‘Demon Slayer’ Season 2: Who Is Kyojuro Rengoku? Everything Fans Need to Know About the Flame Hashira
Demon Slayer Season 2 is working its way through its Mugen Train Arc, with the anime rehashing the plot points covered in its recent feature film. That means fans get to spend more time with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, with the added bonus of an original episode completely centered on the character. And the Flame Hashira features heavily in the second season of the series. But who is Rengoku, and why is he important to Tanjiro’s story in Demon Slayer?
Tanjiro joins Rengoku on a mission in ‘Demon Slayer’ Season 2
Those who have seen Demon Slayer: Mugen Train have already gotten to know Rengoku. However, those counting on the anime to deliver this arc only know him from Tanjiro’s meeting with the Hashira at the end of Demon Slayer Season 1. And that brief appearance hardly gives a thorough depiction of the character.
With Tanjiro and his friends joining Rengoku on a mission in season 2, viewers get a better understanding of the Flame Hashira. That’s especially true thanks to the season premiere, which gives some insight into how Rengoku wound up investigating the disappearances on the Mugen Train to begin with.
In addition to giving that background, the first episode paints a picture of Rengoku’s personality. Fans who have seen the film already know he’s passionate and kind, but the premiere underscores just how much. When he runs into a grandmother and her granddaughter selling bento boxes, he buys them all to show his appreciation for helping with his case. If that’s not kindness, I don’t know what is.
That compassion is a trait he shares with Tanjiro, and it’s potentially why they connect so much on the Mugen Train.
What is Rengoku’s power?
Rengoku may be kind and upbeat, but that doesn’t make him any less of a fierce opponent. One doesn’t become one of the top-ranking Demon Slayers without strength. And the Flame Hashira has that in spades.
As his title suggests, Rengoku’s specialty deals with fire. A skilled swordsman, he practices Fire Breathing, which has nine forms. All of them hit his enemies with fiery attacks, slashing and burning them at the same time.
Rengoku learned Flame Breathing from the previous Flame Hashira, who also happens to be his father. His dad is one of the only Hashira to retire from the position rather than perish on the job. And he’s got a bitter streak fueled by alcohol — something Rengoku worries about. He’s also got a younger brother, Senjuro Rengoku, who he’s incredibly protective of.
That protective nature doesn’t stop at his family either. Rengoku’s mission in life is to defend those who need it, and he’ll get the chance to do so during Demon Slayer Season 2. In fact, he’ll leave quite the impression on Tanjiro and his friends before the Mugen Train Arc is through.
The Flame Hashira will leave his mark in ‘Demon Slayer’ Season 2
Demon Slayer Season 2 will give Rengoku the chance to show off his Flame Breathing and protective nature as he fends off the demon responsible for the disappearances on the Mugen Train. Those who have seen the film — and those who have read the Demon Slayer manga — know he’ll have help from Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu. Of course, he’ll also wind up protecting the younger members of the Demon Slayer Corps from the demon Akaza.
Although the Entertainment District Arc will see Tanjiro embarking on a new mission with another one of the Hashira, Rengoku will leave a mark on the anime’s main character and his friends. He’ll also have a major showdown before his time in the spotlight is through — but that’s something first-time viewers should experience without spoilers.
Demon Slayer Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
