Who is Kaigaku in Demon Slayer? Explained

Modified Sep 24, 2024 15:30 GMT

Who is Kaigaku and what is his role in the series? (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer series has given fans some of the most loveable characters, and the credit goes to Koyoharu Gotouge’s writing style. He has created various characters with all the qualities any good human would love to have. These qualities, in turn, become the defining traits of these characters, which is why the likes of Rengoku and Tanjiro are adored.

Similarly, he has also written characters that are hated unanimously by the entire fanbase. One such character is none other than Kaigaku, a minor antagonist in the series. The upcoming Infinity Castle movies will introduce him to fans.

Disclaimer: This article contains massive spoilers from the manga chapters.

Kaigaku’s role in Demon Slayer

Kaigaku before he became a demon (Image via Ufotable)

Kaigaku will replace Upper Moon demons Daki and Gyutaro. His connection to certain members of the Demon Slayer Corps goes back to his childhood. Not only was he Zenitsu’s upperclassman in the dojo, but he was also the child who let demons into the temple where Gyomei Himejima worked. He was directly responsible for the death of the children that were in Gyomei’s care.

Kaigaku constantly took the easy way out and only put himself above everything else. Despite Jigoro Kuwajima’s tutelage, he chose to become a demon when Kokushibo overwhelmed him with his demonic powers.

Kaigaku had the option to either die or drink Muzan’s blood, so he chose the latter and became a demon. His decision was also the reason why Jigoro took his own life. He felt he needed to atone for his sin of teaching a Breathing Technique to someone who became a demon.

Kaigaku’s role in Zenitsu’s character arc

Kaigaku becomes the new Upper Moon 6 demon (Image via Ufotable)

Zenitsu Agatasuma’s character arc was quite enjoyable to those who read the manga. He was introduced as someone who constantly ran away from danger and rarely confronted problems with his head held high. He always joked around and was constantly afraid whenever a demon appeared before him.

He could only fight when he was unconscious since his instincts would take over. However, everything changed because of a single letter addressed to him. Kaigaku played a vital role in Zenitsu’s character development since Jigoro’s death fuelled his rage, and he eventually overcame his fear.

Zenitsu's demeanor changes drastically after reading the letter that informed Jigoro's death (Image via Ufotable)

His hatred for Kaigaku allowed him to fight the demon consciously and defeat him with a move he created. This was the seventh form of Thunder Breathing, the move that decapitated Kaigaku.

Zenitsu was able to get past his fear and was forced to take on an Upper Moon demon by himself. Zenitsu’s resolve and love for his master were tested, and he emerged as a new being. This is how Kaigaku helped Zenitsu with his character arc in Koyoharu Gotouge’s magnum opus.

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

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Edited by Shreya Das