4 Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc episodes that didn't live up to the hype (& 4 that left everyone spellbound)

Demon Slayer season 4 covered the Hashira Training arc of the series, and it was exceptionally entertaining. Ufotable managed to exceed the community’s expectations, especially those who have read the manga. The entire arc only had about 8 chapters in total, leaving plenty of room for Ufotable to flex their creative muscles.

While the entire season was great overall, a couple of episodes didn’t particularly live up to the mark. Whereas the remaining episodes showed not only how good Ufotable’s animation was but also how the addition of anime-original scenes injected life into this story arc, which is otherwise considered dull.

4 episodes from Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc that were mildly underwhelming

1) Episode 1 - To Defeat Muzan Kibutsuji

A still from season 4 episode 1 (Image via Ufotable)

The first episode wasn’t objectively uninteresting if we break it down and analyze the individual elements. However, the first episode of the past few seasons has been slightly boring since its contents are already covered in a movie that gets released prior to the season.

Therefore, fans tend to lose some of that excitement, and the content seems rather repetitive. This is the only reason the first episode was slightly underwhelming compared to other episodes.

2) Episode 2 - Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka’s Pain

Giyu and Sabito as seen in the second episode of season 4 (Image via Ufotable)

This is another episode on this list that wasn’t particularly bad. However, other episodes were a tad bit more entertaining. The highlight of the episode was exploring Giyu Tomioka’s backstory. It also gave us some insight into his relationship with Sabito. The interactions were animated well and almost completely relied on the voice acting.

The cast did a splendid job in this regard. However, the pacing was a bit slow and it would have been interesting to see more anime-original scenes involving Sabito. He was posed to become the Water Hashira. Adding a couple of action sequences involving Sabito would have broken away from the monotony of dialogs.

3) Episode 4 - To Bring a Smile to One’s Face

Tanjiro and Muichiro as seen in the fourth episode of season 4 (Image via Ufotable)

This episode from Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc started strong. The first half of the episode was quite entertaining, showing Muichiro Tokito’s empathetic side. His interactions with Tanjiro Kamado were heartwarming to watch since the two developed a strong bond.

The episode had many entertaining action sequences involving the random demon hunters and the Hashira himself. However, the aime-original scene involving the paper planes wasn’t quite entertaining. Ufotable could have explored a different form of interaction. This was the only chink in the armor of what was otherwise an entertaining episode.

4) Episode 5 - I Even Ate Demons

Mitsuri Kanroji as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

This was definitely one of the most underwhelming episodes from the Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc. One of the biggest problems with this episode was that Mitsuri Kanroji barely received any screen time.

They showed a short montage of her training routine and a small interaction involving her and Tanjiro enjoying food. The Love Hashira as a character was heavily underutilized in this episode. Ufotable failed to capitalize on the opportunity, especially after showcasing its ability to develop some of the most creative anime-original scenes.

4 Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc episodes that fans absolutely loved

1) Episode 3 - Fully Recovered Tanjiro Joins the Hashira Training!!

Tengen Uzui and Tanjiro as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

This was an interesting episode from the Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc because we saw Tanjiro Kamado and Tengen Uzui duke it out training. The former Hashira was a cut above the rest despite losing an arm.

Furthermore, this was the first episode from the arc, which had anime-original fight sequences involving the protagonist and a Hashira. The episode was quite exciting since it set the tone for the remainder of the series. The smooth fight choreography and Ufotable’s visuals made this an entertaining episode.

2) Episode 6 - The Strongest of the Demon Slayer Corps

Gyomei in the process of his training routine (Image via Ufotable)

Episode 6 from the fourth season was quite exciting since it was the last stage of the Hashira Training. Tanjiro and his comrades were hard at work. They were forced to move a massive boulder, and this training was designed to improve their strength and muscle density.

The interactions between the random demon hunters and Tanjiro were quite enjoyable. The episode also focused on Genya Shinazugawa, a character that the fanbase loves. The highlight was Tanjiro activating his Mark while pushing the boulder. This sequence's animation was phenomenal and left the entire fanbase hyped for the next episode.

3) Episode 7 - Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima

A young Gyomei who was falsely imprisoned (Image via Ufotable)

This was one of the most exciting episodes in season 4 since it revealed the Stone Hahsira’s backstory. He is the strongest demon hunter in the organization despite being blind. Naturally, fans were excited to know more about his past.

It also revealed that Zenitsu Agatsuma’s former upperclassman was the same child who allowed the demon to enter the temple. The episode’s conclusion was brilliant since it showed Kibutsuji Muzan walking towards Kagaya Ubuyashiki. It reminded fans of the stakes, which was important since the remainder of the season had no antagonists.

4) Episode 8 - The Hashira Unite

Muzan as seen in the season finale (Image via Ufotable)

This is definitely a contender for the title of “episode of the year”. It had everything that a good season finale needs - top-tier animation, good action sequences, entertaining verbal exchanges, and a seamless transition to the next story arc. It already set the tone for the Infinity Castle arc.

The fight sequence involving Muzan and Gyomei Himejima was stunning. Furthermore, it brought back Tamayo to the anime once again, and this time, she fought against Muzan. The episode was near-perfect, leaving fans hungry for more, which was ahead of what is considered the most entertaining story arc in the series.

Stay tuned for more Demon Slayer anime and manga news as 2024 progresses.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika