Younger Toguro, commonly known as Toguro, is a major antagonist of Yu Yu Hakusho as well as the last enemy of the Spirit Detective Saga. He is the main antagonist of the Dark Tournament Saga.
When Yu Yu Hakusho debuted, both the manga (1990-1994) and the anime (1992-1994) were hailed as groundbreaking works. Despite the anime's relatively short run of 112 episodes, the series has consistently been ranked among the best anime ever created. The main characters are well-developed and complex, steering clear of two-dimensional stereotypes. Moreover, even the antagonists have intricate backstories, such as Toguro, whose mysterious and complex past adds depth to his character.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for some. Readers are advised to continue at their discretion.
Who is Toguro in Yu Yu Hakusho?
Toguro, also known as Younger Toguro, is a key antagonist in the anime and manga series Yu Yu Hakusho. Once a human martial artist, Toguro transformed into a powerful demon by making a deal with other demons in his quest for greater power. His character is marked by his immense strength, strategic intelligence, and a complex past that gradually unfolds throughout the series.
During the Dark Tournament Saga, Toguro is the main antagonist, as he pitted formidable demon teams against each other. As the story progresses, his true motives and deep involvement in the tournament come to light, revealing his intent to challenge Yusuke Urameshi and his friends to their limits, testing their strength and resolve.
Toguro's role goes beyond that of a simple adversary; he acts as a catalyst for significant character development, particularly for Yusuke. Their battles force Yusuke to face his own limitations and surpass them with the help of Genkai. Toguro's enigmatic and brooding nature adds a layer of mystery, making him a formidable antagonist.
What rank was Toguro during the Dark Tournament saga?
During the Dark Tournament Saga in Yu Yu Hakusho, Younger Toguro is officially classified as an upper B-Class demon. However, this label doesn't fully capture his true power and potential. Toguro's abilities are exceptional even within the B-Class range, making him a formidable foe.
Toguro's upper B-Class status suggests he is extraordinarily powerful but not at the peak of demon strength, which is reserved for A-Class and S-Class demons. Despite this, Toguro exhibits abilities that can rival or even surpass those of higher-class demons. His physical prowess is immense, allowing him to achieve and maintain a near-perfect muscular form that drastically enhances his strength and durability.
At full power, he can increase his muscle mass to the point where his body becomes nearly invincible, capable of withstanding severe damage and delivering devastating attacks. Throughout the Dark Tournament, Toguro's strength is a central focus. His ability to manipulate his muscle mass lets him control his power output precisely, making him a versatile and unpredictable adversary. He easily defeats opponents considered powerful in their own right, showcasing his dominance in the arena. Toguro's prowess pushes Yusuke Urameshi to his limits, forcing the young Spirit Detective to grow stronger and exceed his own boundaries. Toguro's true power is fully revealed during his final battle with Yusuke.
When he powers up to 100% of his full strength, it becomes clear that his upper B-Class designation is somewhat misleading. At this peak, Toguro's power rivals that of higher-class demons, suggesting his true potential may have been underestimated. His final transformation, which highlights his immense power and durability, leads to an intense and climactic battle that pushes Yusuke to unlock his latent abilities.
Did Genkai and Toguro have a relationship?
Yes, Toguro indeed shared a close bond with Genkai. Together with Toguro's older brother, they established a dojo fifty years before the events of Yu Yu Hakusho, where they lived happily with their students. According to Elder Toguro, there was even a romantic connection between Genkai and Younger Toguro when he was still a human.
Their lives took a tragic turn when a demon named Kairen massacred everyone except the trio, dragging them into the Dark Tournament. Kairen, the reigning champion, specifically targeted Toguro due to his renowned fighting skills. Despite the hardships, their team emerged victorious, earning them the chance to fulfill their wishes. Traumatized by the ordeal, Toguro and his brother desired to become demons to gain power, while Genkai wanted nothing more to do with the tournament.
Genkai severed ties with the brothers after their wish, repulsed by their choice to embrace demonic existence. Despite this, Younger Toguro still held affection for her, evident from his actions. Even though he cruelly mocked her before her demise, he couldn't bring himself to entirely sever the emotional ties. So much so that after his brother insulted her memory, Toguro sent him flying with a powerful kick.
FAQs on Toguro in Yu Yu Hakusho
A. It is assumed that Toguro and Genkai were the same age which puts the antagonist at around 70 years old.
A. In the original dub, Toguro was sentenced to 10,000 years repeated 10,000 times in Hell until his soul is completely destroyed as per his wishes.
A. Toguro has only one brother, Elder Toguro, who is often spotted sitting on his younger brother’s shoulder. While the young brother dies at the end of the Dark Tournament saga, the elder Toguro is still alive.
