The ending of the Demon Slayer movie was nothing short of unforgettable. It had everything—emotion, action, and a major turning point for the series. Not only did it surprise audiences by becoming one of the highest-grossing films in recent history, but it also served as an unexpected “season 1.5” of the anime.
Mugen Train wasn’t just a movie; it bridged the gap between seasons, wrapping up one storyline and setting up the next season of Demon Slayer which will likely become one of the biggest shows of 2021. In Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke are tasked with hunting down Enmu.
The flame of Rengoku’s legacy burns brighter than ever (Photo: Ufotable)This is a demon ranked among the Twelve Kizuki. They are accompanied by Tanjiro’s half-demon sister, Nezuko, and the powerful Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
Enmu attempts to kill the passengers through his sleep paralysis powers, but Tanjiro, with the help of his friends, repeatedly sacrifices himself in the dream world to defeat the demon. Just when it seems like the battle is over, Akaza, a member of the Upper Moon Three, appears and challenges Rengoku to a battle.
The fight between the two is intense and fast-paced, showcasing incredible skill and speed. Akaza delivers the fatal blow to Rengoku, but not before being severely injured by him. As Rengoku dies, he tells Tanjiro to keep mastering the Flame Breathing Techniques and urges him to visit his family’s home to learn from his father’s writings.
The film ends with news of Rengoku’s death reaching the other Hashira, and Tanjiro swearing revenge on Akaza and the other Upper Rank demons.
Looking ahead, Demon Slayer season 2 will focus on the “Entertainment District” arc, where Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, on a mission in the city of Yoshiwara. Additionally, Tanjiro will likely visit Rengoku’s family estate to further his training in Flame Breathing.
On the villain side, Akaza’s near-death and defeat of the Lower Moon demons are likely to drive Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the demons, to more extreme actions, further escalating the series’ tension. The arrival of the Upper Moon demons signals a massive change in the dynamics of the show, with these foes now being truly feared.
The Upper Ranks: Akaza and the Twelve Kizuki Explained
For those unfamiliar with the Demon Slayer lore, the Twelve Kizuki is a group of powerful demons, led by Muzan Kibutsuji, whose aim is to spread the demon plague and destroy the Demon Slayer Corps. The group is divided into two ranks—Lower and Upper—with six members in each.
So far, Tanjiro has encountered and defeated three of the Lower Rank demons: the drum-wielding Kyogai and the spider demon Rui in the first season, and Enmu in Mugen Train. After Tanjiro’s confrontation with them, Muzan killed the weaker members of the Lower Ranks, leaving only six Kizuki, with Akaza still recovering from his battle with Rengoku.
Who are the Hashira and How Many Are Left?
The Hashira are the Demon Slayer Corps’ most powerful and skilled fighters, each with their unique abilities. Think of them as legendary warriors, each specializing in a particular Breathing Technique. Rengoku was the Flame Hashira, with his fiery spirit and combat style.
Tanjiro’s resolve hardens as the journey of revenge beginsCurrently, there are eight active Hashira: Tomioka (Water), Kanroji (Love), Iguro (Serpent), Shinazugawa (Wind), Himejima (Stone), Uzui (Sound), Tokito (Mist), and Shinobu Kocho (Insect).
Two Hashira have retired, including Zenitsu’s mentor, Jigoro Kuwajima, while both the Flower and Flame Hashira have died in battle. They are led by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the 97th leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, who made a brief appearance in Mugen Train but is in poor health, making it unclear how long he will lead.
Tanjiro’s New Moves: Why the Hinokami Kagura is So Important
One of the key developments in Mugen Train is Tanjiro’s evolution as a fighter. His remarkable willpower is highlighted when he repeatedly dies in a dream world to escape Enmu’s paralysis attack. More importantly, Tanjiro demonstrates the power of the Hinokami Kagura, a technique passed down through his family.
This move, tied to the Sun Breathing, plays a crucial role in defeating Enmu and will be a powerful weapon for Tanjiro as he faces the Kizuki in the future.
Will There Be a Demon Slayer Movie Sequel?
As of now, there has been no official confirmation about a sequel to Mugen Train. The movie’s unexpected success likely caught the studio off guard, and they may be adjusting their plans accordingly. Mugen Train was originally intended to bridge the gap between the first and second seasons, not as a standalone film.
The next big update may come from Aniplex’s Online Fest in July. With the movie’s massive success, there may be new announcements about season 2 or potential future adaptations for the big screen. Given the box office success, it’s clear there’s strong demand for more Demon Slayer content.
