The anime for Demon Slayer has just started its 4th season. The new arc, called the “Hashira Training Arc,” focuses on the training of the Pillars, the strongest demon slayers. However, two of the Pillars are not participating in the training and will play a rather minor role. They have good reasons for not joining the training.
Warning, spoilers! In this article, we will delve into the events from the previous seasons, especially regarding the Pillars.
Which two Pillars are referred to? Out of all the Pillars, there are two individuals who are not participating in the training. Both Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Pillar, and Giyu Tomioka, the Water Pillar, are not participating.
Shinobu made her first appearance only in Episode 15. She is not as battle-hardened as the other Pillars, but she has excellent skills in medicine and pharmacy. Giyu was seen in the first episode. He spared Nezuko Kamado, who became a demon, only because Tanjiro Kamado pleaded for his sister.
You can see the matching trailer for Season 4 here:
Two of the Pillars are not participating in the training of the Demon Slayers
What are their reasons? Although the two are even featured on the promotional poster for the arc, they do not participate in the training. Both have good reasons for staying away from the training. They are undergoing their own training and strengthening themselves in their own way.
Shinobu’s secret mission
Shinobu partners with Tamayo, a demon who is on Tanjiro’s side. The two are working on a poison intended to accelerate the aging process of Muzan Kibutsuji, the greatest antagonist in Demon Slayer.
Since she is physically inferior to the other demon slayers, she does not focus on her physical abilities, but also on her poison repertoire. Additionally, she is preparing for a fight with one of the strongest demons by also creating a special poison.
Giyu’s inner conflict
Giyu left the meeting of the Pillars before training began. He claimed he wasn’t like the others. However, that is just a facade, as Giyu has an inner conflict. He feels guilty for the death of his childhood friend, Sabito.
He believes that his friend saved several demon slayers during the final selection to become a Pillar before death and deserved to become a demon slayer more than he did. Although Giyu does not participate in group training, he trains individually with Sanemi.
Where can I watch the season? The 4th season is currently running on Crunchyroll. However, to watch the episodes, you need a paid subscription. Episodes are currently being released on a weekly basis. So far, only two episodes are available.
What are the Pillars anyway? There are a total of nine Pillars. They are among the strongest demon slayers and are assigned to a specific breathing technique. Currently, there are only seven Pillars left:
- Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar, was pierced and has died.
- Tengen Uzui, the Sound Pillar, retired after the events of Season 2.
To become a Pillar, there are two ways: a fighter must have killed at least 50 demons or kill a demon that is a member of the Twelve Kizuki. These are the 12 strongest demons.
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