Kaigaku can't use Zenitsu's signature move in Demon Slayer for a simple reason

Modified Dec 19, 2024 04:30 GMT

Kaigaku can't use Zenitsu's signature move in Demon Slayer for a simple reason (Image via ufotable)

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie is set to be released in 2025 and this anime adaptation might take over the internet for a long time. While the arc would feature the final fight against Muzan and the remaining Twelve Kizuki, it would also see some of the most hyped fights. One such fight would be between Zenitsu and Kaigaku, the apprentices of the same swordsman.

Even though Kaigaku was an immortal, he lost against Zenitsu solely due to the former's skill issue. Kaigaku, as a Demon-Slayer, could never master the basics of Thunder Breathing (First Form) and this might be why he could never surpass his senior. Moreover, Kaigaku met his end with a similar technique to the First Form, ending his story on a traitor to a complete circle.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga series and has the author's opinion.

Demon Slayer: Why Kaigaku might never surpass Zenitsu

Kaigaku as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the protagonists of Demon Slayer and a part of Tanjiro's party. He is also depicted as one of the laziest and cowardly characters given how he throws tantrums before going on a mission. However, deep inside, he had the potential to become one of the strongest Demon-Slayers, as hinted by his sleeping persona, and he could utilize his breathing technique.

During his training under Jigoro Kuwajima (the previous Thunder Hashira), the character faced competition from his junior Kaigaku. Unfortunately, the junior's personality never let him get over the jealousy of his senior which led to him betraying his home. After this betrayal, Jigoro committed Seppuku for his apprentice's betrayal.

Kaigaku (demon) as seen in the manga (Image via Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha)

After so many years, Zenitsu and Kaigaku (demon) crossed paths during the Infinity Castle arc of Demon Slayer and this was when Kaigaku realized the difference between his and Zenitsu's skills. As a demon-slayer (before turning into a demon), Kaigaku mastered every form of Thunder Breathing but was unable to master the most basic one, the First Form.

While the author didn't unveil the reason behind this, it might be due to the placement of Kaigaku's scabbard (behind his back). Thunder Breathing: First Form utilized a similar action to the Japanese martial art technique Iaijutsu (where a user takes out his sword for a single swing that is most often deadly). So, his sword placement hindered him from using the most basic Thunder Breathing.

Zenitsu's improvised breathing form (Image via Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha)

Zenitsu utilized different intensities of the First Form in the entire series. However, in the final battle against Kaigaku, the demon-slayer improvised and created a new technique (Seventh Form: Flaming Thunder God) that Kaigaku couldn't avoid at any cost.

This ultimately led to his demise and made him realize why his master was adamant about making Zenitsu his next successor. So, Kaigaku could never equal Zenitsu because the demon could never master the First Form.

Final thoughts

Zenitsu showcasing the Thunder Breathing: First Form (Image via Ufotable)

The series utilized classic Japanese martial arts on more than one occasion and the Thunder Breathing's First Form could be considered a prime example. While it might be possible to master every other form of Thunder Breathing (given how they weren't dependent on a one-shot slash), being unable to master the basics was the reason for Kaigaku's demise.

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Edited by Bharath S