Arc 9Doma’s Fall and Kokushibo’s Challenge

Uesugi Sasuke joined Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke in an assault on Doma’s cult headquarters, where they defeated Doma and avenged those he had killed. Kokushibo arrived immediately afterward, sent Shinobu Kocho and the others away, and pushed Sasuke into a fight that escalated with the appearance of his Complete Body Susanoo.

  • Uesugi Sasuke infiltrated the Eternal Paradise Cult headquarters with Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke, then put the worshippers to sleep before Shinobu attacked Doma.
  • Doma revealed that he had killed Kanae and Inosuke’s mother, and Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke fought him while Uesugi Sasuke used Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi to shield them from his ice.
  • Shinobu Kocho left Sasuke’s shield to carry out her revenge, but Sasuke used Susanoo to rescue her and battled Doma’s Ice Bodhisattva.
  • Uesugi Sasuke covered Susanoo’s sword in black flames and destroyed Doma and much of the headquarters with a decisive strike.
  • Kokushibo arrived after Doma’s defeat and challenged Uesugi Sasuke, who ordered Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke to return to Headquarters.
  • Uesugi Sasuke fought Kokushibo with his Mangekyō Sharingan techniques, but Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing and Transparent World countered his attacks and forced him onto the defensive.
  • Uesugi Sasuke unleashed his ocular power and formed a Complete Body Susanoo with wings, legs, and two enormous chakra swords, while Kokushibo prepared to face it.
Chapters 201–225 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 201Genjutsu interrogation, the location of the Eternal Paradise Cult

Uesugi Sasuke used genjutsu to break an Eternal Paradise Cult believer’s mind and uncover the cult’s headquarters and defenses. He then led Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke on a night expedition to attack Upper Rank Two, Doma.

  • Shinobu Kocho and Kanao found that torture could not extract information from a brainwashed cult believer.
  • Uesugi Sasuke trapped the believer in a genjutsu, obtained the cult’s secrets, and drew a map of its headquarters before the believer’s mind collapsed.
  • Shinobu Kocho proposed using Kanao, Inosuke, and herself as bait while Sasuke attacked Doma, but Sasuke assigned them separate routes and targets instead.
  • Sasuke said he would enter the headquarters from the sky, then departed with Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke for the expedition against Doma.

Ch. 202Night raid on the Eternal Paradise Cult!

Uesugi Sasuke led Shinobu Kocho, Kanao Tsuyuri, and Inosuke Hashibira on a stealth mission to hunt Doma at the Eternal Paradise Cult’s headquarters. After laying out their battle plan and helping Shinobu suppress her murderous intent, Sasuke began the raid.

  • Uesugi Sasuke used his Mangekyō Sharingan to confirm the temple’s defenses and locate Doma in the main hall.
  • Sasuke ordered the group to conceal their hostility and infiltrate the cult as lost pilgrims seeking shelter.
  • Sasuke warned Shinobu Kocho that her hatred could expose them, and she steadied herself by recalling Kanae and her promise to survive.
  • Sasuke assigned Shinobu and Kanao to lead the close combat, Inosuke to harass Doma from the flanks, and himself to disable Doma’s Blood Demon Art and behead him.
  • Sasuke vanished into the night, and Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke followed to begin the raid.

Ch. 203Infiltration, a false "paradise"

Uesugi Sasuke led Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke through the Eternal Paradise Cult’s heavily guarded headquarters and into its hall, where they saw Doma’s followers praying to him. Doma appeared and recognized Shinobu as a rare guest, leaving the group exposed to his attention.

  • Uesugi Sasuke used the Mangekyō Sharingan to guide Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke past the guards and hidden demons.
  • The group entered the main hall and saw hundreds of worshippers pleading with the cult leader for salvation.
  • Shinobu Kocho and Kanao reacted with revulsion to the followers’ devotion, while Inosuke struggled to understand them.
  • Doma appeared on the lotus throne and addressed the worshippers.
  • Doma noticed Shinobu Kocho’s butterfly-wing haori and fixed his attention on her.

Ch. 204Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique! An isolated stage!

Sasuke used his Mangekyō Sharingan to put Doma’s worshippers to sleep, clearing the hall for a confrontation. Doma became fascinated with Sasuke’s eyes, but Shinobu Kocho launched the fight before he could learn Sasuke’s name.

  • Shinobu Kocho restrained her urge to attack as Doma toyed with the Demon Slayers.
  • Sasuke used Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique to put the hall’s hundreds of worshippers into a deep sleep.
  • Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke reacted with astonishment when the hall fell silent.
  • Sasuke told Doma he had let the worshippers sleep so they could talk without spectators.
  • Doma rose from his lotus throne, praised Sasuke’s eyes, and asked for his name before eating him.
  • Shinobu Kocho shouted at Doma and attacked, beginning the hunt.

Ch. 205Dance of the Insect, a Century of Suppressed Fury!

Shinobu Kocho attacked Doma after Sasuke’s Genjutsu removed her concern for bystanders, but Doma blocked her strike and revealed that he had eaten her sister Kanae. Enraged by his taunts, Shinobu abandoned restraint and unleashed every Insect Breathing form she knew against him.

  • Shinobu Kocho confronted Doma and charged him with Insect Breathing: Dance of the Butterfly: Caprice.
  • Doma casually blocked Shinobu’s thrust with his iron fan and recognized her as a Hashira.
  • Doma recalled killing Kanae and mocked her death, saying he had eaten half her head and enjoyed her taste.
  • Shinobu screamed in fury and attacked Doma with the Bee Sting, Dragonfly, and Centipede dances.
  • Shinobu continued striking at Doma’s vital points, swearing that she would kill him.

Ch. 206Ice Blood Demon Art, a Cat Toying with Its Prey

Shinobu Kocho's attacks failed to poison or seriously harm Doma, whose ice countered her blade and poison. Inosuke ambushed him but could not pierce his skin, and Doma swung at him with lethal force.

  • Doma parried Shinobu Kocho's rapid attacks and said her poison would not work on him.
  • Doma used Lotus Leaf Ice to block Shinobu Kocho's blade and freeze the poison on it.
  • Doma's Withered Garden Hanging Snow forced Shinobu Kocho to retreat after narrowly dodging his freezing wind.
  • Inosuke launched a surprise attack at Doma's neck, but his blades left only faint marks.
  • Doma swung his iron fan at Inosuke, who sensed a lethal threat in the attack.

Ch. 207Black Flames, the Sun that burned through ice!

Uesugi Sasuke intervened as Doma was about to strike Inosuke, using Amaterasu to consume Doma’s iron fan and overpower his ice. Sasuke shielded Shinobu Kocho and Inosuke, then faced Doma and declared that he would warm his frozen paradise.

  • Doma swung his Golden Iron Fan at Inosuke, intending to freeze him, while Shinobu Kocho and Kanao could not reach him in time.
  • Uesugi Sasuke summoned Amaterasu, and the black flames began devouring Doma’s fan despite his icy wind.
  • Doma let go of the burning fan and tried to extinguish the flames with his Blood Demon Art, but they continued burning and scorched his palm.
  • Uesugi Sasuke appeared before Shinobu Kocho and Inosuke, shielding them as his Mangekyō Sharingan faced Doma.
  • Doma recognized Sasuke as a powerful opponent and wondered whether eating him would grant him the same power.
  • Uesugi Sasuke told Doma that his paradise was too cold and said he had come to warm it up.

Ch. 208Flashes of memory, Inosuke's bestial rage!

Doma unleashed his freezing Blood Demon Art, and the scent of his cold air unlocked Inosuke’s memories of his mother. Inosuke recognized Doma as her killer and charged at him in a fury, while Doma confirmed that he had eaten her.

  • Doma spread his Blood Demon Art through the hall, turning it into a freezing domain while Uesugi Sasuke’s Chakra and Amaterasu’s Black Flames held back the cold.
  • The scent in Doma’s icy air triggered fragmented memories for Inosuke of a woman comforting him and throwing him from a cliff to save his life.
  • Inosuke recognized Doma as the demon responsible for his mother’s death and charged at him with unrestrained rage.
  • Doma recalled the woman who had fled with a child, identified Inosuke as that child, and admitted he had eaten his mother.

Ch. 209Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye, the sisters fought together!

Kanao activated Flower Breathing's Final Form and joined Shinobu Kocho in a coordinated attack that forced Doma onto the defensive. Doma prepared to unleash a stronger Blood Demon Art as the fight continued.

  • Doma taunted Inosuke, whose charge was halted by ice puppets that kept him from reaching Doma.
  • Kanao stepped in front of Shinobu Kocho and vowed that they would avenge Kanae together with Inosuke.
  • Kanao activated Flower Breathing, Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye, gaining heightened perception at the risk of permanent blindness.
  • Shinobu Kocho and Kanao coordinated attacks from opposite angles, forcing Doma to abandon control of his ice puppets and defend himself.
  • Shinobu Kocho and Kanao continued their assault, pushing Doma back as Shinobu Kocho sought to poison him and Kanao cut off his escape routes.
  • Doma praised their hatred and bonds, then prepared to unleash a stronger Blood Demon Art.

Ch. 210Blood Demon Art: Crystalline Divine Child

Doma summoned five powerful Crystalline Divine Child clones, turning the battle against Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke. As the Demon Slayer Corps fell into danger, Uesugi Sasuke activated Kagutsuchi after waiting for Doma to reveal his abilities.

  • Doma created five Crystalline Divine Child clones that could attack independently and use weakened versions of his Blood Demon Arts.
  • The clones attacked Shinobu Kocho and Kanao from several directions, forcing them into a difficult fight.
  • Inosuke was suppressed by two clones and suffered multiple wounds as the Demon Slayer Corps lost its advantage.
  • Uesugi Sasuke continued observing the battlefield while Doma enjoyed cornering his opponents.
  • Sasuke activated Kagutsuchi through his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Ch. 211The Shield of Kagutsuchi, Absolute Protection!

Uesugi Sasuke reshaped the Amaterasu Black Flames into a shield that protected Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke from the Crystal Children’s attacks. Doma stared at Sasuke with baffled fascination as Sasuke, bleeding from his eyes, faced him beneath the burning dome.

  • As Kanao, Shinobu Kocho, and Inosuke faced imminent attacks from the Crystal Children, Uesugi Sasuke used his ocular power to reshape the Black Flames.
  • The Black Flames formed a dome around Sasuke and his companions, evaporating every ice weapon that struck it.
  • Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke survived inside the shield, and Inosuke taunted the frustrated Crystal Children.
  • Doma questioned how Sasuke’s flames could change shape, while Sasuke ignored him and stared at him coldly despite the strain of controlling Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi.

Ch. 212Blood Demon Art: Mist Ice: Water Lily Bodhisattva

Doma escalated his Blood Demon Art by flooding the hall with freezing cold and summoning the Water Lily Bodhisattva, whose lethal mist pressed Sasuke’s black-flame shield to its limits. With Shinobu Kocho and the others weakening behind him, Sasuke realized he had to end the fight quickly, just as Shinobu made a surprising decision.

  • Doma discovered that Sasuke’s black flames annihilated his ice attacks and became eager to study the ability.
  • Doma spread overwhelming cold across the hall, freezing the floor and leaving Inosuke, Shinobu Kocho, and Kanao struggling against the chill.
  • Doma raised an enormous ice statue and unleashed his Blood Demon Art: Mist Ice: Water Lily Bodhisattva.
  • The Bodhisattva exhaled lethal icy mist, forcing Sasuke’s Kagutsuchi shield to burn through it while draining his chakra and visual prowess.
  • Sasuke decided he had to end the fight quickly, and Shinobu Kocho made a surprising decision behind him.

Ch. 213The Butterfly's Resolve, the Final Poison

Shinobu Kocho decided to sacrifice herself to poison Doma from within after realizing his Blood Demon Art overwhelmed Sasuke’s defenses. Just as Doma prepared to devour her, Sasuke’s voice rang out in refusal.

  • Shinobu Kocho recalled how she had spent a year saturating her body with poison designed to kill Doma.
  • Shinobu told Kanao to live on, thanked Sasuke, and left the Kagutsuchi shield to pursue her revenge.
  • Doma welcomed Shinobu, believing she had surrendered and was about to become his meal.
  • As Shinobu neared Doma, Sasuke declared, “I refuse.”

Ch. 214Susanoo, the Thunder God Descends!

The man summoned Susanoo, a towering purple warrior, and rescued Shinobu Kocho from Doma. Doma eagerly raised his Ice Bodhisattva to face Susanoo, leaving the two immense powers on the verge of battle.

  • The man’s voice rejected Doma, and a surge of purple energy shattered the Black Flames shield.
  • Susanoo formed around the man and smashed through Doma’s Ice Bodhisattva, sending Doma flying.
  • Susanoo caught Shinobu Kocho and carried her back to Kanao and Inosuke.
  • Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke stared in shock at Susanoo’s overwhelming power.
  • Doma recovered, laughed with excitement, and raised his Ice Bodhisattva to face Susanoo.

Ch. 215A showdown between a god and a bodhisattva!

Sasuke and Doma fought a devastating battle between Susanoo and the Ice Bodhisattva, while Sasuke’s Mangekyō Sharingan began to suffer from the strain. Realizing he could not win by attrition, Sasuke prepared to combine Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi through Susanoo.

  • Doma drove the Ice Bodhisattva’s fist at Susanoo, and Sasuke met it with Ame-no-Ohabari.
  • The collision destroyed much of the Eternal Paradise Cult’s hall, while Susanoo protected Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke from the shock waves.
  • Doma and Sasuke traded repeated blows as the Ice Bodhisattva regenerated and Sasuke’s Chakra was worn down by the freezing air.
  • Sasuke’s eyes began bleeding from overusing the Mangekyō Sharingan, so he prepared to fuse Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi through Susanoo.

Ch. 216Majestic Attire: Kagutsuchi! The Sky-Burning Demon God!

Sasuke used Kagutsuchi to cloak Susanoo’s sword in Amaterasu, overwhelming Doma’s Ice Bodhisattva and leaving Doma exposed to a potentially fatal strike. The chapter ended with the sword poised above Doma as he faced death in fear.

  • Sasuke activated Kagutsuchi, spreading black flames across Susanoo’s sword and transforming it into a burning demon blade.
  • Doma tried to block the sword with the Ice Bodhisattva, but the black flames melted its fist and burned wounds that his Blood Demon Art could not repair.
  • Sasuke relentlessly slashed apart the Ice Bodhisattva, destroying Doma’s greatest support before Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke.
  • Sasuke raised the flaming sword over Doma, who felt fear and bewilderment as the final blow approached.

Ch. 217One Slash-Vaporized!

Sasuke vaporized Upper Rank Two Doma with a single Susanoo sword strike, avenging Shinobu Kocho and Kanao’s sister. As the survivors reacted to Doma’s death, an even more terrifying pressure suddenly enveloped the area.

  • Doma tried to defend himself from Sasuke’s descending black-flame sword with ice and the remains of his Water Lily Bodhisattva.
  • Sasuke’s strike vaporized Doma, the hall, and the ground beneath them, leaving a vast trench that stretched into the mountain.
  • Susanoo dissipated, and Sasuke landed with bloody tears at the corners of his eyes after overusing his ocular power.
  • Inosuke stared in shock, Kanao wept with relief, and Shinobu Kocho sank to her knees and sobbed as they realized Doma was gone.
  • A terrifying pressure far greater than Doma’s suddenly enveloped the area.

Ch. 218A visitor beneath the moon, the strongest demon

Kokushibo arrived at the ruined Eternal Paradise Cult after Doma's death and confronted Sasuke, whose unusual techniques had caught his interest. He challenged Sasuke to show him the power that had slain an Upper Rank.

  • Shinobu Kocho, Inosuke, and their companions froze under the overwhelming pressure of a powerful presence.
  • Sasuke stepped in front of Shinobu Kocho and her companions and looked toward the sky with his bleeding Mangekyō Sharingan.
  • Kokushibo descended through the sliced-open roof and confirmed that Doma was dead.
  • Kokushibo examined Sasuke and said he had come to see the strength that had made Akaza wary and defeated Doma.
  • Kokushibo rested his hand on his Nichirin Sword and challenged Sasuke to demonstrate his technique.

Ch. 219The Pinnacle of Breathing, Moon Breathing

Kokushibo demonstrated the overwhelming power of Moon Breathing against Sasuke, who escaped the attack with Amenotejikara but was still wounded. Recognizing that he could not win by evading, Sasuke prepared to use his full strength against the strongest foe he had faced in this world.

  • Kokushibo told Sasuke that his techniques were not the supreme path of swordsmanship and unleashed Moon Breathing, First Form: Dark Moon: Evening Palace.
  • Sasuke used Amenotejikara to swap places with a boulder over a hundred meters away, escaping most of Kokushibo's crescent-blade storm.
  • Kokushibo's strike carved a vast trench through the earth, leaving Shinobu Kocho and the others stunned by its destructive power.
  • Several crescent blades grazed Sasuke, and their cold power prevented his wounds from healing.
  • Kokushibo praised Sasuke's reflexes but warned that evasion alone would not defeat him, and Sasuke resolved to stop holding back.

Ch. 220"Retreat! That's an order!"

Sasuke ordered Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke to leave while he faced Kokushibo alone. After seeing the danger of Kokushibo’s attack, they obeyed and withdrew, leaving Sasuke ready to fight without restraint.

  • Sasuke ordered Shinobu Kocho, Kanao, and Inosuke to return to Headquarters with their report.
  • Inosuke and Shinobu Kocho protested, but Sasuke warned that they would only hinder him.
  • Kokushibo unleashed Moon Breathing, Fifth Form: Moon-Sickle Vortex, and Sasuke countered with Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.
  • Shinobu Kocho accepted Sasuke’s order, gathered Kanao and Inosuke, and led them away with sleeping worshippers as evidence.
  • Kanao bowed to Sasuke before following the others, and Sasuke prepared to fight Kokushibo without holding back.

Ch. 221Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan vs. Moon Breathing

Sasuke unleashed his full strength against Kokushibo, but their opening exchange left Sasuke battered while Kokushibo remained nearly untouched. After Kokushibo regenerated the arm Sasuke had marked with Amaterasu, he declared he would stop holding back, beginning their true fight to the death.

  • Sasuke released the chakra he had been holding back and attacked Kokushibo with Amaterasu, Kagutsuchi, and Chidori.
  • Kokushibo countered Sasuke's Chidori with Moon Breathing, forcing Sasuke to use Amenotejikara to appear behind him.
  • Kokushibo blocked Sasuke's strike, then drove him back with Moon-Dragon Ringtail, which cracked Susanoo's bone shield.
  • Sasuke and Kokushibo pulled apart after their battle destroyed the Eternal Paradise Cult headquarters, leaving Sasuke gasping and bleeding from his eyes.
  • Kokushibo cut off his arm to remove Sasuke's Amaterasu flames and quickly regenerated it before promising to fight without restraint.

Ch. 222Swordsmanship Sublimated, Endless Moon Blades

Kokushibo used his Moon Breathing to bypass Sasuke’s Susanoo and wound him, demonstrating swordsmanship that Sasuke could not counter with conventional defense. Sasuke recognized the danger of Kokushibo’s techniques as the two remained poised to continue their fight.

  • Kokushibo tore away the scorched flesh left by Sasuke’s Amaterasu and regenerated completely.
  • Kokushibo vanished at high speed and attacked Sasuke with Moon Breathing, Second Form: Pearl Flower Moongazing.
  • Sasuke blocked Kokushibo’s main slash with Susanoo, but it split into countless moon blades that pierced gaps in the armor and cut him.
  • Kokushibo acknowledged Sasuke’s powerful techniques but said Sasuke still lagged behind him in swordsmanship.
  • Sasuke silently assessed his wounds and realized ordinary blocking and defense would not work against Kokushibo.

Ch. 223Amenotejikara, the swordsman who toyed with space

Sasuke abandoned his Susanoo and used Amenotejikara to evade Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing attacks, then appeared behind him with Chidori. The chapter ended with Sasuke’s lightning blade about to strike Kokushibo’s back.

  • Sasuke dispelled his Susanoo and chose to rely on his spatial advantage.
  • Kokushibo attacked Sasuke with Loathsome Moon, Chains and a storm of sword energy.
  • Sasuke repeatedly vanished from the paths of Kokushibo’s attacks, leaving Kokushibo confused.
  • Sasuke used Amenotejikara to swap places with a fallen leaf and appear behind Kokushibo.
  • Sasuke thrust Chidori toward Kokushibo’s heart and told him his blade could not outrun Sasuke’s sight.

Ch. 224Transparent World, Ninjutsu Laid Bare

Kokushibo awakened the Transparent World and used it to read the chakra flow behind Sasuke’s space-time ninjutsu. Sasuke’s attempts to surprise him failed, leaving him facing Kokushibo’s prediction of his every move.

  • Sasuke struck Kokushibo from behind with Chidori, but Kokushibo twisted aside and slashed at him.
  • Sasuke switched places with rubble using Amenotejikara and escaped Kokushibo’s counterattack.
  • Kokushibo opened the Transparent World and saw the chakra gathering in Sasuke’s eyes before each technique.
  • Sasuke tried to teleport into Kokushibo’s blind spot, but Kokushibo slashed toward his intended arrival point.
  • Kokushibo’s attack forced Sasuke to block with his Kusanagi Sword and sent him flying.
  • Kokushibo told Sasuke that his tricks were over.

Ch. 225Complete Body Susanoo! The Fully Formed Demon God Descends!

Sasuke’s swordsmanship left him on the verge of defeat against Kokushibo, so he unleashed his full ocular power and formed the Complete Body Susanoo. Kokushibo faced the enormous demon god with awe and renewed fighting spirit, ready to challenge it regardless of the outcome.

  • Kokushibo anticipated Sasuke’s Amenotejikara and sword attacks, forcing Sasuke onto the defensive.
  • Sasuke decided to overwhelm Kokushibo with sheer power and unleashed his ocular power without restraint.
  • A vast pillar of purple chakra formed the Complete Body Susanoo, complete with wings, legs, and two enormous chakra swords.
  • Kokushibo was astonished by the Susanoo’s godlike power but showed no fear and prepared to fight it.
Arc 9 of 13