The 10th volume of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba plunges Tanjiro Kamado and his allies into the intense Swordsmith Village Arc, introducing new challenges and powerful Upper Rank demons that test their resolve and abilities. It is a critical juncture in Tanjiro's journey, as he continues his relentless pursuit to save his sister, Nezuko, from her demonic transformation and avenge his family, which was tragically slaughtered by a demon.
Arrival at the Swordsmith Village
After the events of the Entertainment District Arc, Tanjiro travels to the secluded Swordsmith Village to get his Nichirin Blade reforged. This village is a vital location for Demon Slayers, as it is where their specialized weapons are crafted.
Upon his arrival, Tanjiro encounters:
- Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji: A cheerful and powerful Hashira known for her unique breathing style and immense strength.
- Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito: A young, seemingly aloof Hashira with incredible skill, but initially appears to lack empathy.
- Kotetsu: A young boy from the village who guards a mysterious training doll.
- Hotaru Haganezuka: Tanjiro's eccentric swordsmith, who arrives later to reforge his blade.
Training and Discovery
Tanjiro engages in rigorous training with a special mechanical doll called Yoriichi Type Zero. This ancient doll, crafted to replicate the movements of a legendary swordsman, pushes Tanjiro to his limits. During this intense session, he manages to break the doll, revealing a hidden, incredibly old Nichirin Blade inside. This discovery sets the stage for further developments regarding his sword and connection to the Demon Slayer Corps' history.
The Threat of Upper Rank Demons
The relative peace of the Swordsmith Village is abruptly shattered by a coordinated attack from two of Muzan Kibutsuji's most formidable subordinates:
| Demon Name | Upper Rank | Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Gyokko | Upper Rank Five | A grotesque demon who manipulates water and creates strange, unsettling artworks from human bodies. His Blood Demon Art allows him to teleport, create pots that trap victims, and summon powerful fish-like creatures. |
| Hantengu | Upper Rank Four | A timid-looking demon who, when attacked, splits into multiple clones embodying his different emotions (anger, joy, sorrow, pleasure). Each clone possesses unique abilities and personalities, making him incredibly difficult to defeat. |
The arrival of these two Upper Rank demons signifies a heightened threat level, as they are among the most powerful demons Tanjiro has faced, directly challenging the Demon Slayer Corps' leadership and resources.
Key Events and Battles
Volume 10 unfolds with intense, multi-front battles as the Demon Slayers desperately try to protect the village and its inhabitants.
- Hantengu's Onslaught: Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya Shinazugawa (the abrasive younger brother of the Wind Hashira) find themselves battling Hantengu's diverse and cunning emotion-based clones. They must discern which clone is the "main body" to effectively defeat him, a task made challenging by the clones' varied powers and the demon's ability to create more powerful forms. Nezuko's unique Blood Demon Art proves crucial in this fight.
- Muichiro Tokito's Struggle: The Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, initially finds himself overwhelmed and trapped by Gyokko's insidious Blood Demon Art. Faced with impending doom, Muichiro's suppressed memories resurface, leading to a profound transformation. He awakens his Demon Slayer Mark, a rare phenomenon that significantly amplifies a slayer's abilities, marking a turning point in his battle against the Upper Rank Five.
- Mitsuri Kanroji's Intervention: The Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, springs into action, using her incredibly flexible Nichirin Blade and unique breathing style to defend the villagers and engage with Hantengu's powerful manifestations, showcasing her immense speed and strength.
Volume 10 sets the stage for the climactic battles within the Swordsmith Village, pushing Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Hashira to their absolute limits as they strive to protect the innocent and eradicate the demonic threat.
