Summary
Ufotable redefined “filler” in Demon Slayer, adding depth to the characters with compelling original scenes. The animation reached new heights in the Hashira Training Arc, with emotional and beautiful battles. Gyomei’s backstory, Muzan’s appearance, and the Hashira fusion left a lasting impression in the best season yet.
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc finally comes to an end with eight fantastic episodes, delivering more than just aesthetics this time around. This anime season features anime-original scenes, which some viewers might call filler, perhaps redefining the meaning of the word. Ufotable’s Demon Slayer used “filler” to give depth and closure to its characters, conveying emotions and plot that probably should have been in the manga from the start.
The studio tried to do all of that while maintains the consistent quality of anime it is known for. It's safe to say that the animation just reached new heights in the latest Demon Slayer season. With its combination of original anime scenes and exciting, beautiful battles, the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc is the best season of the series yet, and these moments are just examples to prove it.
10 Dramatic Appearances of Muzan
Episode #7, 'Hashira Gyomei Himejima'
Demon Slayer's Hashira Training arc in the manga is only ten chapters long, so when it was announced that an entire season would be devoted to this small storyline, many wondered how Ufotable would complete it. Eight great episodes have more than answered that question. The studio has managed to improve even the smallest arc this season, but by far the fan favorite is Muzan enters the Ubuyashiki mansion.
Muzan's journey to the Ubuyashiki mansion is deliberately dramatic, unmatched by any other villain in the anime universe. Fans on the internet have even compared it to the exaggerated reveals often seen in Indian TV series. This particular moment from the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc is unforgettable, and fans will surely remember the scene where Muzan Kibutsuji appears for decades to come.
9 Tanjiro convinces Giyu to join the training
Episode #2, 'The Pain of Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka'
Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka have a special bond that grows stronger with each encounter, which is probably why Ubuyashiki assigns Tanjiro the task of convincing the Water Hashira to join the training. The story that follows, with Tanjiro's sincere efforts to convince Giyu, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Despite many challenges, Tanjiro's unwavering determination eventually leads Giyu to reveal the reason why He does not consider himself a true Hashira..
This pivotal moment also reminds fans of the mysterious figure who helped Tanjiro through his first training. Reflecting on the situation when Tanjiro witnessed Rengoku die, Tanjiro helps Giyu look beyond his grief and suffering, encouraging him to honor Sabito's legacy by accepting his role as a Hashira. While this scene may seem minor compared to other events this season, it's an important moment for Giyu's much-needed character development, while also reminding fans that Hashira are human too.
8 Tanjiro completes Hashira training
Episode #6, “The Strongest in the Demon Slayer Corps”
The main premise of this season is about the members of the Demon Slayer Corps. training to reach Hashira leveland it is well structured with the main character overcoming each hurdle. The final part of this training mode is to move a very heavy boulder, something that no one has been able to do so far except Genya, with Tanjiro also facing many challenges to move it. Surprisingly, Genya Shinazugawa supports Tanjiro by advising him to recall memories that make him excited.
Tanjiro is motivated by remembering a happy memory of his family and Rengoku's words of encouragement, “Set your heart on fire.” This ultimately helps Tanjiro move the heavy boulder and complete his Hashira training. This moment from the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc is pivotal, as it officially brings Tanjiro to a level close to Hashira, preparing him for the final battle against Muzan.
7 Endings for the Pillar Sound
Episode #3, “Tanjiro Has Fully Recovered and Joins Hashira Training”
One of the reasons why the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc stands out is the inclusion of original anime scenes that enrich the story beyond what was presented in the manga. One of the first original anime scenes this season serves a larger purpose of giving closure to the character of Tengen Uzui. Sound Hashira is featured in the manga for no more than two pages in this particular arc. However, Ufotable expands his role, giving him a moment to shine and showing emotional reactions.
This episode explores Tengen's emotional reaction after retirementreveals that Sound Hashira has regrets. Tengen's lovely wives express concern for their spouse, especially about his nightmares after resigning. The training regimen allows Uzui to pass on his legacy to the younger generation, and in doing so, Tengen achieves a sense of closure that perhaps should have been included in the original story.
6 Mist, Wind and Snake Hashira's Training Process
Episode #4, “Bringing Smiles to Faces”
Episode #4 of the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc features many original anime scenes added by Ufotable. This episode emphasizes that the Hashira's resilience and hard work are the main reasons they hold their esteemed titles. Muichiro Tokito, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Obanai Iguro exemplify this dedication by training entirely at night after spending the day training members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Despite lasting just under two minutes, the scene is beautifully animated while delving into the emotional depths of all three Hashira. The fact that this particular moment was an original addition by Ufotable makes it even more compelling. This makes fans eagerly anticipate what the studio has in store for the already compelling Infinity Castle Arc in the manga.
5 The Story Behind The Stone Hashira
Episode #7, 'Hashira Gyomei Himejima'
Backstory is a big part of Demon Slayer, and this season of the series doesn't disappoint when it comes to delivering compelling stories. Of the many deep backstories this season, the story of Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima stands out. Gyomei has experienced two painful betrayals. by the children he loved most, events that almost led to his execution.
This important backstory shows the true reason behind Pillar's distrust of others, especially children. Considering that Gyomei is blind and devoted to protecting others, what he went through was tragic. Despite this, Pillar praises Tanjiro's honesty as the protagonist reveals that he couldn't have acted the way he did without Nezuko.
4 Most Heartwarming Original Animated Scenes: The Paper Plane Contest
Episode #4, “Bringing Smiles to Faces”
Most of the original anime scenes added in this season of Demon Slayer were to stretch out the perceived short content. However, one original anime scene from episode four is much more meaningful than it's given credit for. In this scene, Tanjiro takes it upon himself to give the younger members of the Demon Slayer Corps a break in a very heartwarming way.
The protagonist challenges Muichiro to a paper airplane flying contest, eventually seeing the other Demon Slayers join in the fun, fulfilling the purpose of the break. On a deeper level, this lighthearted moment from Demon Slayer also teaches us a valuable lesson: short breaks between hard work are necessarybecause it can help people discover new strengths during these pauses.
3 Ubayashiki's Plan to Trap Muzan
Episode 8, “The Hashira Unite”
Kagaya Ubuyashiki's role in Demon Slayer is confusing, and his authority over the Hashira is often questioned due to his weakness. However, the end of the Demon Slayer HashiraTraining Arc reveals Why is Ubuyashiki an important character?. The Hashiras master also possessed the power to see the future, which eventually helped him set a crucial trap against Muzan.
This trap is depicted very well in the ending, with Ufotable providing explosive and awesome animations. The encounter between Muzan and Ubuyashiki sets the stage for Demon Slayer's final battle, some of which is revealed. Thanks to a trap that must have infected Muzan in some way, Ubuyashiki's plan will ultimately aid the demon slayers in their quest to win against the villain.
2 The brief but thrilling encounter between Gyomei and Muzan
Episode 8, “The Hashira Unite”
Aside from its amazing animation and heartwarming story, Demon Slayer is also known for its amazing and thrilling battles. So it's no surprise that one of the standout moments in season four highlights this trait. Gyomei Himejima, the strongest Hashira, is finally seen in battle against none other than the series' most formidable villain, Muzan.
It was a brief moment, but this exciting encounter showed The immense power of both Hashira and Muzan. Even when restrained, Muzan still puts the Stone Hashira on the defensive as soon as he senses a threat. This scene is clearly a tease from Ufotable, hinting at the epic battles the trio could have in the future.
1 Hashira Unity
Episode 8, “The Hashira Unite”
The best moment in the Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc is none other than the scene where the fused Hashira at the Ubuyashiki mansion explodes and then falls into Infinity Castle. Whether a fan or not, this scene will have any viewer excited and cheering for Hashira to avenge Ubuyashiki and take down Muzan, once and for all.
Hearing Gyomei's call to war against Muzan, both Hashira and Tanjiro get ready to attack the bad guys with their own attacks. However, Muzan sets a trap for the demon slayers, causing an all-out war as every fighter is pulled into the Infinity Castle. Ufotbale's excellent animation work for this scene reinforces why Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc considered the best season in the series.