Updated June 27, 2023 by Noel Vermen
He is the most Gangster among all the Twelve Kizuki. The Upper Moon One, Kokushibo.
Table of Contents
Kokushibo is so powerful that with his eyes, he can read at least three books at once… HA! Got’em!
However, this monster is afraid of one thing, but not for the reasons you might think…
Before I tell you what scared Kokushibo so much, let’s first show you how he became so powerful and maintained his untouchable status for centuries.
Actually, the reason for that is even more terrifying than we imagined…
First, let me tell you that there will be spoilers ahead!
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!!!
What Terrified The Most Powerful Kizuki?!
Michikatsu Tsugikuni
Oh by the way, in case you didn’t know, Kokushibo had a different name when he was human… Michikatsu, so let’s call him that… For now.
So, who was Michikatsu Tsugikuni?
Michikatsu was a former Demon Slayer along with his twin brother Yoriichi. (Manga Chapter 177)
Since childhood, Michikatsu has been jealous of Yoriichi’s extraordinary talent in swordsmanship.
Can you believe a seven-year-old beat the crap out of a full-grown dude?! (Manga Chapter 177)
Honestly, I’ve got nothing against Kokushibo. I’d be jealous too! Imagine yourself as a kid and being able to kick your annoying uncle’s ass.
So, moving on… Michikatsu was consumed by jealousy, filling his heart with hatred toward his own brother. It fueled an unrelenting obsession to surpass Yoriichi. (Manga Chapter 177)
Even with the ultimate power-up, which is the “Demon Slayer Mark,” why was Michikatsu unable to perform Sun Breathing? (Manga Chapter 178)
In Chapter 178, Michikatsu explained that Yoriichi taught his breathing technique, and due to Yoriichi’s superhuman capabilities, no one is able to perform it.
So, Yoriichi changed his technique, and that’s when the new breathing techniques began coming one after another.
The same thing happens with Michikatsu even having “the mark” he still couldn’t pull off his little brother’s technique. That is why he came up with his own style called…. Moon Breathing. (Manga Chapter 178)
What is the Demon Slayer Mark?
When Gyomei used it in Chapter 169… Kokushibo explained in Chapter 170 that those who possess the mark can enhance their power, but it reduces their lifespan. Most marked ones die before they reach the age of 25. (Manga Chapters 169 & 170)
The reason why Michikatsu knew it so well is because when he began to bear the same ‘mark’ this totally scared him, knowing that it would soon CLAIM his life. (Manga Chapter 178)
And you might be thinking that Michikatsu was afraid of dying, you’re right! But there’s actually a whole other reason behind his fear, so get ready because we ain’t done yet!
In Chapter 178, Muzan enters the scene and reveals that he wanted to make a demon out of a swordsman who could use breathing techniques.
Muzan really knows exactly how to advertise a business, you know what I’m saying? Talk about perfect timing haiyaa…
And with all the right qualifications, Michikatsu was asked by Muzan to become a demon. (Manga Chapter 178)
Consumed by his thirst for power, in order to outdo his brother, Michikatsu willingly kneeled before the demon lord and became the six-eyed Giga Chad, Kokushibo.
I know that for you, seeing Michikatsu as a Demon is like, “Oh my GOD, yeah!”
We all know that Yoriichi also beat the hell out of Muzan. That’s why Kokushibo and Muzan (the beat-up loser crew) killed all potential Sun Breathing users for centuries. (Manga Chapter 178)
Akaza VS. Kokushibo
For a bonus side story: Did you know that in Demon Slayer’s second fan book, Kokushibo was challenged three times for his position? And you’ll be surprised to know that one of them was Akaza! (Demon Slayer Second Fan Book)
Well, Kokushibo obviously managed to beat and absorb those who dared to challenge him, except Akaza because Kokushibo enjoyed their fight.
If only they could have a rematch, do you think Akaza could defeat Kokushibo? Bro, I’m still betting on Kokushibo! What about you? Let me know in the comments!
How Powerful is Kokushibo?
We’ve witnessed Kokushibo’s might during the Infinity Castle arc as he fought with an intense combination of his breathing style and blood demon art. (Manga Chapter 167)
This allows him to control numerous crescent moon blades from his DIY flesh Katana. Yep, Kokushibo ended up using his blood demon art to fashion a blade out of his own flesh. (Manga Chapter 166)
Speaking of swords, did you know that in Demon Slayer, sword colors have meaning?
It might sound nasty but here’s the cool thing about his blade, Kokushibo can manipulate its shape and size, giving him the ability to pull off even more unpredictable attacks! (Manga Chapter 171)
What’s even cooler is that Sanemi mentioned in Chapter 167 that Kokushibo doesn’t even need to swing his sword to unleash those deadly slashes! (Manga Chapter 167)
This reminds me of… my mom! Without even having to swing, her slipper would land on my face. Now that was swordsmanship… or slippermanship.
Okay, before my mom steals the spotlight from Kokushibo, let me tell you something crazy…
According to the same fan book, his sword actually has a name! It’s called Kyokokukamusari. DAMN, that’s a lot of K’s!
In English, it means “Hollow Cry of the Godless.” SNAAAP that’s so COOOOL! Beat me with your sword senpai!
Plus, as a former Demon Slayer with a mark, he has X-ray vision– which allows him to perceive the transparent world. (Manga Chapter 165)
Kokushibo’s Fear
All in all, even with that kind of power, there is one thing that scares him… As I mentioned earlier, Kokushibo is terrified of death, and the reason behind it is his brother… Yoriichi. Let me explain… (Manga Chapter 176)
to know more about Yoriichi, you can check out: Who is Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
When he was beheaded in Chapter 175, he still managed to regenerate his head. (Manga Chapter 175)
Then, in Chapter 176, he mentioned that he had overcome his weakness (except the sun, of course), but it was not until he saw his reflection on Sanemi’s blade… (Manga Chapter 176)
That Kokushibo finally witnessed the monster he had become, realizing he had abandoned his humanity and even his own family! And for what? To be one of the “best dads” in anime history?
OR was it really the fear of death? No… that wasn’t it. In chapter 176, when he was finally defeated, he revealed the true reason behind his fear: Kokushibo just wanted to become like his brother… (Manga Chapter 176)
Oh, just in case you don’t know where to start the manga, check out our blog: where to start the Demon Slayer manga?
Conclusion
Also, have you heard the theory that the Upper Moons are based on real-life diseases? PS. The theory about Kokushibo in that blog is pretty SICK!
