Demon Slayer never gave Rengoku and Tengen the chance they deserved

Demon Slayer introduced the Hashira as the epitome of power and endurance, but not everyone received the acknowledgment they so rightfully deserved. Rengoku and Tengen, two of the series' most intriguing characters, often suffer at the wrong end of the ranking of Hashira.

The battle where Rengoku faced an Upper Moon 3, Akaza, and the arduous battle of Tengen with Upper Moon 6 siblings, Daki and Gyutaro, reflect their high caliber and commitment. Despite all their sacrifices and accomplishments, their potential was shrouded by their premature exit from the series.

This makes their treatment questionable in terms of fairness towards them and the opportunities that were denied portray their strength and growth.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga and reflects the author's opinions

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How Demon Slayer never gave Rengoku and Tengen the chance they deserved, explained

Rengoku and Akaza as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

Rengoku Kyojuro and Tengen Uzui are two of the most dynamic Hashira in Demon Slayer, yet the series couldn't provide them with the extent of attention and opportunities they deserved.

Both characters are frequently ranked lower in Hashira discussions that mostly ignore their circumstances during battles and even their roles in the Demon Slayer Corps. Their treatment in the series is rather rushed, which gives them little opportunity to flourish fully compared to other Hashira, who had longer arcs or bigger shows of their strength.

Rengoku's fight against Akaza, an Upper Moon 3, was a testament to his incredible strength and willpower. Despite the enormous difference in power, Rengoku managed to fight Akaza and protect Tanjiro and the others, sustaining fatal injuries in the process.

Tengen Uzui as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

His fight was an excellent display of his mastery of Flame Breathing and his indomitable spirit, but his early death denied him the opportunity to grow stronger and take on more important roles.

Unlike other Hashira, such as Giyu or Sanemi, Rengoku's arc felt incomplete, allowing for much speculation about what he could have achieved with more screen time and development.

It is important to note that Akaza is an extremely powerful demon and would, in all probability, have defeated any other Hashira in this similar situation, yet Rengoku is unfairly judged as weak for succumbing to him.

Tengen Uzui as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

Tengen Uzui, on the other hand, faced an entirely different yet equally challenging situation. His battle with the Upper Moon 6 siblings, Daki and Gyutaro, was both a physical challenge and a strategic nightmare.

Fighting the two Upper Moon demons simultaneously, each with distinct and devastating abilities, pushed Tengen to his limits. Despite suffering injuries as bad as losing his hand, Tengen held his own and was an integral part of beating the siblings, thanks to Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke.

The act of deciding to retire from the world after that battle has often been considered a sign of weakness rather than evidence of wisdom or priority.

Rengoku as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

These two Hashira portrayals are a bit of a downer considering the amount of things they have achieved. Rengoku and Tengen went through battles that could be more than overwhelming to other Hashira, so one has to acknowledge them with respect and as miraculous beings.

On the other hand, limiting screen time for these characters and ending their journeys at their earliest points suggests that the series does not take enough care in depicting these abilities and growth as their contemporaries might think they deserve.

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Final thoughts

Rengoku as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

The portrayal of Rengoku and Tengen in Demon Slayer feels unfair considering their incredible achievements. Both of them depicted remarkable strength, skill, and determination in battles that might overwhelm most other Hashiras.

However, their stories have been left incomplete since both of them were killed earlier and not given a chance to present their further potential along with the development of the character.

This early finish of their stories has resulted in unfavorable opinions regarding their talents overshadowing their great performances. Their treatment raises questions over whether the series really gave them a chance to shine with their peers.

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Related links:

• The ending of Demon Slayer manga, explained
• Why was Rengoku killed off in Demon Slayer? Explained
• Why did Urokodaki cry in Demon Slayer? Explaine