The Demon Slayer anime is approaching the conclusion of its fourth season, focusing on the Hashira Training Arc from the manga. This arc delves into the Demon Slayer Corps’ preparation for the impending battle against Muzan and his demons, spurred on by the revelation that Nezuko is immune to sunlight, unlike other demons. This immunity prompts the Corps to protect her from Muzan’s pursuit.
The Hashira Training Arc spans just eight manga chapters (128-136), and the corresponding anime season is slated for six episodes. With five episodes already aired, the final episode will center on Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. Following this, the anime will transition into the overarching Final Battle Saga, beginning with the Infinity Castle Arc, the eleventh story arc in the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
Here is what happens in the Infinity Castle Arc of Demon Slayer
The Infinity Castle Arc commences dramatically with the Wind Hashira, Sanemi, discovering a demon eyeball marked with a kanji, signaling Muzan’s proximity. Shortly thereafter, Muzan arrives at Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s mansion, leading to a confrontation where Kagaya reveals his familial connection to Muzan, both stemming from a cursed bloodline that produced the first demon. Sacrificing himself and his family, Kagaya injures Muzan, buying time for the Hashira.
During Muzan’s recovery, Tamayo confronts him with the revelation of a serum capable of turning demons back into humans, but Muzan remains skeptical. Gyomei intervenes, briefly incapacitating Muzan before he traps the Hashira and their allies in the ever-shifting Infinity Castle controlled by the Demon Nakime. Inside, they confront three immensely powerful demons: Upper Moon Three Akaza, Upper Moon Two Doma, and Upper Moon One Kokushibo.
The ensuing battles are intense and personal. Shinobu, driven by vengeance for her sister’s death at Doma’s hands, sacrifices herself to fatally poison Doma, aiding in his defeat alongside Kanae and Inosuke. Zenitsu faces a former friend turned demon, while Tanjiro and Giyuu struggle against Akaza until Tanjiro taps into hidden strength from a memory, enabling a powerful counterattack.
Across different parts of the castle, Hashira and demon slayers engage in life-or-death struggles. Sanemi, Genya, and Muichiro confront Kokushibo, revealed as the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the Sun Breathing Style’s originator. The battles are grueling, resulting in casualties among the Corps as they strive to defeat their formidable foes.
Ultimately, the Hashira succeed in forcing the battles outside the Infinity Castle, paving the way for the final arc of the manga, the Sunrise Countdown Arc. Here, all remaining demon slayers unite to confront Muzan Kibutsuji in a climactic showdown.
The Infinity Castle Arc promises to deliver intense action and pivotal character developments, making it eagerly anticipated by fans awaiting its animated adaptation following the completion of the Hashira Training Arc.
