The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibafeatures characters from diverse backgrounds who have suffered unimaginable tragedies in their lives. While some have used their past as motivation to create a better world, others are consumed by so much hatred and cynicism that they have lost touch with their own humanity.
While the series acquaints viewers with quite a few interesting characters, one mysterious swordsman from the Sengoku Era has captured the imagination of the fans because of his frightening abilities and kind soul. Unfortunately, despite being regarded as the most powerful character in the series, Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s potential was never truly utilized by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and here’s why it matters so much.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni: The Savior From the Sengoku Era
Tsugikuni Revolutionized Demon Slayer Corps
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was born with the Demon Slayer Mark in the Sengoku era. He was a naturally gifted swordsman who could perform incredible feats from the day he picked up the sword. His unparalleled talent helped him make a name for himself, and he eventuallyended up joining the Demon Slayer Corps.
My dream was to live a quiet life with my family in a small house where we would sleep side by side. I would be close enough to see the beloved faces of my wife and child and close enough to reach out and take their hands. That would have been enough. But even that did not come true. Demons exist in this beautiful world. ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni
Tsugikuni went on to revolutionize theancient organization by inventing Sun Breathing. This ended up becoming the blueprint for the creation of other swordsmanship styles that benefited the Demon Slayer Corps immensely. As if this achievement alone was not impressive enough, Yoriichi also helped other swordsmenawaken their Demon Slayer Mark, ushering in the golden age of demon slayers.
While one would imagine that Tsugikuni’s achievements would warrant more screentime, sadly, that never happens. Although Yoriichi had so much to offer as a character, his potential is never truly explored in depth in the story.
The Tragic Hero Could Have Added More Depth to the Narrative
Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the only demon slayer to haveever lived who has fought Kokushiboand Muzan alone, overwhelming both of them without breaking a sweat. He was so overpowered that he forced Kibutsuji to run for his life and made the Upper Moon One feel like a novice swordsman. But despite pulling off such incredible feats, his journey barely got the attention it deserved.
It’s sad that next to nothing is known about the swordsmen he inspired, and how he actually transformed into an overpowered legend whose strength echoes even till the Taisho era many centuries later.While the Infinity Castle arcis set to shed some light on his life, judging from the manga, his story will not get much screentime. Even if the producers take creative liberties, Yoriichi is highly unlikely to be the focus for more than a few brief moments in the Final Battle arc.
This is tragic since the viewers could have experienced the magical Sengoku era,during which Yoriichi tipped the battlebetween good and evil in humanity’s favor, pushing demons to the verge of extinction. Fans sadly will never get to soak in the grandeur of the era that has shaped modern swordsmanship. Furthermore, since breathing styles were Tsugikuni’s invention, much of their history will remain shrouded in mystery forever as a consequence of sidestepping the legendary swordsman.
What is the value of a life to you? ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni to Muzan Kibutsuji
But perhaps the biggest tragedy of all this is that the fans will never get to see Yoriichi’s true potential as a swordsman. His fights with demons from his era are mostly never even mentioned. Unfortunately,his confrontation with Muzanand Kokushibo was also brief, which means that moments capturing Tsugikuni at his best will be brief too.
The story only stood to gain by digging deeper into his past and exploring his journey in a little more detail. But eventually, Yoriichi’s part in the tale just seems like a passing comment instead of the epic foundation it should have been. By not taking advantage of his potential as a great character,Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibafailed to do justice to Tsugkuni’s legacy and, in doing so, also let down the fans.
The first installment of theDemon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogyis scheduled to be released in the United States on June 22, 2025.
