Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc: Why didn't Giyu take part in the Hashira training? Explained

Modified May 13, 2024 16:42 GMT

Understanding the reason behind Tomioka's refusal to take part in Hashira Training (Image via Ufotable)

The latest movie, To the Hashira Training, premiered the first episode of the Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc in February 2024. Now, with the anime starting its serialization on May 12, 2024, the series has officially stepped into the penultimate arc.

In the first episode of Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc, Giyu left the meeting where the Hashiras were discussing the roles and responsibilities of each of them. He remarked that he was different from the rest and hence left without any explanation. Many fans were left wondering: Why did Giyu not take part in the Hashira training? We will discuss the reason for his absence by referring to the incidents of his past.

Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc will mark all Corps members undergoing rigorous training with the Hashiras. The main intent of the training is to strengthen the fighting prowess of all members for the upcoming battle against Muzan and his Upper Moons and also to activate the "marks." Though short, this arc will be pivotal in the final fight of the series.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga chapters.

Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc: Taking a look at Giyu Tomioka’s backstory

Giyu as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

A big question among the fans right now is: Why did Giyu not take part in the Hashira training? The reason he didn't join the training sessions was because he believed he wasn't capable of teaching anyone. Giyu had lost two important people in his life who gave their lives to save him. As such, he didn't consider himself a true Hashira and always remained aloof from them.

Giyu Tomioka's sister, Tsutako, was killed by a demon just a day before she got married and started her new life. However, she decided to save Giyu’s life and sacrifice hers instead. He could never forgive himself because he blamed himself for the loss of his sister’s life. He kept lamenting her death and wished he would have died instead.

He then proceeded to train under Urokodaki, where he met another orphaned boy named Sabito. According to Giyu, Sabito was better as a swordsman, and deserving of becoming the Water Hashira. During their Final Selection exam, he ended up saving Giyu and others by killing almost every demon present. However, he was killed by the Hand Demon, making him the only one who didn't pass in his year.

Also read: Will Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc have a movie?

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At this point in Giyu Tomioka’s life, he lost two of his most important people. This portion of his life will be featured in the Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc. Not only did he blame himself for their death, but he also believed that he did not deserve to be the Water Hashira.

The Hashiras are often fuelled with rage, just like how Sanemi was in the Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc. Despite the Hashiras deciding to conduct a training routine, Giyu Tomioka decided not to partake in it.

The reason why Giyu Tomioka didn’t take part in the Hashira Training was because he didn’t think he belonged with his peers. He feels that other Hashiras in the Corps earned their title, whereas he got lucky and was saved repeatedly.

Also read: Hashiras in Demon Slayer ranked from strongest to weakest

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

He wholeheartedly believed that he didn’t deserve to be a Hashira and that Sabito was the one who was destined to become one. However, Kamado Tanjiro reminded Giyu about the fact that those who saved his life are still connected to him. He was reminded of the time when Sabito reprimanded him for the same thing in the past.

The sheer fact that they sacrificed their life to save him, created a deep connection with him, and this conversation takes place in the Demon Slayer - Hashira Training arc. This changes Giyu Tomioka’s perception of belonging with the other Hashiras. Tanjiro once again got through to his mentor with his pure heart.

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