Rengoku's lasting impact on Tanjiro in Demon Slayer

Time of India

13-05-2025

Credits: Crunchyroll
Kyojuro Rengoku
, the spirited
Flame Hashira
introduced in the
Mugen Train Arc
, becomes a pivotal figure in
Tanjiro Kamado
's journey. In just one fateful encounter on the train, Rengoku's boundless energy and unwavering honor profoundly impacted the young
Demon Slayer
. As one reviewer notes, 'Rengoku undeniably had the most influence on Tanjiro's character in such a short span of time'. Through his bravery and the wisdom he imparts in his final moments (for example, insisting that
'growing old and dying is what gives meaning and beauty to a human life'
), Rengoku inspires Tanjiro to treasure life's fragility and grow stronger. Voice actor Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro's Japanese VA) has said that Tanjiro 'often recalls Rengoku's words to stay resilient'– a testament to how the Flame Hashira's lesson of courage lives on in the hero's heart even after his death.
A fiery mentor in the Mugen Train Arc
In the Mugen Train story, Rengoku arrives as a mentor-like figure. His blazing fight against the dream-demon Enmu and then the Upper-Rank demon Akaza leaves Tanjiro awestruck. Rengoku's fearless example – smiling while protecting passengers and declaring
'no matter how devastated you feel, just
set your heart ablaze
'
– pushes Tanjiro to hone his own skills. After Rengoku sacrifices himself, Tanjiro and his friends bury him, and Tanjiro vows to live up to Rengoku's ideals.
Credits: Crunchyroll
The emotional weight of Rengoku's sacrifice is captured in Tanjiro's tears and vow for revenge, but more importantly in his resolve to keep moving forward. As Hanae explains, Tanjiro considers Rengoku 'very much still alive' in his heart, using the fallen Hashira's spirited words as a source of strength. In effect, Rengoku's fiery spirit becomes a guiding force, making Tanjiro a better swordsman and solidifying his determination to protect others.
Mentorship echoes in the Entertainment District
Even in the
Entertainment District Arc
, where Rengoku does not physically appear, his legacy is clearly felt. One striking moment comes early in this arc: Tanjiro faithfully delivers Kyojuro's last message to his family. In fact, episode scripts note Tanjiro 'visits the Rengoku residence to deliver Kyojuro's last message'. This poignant scene underscores Tanjiro's deep respect and affection for his mentor – Rengoku's memory now touches Tanjiro's life off the battlefield as well. The act of carrying Rengoku's letter by hand shows that Rengoku's influence has become part of Tanjiro's very honor and personal code.
Credits: Crunchyroll
On the battlefield in Yoshiwara, Tanjiro's fighting style also bears Rengoku's imprint. During the brutal battle against the Upper-Rank demons Daki and Gyutaro, Tanjiro fights with a redoubled spirit that echoes Rengoku's passion. Although Tanjiro wields the
Hinokami Kagura
(Sun Breathing) technique rather than Flame Breathing, fans often note how Tanjiro's fiery determination in this arc reflects lessons from Rengoku's example. After prevailing, Tanjiro emerges still driven by the Flame Hashira's words. As Natsuki Hanae puts it, 'every time Tanjiro remembers Rengoku's words, it moves me' – showing how Rengoku's mentorship has permanently shaped Tanjiro's resolve.
A forged legacy in the Swordsmith Village Arc
The
Swordsmith Village Arc
brings Rengoku's legacy into full view through symbols and family ties. Early on, Tanjiro must explain the damage to his sword and forge a new one. Remarkably, Rengoku's own old sword literally saves a life: in one episode, Kotetsu (the Mist Hashira) survives a deadly demon strike because he holds onto
Rengoku's old sword hilt
, which Tanjiro then uses to craft his next blade. The article explains that 'the strike to [Kotetsu's] chest was actually blocked by Rengoku's sword hilt that Tanjiro made him hold onto to use for Tanjiro's next sword'. In other words, Rengoku's weapon – and thus his spirit – live on in Tanjiro's new Nichirin sword. This powerful image shows Rengoku protecting the Demon Slayers even after death, as the Hashira 'continues to be one of the major standouts' whose impact resonates.
Credits: IMDb
Moreover, the new sword marked with Rengoku's hilt symbolizes Tanjiro carrying the Flame Hashira's ideals forward. In Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro also meets Rengoku's family, deepening his connection to Rengoku's memory. Other characters echo this influence: the Mist Hashira Muichiro remembers how Rengoku inspired him and many peers. As one review notes, Rengoku 'was likely the key member of the Hashira that helped the others along. He's still managed to influence things from beyond the grave thanks to his impact on everyone'. Tanjiro, in turn, internalizes this legacy. Even Rengoku's voice actor remarks that watching those flashbacks brings him to tears, saying Rengoku is 'a huge presence' – not just for Tanjiro, but for the entire Demon Slayer Corps.
In the end, Tanjiro's growth carries the flame kindled by Rengoku. From the selfless courage Rengoku showed on the Mugen Train to the way Tanjiro honors him in later arcs, Rengoku's legacy remains a constant influence. Tanjiro's journey – through the Entertainment District and Swordsmith Village arcs and beyond – is indelibly shaped by the Flame Hashira's example. Rengoku's spirit lives on in every lesson Tanjiro learns and every battle he fights, lighting the way for a young hero who carries his mentor's fiery heart into the future
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