Demon Slayer Arcs Guide: A Complete Guide on Demon Slayer Story Arcs

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Asad Mehmood

Asad is a curious Capricorn, who with his undying love for knowledge accumulation, can always be found reading, researching, or writing about something new. Of course, that is when he’s not busy watching anime, playing league of legends, farming Ancient Fruits in Stardew Valley, and reading manga, novels, and novellas. His history with Anime and Manga runs goes way back to the early 2000s. He grew up watching Anime like Dragon Ball Z, Beyblade G-Revolution, Pokémon, Naruto, and sort.

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Completely off-topic, but man figuring out the starting of these articles is the hardest part. Well, I guess you guys will have to bear with this candid beginning for this guide.

Would you believe it? I went on and binge-watched the whole 2nd Season of Demon Slayer. I relived those epic moments and artistic animation, only to share this incredible tale in this guide with you with some fresh memories and smiles.

Distributed over 205 Chapters, 23 Volumes, and 11 Arcs, Kimetsu no Yaiba is a modern-day masterpiece in the art of drawing Manga, Storytelling, Anime, and Animation. For me, it is among the Top 10 best modern animes, a title shared by Animes likes Attack on Titans, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, etcetera. 

With over 150 unique Anime series and 10,000+ Manga chapters under my belt, I will say I have seen and read a fair share of Anime and Manga in my life so far. Having experienced success stories like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece, and Hunter X Hunter, I appreciate a new Anime taking the spotlight now.

As an Otaku, Demon Slayer‘s success in reintroducing Anime to the western world and capturing their hearts through its detailed animation and plot is genuinely admirable.

In this guide, I’ll be giving you an overview of the series and going through the sophisticated plot arcs of the story. This guide will help you understand everything about Demon Slayer Arcs and hopefully answer all your questions regarding the series.

A Quick Overview and List of Demon Slayer Story Arcs

Before we move on, here is a quick overview and checklist of Demon Slayer Story Arcs. Make sure to check it out to understand the series’s timeline concerning its arcs.

1. Final Selection Arc – This Arc tells the story of Tanjiro’s training, introduction, and selection into the Demon Slayer Corps.
2. First Mission Arc – This Arc furthers the story into Tanjiro’s first mission as a Demon Slayer.
3. Asakusa Arc – Entailing Tanjiro’s second mission with the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro meets Yushiro and Tamayo and encounters Kibutsuji Muzan for the first time.
4. Tsuzumi Mansion Arc – Tanjiro meets Zenitsu and Inosuke, who join him in his adventures. Furthermore, they also defeat a strong demon called Kyogai.
5. Natagumo Mountain Arc – Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke go on their first mission together and venture to Mount Natagumo. This mission includes the epic battle between the group and Rui, a Twelve Kizuki demon holding the position of Lower-Rank Five.
6. Rehabilitation Training Arc – This Arc tells Tanjiro and Giyu’s trail in front of the Hashira, the group’s recovery, and training at the Butterfly Mansion.
7. Mugen Train Arc – In this sad and emotional arc, the story furthers into the group’s mission alongside the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, their encounter with Enmu, Lower-Rank One Demon, as well as Akaza, Upper-Rank Three Demon.
8. Entertainment District Arc – This arc tells the epic tale of the group’s battle with Daki and Gyotaro, Upper-Rank Sixth Demons, alongside the Sound Hashira, Tengen.
9. Swordsmith Village Arc – This Arc reveals Tanjiro’s new sword, Hotaru’s face, the Mist Hashira, Muichiro, the Love Hashira, Mitsuri, and the Upper-Rank Four and Five demons, Hantengu, and Gyokko as well.
10. Hashira Training Arc – This Arc showcases the hellishly brutal training camp supervised by the Hashira and attended by all the Demon Slayers. 
11. Final Battle Arc – This is the eleventh and final arc of Kimetsu no Yaiba. It is split into two sub arcs, the Infinity Castle Arc and the Sunrise Countdown Arc.
    • Infinity Castle Arc – This Arc is the first half of the overarching Final Battle Arc. It shows the courageous death of Kagaya, the former leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, and the beginning of the Hashiras’ final battle against Muzan in the Infinity Castle.
    • Sunrise Countdown Arc – This Arc is the second and last half of the overarching Final Battle Arc. It showcases the final hour and a half of the final battle against Muzan until daybreak.

With the quick list out of the way, let us get into the detailed content of this guide.

Koyoharu Gotoge: The Alligator with Glasses

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, on 5 May 1989, Gotoge is the mastermind behind Demon Slayer: Kimitsu no Yaiba. Gotoge uses an Aligator with Glasses as their avatar when delivering messages to the public. Gotoge participated in and won the 70th Jump Treasure Newcomer Manga Awards in 2013 with the work Kagarigari, a 45-page Demon-Slaying manga.

This One-Shot later became the foundation for Kimitsu no Yaiba, one of the top 10 best-selling mangas with over 100 million copies sold. Besides that, Gotoge had also created 3 other equally beautiful One-Shots before they moved on to work on Demon Slayer.

Now, Gotoge is working on their next epic tale, which according to them, is going to be a science-fiction romantic comedy story. Considering their success with Demon Slayer and numerous rewards with their One-Shots, it is safe to assume that this upcoming story will be one to keep an eye for.

Check These Out Before Moving On!

Here are some important terminologies that you should know to understand the context and story of the series better. To make this guide easy to follow, here is an overview and a list of these terms.

The Hashira and The Twelve Kizuki: The Strongest Vs The Strongest

The Hashira and the Twelve Kizuki are the most vital members of the Demon Slayer Corps and the Demons at large, respectively. Both groups are critical to the plot and direct the flow of the series.

Hashira

Hashira is the highest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps that a Demon Slayer can achieve through training, working hard, doing missions, and climbing the rank ladder. In the English translation, the rank of Hashira is called Pillar.

Pillars are the leaders of the Demon Slayer Corps, akin to the Kages from the Naruto Series; each Pillar is a master of their specific Breathing Style and swordsmanship. At the beginning of the show, there are 9 active Hashira who practice 9 different breathing styles in the current setting.

The Twelve Kizuki

The “Twelve Kizuki” are the 12 strongest Demons at any point in time, who act under the direct command of the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan. Known as the Twelve Demon Moons in English, these demons are distributed in Upper-Ranks and the Lower-Ranks. The 1st to the 6th strongest belong to the Upper-Rank of the organization. In contrast, the 7th Strongest to the 12th are classified as the Lower-Rank Demons.

While excessively strong, the gap between the Upper-Rank Kizuki demons and the Lower-Rank Kizuki demons is massive. In terms of strength and fighting ability, the Lower-Rank Kizuki demons are as strong as a Hashira. But the Upper-Rank Kizuki demons are even more powerful, as each of them has killed Hashiras by dozens in their lifetime. 

For reference, it took the combined effort of sleeping Zenitsu, Inosuke, Full-Demon-Power Nezuko, Demon Slayer Mark Activated Tanjiro, and the Sound Hashira, Tengen along with his 3 ninja wives, to barely defeat Daki and Gyutaro. Which are the weakest of the Upper-Rank Kizuki Demons, Upper-Rank Six.

The Demon Slayer Breathing Styles and The Demon Blood Art

Demon Slayer Breathing Styles and Demon Blood Art are special fighting abilities utilized by the Demon Slayers and Demons, respectively.

Demon Slayer’s Breathing Styles and Swordsmanship

The Demon Slayers train under respected masters who teach them the special breathing techniques and swordsmanship, effective against demons.

All the Breathing Styles are derived from the original Breathing Style, known as the Sun Breathing Style. While there are 14 known variants of Breathing Styles, only Sun Breathing is known to possess the techniques to inflict severe wounds to Muzan.

Here is a list of all the Breathing Styles introduced in the series and their respective forms count.

Sun Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 13
• No. of Known Techniques: 13

Moon Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 16
• No. of Known Techniques: 11

Water Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 11
• No. of Known Techniques: 11

Flame Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 9
• No. of Known Techniques: 6

Thunder Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 7
• No. of Known Techniques: 7

Stone Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 5
• No. of Known Techniques: 5

Wind Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 9
• No. of Known Techniques: 9

Flower Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 7
• No. of Known Techniques: 5

Serpent Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 5
• No. of Known Techniques: 5

Love Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 6
• No. of Known Techniques: 5

Sound Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 5
• No. of Known Techniques: 3

Beast Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 11
• No. of Known Techniques: 11

Mist Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 7
• No. of Known Techniques: 7

Insect Breathing

• No. of Minimum Forms: 4
• No. of Known Techniques: 4

Demon Blood Art

Demon Blood Art is the general term used for various abilities, techniques, and spells at the disposal of a demon. As the name suggests, the Demon Blood Art utilizes the user’s blood to cast the respective ability, technique, or spell. If the user has less blood, their Demon Blood Art will drastically weaken and may be dispelled as well.

Throughout the series, 26 demons are shown to possess the ability to use Demon Blood Art techniques.

Besides unique Demon Blood Art powers, demons also have some shared supernatural powers like:

• Accelerated Growth Rate
• Biological Absorption
• Disease Immunity
• Enhanced Senses
• Extrasensory Perception
• Extrasensory Perception
• Immortality
• Information Sharing
• Inhuman Physical Capabilities
• Menacing Aura
• Regeneration
• Supernatural Blood
• Unlimited Stamina & Endurance

All abilities possessed by a demon can grow significantly powerful as they consume more and more humans. On the other hand, most Demons require eating human flesh or drinking human blood to stay strong.

Some other shared weaknesses of demons are:

• Sunlight
• Nichirin Swords
• Wisteria Flowers
• Curse of Kibutsuji Muzan

Other Useful Terms

Besides the ones mentioned above, the following terms are critical to the plot. Learning them will help you understand the series better.

Wisteria Flower

These flowers exist in the real world as well. In the Demon Slayer series, the Wisteria Flowers contain a specific poison that is effective against the demon-kind. The scent of these flowers is also actively avoided by demons, making them a valuable tool in protection against demons. 

Blue Spider Lily

Spider Lilies exist in the real world, but the blue-colored variants do not exist or have not been discovered yet. In the Demon Slayer series, the Blue Spider Lilies are the core ingredient of a particular medicine that can turn humans into pure demons like Kibutsuji Muzan.

Tsuguko

Tsuguko means Successor. In the Demon Slayer series, a Tsuguko is an exceptionally talented and strong fighter selected or scouted by a Hashira and trained under them to ultimately succeed them as a Pillar.

Kakushi

Kakushi is the term for a brigade of people who work as attendants to the Demon Slayer Corps. These attendants are not good in combat and help the Demon Slayers by providing several different services. These services include but are not limited to the following:

• Providing medical treatment to Demon Slayers.
• Cleaning up the battlefield after Demon attacks.
• Serving as attendants of the Butterfly Mansion.
• Sewing and repairing Demon Slayers’ uniforms. 
• Transporting people to and from the Swordsmith Village.

Kasugai Crows

Kasugai Crows are unique crows who join the Demon Slayer Kasugai Crows Corps after completing the Kasugai Crows test. Though we don’t know the trial’s criteria, being a crow is unnecessary. These crows are assigned to Demon Slayers and have the task of delivering missions and messages to them.

Nichirin Sword

Nichirin Swords are unique swords made specifically to inflict lethal wounds on demon-kind. These blades are forged with the Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Ore, both of which have the property to absorb sunlight. Sunlight is lethal to demon-kind; thus, weaponry made from these materials effectively against demons.

11 Golden Arcs of Greatness

The story of “Demon Slayer: Kimitsu no Yaiba” is elegantly distributed into 11 golden arcs. Each arc is focused on a particular theme or lesson conveyed through the plot’s events. These arcs are sometimes counted as 12, with the Final Arc being further distributed into two mini-arcs. I wrote this guide with 11 Arcs and mentioned the 2 mini-arcs, where due.

Now without further ado, let’s dive into the immersive plot of Demon Slayer: Kimitsu no Yaiba.

Arc #1: Final Selection Arc

The Opening Arc of the series, the Final Arc, begins with our introduction to the Kamado family via Tanjiro Kamado. The Kamado family belongs to a lineage of coal burners, and Tanjiro is the eldest Son of the late head of the house, Tanjuro Kamado. 

This arc tells about the brutal murder of the Kamado family and the demonification of Tanjiro’s younger sister, Nezuko. Furthermore, it tells about the pair’s journey to turn Nezuko back into a human and take revenge on the demon who murdered their family.

During this sad time, Tanjiro and Nezuko meet Giyu, the current Water Hashira. He belongs to the Demon Slayers Corps, an organization which’s purpose is to protect humans from demon-kind and ultimately eliminate the King of all Demons, Kibutsuji Muzan.

Giyu eventually guides Tanjiro to his mentor and advises him to train and join the Demon Slayer Corps to become strong and defeat Muzan. On the way, Tanjiro and Nezuko encounter their first demon in a temple. To their rescue comes Sakonji Urokodaki, their mentor. 

Nezuko is hypnotized to not eat humans and falls into a deep sleep for a year and a half. Tanjiro trains under Sakonji and gives the Demon Slayer Entrance Exam upon completion. Tanjiro becomes one of five survivors, and they are prompted to choose their Ore which will be used to forge their Nichirin Swords. 

Key Information

• Locations: Kumotori Mountain, Sagiri Mountain Path Temple, Sagiri Mountain, Fujikasane Mountain
• Anime Episodes: 1 to 5
• Manga Chapters: 1 to 9

List of New Characters Introduced

• Tanjiro Kamado
• Nezuko Kamado
• Takeo Kamado
• Hanako Kamado
• Shigeru Kamado
• Rokuta Kamado
• The Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka
• Temple Demon
• Sakonji Urokodaki
• Sabito 
• Makomo
• Hand Demon
• Hotaru Haganezuka
• Genya Shinazugawa
• Zenitsu Agatsuma
• Kanao Tsuyuri
• Kanata Ubuyashiki
• Kiriya Ubuyashiki

List of Significant Events

• Muzan Kibutsuji murders Tanjiro and Nezuko’s family. 
• Nezuko is turned into a demon.
• Tanjiro trains under former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, to learn Water Breathing.
• Tanjiro completes his Water Breathing training.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro and Nezuko vs. Giyu Tomioka.
• Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs Temple Demon.
• Tanjiro Kamado vs. Sabito.
• Tanjiro Kamado vs. Hand Demon.

Arc #2: First Mission Arc

After becoming a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and Nezuko get their first mission of demon-slaying. The task is delivered to them by Tanjiro’s Kasugai Crow. The pair head northwest towards a town where girls are vanishing mysteriously.

This demon has a swamp-like Blood Demon Art to abduct and eat the town’s young girls. Tanjiro and Nezuko eliminate it with the Water Breathing Swordsmanship. In this Arc, Tanjiro learns the name of the King of Demons, Muzan Kibutsuji. 

Key Information

• Locations: Town to the northwest of Sagiri Mountain
• Anime Episodes: 6 to 7
• Manga Chapters: 10 to 13

List of New Characters Introduced

• Kazumi
• Satoko
• Tokie
• Swamp Demon

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro has his first encounter with Blood Demon Arts.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs. Swamp Demon.

Arc #3: Asakusa Arc

The Asakusa Arc involves many significant plot-building events. For their second mission, Tanjiro and Nezuko travel to the lush district of Asakusa, Tokyo. Unlike the mountain and town life that the pair is familiar with, this place is brimming with people and bright lights even at nighttime. 

During their stay, Tanjiro sniffs a familiar scent, which leads him to none other than the murderer of his family, Muzan. This encounter results in Muzan becoming really angry and assigning two of his demons to kill Tanjiro.

Tanjiro and Nezuko also meet Lady Tamayo, a Demon doctor who freed herself from the curse of Muzan, and Yushiro, a young demon boy, who is Tamayo’s assistant. Tamayo treats Tanjiro’s wounds and offers help to defeat Muzan by studying demon blood and preparing a medicine that will turn them back to humans.

The arc ends with an all-out battle between Tanjiro and the party vs. Susamaru and Yahaba, the demons assigned by Muzan.

Key Information

• Locations: Asakusa, Tokyo
• Anime Episodes: 7 to 10
• Manga Chapters: 14 to 19

List of New Characters Introduced

• The King of Demons, Muzan Kibutsuji
• Lady Tamayo
• Yushiro
• Temari Demon, Susamaru
• Arrow Demon, Yahaba

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro has his first encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji.
• The introduction of the Twelve Kizuki.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Tamayo, and Yushiro vs. Susamaru and Yahaba

Arc #4: Tsuzumi Mansion Arc

In this arc, Tanjiro ventures to the south-southeast and meets a fellow demon slayer, Zenitsu Agatsuma. Zenitsu is accompanied by his Kasugai Crow, Chuntaro. Unlike other Kasugai Crows, Chuntaro is a sparrow and cannot speak. Its family was murdered by demons, much like Tanjiro and Nezuko. 

This arc shows one of the most well-animated fight scenes, which solidified its position in the western world. Zenitsu’s sleep-walk fighting and lightning-fast swordsmanship are etched in the mind of all the fans of Demon Slayer.

Furthermore, the group meets Inosuke Hashibira, the self-taught demon slayer, and the third to join Tanjiro’s team. Besides that, Tanjiro’s battle against Kyogai is portrayed really beautifully.

Key Information

• Locations: Tsuzumi Mansion
• Anime Episodes: 11 to 14
• Manga Chapters: 20 to 27

List of New Characters Introduced

• Shoichi 
• Teruko
• Inosuke Hashibira
• Tongue Demon
• Horned Demon
• Kiyoshi 
• Tsuzumi Demon, Kyogai 

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro meets Zenitsu Agatsuma.
• Tanjiro meets Inosuke Hashibira.
• Tanjiro has an encounter with an ex-member of the Twelve Kizuki.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado vs. Kyogai
• Zenitsu Agatsuma vs. Tongue Demon
• Inosuke Hashibira vs. Horned Demon

Arc #5: Natagumo Mountain Arc

The fifth arc of the Demon Slayer series, the Natagumo Mountain Arc, is widely considered the best arc of Season 1. This arc tells the story of Tanjiro and the group’s joint mission to defeat the demons on the Natagumo Mountain.

The mountain proves to be the territory of the Lower-Rank Five Demon, Rui, of the Twelve Kizuki. An epic battle-rich story with tons of masterfully-animated fights, this arc showcases two Hashira in action. It shows our heroes reach new heights with their techniques.

Tanjiro learns the use of his mysterious family dance into a demon-slaying breathing style. Nezuko unlocks her own Demon Blood Art. Inosuke shows his self-created Beast Breathing style in action, and Zenitsu breaks his limits with the Thunder Breathing First Form: Sixfold technique.

Furthermore, the arc ends at an epic cliffhanger with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Giyu being summoned for trial in front of the Hashira to protect a demon, Nezuko.

Key Information

• Locations: Natagumo Mountain
• Anime Episodes: 15 to 21
• Manga Chapters: 28 to 44

List of New Characters Introduced

• The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho
• Murata
• Jigoro Kuwajima
• Tanjuro Kamado
• Kie Kamado
• Lower-Rank Five Demon, Rui
• Father Spider Demon
• Mother Spider Demon
• Son Spider Demon
• Daughter Spider Demon

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro has an encounter Lower-Rank Five of the Twelve Kizuki.
• Tanjiro unlocks his ability to use his father’s Hinokami Kagura Dance.
• Nezuko unleashes her very own Blood Demon Art: Exploding Blood for the first time.
• Tanjiro and the group rid the Natagumo Mountain of the Spider Demon Family.
• Tanjiro and Nezuko are taken into custody by the Demon Slayer Corps.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira vs. Mother Spider Demon
• Zenitsu Agatsuma vs. Son Spider Demon
• Tanjiro Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira vs. Father Spider Demon
• Giyu Tomioka vs. Father Spider Demon
• Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs. Rui
• Giyu Tomioka vs. Rui
• Shinobu Kocho vs. Daughter Spider Demon

Arc #6: Rehabilitation Training Arc

This mini-arc begins with Tanjiro and others being trailed in front of the Hashira and Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Their crime, the protection of a demon, Nezuko. Most of the Hashira are not in favor ofTanajiro, and Giyu’s decision to trust and protect Nezuko; however, a letter from Sakonji leads to Kagaya allowing Nezuko’s survival.

The group is taken to the Butterfly Mansion, which is the residence of the Insect Hashira. It is often used as a recovery base for injured Demon Slayers. After their recovery, the group trains under the tutelage of Aoi Kanzaki.

This arc also shares the tragic story of the previous Flower Hashira and the sister of Shinobu. This arc ends with the group successfully completing their training and mastering Total Concentration: Constant and disembarking towards the Mugen Train to meet with the Flame Hashira for their next mission.

Key Information

• Locations: Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Butterfly Mansion
• Anime Episodes: 22 to 26
• Manga Chapters: 45 to 53

List of New Characters Introduced

• The Master of the Mansion, Kagaya Ubuyashiki
• Nichika Ubuyashiki
• Hinaki Ubuyashiki
• The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa
• The Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji
• The Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito
• The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku
• The Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui
• The Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima
• The Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro
• Aoi Kanzaki
• Kanae Kocho
• Sumi Nakahara 
• Kiyo Terauchi 
• Naho Takada 
• Lower-Rank One Demon, Enmu
• Lower-Rank Two Demon, Rokuro
• Lower-Rank Three Demon, Wakuraba
• Lower-Rank Four Demon, Mukago
• Lower-Rank Six Demon, Kamanue

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro has his first encounter with the 9 Hashira.
• Tanjiro has his first encounter with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
• Tanjiro and Giyu are trialed by the Hashira.
• Sakonji Urokodaki sends a letter saying he and Giyu will commit seppuku if Nezuko harms humans.
• Nezuko is proven to be able to resist eating humans.
• Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke complete the Rehabilitation Training.
• Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke master Total Concentration: Constant.
• Muzan Kibutsuji kills all of the Lower Ranks except Enmu and discontinues the Lower Ranks.
• Muzan orders Enmu to kill Tanjiro Kamado. So, he may receive his blood, grow more powerful, and become an Upper-Rank Demon as a reward.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado vs. Kanao Tsuyuri (Rehabilitation Training Match)

Arc #7: Mugen Train Arc

The final act of Season 1. This arc tells the story of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Renguko. His personality shined as bright as the flame of his breathing style, but this arc brought down a flooding rain that extinguished his candle. 

This arc is aired twice, full of sunshine, bright eyes, core-shaking fights, and an equally dark ending, once as a movie and other as a serialization in the form of episodes. The Mugen Train Arc entails Tanjiro and the group’s battle against the Lower-Rank 1 Demon, Enmu.

After a long movie fight, the demon slayers finally defeat Enmu and save the day. But their victory does not last long as Muzan sends The Upper-Rank Three Demon, Akaza, to clear the battlefield. To protect everyone else, Kyojuro Renguko fights Akaza to death, giving up his life but successfully saving the lives of his newly recruited Tsuguko.

Key Information

• Locations: Infinity Train
• Anime Episodes: 27 to 34
• Manga Chapters: 54 to 69

List of New Characters Introduced

• Slasher
• Upper-Rank Three Demon, Akaza
• Ruka Rengoku
• Shinjiro Rengoku
• Senjuro Rengoku
• Amane Ubuyashiki

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu become the Tsugoku of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Renguko.
• Tanjiro and the group kill Enmu, eliminating all Lower-Rank Demons.
• Kyojuro Rengoku dies in battle against Akaza.

List of Significant Battles

• Kyojuro Rengoku vs. Slasher
• Kyojuro Rengoku, Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, and Nezuko Kamado vs. Enmu
• Kyojuro Rengoku vs. Akaza

Arc #8: Entertainment District Arc

Shared in the 2nd Season of the series, the Entertainment District Arc takes place in the red light district of Yoshiwara, Tokyo. This arc tells the story of Tanjiro and the group meeting the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, and joining him on a mission to locate the demon operating in the mentioned district.

Uzui has three kunoichi wives who have infiltrated the three renowned houses of the district to extract information about the demon. But they are captured by the devil and Tanjiro, and the group now must infiltrate the base themselves in disguise.

This arc showcases one of the most long-lasting and all-out battles between demon slayers and the Upper-Rank Six Demon, Daki, and Gyutaro.

Key Information

• Locations: Tokito House, Kyogoku House, Ogimoto House, Kirimise, Yoshiwara, Tokyo
• Anime Episodes: 34 to 44 (Season 2)
• Manga Chapters: 70 to 99

List of New Characters Introduced

• Upper-Rank Six Demon, Daki
• Upper-Rank Six Demon, Gyutaro
• Makio
• Suma
• Hinatsuru

List of Significant Events

• Tanjiro and the group successfully kill the Upper-Rank Six Demon.
• Nezuko develops her demon marks.
• Tanjiro unlocks his Demon Slayer Mark.
• The Upper Ranks are summoned to the Infinity Castle by Muzan Kibutsuji.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado vs. Daki.
• Tanjiro Kamado and Tengen Uzui vs. Gyutaro.
• Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira vs. Daki.

Arc #9: Swordsmith Village Arc

The ninth arc of the series will be featured in the Third Season of the Anime. As Tanjiro breaks his sword again in the battle against the Upper-Rank Six Demon, Hotaru demands that he come to the secret demon slayer Swordsmith village. Meanwhile, Hotaru himself trains hard to forge a brand new sword for Tanjiro that won’t ever chip away.

This arc introduces Genya Shinazugawa, a fellow survivor of the final selection, and showcases Love and Mist Hashira in action. This is the first arc where Tanjiro splits from Inosuke and Zenitsu after meeting them. He learns about the demon slayer battle doll, Yoriichi Type Zero, used to train demon slayers during his stay.

Tanjiro trains with the battle doll and ultimately finds a rusted sword inside it when he accidentally cuts its head. Hotaru appears and takes the sword, claiming he will restore it. He says that this will be Tanjiro’s new sword. During this time, the Swordsmith Village is attacked by the Upper-Rank Four and Upper-Rank Five Demons. A battle breaks out between Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Hashiras against the two deadly demons. 

The arc ends with the demon slayers’ victory and a surprise for Tanjiro. That being Nezuko becoming immune to sunlight. This news sends big waves through demon-kind as Muzan directs his attention towards absorbing Nezuko.

Key Information

• Locations: Swordsmith Village
• Anime Episodes: TBA (Season 3)
• Manga Chapters: 100 to 127

List of New Characters Introduced

• Tecchin Tecchikawahara
• Kotetsu
• Kozo Kanamori
• Upper-Rank Four, Hantengu
• Upper-Rank Five, Gyokko

List of Significant Events

• The Secret Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village is shown.
• Genya’s demonification powers are revealed.
• Muichiro unlocks their Demon Slayer Marks.
• Mitsuri unlocks their Demon Slayer Marks.
• Nezuko becomes immune to the Sun.
• Tanjiro and the group defeat the Upper-Rank Four and Five Demons, effectively reducing the Twelve Kizuki to Three Upper-Rank Demons.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Genya Shinazugawa and Mitsuri Kanroji vs Hantengu
• Muichiro Tokito vs. Gyokko

Arc #10: Hashira Training Arc

The 10th arc of the series focuses on training the demon slayers for the upcoming final battle against Muzan. In this arc, all the demon slayers gather and go through a hellish training session conducted by the Hashira except for Giyu and Shinobu. 

In this arc, the demon slayers train their stamina, flexibility, quick movement, sword skill revision, pounding, and muscle reinforcement under the seven Hashira.

Key Information

• Locations: Respective Hashira Residence and Training Zones
• Anime Episodes: TBA
• Manga Chapters: 128 to 136

List of New Characters Introduced

• None

List of Significant Events

• All Demon Slayers participate in the Hashira Training session.

List of Significant Battles

• Tanjiro Kamado vs. Sanemi Shinazugawa
• Giyu Tomioka vs. Sanemi Shinazugawa

Arc #11: Final Battle Arc

This is the last arc of the Demon Slayer series. This arc reveals the final battle of Demon Slayers against the King of Demons, Kibutsuji Muzan, and the top three demons of the Twelve Kizuki. This arc is further divided into two sub-arcs based on where the battle takes place, and both are described below.

Arc #11: Final Battle Arc: Infinity Castle Arc

Comprising the majority of the Final Battle Arc, the story leads off with Muzan’s infiltration into the Ubuyashiki Estate to kill Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. This proves to be a mistake on his part as Kagaya had already predicted Muzan’s plan and had prepared a counter-attack against him.

Kagaya blows himself up with a bomb laced with Wisteria flower poison. The explosion surprises Muzan, letting Tamayo inject the dedemonification medicine into Muzan.

Striking on this opportunity, the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima slices Muzans head off. But to their surprise, Muzan does not die and reveals that the only way to kill him is exposure to sunlight.

After that, everyone is teleported to the Infinity Castle, where an all-out war between the remaining Hashira and demon slayers vs. the Twelve Kizuki and Muzan ensues. In this arc, the demon slayers successfully eliminate all the members of the Twelve Kizuki. However, they pay the price of the lives of many Hashira, including Shinobu.

Key Information

• Locations: Ubuyashiki Estate, Infinity Castle
• Anime Episodes: TBA
• Manga Chapters: 137 to 183

List of New Characters Introduced

• Nakime
• Upper-Rank One Demon, Kokushibo
• Upper-Rank Two Demon, Doma
• New Upper-Rank Six Demon, Kaigaku

List of Significant Events

• The Hashira have their first encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji.
• Kagaya Ubuyashiki dies in a suicidal bomb attack agasint Muzan.
• Tamayo injects Muzan with a particular medicine that reverts his demonification.
• Kiriya Ubuyashiki becomes the new head of the Mansion and the Demon Slayer Corps leader at age 8.
• All the Twelve Kizuki were eliminated.

List of Significant Battles

• Demon Slayers vs. Muzan Kibutsuji
• Shinobu Kocho vs. Doma
• Zenitsu Agatsuma vs. Kaigaku
• Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka vs. Akaza
• Kanao Tsuyuri and Inosuke Hashibira vs. Doma
• Mitsuri Kanroji and Obanai Iguro vs. Nakime
• Muichiro Tokito, Genya Shinazugawa, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Gyomei Himejima vs. Kokushibo

Arc #11: Final Battle Arc: Sunrise Countdown Arc

The finale of the decisive battle of Demon Slayers against Muzan. This arc comprises the last 21 chapters of the Demon Slayer manga. In a race against time, the demon slayers do their utmost to hold Muzan in one place until the Sun rises. In his final moments, Muzan pours all his blood into Tanjiro, converting him into a demon who can conquer the Sun. 

But his efforts ultimately fail as Tanjiro forces him out with the help of his loved ones, dead and alive. Tanjiro fights against Muzan in his subconscious, while on the outside, now a human, Nezuko holds Tanjiro tight.

In contrast, the Demon Slayers and Kanao fight him and inject the dedemonification medicine, ultimately helping him turn back into a human. With this, the story of Muzan and demon slayers finally concludes.

Key Information

• Locations: City outside the destroyed Infinity Castle
• Anime Episodes: TBA (Final Season)
• Manga Chapters: 184 to 205

List of New Characters Introduced

• None

List of Significant Events

• Muzan merges with Tanjiro to make him a Demon but fails
• Nezuko becomes human once again.
• Demon Slayer Corps is finally successful in killing Muzan.
• Demon Slayer Corps is disbanded.

List of Significant Battles

• Demon Slayers vs. Muzan Kibutsuji: Rematch
• Demon Slayers vs. Tanjiro Kamado

FAQs

Demon Slayer Arcs Guide: Final Thoughts

Upfront Demon Slayer is a story about a selected Humanity Vs. Demons. However, it is more about the battles against demons that reside deeper within us. All of the demon-kind in the series arises from within the Humans, and only those with particular negative traits like a strong sense of jealousy, hatred, cruelty, and negativity are the ones who become demons.

Arc after Arc, Demon Slayer tells us life stories with many wrong decisions and cruel fates that lead specific individuals towards despair and demon hood. While Tanjiro and others fight them on behalf of humankind and remind us of valuable lessons along the way.

After every death comes a new beginning. But not before a flashback of the journey that led them to that conclusion. For me, Demon Slayer is about shaking us up from our trance of life to remind us of all the essential things that we have forgotten.

To that extent, my favorite arc from the series is the “Entertainment District Arc.” Because the demons in this arc represent Tanjiro and Nezuko in a darker light and what they could have become had they made a different choice.

Well, I hope you liked this Demon Slayer Arc Guide, and it proved helpful to you. Until we meet again, keep looking forward to the Season 3 of the Anime, which will probably be included in the Fall 2023 Anime Season or the Summer 2023 Anime Season.