Ever since he first appeared, fans have been intrigued by the mysterious illness that plagues Kagaya Ubuyashiki in Demon Slayer. As the 97th leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya was a significant character, revered as Oyakata-sama by his subordinates and the head of the Ubuyashiki Family.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki and the Curse
Kagaya Ubuyashiki is a key figure in Koyoharu Gotouge’s Kimetsu No Yaiba, a manga that has sold over 150 million copies and remains one of the best-selling series ever. The manga’s success is bolstered by its anime adaptation, films, and video games. In the Season 4 finale, Kagaya’s dramatic end left many questioning the nature of his illness and his actions.
The Ubuyashiki Family, an ancient and noble lineage, has been responsible for leading the Demon Slayer Corps. Their wealth and unique ability to foresee events have helped the Corps endure over time, but this has come at a high cost, with many members of the family dying young.
The root of this tragedy dates back nearly 1,000 years to Muzan Kibutsuji, the King of Demons, who was originally from the Ubuyashiki bloodline. This connection cursed the family, causing every male heir to be born with a debilitating disease. The illness manifests as a burn-like mark that gradually covers the body, shortening the lifespan and leading to an early death.
In the series, Kagaya’s curse is represented by a lavender-colored mark that disfigures his skin and blinds him as it spreads across his face. By the time of his death, the disease had rendered him immobile and he was also seen coughing up blood.
To combat the curse, the Ubuyashiki Family tried marrying their male heirs to a woman selected by a priest, which somewhat extended their lives. The priest also suggested that killing Muzan could end the curse. This led to the creation of the Demon Slayer Corps, with the Ubuyashiki family dedicated to defeating Muzan.
In the Season 4 finale, Kagaya sacrificed himself to give the Corps a chance to defeat Muzan once and for all. As the final arc is set to be adapted into a trilogy of films, fans are eager to see if the curse will finally be broken. Keep an eye out for updates on Demon Slayer and its upcoming adaptations.
