Sabito: Sabito's selfless act in Demon Slayer only delayed the misery for many

Sabito's selfless act in Demon Slayer only delayed the misery for many

Modified Nov 23, 2024 17:32 GMT

Sabito in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

One of the most selfless acts in Demon Slayer is Sabito sacrificing himself during the Final Selection. But it also brings forth concerning questions about its larger consequences. The Final Selection, designed by the Demon Slayer Corps, was meant to filter out the weak and recruit only the capable.

This was Sabito’s ultimate challenge. Showcasing immense courage and skill, he protected the other trainees by defeating most of the demons on the mountain. However, in quite an unfortunate manner, he fell prey to the monstrous Hand Demon. Sabito’s heroism shined bright through the series, underscoring the essence of a true Demon Slayer.

But then again, this noble act inadvertently downplayed what the trial was designed for. By eliminating most of the threats, Sabito permitted weaker and less capable candidates to progress which in turn worked to weaken the Corps' overall strength. His death, moreover, was a major loss to the Corps, as it lost one of its brightest warriors.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers and the writer's opinion.

Demon Slayer: Sabito's sacrifice only delayed the inevitable misery

Before delving in, it is worth understanding the premise of the Final Selection. It takes place on Mount Fujikasane, inside where Wisteria flowers blood every season but the area around the mountain is infested with previously caught Demons. Despite their sheer number, these Demons weren't all that powerful and could easily be killed by examinees.

The Final Selection requires examinees to survive seven consecutive nights on the mountaintop. For that, they need to rely solely on their own wits and resources with no outside help. Successful survivors are given the chance to enroll in the Corps as official Demon Slayers. Among these candidates was Sabito, Giyu Tomioka's best and closest friend.

Now, the focus of this feature shifts to how Sabito's sacrifice only delayed the inevitable misery. Demon Slayer fans know that Sabito died fighting the Hand Demon during the Final Selection. It was what he did before that seemed to not sit well with many. In essence, Sabito took away from the purpose of this brutal test. The Final Selection was the Corps' way of filtering the weak from the strong.

Sabito and Giyu Tomioka (Image via Ufotable)

But by spending his time protecting his fellow examinees, Sabito diminished this filter. Granted, his deeds and ultimately, his sacrifice, were highly noble and cannot be undermined. However, by disallowing his comrades from protecting themselves, Sabito permitted the weaker ones to progress and become Demon Corps. This created a ripple effect that seemed to weaken the Corps over time.

Moreover, not many from his cohort made it to the rank of Hashira. As per the series' lore, the most few progressed to was the rank of Kanoto. Adding on, by sacrificing himself, Sabito indirectly caused the loss of civilian lives and resources as these weaker Demon Slayers were unable to fight Demons. Judging the situation is very easy, but yet, there were other steps Sabito could have taken.

For instance, rather than engage the Hand Demon himself, he could have asked the other examinees for help. This way, there was a chance they could overwhelm the Demon with sheer numbers and reduce casualties. In the worst case, Sabito could have escaped and returned with help, since this was an extraordinary occurrence. But then again, Sabito has never been one to flee a situation.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, this feature does not intend to undermine Sabito's sacrifice but rather redirect what could have happened. By making it through the Final Selection, Sabito would have undoubtedly become a Hashira over Giyu. Further, he would have been able to contribute more to the Corps. and the story itself, leading to interesting character interactions.

His death is why Giyu feels undeserving of the rank he achieved. While these feelings are complex, they remain unresolved for a while before Giyu finally makes peace with them.

Sabito's demise was a major blow to the Corps. since it lost a truly great and heroic warrior who wouldn't back down regardless of the threat. Individuals like him were rare and that is even the present Hashira are held in high esteem.