This article contains spoilers for theDemon Slayermanga.
Demon Slayeris no stranger to devastatingcharacter deaths, especially in the Infinity Castle arc, where no one is guaranteed safe. Even the most powerful demons are afraid of dying, including Muzan Kibutsuji, who wants nothing in the world but immortality. However, death comes in the most unexpected ways in Infinity Castle, regardless of whether they are a demon or a slayer.
Fortunately, ufotable is an anime studio that knows how to execute beautifully animated death scenes inDemon Slayer. No matter how brutal the death was, ufotable knows how to give a character the ending they deserve. Infinity Castle won’t be any different, as ufotable might turn one character’s death into the arc’s most beautifully animated moment.
Infinity Castle Character Deaths Fans Will Never Forget
Who Will Die in Infinity Castle?
Stepping into the Infinity Castle is easy, but walking out on the surface will be death-defying. This is true for all the Demon Slayer characters who will risk their livesfighting in the Infinity Castle. It’s either they come out on the surface alive, or they perish in the most brutal ways in the fortress. No matter how powerful or amazing they are, there’s no guarantee they can live another day once they’re inside.
True enough, even the most powerful demons and swordsmen will receive their final moments in the Infinity Castle arc. The first movie, titledAkaza Returns, will show fans just how dangerous the fights are between the forces of good and evil. Thefight between Zenitsu and Kaigakuwill end with the latter’s death by decapitation. Shinobu Kocho’s fated encounter with Doma will end with the former’s death by absorption.
All that lives must die. Only feelings are eternal and undying. That is true.—Muzan Kibutsuji
On top of that, Akaza will die, even if the first movie is titled after him. The character deaths won’t stop there, asDoma will come after Shinobuin the afterlife, shortly after the latter’s poison withers him away. Nakime will also die, all thanks to the combined efforts of Obanai, Mitsuri, and Yushiro. Lastly, the battle against Kokushibo will see the upper moon one dying, along with Muichiro Tokito and Genya Shinazugawa.
The Most Beautifully Animated Death in Infinity Castle Might Belong to Akaza
Ufotable Might Go All Out for Akaza’s Final Moments
Out of all the character deaths in Infinity Castle, ufotable might go all out in the animation department for Akaza’s final moments. Despite turning into a demon, his ending is one of the most emotionally charged moments that requiresbeautiful scenes from ufotable. And considering the first movie is titled after Akaza, it’s expected that his exit from Demon Slayer will be more powerful and intense than the rest.
Unlike the other demons in Infinity Castle, Akaza will die not because a demon slayer defeated him, but because of his own decision to unalive himself. Even after his head was decapitated by Tanjiro and Giyu, he was able to continue moving, going so far as to regenerate, which other demons couldn’t do. This speaks volumes aboutAkaza’s determination to surpass himself, even if it means continuing to serve under Muzan.
I’m home, father. I’m back. Master. Koyuki. I’m home.—Akaza
Fortunately, Akaza’s treasured memories from when he was still a human named Hakuji began to resurface before it was too late. Of course, Muzan’s influence over Akaza remains unshakable, but the love and forgiveness from his father, master, and lover inevitably free him from the demon king. Akaza’s inner struggle is expected to be animated with extra care, but with ufotable’s track record, it’s almost guaranteed that it will be powerful and intense.
Is Akaza’s Death Proof That Demons Can Be Redeemed?
Did Akaza Die a Monster or a Redeemed Man?
While most of the demons in the Infinity Castle arc will die full of fear, denial, and rage, Akaza will die full of peace in his heart and gratitude for Tanjiro. He won’t fear death at all; instead, he will face it to finally return to his loved ones. He won’t be in denial, for he will accept his defeat, and he won’t be angry, knowing he’s free from Muzan’s influence. This is why most manga fans saw Akaza’s death as his redemption, not as his lowest point.
Despite being the embodiment of power and violence inDemon Slayer, Akaza’s final moments prove that there’s still a piece of his soul underneath his brutal exterior. Even for just a moment, Akaza also proves that demons can still reclaim their humanity and choose to stop fighting.
