Chapter Summaries

Xia Xi demonstrated the Bright Red Nichirin Blade and explained why Kazetoriin could not yet master it. He then wondered whether the technique was one of several supreme territories tied to the Body, Technique, and Mind stats, and whether they could be combined into a Flash Form.

• Xia Xi showed Kazetoriin and Shinobu Kocho how he infused his Nichirin Blade with strength and will to create the Bright Red Nichirin Blade.
• Kazetoriin said he had been practicing the method Shinjuro described but had made no progress, and Xia Xi explained that his grip strength was too low.
• Xia Xi estimated that Kazetoriin would need one to two years of intense strength training to reach the required level, leaving Kazetoriin discouraged and Shinobu to abandon the idea of learning the technique.
• Xia Xi considered whether the Bright Red Nichirin Blade was the supreme territory of the Body stat and speculated about ultimate skills for Technique and Mind.
• Xia Xi wondered whether mastering all three forms could produce a legendary Flash Form.

Xia Xi explained the Mechanical Puppet’s limits and its potential as a training partner, while Kazetoriin asked for one of his own. In the Infinity Castle, the Upper Rank demons gathered for a meeting with Muzan, though Hantengu was absent.

• Kazetoriin asked to test Xia Xi’s Mechanical Puppet, but Xia Xi refused and explained that it was suited to training and supporting weaker fighters rather than defeating Upper Ranks.
• Xia Xi offered to make Shinobu Kocho a puppet for training and combat support, while telling Kazetoriin to improve his strength before he could get one.
• Doma arrived in the Infinity Castle and greeted Nakime and Kokushibo, while Akaza ignored him.
• Gyokko, Gyutaro, and Daki joined Doma in the Infinity Castle and greeted him respectfully.
• The Upper Ranks gathered in the Infinity Castle for a meeting with Muzan, with Hantengu absent.

The Upper Ranks gathered in Infinity Castle, where Akaza fought with Doma and learned that Hantengu had died. Muzan arrived, confirmed Hantengu’s death, and violently silenced Doma, leaving the demons wondering why their master seemed unusually irritable.

• Doma teased Akaza about failing to defeat a Demon Slayer swordsman, and Akaza punched him before Kokushibo ordered him to stand down.
• Daki and Gyokko mocked Akaza, while Akaza thought that Xia Xi could have become an Upper Rank and challenged Doma.
• Doma asked Nakime why Hantengu had not arrived, and the Upper Ranks realized Hantengu might be dead.
• Muzan appeared and announced that Hantengu had been killed by the Demon Slayer Corps.
• Doma began asking which swordsman had killed Hantengu, but Muzan blasted away his arms and part of his face for speaking without permission.

Muzan ordered the Upper Ranks to investigate the swordsman with hanafuda earrings and avoid attacking him unless they were certain, while Kokushibo suspected a connection to Yoriichi. News of the Upper Four’s defeat reached the Demon Slayer Corps, and Shinjuro practiced with his Bright Red Nichirin Blade before Kyojuro approached him.

• Muzan berated the Upper Ranks over Hantengu’s death, then ordered them to identify the swordsman with hanafuda earrings and his Breathing Style without attacking him unless they were certain.
• Gyokko plotted to kill the swordsman, Akaza looked forward to fighting him, and Doma questioned Kokushibo about Muzan’s reaction before Nakime sent the demons away.
• Kokushibo realized Muzan feared the earrings and wondered whether the swordsman was connected to Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
• Nakime left the empty Infinity Castle after dismissing the demons.
• News of the Dawn Hashira and Feather Hashira defeating an Upper Rank spread through the Demon Slayer Corps.
• Shinjuro practiced Flame Breathing and wielded his Bright Red Nichirin Blade, then sheathed it when Kyojuro approached.

Shinjuro demonstrated the Bright Red Nichirin Blade to Kyojuro, then told him to master Constant training and enter next spring’s Final Selection. Meanwhile, Igarashi declined to attend the Nine Hashira Council, and Tengen Uzui received its summons and reacted to Xia Xi’s latest commotion.

• Shinjuro showed Kyojuro how to activate the Bright Red Nichirin Blade, but Kyojuro assumed Xia Xi had invented the technique and wanted to learn it from him.
• After Kyojuro said Xia Xi had taught him most of Flame Breathing, Shinjuro told him to enter next spring’s Final Selection and aim to pass with the best results he could.
• A Kasugai Crow arrived at the Rengoku estate with another message as Shinjuro and Kyojuro spoke.
• Igarashi declined to attend the Nine Hashira Council because of his poor health and told the crow that Xia Xi could represent his views.
• Tengen Uzui received the council summons and complained that Xia Xi had caused a commotion again without telling him.

Tengen Uzui received news that Xia Xi had slain Upper Rank Four and sent a letter to his estranged younger brother. At the Nine Hashira Meeting, Kagaya Ubuyashiki announced the victory as a turning point and asked Xia Xi to explain the battle.

• Tengen Uzui learned that Xia Xi had slain an Upper Rank and acknowledged his friend’s achievement.
• Uzui asked his wives to deliver his letter to his younger brother, Uzui Gen'nosuke, or burn it if they could not find him.
• At the Nine Hashira Meeting, Kanae Kocho reunited with Xia Xi and greeted the other Hashira.
• Kagaya Ubuyashiki announced that the Corps had slain Upper Rank Four, Hantengu, and declared that Upper Ranks could be killed.
• Xia Xi described the battle against Hantengu and reviewed the demon’s Blood Demon Art and his own strength compared with the Upper Ranks.

After Xia Xi reported Hantengu’s defeat, the Hashira discussed the Demon King’s likely response and revised the Corps’ ranks. Kanae Kocho was approved as the Flower Hashira and received a special haori prepared by Xia Xi.

• Xia Xi described the strength of the Upper Ranks and confirmed that Hantengu and his clones, including Zohakuten, had been defeated.
• Shinjuro warned that the Demon King would react to Upper Rank Four’s death, and Kagaya Ubuyashiki proposed promoting qualified swordsmen and assigning adjutants.
• Amane reviewed Kanae Kocho’s record, and Takitsuki Kazetoriin, Tengen Uzui, and Xia Xi recommended her for Hashira.
• The assembled Hashira approved Kanae’s promotion, and Kagaya named her the Flower Hashira.
• Amane gave Kanae a special haori prepared by Xia Xi, and Kanae blushed as she put it on.

Kanae became the Flower Hashira, bringing the Corps to six serving Hashira, and Kagaya began assigning promising swordsmen as their deputies. Xia Xi arranged deputies for several Hashira, while Tengen Uzui was left waiting for his own assignment.

• Kanae took office as the Flower Hashira, and Kagaya urged Xia Xi to treat her well, prompting an awkward exchange about Kanae and Shinobu being his close friends.
• Kagaya began assigning deputies, and Xia Xi recommended Sabito and Giyu Tomioka for Takitsuki Kazetoriin, noting that Tengen Uzui had grown strong enough to surpass him.
• Amane assigned Dingqi Shanhua and Shinobu Butterfly to Kanae, while Xia Xi explained Shinobu’s combat skill and potential.
• Ubuyashiki assigned Dōjima Kazuma and Kōtarō to Shinjuro, and Xia Xi recommended Kozō and Tomioka as deputies for Gyomei.
• Tengen Uzui asked for two deputies of his own, and Xia Xi realized he had nearly forgotten to arrange them.

Xia Xi assigned Obanai Iguro and Murata to train with Tengen Uzui, then presented a stepped training system to improve new Demon Slayer recruits’ teamwork, survival skills, and readiness for dangerous demons. The Hashira considered his proposal after hearing that earlier reforms had reduced casualties and strengthened the Corps.

• Xia Xi selected Obanai Iguro and Murata to train with Tengen Uzui, reasoning that Murata needed more practical combat experience.
• Xia Xi named promising Swordsmen from the Northern Region and described the progress of the squad and Provisional Hashira systems.
• Amane reported that the reforms had lowered the Corps’ casualty rate and improved the strength and survival of its Swordsmen.
• Xia Xi proposed seven days of onboarding for new recruits focused on squad coordination, tactical signals, terrain adaptation, first aid, and knowledge of demons.
• Xia Xi proposed low-intensity drills against simulated demons so recruits could practice tactics and learn to endure fear while awaiting help.
• Gyomei Himejima praised Xia Xi’s proposal, while Shinjuro Rengoku privately suspected Xia Xi wanted to put more pressure on the recruits.

Xia Xi laid out regular training, simulated battles, and psychological assessments for the Demon Slayer Corps, then demonstrated a Bright Red Nichirin Blade that could suppress demon regeneration. He set a goal for the Hashira to learn the technique, only for Shinjuro to reveal he had mastered it long ago.

• Xia Xi proposed six-month simulated battles between established squads and Hashira-led teams, with special training for any Hashira who lost.
• Xia Xi called for regular psychological assessments so exhausted or traumatized swordsmen could receive counseling, reassignment, or retirement.
• Xia Xi said the Hashira would undergo intensive training and aimed to raise their energy levels before teaching them a new move.
• Xia Xi used Grip of Ten Thousand Jun to turn his Nichirin Blade bright red and explained that it could suppress an Upper Rank demon's regeneration for several minutes.
• Shinjuro revealed that he had already learned the technique and showed the others his crimson-glowing sword.

After becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies, Xia Xi organized a second Nine Hashira ranking tournament to encourage the Hashira to improve. The tournament began in a nearby valley with Kanae facing Gyomei first, and they prepared to fight.

• Xia Xi took up the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies and established the Kūmachiza Dojo and Sendai region as a training base.
• Xia Xi proposed a second internal ranking tournament, drawing eager participation from Shinjuro, Tengen Uzui, Takitsuki Kazetoriin, and the other Hashira.
• Kanae worried about entering the tournament, then resolved to give her best despite facing powerful opponents.
• The Hashira and Kakushi gathered in a nearby valley, where Kanae drew Gyomei Himejima as her first opponent.
• Kanae thanked Gyomei for saving her and Shinobu Kocho and promised to give the match everything she had.
• Gyomei began swinging his Meteor Hammer and invited Kanae to show how far she had grown.

Kanae Kocho lost to Gyomei Himejima, Xia Xi defeated Takitsuki Kazetoriin, and Tengen Uzui fought Shinjuro Rengoku in a fierce match. Tengen revealed that he had learned Inch Force from Xia Xi and unleashed a point-blank technique against Shinjuro.

• Kanae Kocho attacked Gyomei Himejima with Flower Breathing, but his Meteor Hammer overwhelmed her and he narrowly won after holding back.
• Xia Xi defeated Takitsuki Kazetoriin in an exhibition-style match that let Kazetoriin display his sword techniques.
• Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku began their match, trading Sound Breathing attacks against Shinjuro’s Flame Breathing and defense.
• Tengen used a feint to draw Shinjuro into blocking a thrust, then revealed he had secretly learned Inch Force from Xia Xi.
• Tengen unleashed Sound Breathing: Eighth Form: Zero distance, no beat! against Shinjuro at close range.

Tengen Uzui lost to Shinjuro after Shinjuro activated his Bright Red Nichirin Blade, and Xia Xi then fought Shinjuro in a ferocious match. The chapter ended with Shinjuro suffering his first defeat across two Nine Hashira ranked tournaments.

• Tengen Uzui used a powerful Sound Breathing attack, but Shinjuro blocked it and activated his Bright Red Nichirin Blade.
• Shinjuro overwhelmed Tengen in their clash, and Tengen accepted his flashy defeat while crediting Xia Xi's training.
• Xia Xi challenged Shinjuro, and the two unleashed a battle that wrecked the arena and astonished the watching Hashira.
• Xia Xi taunted Shinjuro as the older man tired, but Shinjuro charged at him again and ultimately lost.

The second Nine Hashira ladder tournament settled its lower rankings, with Kanae placing last, Tengen Uzui fifth, Takitsuki Kazetoriin fourth, and Shinjuro third after losing to Gyomei. Xia Xi entered the arena to face Gyomei for the championship, and both prepared to fight at full strength.

• Xia Xi celebrated defeating Shinjuro, then Kanae Kocho fought Takitsuki Kazetoriin and lost despite her plans to conserve stamina.
• Tengen Uzui defeated Kanae with his Score technique, but soon lost to Kazetoriin, who secured fourth place.
• Shinjuro and Gyomei Himejima battled for second place, and Gyomei won despite Shinjuro activating his Bright Red Nichirin Blade.
• Shinjuro called Xia Xi the champion and sent him into the arena to face Gyomei.
• Gyomei thanked Xia Xi for helping his eyesight and said he would hold nothing back; Xia Xi took his stance as their auras began to rise.

Xia Xi defeated Gyomei in their spar, securing the top rank in the Hashira tournament. The final standings left Xia Xi first, Gyomei second, and Shinjuro third, while Kazetoriin was delighted to avoid placing near the bottom.

• Xia Xi overwhelmed Gyomei with his speed and technique, then caught the Stone Hashira’s Meteor Hammer head-on.
• Gyomei attacked with Stone Breathing and continued the spar eagerly, despite the wide gap between them.
• Xia Xi ended the one-sided battle with a blade at Gyomei’s throat, and Gyomei accepted his defeat.
• The tournament standings placed Xia Xi first, Gyomei second, and Shinjuro third, with Kanae, Tengen, and Kazetoriin among the lower-ranked Hashira.
• Kazetoriin chuckled with relief that he was not second from the bottom.

Xia Xi taught the Hashira how to use the Bright Red Nichirin Blade, explaining the physical strength, willpower, and techniques required. Gyomei Himejima became the third Hashira to master it, lighting up his chained flail and axe.

• Xia Xi began training Gyomei, Tengen, Takitsuki, and Kanae in the Bright Red Nichirin Blade at the Ubuyashiki courtyard, with Shinjuro assisting.
• Xia Xi demonstrated how his grip, force, Breathing Style, and rapid friction heated a Nichirin Blade until it turned scarlet.
• Shinjuro explained how different Breathing Styles required different ways of gripping and exerting force, and warned that mastering the technique demanded intense training.
• Gyomei recalled Shinjuro's red blade and focused on his resolve to slay demons as he rubbed the chain of his weapon.
• Gyomei caused a red glow to flow along his chain and illuminate his flail and axe, mastering the Bright Red Nichirin Blade.

Gyomei manifested a Bright Red Nichirin Blade after learning from his battle with Shinjuro and Xia Xi’s instruction, while Xia Xi explained the technique and helped Kanae practice. Kanae’s blade stayed pink, but she cherished Xia Xi’s attention until Tengen called him away to teach.

• Gyomei explained that he had grasped the technique for exerting force during his fight with Shinjuro and used Xia Xi’s pointers to manifest a Bright Red Nichirin Blade.
• Xia Xi examined Gyomei’s glowing weapon and wondered how its heat spread through the chain and iron ball.
• Tengen asked why Shinjuro had needed nearly two weeks to master the technique, and Gyomei comforted the frustrated Flame Hashira.
• Xia Xi demonstrated the proper grip to Kanae, but her strength was insufficient to change her blade from pale pink.
• Kanae repeatedly asked Xia Xi to correct her grip and privately savored his touch until Tengen called him over to teach.

Xia Xi trained the Hashira in the Bright Red Nichirin Blade technique and prepared individualized medicinal baths to strengthen them. The Hashira began soaking, while Kanae remained distracted during training and entered a bath with Kazetoriin Takitsuki.

• Tengen Uzui failed to turn his twin blades bright red because his grip strength and physique were not yet sufficient, though Xia Xi said he was close.
• Xia Xi told Kazetoriin that she might unlock the technique in her next life, and most Hashira learned its essentials during the day’s instruction.
• Xia Xi prepared tailored medicinal baths with ingredients Kagaya Ubuyashiki had supplied, explaining that Shinjuro had already exhausted the benefits of his formula.
• Shinjuro objected that the Hashira could not all take a week or two off, but Xia Xi told them to soak as long as they could and leave for urgent missions if needed.
• Gyomei Himejima and Tengen Uzui entered their medicinal baths, and Kanae and Kazetoriin Takitsuki entered theirs nearby.

Xia Xi supervised the Demon Slayer Corps members as they soaked in medicinal baths diluted to suit their physiques, while the women rested in a milder brew. The chapter ended with Kazetoriin Longyue teasing the embarrassed Kanae about her shape.

• Xia Xi explained that Tengen Uzui's bath was diluted fivefold, Shinjuro's had been diluted twofold, and Gyomei's contained the original concentrate.
• Tengen and Shinjuro worried that Gyomei might suffer side effects, but Gyomei said he felt fine.
• Xia Xi explained that Gyomei's exceptional physical strength let him tolerate the concentrated medicine.
• Kanae and Kazetoriin Longyue soaked in a lighter medicinal bath and discussed their training and physical fitness.
• Kazetoriin Longyue teased Kanae that her shape was nicer than she had imagined, making Kanae blush.

Kanae and Kazetoriin grew closer during a medicinal bath as they discussed Kanae’s independence as a Hashira, while the men talked about Tengen’s plans to confront his family. Gyomei began revealing that he had once taken in several children.

• Kanae and Kazetoriin chatted about their skin, their pasts, and their friendship while bathing together.
• Kazetoriin encouraged Kanae to grow stronger and live independently as a member of the Nine Hashira, and Kanae teased her about Xia Xi and Igarashi Migishime.
• Tengen told Xia Xi, Shinjuro, and Gyomei that he planned to settle matters with his Ninja family and hoped to speak properly with his younger brother.
• Tengen explained that his father had trained the siblings as killers and made them fight each other, and that he had sent his three wives to deliver a letter to his family.
• Gyomei said he also wished to see someone again and began recalling the children he had once taken in.