breathing Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation, the user creates a circular motion with the sword to stop any attacks that have multiple points of contact. It acts as a shield and it can also slash multiple enemies in a close combat battle.
Rengoku used this form to protect himself from Akaza’s air attacks. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Fifth Form: Flame Tiger
In the Flame Breathing Fifth Form: Flame Tiger, the user powerfully swings the sword producing an attack that takes the form of a tiger, just like the name suggests.
Rengoku uses this form against Akaza’s Destructive Death Disorder. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 63)
Ninth Form: Rengoku
In the Flame Breathing Ninth Form: Rengoku, the user dashes with the heart set ablaze and all the willpower focused into the sword, producing an attack that takes the form of a dragon.
Unfortunately, this was Rengoku’s last attack before dying in the hands of Akaza. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
Facts
- His last name Rengoku means “purgatory” in Japanese.
- He loved to watch sumo and wrestling.
- His birthday was on May 10 which made his zodiac sign, Taurus.
- Sweet potatoes were so favorite of Rengoku that he said “delicious” with each bite.
- Rengoku’s favorite side dish was salt-grilled bream.
- Due to his father’s hatred towards animals, Rengoku was never allowed to have pets in his household. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Official Fanbook)
- Kyoujuro Rengoku was the mentor of the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji. Rengoku even gifted her a coat on passing the final selection and officially joining the Demon Hunters. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
- On being asked about his hair by a kid, Rengoku said that his ancestors ate a lot of shrimp tempuras which affected the hair throughout the following generations. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
- There are only 4 hashiras that use standard Nichirin Katana. Those are Sanemi, Muichiro, Giyuu and Kyoujuro
- He was only 20 years of age when he met his fate.
- At the time of his death, Kyōjurō weighed 72 Kg and was 177 centimeters (5’10”) tall.
Past/History
During his childhood, Kyoujuro Rengoku and his brother Senjuro were trained by his father, Shinjuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira.
But sadly after his mother’s demise, his father drowned himself in alcohol and left the position as a Flame Hashira. He stopped training both Kyoujuro and his brother.
Though it wasn’t a pleasant situation for him, Kyoujuro never gave up and trained himself to become the Flame Hashira and mastered the Flame Breathing Technique all by himself with only a few volumes to guide him. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 81)
The last words from his mother kept pushing and inspiring Kyoujuro Rengoku till his last breath. While all this, Rengoku never sidelined his brother, he always cared and supported Senjuro in every way possible.
While his father was always against Rengoku’s ideals and kept demoralizing him, Rengoku, not for once, despised him. Without getting demoralized, Kyoujuro pursued his dream with the help of his mother’s words till he fulfilled his promise. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
Before becoming the Flame Pillar, Rengoku mentored Mitsuri Kanroji before she even became part of the Demon Slayer Corps. To become the Flame Hashira in place of his father, Rengoku defeated Hairo, the former Lower Rank Two Demon. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
In his first mission as a Demon Slayer, Kyoujuro Rengoku defeated the Flute Demon, to do which he had to burst his eardrums. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 205.1-Special One-Shot)
Affiliations
Demon Slayer Corps
Kyoujuro Rengoku was a member of the Demon Slayer Corps climbing up the ranks as any other member until he rightfully took the position of the Flame Hashira in his father’s succession.
Relationships
Throughout his life, Kyoujuro Rengoku loved and admired his family the most, especially his mother, Ruka Rengoku, and his younger brother, Senjuro Rengoku.
Though he didn’t hate his father, Shinjuro Rengoku, his relationship with him was not as close as his mother. However, in the last few hours of his life, he came to adore Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko.
Mother: Ruka Rengoku
To Rengoku, Ruka was nothing less than a god he prayed to and idolized throughout his life. Her warm and disciplined upbringing has made Kyoujuro Rengoku a reliable and strong man. Ruka’s parting words pushed Rengoku to the limits of becoming a Hashira at the young age of 20.
Even Kyoujuro’s father acknowledges the fact that Ruka’s blood runs strong in him. That’s why Rengoku never boasted or abused his powers, he was down to earth and honest to his duty as a Hashira, all thanks to Ruka Rengoku! A badass mother and an ideal waifu!
“Ruka’s…his mother’s blood is strong in him.” – Shinjuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 81)
Younger Brother: Senjuro Rengoku
No matter what the situation, Senjuro was always his priority until the very last moment of his life. After Ruka’s demise, when his father, Shinjuro became a pitiful drunkard, Rengoku as the elder brother took the responsibility for Senjuro.
Kyoujuro never pressured his brother into becoming a Demon Slayer. He always said that Senjuro must follow his heart. No matter the path he follows, he must give his all. And most importantly Rengoku was always honest with Senjuro.
Kyoujuro and Senjuro shared an adorable bond. Both understood each other’s situation and tried their best to keep each other company in their hard times.
“I want you to tell…my little brother Senjuro…to take the path that he thinks is right, to follow his heart.” – Kyoujuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 66)
Father: Shinjuro Rengoku
Shinjuro trained both Kyoujuro and Senjuro to become a Flame Hashira until Ruka’s demise. After which he stopped training them and asked them to leave the dream of becoming one.
Rather than giving up, Kyoujuro chose to follow his mother’s words and asked his brother to follow his heart. That didn’t mean that he ever disrespected his father.
Though Shinjuro badmouthed his late son, Kyoujuro cared for his father until the moment he died. Shinjuro never deserved a son like Kyoujuro, who carried his will despite the harsh words. To learn more about him, visit Shinjuro Rengoku’s wiki.
“And tell…my father to take care of himself.” – Kyoujuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 66)
Mitsuri Kanroji
Kyoujuro Rengoku was the mentor of Mitsuri Kanroji. He gifted her a coat when she passed the final selection. Even her Love Breathing Technique was inspired by Rengoku’s Flame Breathing Technique. She’s one of the most powerful female characters in Demon Slayer by the way!
The bond they shared was that of a master and a disciple. Rengoku loved the sweet potatoes she cooked. They eat those sweet potatoes during their breaks and Mitsuri even admired him saying “Delicious” after each bite since then. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1 & Chapter 2)
Tanjiro Kamado
Rengoku didn’t like Tanjiro for protecting a demon, which is against the Demon Slayer Corps rule. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 45). Hey, do you want to know more spoilers? Do you want to find out if Tanjiro dies in Demon Slayer?
However, after meeting Tanjiro on the Infinity Train and seeing him doing so well against Enmu and protecting passengers eventually changed his opinion. He even offered to make Tanjiro his Tsuguko. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 54)
Nezuko Kamado
While on his deathbed, Rengoku began caring for Tanjirou.
And witnessing Nezuko protecting the humans being a demon, moved Rengoku and in his last moments, he even acknowledged Nezuko to be a proper member of the Demon Slayer Corps. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 66). Not only that you also take a look at one of our emotional Nezuko quotes!
“Tanjiro…I believe in your little sister. I consider her a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.” – Kyoujuro Rengoku
Akaza
Though Akaza killed Rengoku, it was only because Rengoku continued to deny becoming a demon. Akaza kept pestering him to become a demon throughout their fight because he wanted to have battled with him for eternity.
However, the strong-headed Kyoujuro would never become a demon and ended up losing his life in Akaza’s hands. However, there is always a reason behind a villain’s story. So, instead of hating him, why not visit our Akaza’s wiki to learn more about him?
“Die! You’re finished, Kyoujuro! Give in! Say you’ll become a demon!” – Akaza (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 64)
Plot
Though Kyoujuro Rengoku didn’t get deserved runtime in the story, his presence in those handfuls of chapters was the turning point of Demon Slayer. He was also the one behind Tanjiro Kamado’s awakening.
As someone once said, “It doesn’t matter how long you live, it matters how large you live.”
Flute Demon Arc (Special One-Shot)
The arc begins with Shinjuro telling Kyoujuro and his brother to give up on becoming the Flame Hashira as he will be the last one.
Rengoku being Rengoku, never gave up and asked his brother to walk the path he wanted to.
He faces the Flute Demon in his first mission as a Demon Slayer. He ruptures his eardrums to defeat the demon. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 205.1-Special One-Shot)
Hairo Arc (Gaiden)
In this arc, we get to know that Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, was the disciple of Kyoujuro. She passed her final selections and became a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. And to celebrate it, Rengoku gifted her a coat.
Meanwhile, when his father refuses to go to the pillar meeting, Kyoujuro Rengoku attends the pillar meeting and tells Kagaya Ubuyashiki that he is ready to take the position of the Flame Pillar.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki accepts his request but on one condition. If he defeats the former Lower Rank Two, Hairo, he will be considered as the Flame Pillar. Rengoku confidently accepts the condition. (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 1)
Following which he had a tough battle with Hairo, as he was stalling time for his comrades to disarm the bombs. After severely injuring himself, he finally defeats Hairo and becomes the Flame Pillar. (Hashira) (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Rengoku Kyoujurou Gaiden Chapter 2)
Infinity Train Arc
Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu meet Rengoku on the Infinity Train. While traveling, Rengoku comes across the first demon and slashes it with ease. Following which they fell asleep. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 54)
During their sleep, Enmu casts a spell to kill them in their dream by destroying their spiritual core. All of them were cast into their ideal dreams so that the procedure can be carried out with ease. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 55)
While Tanjiro was the first to break out of the spell, Rengoku soon broke out of it and reached Tanjiro to quickly strategize and give him a task to find the head of the demon while he protects passengers of five out of eight cars of the trains. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 60)
After saving all passengers, he was unfortunate to face the Upper Rank Three Demon, Akaza. After a valiant fight with Akaza, Rengoku lost his life after the demon pierced his solar plexus just before dawn and ran away to avoid the sunlight. Aside from non-stop action, why not take a break and read some of the powerful Demon Slayer Mugen Train quotes?
During his last breath, he accepted Tanjiro and entrusted his will to him. Rengoku even acknowledged Nezuko as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps and passed away after having a vision of his mother. (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 66)
Voice Actors
Satoshi Hino
The adult Kyojuro Rengoku was voiced by Satoshi Hino. Satoshi Hino is also known for his role of Momonga in Overlord and Daichi Sawamura in Haikyuu.
While Mariya Ise voiced the child Kyoujuro. Mariya Ise is extremely popular for voicing the roles like Killua in Hunter x Hunter and Ray in The Promised Neverland.
Mark Whitten
The adult Kyoujuro Rengoku was voice dubbed in English by Mark Whitten. He is popular for voicing the role of Mikitaka Hasekura in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable.
While Ryan Bartley voiced the child Rengoku. She is famous for the role of Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Explore our list of voice actors in Demon Slayer to discover more about the talented individuals behind the characters.
Do You Think Rengoku is the Strongest Hashira?
I wish Rengoku got more runtime, however, it’s also true that the impression he left on me and the fellow readers with his short yet huge presence in the story wouldn’t be as effective as it is right now.
That’s how beautifully written the character of our beloved Flame Hashira, Kyoujuro Rengoku is. Who would have thought that a single chapter of mere 22 pages would become one of the best character-driven chapters ever in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. That is Chapter 66 titled “Scattering Into Dawn”.
Who knew that the Infinity wasn’t actually infinite, that it had an end to it. A tragic one.
It’s hard to recover from the loss, but let’s cheer up because he was victorious till the end. Want to shed more tears? Then let me grab you the list of the most heartbreaking deaths in anime!
And be prepared to watch the journey all over again with the upcoming third season of Demon Slayer. Also, don’t forget to comment your thoughts down below.
