The third season of Demon Slayer, which adapted the Swordsmith Village Arc from Koyouharu Gotouge’s manga, has been a massive success. Before the premiere of season 3, the Demon Slayer film preceding the season created waves in the industry. Then there was the hype before the premiere of the last episode, the teaser visual that was shown at Times Square earned a new achievement for the series. Following this, the premiere of the last episode broke the internet, with fans talking about Nezuko addressing her brother and walking in the sunlight and Muzan’s brief backstory.
Amidst this all, viewers of Demon Slayer witnessed many things in the Swordsmith Village arc. Whether it be the unnamed suitor who rejected Mitsuri’s marriage proposal in the past or the reveal of Hantengu’s demons, season 3 of Demon Slayer has been quite eventful. So, with season 4 already in production, here are the best 14 moments from Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc that were immensely liked by fans.
Note: This article contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer anime.
Muzan’s brief backstory and 13 other moments from Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc that will remain be had to forget
1. Akaza’s entry into the Infinity Castle
Saw this in theaters and it still was my favorite moment from Season 3! Akaza traveling through the infinity castle was 🤩🤩🤩 I can’t wait for the Infinity Castle ARC to be animated!!! pic.twitter.com/SaLJgfInJB
— Roger Ibarra (@ribarra_40) June 21, 2023
This scene was included in the Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village film, suggesting the start of season 3 officially. Although the art was incredible, it was the breathtaking animation and the transition from suspenseful to dramatic music added to the feel. Within the theatre, most fans were impressed by the immersive experience that the entire scene presented. Later on, while reliving the scene once again on a smaller screen, the creative impact of the fall didn’t subdue the excellence of the scene.
2. Introduction of the Upper Moon demons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QWXk6SWGn8
The above-embedded Youtube video divided the scenes between the introduction of each Upper Moons and added an extra page to avoid copyright, but the right sequence happens with the introduction of Akaza (Upper Moon Three) first, followed by Gyokko (Upper Moon Five), Hantengu (Upper Moon Four), Douma (Upper Moon Two), and finally, Kokushibo (Upper Moon One).
The introduction of the Upper Moons was much anticipated even before season 3 or the film premiered, and the release of the key visuals further added to the hype. Whether it be Doma pulling Akaza’s leg, Kokushibo warning the latter, or Gyokko’s blushing face, the scene was crucial to set the mood and tone what to expect later in the series without giving away any major information. Suffice to say, the beautiful art of the demons and the color composition of the scene, along with the dramatic sounds, was enough to raise the hair on one’s nape with each demon’s introduction.
3. Tanjiro fights Yoruichi Type Zero and discovers an ancient sword
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiBUz02cI7A
To quell the intense moments with the Upper Moons and Muzan, Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc next introduces the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito, Kotetsu, and his Youichi Type Zero. Following a brief altercation and the Muichiro fighting the Yoruichi Type Zero, it’s Tanjiro’s turn to practice upon Kotetsu’s insistence.
After three days of continuous gruelling fighting sessions with Youichi Type Zero, Tanjiro finally cuts off its head and discovers a centuries old rusted sword. This is the infamous sword of the legendary warrior from Sengoku period – Yoruichi Tsugikuni. Shortly after, Haganezuka returns and takes the responsibility to polish the sword so that Tanjiro can use it on the battlefield.
4. The divide of Hantengu’s four clones and Genya’s Nichirin Gun use
In one of the earlier episodes of Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, Muichiro and the Tanjiro siblings are seen interacting when Hantengu suddenly enters the room. Given their fantastic reflexes, the Mist Hashira, Tanjiro, and Nezuko attack. However, as the former beheads the demon, it gets split into two – Kuraku and Sekido. The blow of Kuraku’s fan instantly flies Muichiro to a different location, leaving the Kamado siblings to fend for themselves.
However, Genya makes it in the nick of time, shooting the head of the two clones with his Nichirin bullets. Sadly, they multiply and viewers are finally introduced to Urogi and Aizetsu. Thus, they comprise of the four major clones of the Upper Moon Four, representing the four primary emotions – Sekido (anger), Kuraku (pleasure), Aizetsu (sorrow), and Urogi (joy). However, Hantengu has more than four more clones, which is revealed later on.
5. Tanjiro’s Nichirin Sword changes color and Genya’s secret is revealed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCQgheXxa6M
When Hantengu divided into four demons, Genya and the Kamado siblings were fighting them together. At one point through the fight in Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, Nezuko uses her blood to smear the Nichirin Sword and uses her Blood Demon Art, following which the sword bursts into pinkish red flames.
After Tanjiro sees the inherited memory of Yoruichi’s wife, he becomes motivated to fight the demons. As his forehead scar turns into his demon slayer mark, Tanjiro uses the Sun Halo Dragon Head Dance move of Sun Breathin to attack the demons. With brilliant speed and movements, he instantly beheads Urogi, Kuraku, and Sekido. However, the fourth demon clone, Aizetsu, is revealed to be eaten by Genya, whose consumption of demon flesh gives him the demon’s extraordinary strength.
6. Genya’s connection to the Wind Hashira
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQbUid7Ql1k
In episode 6 of Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, when Genya thinks he is going to die, he gets a vision of the backside of the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, who also happens to be his big brother. While their domestic condition wasn’t the best, the Shinazugawa siblings and the mother shared a close bond.
All this changed when one night, Genya’s mother goes out but returns home as a demon to attack. She instantly kills her other children, except for Genya and Sanemi, who chased her entire town to slay. Fast forward to later, Sanemi kills his mother. But as Genya sees the remains of his mother disintegrating in the sun, he blames his brother for the death. This creates a rift between the two, with Sanemi developing resentment for his younger brother.
7. Haganezuka’s face reveal
HAGANEZUKA’S FACE REVEAL BRO IS TRULY MAJESTIC pic.twitter.com/0muVAe3bfo
— rhy (@jobisky) May 21, 2023
Besides Muichiro, another person who riled up the Upper Moon Five in Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc was Haganezuka. Although short-tempered, the swordsmith is dedicated to his work, so much so that even after Gyokko attacks him, he remains unfazed and continues polishing the Nichirin Sword for Tanjiro. Even when his mask is cut off, he continues with his task, further angering Gyokko. However, given the reception on social media, fans are thankful for Haganzekua’s face reveal, who they think is “majestic.”
8. The Mist Hashira gets his memory back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKynxfEHm0c
While viewers were robbed off Gyokko’s backstory or his regrets, it was compensated with Muichiro’s tragic past. Thankfully, the kind gestures from Tanjiro evoked a buried down memory, or rather the face of his father. As viewers were introduced to the Tokito family, they also bore witness to the tragedy that befell them and the misfortune that followed the twins – Muichiro and Yuichiro.
Although there was some considerable distance between the two brothers, after a night of attack by a demon, Muichiro understands his brother’s true emotions as he lies in his own bloody mess. He then goes on a rampage and kills the demon on his own. After he returns and holds his brother, he understands why his brother was cold to him all this time. Later, Muichiro was saved by the Ubuyashiki matriarch, but the trauma from the tragic incident made him forget his past. Yet, he continued to pursue the journey of demon slaying to become a Hashira.
9. Gyokko’s backstory doesn’t get explored due to Muichiro Tokito
One of the facts that sets Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc from the other seasons of the anime is its approach to not give the demons a chance to explain their stance or explore their past. Muichiro Tokito’s bluntness in this situation proved right as the Mist Hashira didn’t give Gyokko the chance to be a pitiable figure to the viewers.
After a long time of entrapment within the Water Prison, Muichiro broke out of it, activated his demon slayer, and skilfully defeated Gyokko. Moreover, when decapitated, the demon’s complain were cut short by the Mist Hashira’s quick slashes. Thus, Gyokko’s backstory remained unexplored unlike the Upper Six Moon sibling, Daki and Gyutaro, in the Entertainment District arc.
10. Zohakuten attacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuNCnaO4B64
In the seventh episode of Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, viewers are first introduced to a fifth demon clone of Hantengu, who goes by the name Zohakuten (hatred). As per Genya, in a desperate attempt to save himself, the original body of Hantengu lets out a shriek when Sekido quickly crushes and absorbs Kuraku and Urogi’s bodies. As he re-absorbs Aizetsu, Sekido crouches on the ground and transforms into Zohakuten.
This form of Hantengu seems to be incredibly strong as it is able to single handedly took down Genya, Tanjiro, and Nezuko. Later, it could even match his strength against Mitsuri Kanroji, one of the strongest demon slayers in the series.
11. Cue the Love Hashira
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53f5PJz6m0E
Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji’s entry in the series might be one of the most captivating moments from Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc. With Genya and the Kamado siblings having a tough time fending off Zohaukten, Mitsuri arrives late, but her entry, which shows her acrobatic skills, was nothing short of charming. Immediately, she rescues Tanjiro and the others and goes toe-to-toe with the fifth form of Hantengu.
Zohaukten’s Blood Demon Art allowed him to manipulate wood. As he beats the drum on his back, the dragons wages attack on the target. However, Mitsuri, after receiving a fatal blow, activates her demon slayer and makes use of her beautiful and unique swordsmanship skills to defeat Zohakuten.
12. Mitsuri’s ex-suitor becomes more hated by fans than Muzan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtZLcA_CqH8
In a hilarious turn of events, with the reveal of Love Hasira’s past getting explored, the Demon Slayer fanbase come together to collectively hate the suitor who rejected Mitsuri. Unlike other characters in Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, the Love Hashira didn’t have a sad backstory, and her motivations to become a Hashira was simple. However, since she is one of the most liked characters in the series, the marriage rejection didn’t sit well with fans, leading to him currently facing the same hate as Muzan.
13. Nezuko conquers the sun and greets her brother
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAGOs4hd5lk
Having defeated Hantengu (and his sixth form, Urami), Tanjiro makes an attempt to save his sister as the sun rises. However, as the first rays of sun touches her, it burns her skin and crouches down.
When Tanjiro comes to save her, she kicks him away. Crying as he thinks he lost his only sibling, when Tanjiro turns around, he sees Nezuko without her demon appearance standing in broad daylight. Another shock that comes in this scene is when Nezuko’s bamboo dangles from her neck as she greets her brother. What follows is a sweet and emotional reunion, which is later accompanied by the other important characters from Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc.
14. Muzan’s maniac pursuit begins and his brief past
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sfvj-o5PXk
No sooner does he realize that one of his creations, Nezuko, can withstand the sun, Muzan, who is in his kid form, transforms into a demon, kills the matriarch of the household and her maid, and walks out of the room. But not before making the audience clear about his upcoming pursuit to absorb Nezuko so that he can conquer the sun and acquire the perfect body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAGpadRLPFw
Soon after, his backstory is revealed. When he was a human, Muzan had a frail body and was sick all the time. It was his personal doctor who gave him the potion made out of Blue Spider Lily, turning him into a demon but reducing his intake of sunlight to zero. In a dramatic montage of monochromatic filters, the red in Muzan’s eyes, clothes, and blood stains suggest his demonic strength, ferality, ruthless, and new principles.
