Arc 8Nezuko’s Trial

Rokuya recruited Mitsuri and the Tokito twins, then encountered Muzan at the Kamado home and helped Nezuko resist becoming a demon. After the Hashira accepted Nezuko and Kagaya assigned Tanjiro to Rokuya, Tanjiro began training his ability to sense emotions.

  • Kagaya promoted Obanai to Serpent Hashira and praised Rokuya for protecting Shinobu and rescuing the Mugen Train passengers.
  • Rokuya and Obanai met Mitsuri Kanroji at a failed matchmaking date, encouraged her to accept herself, and brought her to Corps headquarters, where Kyojuro invited her to train with Shinjuro.
  • Kagaya sent Rokuya to recruit Yuichiro and Muichiro Tokito, and Rokuya persuaded the brothers to leave their remote mountain home for safety.
  • On Mount Kumotori, Rokuya found Muzan attacking the Kamado family, severed Muzan’s arms and head, and wounded him before Muzan escaped through Nakime’s portal.
  • Rokuya suppressed the demon blood in Nezuko, explained the attack to Tanjiro, and helped Giyu recognize that Nezuko had protected her brother instead of attacking him.
  • Rokuya brought Tanjiro and Nezuko to Kagaya, who agreed to shelter Nezuko, then defended her before the Hashira as Sanemi tested her with his rare blood.
  • Nezuko resisted biting Sanemi, and Kagaya accepted her and Tanjiro into the Corps, assigning Tanjiro to Rokuya for training.
  • Rokuya discovered Tanjiro could smell emotions and sent him to comfort injured Corps members, where Tanjiro sensed hope and gratitude from a cherry tree.
Chapters 176–200 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 176Promotion to Serpent Hashira

Rokuya recounted how Obanai Iguro endured repeated dream-induced throat slitting to defeat Enmu, and Kagaya Ubuyashiki officially promoted him to Serpent Hashira. Kagaya also praised Takanashi Rokuno for protecting Kanae and rescuing the train passengers, elevating his standing within the Demon Slayer Corps.

  • Rokuya told Kanae and Shinobu that Obanai repeatedly slit his throat in Enmu's dream hypnosis to break free and reach Enmu's true body.
  • At the Ubuyashiki Estate, Kagaya announced that Enmu had been slain and the Mugen Train's passengers had all survived.
  • Kagaya promoted Obanai to Serpent Hashira for killing Enmu, and Obanai vowed to serve the Master and destroy demons.
  • Kagaya praised Takanashi Rokuno for protecting the Insect Hashira and rescuing more than two hundred passengers, then bowed to him before the assembled Hashira.

Ch. 177A matchmaking date

Rokuya and the Hashira reflected on the Corps’ growing strength before he took newly appointed Serpent Hashira Obanai to inspect Tokyo. They spotted a tearful Mitsuri Kanroji being insulted on a matchmaking date, and Rokuya urged Obanai to defend her.

  • Rokuya privately wished to live peacefully while appreciating the Hashira who fought beside him.
  • Rokuya took Obanai to Tokyo, saying they would inspect the area and give the new Hashira a change of scenery.
  • Rokuya noticed a girl with unusually dense muscles at a matchmaking date outside a Western restaurant.
  • The suitor mocked Mitsuri Kanroji’s hair, appetite, and appearance, making her fight back tears.
  • Obanai grew furious at the suitor, and Rokuya encouraged him to give the man a tongue-lashing.

Ch. 178A visit

Obanai drove away the man who had insulted Mitsuri Kanroji, and Rokuya and Obanai accompanied her home. There, they reassured Mitsuri that her strength and unusual traits were gifts, and the chapter ended as she asked about their swords and work.

  • Obanai threatened the bespectacled man until he fled the matchmaking table, then checked on Mitsuri.
  • Mitsuri thanked Obanai and invited him and Rokuya to her home.
  • Mitsuri told her parents that the matchmaking meeting had failed because Mr. Yu called her a freak, and her parents thanked her rescuers.
  • Rokuya encouraged Mitsuri to accept her strength and unusual traits, and Obanai agreed that she should not deny who she was.
  • Mitsuri noticed Rokuya and Obanai's Nichirin Blades and asked what they did for work.

Ch. 179Joining You

Mitsuri decided she wanted to join the Demon Slayer Corps to protect others, and Rokuya teased her and Obanai about becoming a couple. Rokuya and Obanai then brought Mitsuri to the hidden Corps headquarters, where she affirmed her resolve to join.

  • Mitsuri learned that demons preyed on humans and asked to join the Demon Slayer Corps so she could protect people with her strength.
  • Rokuya suggested that Obanai would make a suitable partner for Mitsuri, leaving both of them embarrassed.
  • Rokuya, Obanai, and Mitsuri traveled through the mountains toward the Corps headquarters, and Obanai warned Mitsuri about the deadly life of a demon slayer.
  • Mitsuri said she would not back down from joining, despite the danger, because she wanted to protect others and find people who accepted her.
  • Rokuya led Mitsuri and Obanai through a wisteria grove to the hidden headquarters, where swordsmen trained and Kakushi personnel carried supplies.

Ch. 180Learning Flame Breathing

Rokuya brought Mitsuri Kanroji to Demon Slayer headquarters, where Kyojuro Rengoku offered to train her in Flame Breathing and she eagerly accepted. After Obanai Iguro hurried away, Rokuya returned to the Butterfly Mansion, where Shinobu questioned him about frightening a civilian in Tokyo Prefecture.

  • Kyojuro praised Mitsuri's strength, appetite, and unusual appearance, helping her feel accepted.
  • Rokuya and Obanai explained Mitsuri's potential and need for a Cultivator, and Kyojuro invited her to study Flame Breathing with his father, Shinjuro Rengoku.
  • Mitsuri accepted Kyojuro's offer and thanked Rokuya and Obanai before leaving for the Rengoku estate.
  • Rokuya teased Obanai about his interest in Mitsuri, and Obanai hurried off toward his residence.
  • Rokuya returned to the Butterfly Mansion, where Shinobu scolded him and asked about the Kakushi Corps report that he and Obanai had frightened a civilian.

Ch. 181The Tokito Brothers

Rokuya told Shinobu and Kanae about Mitsuri Kanroji and Iguro, then endured the sisters’ insistence that he eat properly. At the Ubuyashiki Estate, Kagaya summoned Rokuya for a recruitment mission involving twin boys named Muichiro Tokito and Yuichiro Tokito.

  • Rokuya recounted meeting Mitsuri Kanroji and said he planned to help Iguro win her affection.
  • Shinobu and Kanae made Rokuya finish a large meal because he had neglected his health and meals.
  • Rokuya went to the Ubuyashiki Estate, where Kagaya thanked him for finding Mitsuri and recruiting her into the Rengoku Family.
  • Kagaya explained that Kakushi had found two orphaned boys living alone near a remote logging site on Mount Jōshin.
  • Kagaya identified the twins as Muichiro Tokito and Yuichiro Tokito and told Rokuya the mission was to recruit them.

Ch. 182Recruitment

Kagaya asked Rokuya to visit Mount Jōshin and persuade Yuichiro and Muichiro to leave the mountains for a safer village, even if they never joined the Demon Slayer Corps. Rokuya accepted the mission and prepared to show the wary brothers the danger of demons, leaving before revealing what he planned to do if one appeared.

  • Kagaya explained that Amane had identified Yuichiro and Muichiro as descendants of an early Breathing Style swordsman, but Yuichiro had rejected her attempts to recruit them and Muichiro would not act against his brother.
  • Kagaya asked Rokuya to bring the brothers to safety near Corps Headquarters, and Rokuya agreed after warning he might use force if persuasion failed.
  • Kagaya thanked Rokuya, earning him 3,000 Gratitude Points, and Amane praised him as strong yet warm.
  • Rokuya returned to the Butterfly Mansion to pack, where Shinobu and Kanae discussed the brothers and Shinobu cautioned him against being rough with children.
  • Rokuya told Shinobu he would rely on actions rather than lectures and began explaining what would happen if a demon appeared.

Ch. 183The "Mu" in "Incompetent"

Rokuya traveled to Mount Jōshin and found Muichiro Tokito chopping wood outside the twins’ cabin. He met Muichiro’s defensive older brother Yuichiro, who rejected his warning about demons and refused to let Muichiro leave with him.

  • Rokuya followed the sound of wood being chopped through the forest and reached the Tokito twins’ cabin.
  • Rokuya showed Muichiro how to free his axe from a log and introduced himself as Takanashi Rokuno.
  • Yuichiro came outside, pulled Muichiro behind him, and confronted Rokuya with a sickle.
  • Rokuya said Amane Ubuyashiki had told the truth about demons, but Yuichiro denied their existence and insisted he alone could protect Muichiro.

Ch. 184The "Mu" in "Infinite"

Rokuya broke through Yuichiro’s denial by showing him the danger posed by Demons and explaining that the twins could live safely in a Wisteria-protected village. Yuichiro accepted that they had to leave the mountain, and Rokuya gave them two days to pack.

  • Yuichiro threatened Rokuya with a sickle, but Rokuya’s killing intent made him drop it in fear.
  • Rokuya explained that Demons existed nearby and that the twins’ bloodline could draw one to their cabin.
  • Rokuya split a thick log and the stone beneath it with a casual knife-hand strike, then described what could kill Demons.
  • Rokuya told Yuichiro that he did not have to join the Demon Slayer Corps and urged him to protect Muichiro rather than cling to pride.
  • Rokuya gave the twins two days to pack, and Yuichiro told Muichiro they were leaving the mountain.

Ch. 185Mount Kumotori

After securing the Tokito twins with the Kakushi, Rokuya lost his way in the snow and discovered he had reached Mount Kumotori. When Muzan Kibutsuji’s presence appeared near the Kamado home, Rokuya activated Invincible Might and raced toward the cabin.

  • Rokuya told a Kakushi contact that Yuichiro and Muichiro Tokito would go with them and asked the Corps to send someone to coordinate their departure.
  • Rokuya traveled through a day of snow, lost his way, and recognized Mount Kumotori as the place where he had met Tanjiro and Tanjuro Kamado two years earlier.
  • Rokuya decided to visit the Kamado cabin, but sensed Muzan Kibutsuji’s overwhelming aura and activated Invincible Might.
  • Muzan searched Mount Kumotori for the Blue Spider Lily after receiving a report that it had been seen there, but found nothing after a day of searching.

Ch. 186Nezuko

Muzan attacked Nezuko Kamado and forced his blood into her, then prepared to kill Kie and Takeo when Takanashi Rokuno arrived and severed his arms. Rokuya got between Muzan and the Kamado family and pushed Kie and Takeo inside, leaving Nezuko's fate and the confrontation unresolved.

  • Muzan came upon the Kamado home and stabbed Nezuko, pouring his blood into her.
  • Kie Kamado and Takeo rushed to defend Nezuko with an axe and burning firewood.
  • Takanashi Rokuno arrived and used Thunder Breathing, modified-Extreme Blade Flash to cut off Muzan's arms.
  • Rokuya moved between Muzan and the Kamado family, pushed Kie and Takeo into the house, and shut the door.

Ch. 187Beheading Muzan

Rokuya beheaded Muzan with the Shura Greatblade, but Muzan survived and escaped into the Infinity Castle through Nakime’s biwa. Rokuya struck the castle with a flaming energy blade, then returned to find Kie and the children alive inside the house.

  • Rokuya battered Muzan with the Shura Greatblade and killed him with a powerful downward slash that severed his head.
  • Rokuya discovered that Muzan remained alive after beheading and prepared to attack again.
  • Nakime’s biwa opened a portal to the Infinity Castle, and Muzan’s head and body began to fall through it.
  • Rokuya launched Returning Blade: Flame Tiger’s Roar through the closing portal, burning Muzan and setting parts of the Infinity Castle ablaze.
  • Rokuya returned to the house, where Kie recognized him and collapsed in relief while holding Takeo and the younger children.

Ch. 188Fate unknown

Rokuya kept Nezuko alive through the first stage of Muzan’s demon blood mutation, though her fate remained uncertain. Tanjiro returned home and learned that Muzan had tried to turn his sister into a demon, then begged Rokuya to save her.

  • Rokuya used the System Panel and his arcana power to suppress the demon blood mutating Nezuko, while Kie revealed that Tanjuro had died and Tanjiro was away selling charcoal.
  • Rokuya stayed beside Nezuko through the night as her condition gradually steadied and most of the black veins receded.
  • Tanjiro rushed home at dawn, found Nezuko gravely ill, and saw Rokuya guarding her with a sword.
  • Rokuya told Tanjiro that Muzan Kibutsuji was the first demon and had injected Nezuko with demon blood to transform her.
  • Tanjiro begged Rokuya to find a way to save Nezuko.

Ch. 189Giyu arrives

Rokuya urged Tanjiro to join the Demon Slayer Corps, then restrained Nezuko when she awakened as a demon and lunged at Tanjiro. As Rokuya debated whether to kill her, Giyu arrived and asked what had happened.

  • Rokuya told Tanjiro that Nezuko might turn completely into a demon and directed him to join the Demon Slayer Corps for revenge and to protect his family.
  • Tanjiro vowed to undergo Rokuya's training, but Nezuko woke and attacked him before Rokuya pinned her down.
  • Rokuya warned Tanjiro that Nezuko could prey on people and raised his Shura Blade, while Tanjiro begged him to spare her and promised to watch her.
  • Giyu entered the house after sensing reports of a demonic aura, and Rokuya explained that Muzan had escaped after losing both hands and had injected Nezuko with demon blood.

Ch. 190Giyu's anger

Giyu tried to kill Nezuko and angrily challenged Tanjiro to fight for his sister instead of begging. When Nezuko woke and shielded Tanjiro from Giyu’s blade, Giyu faltered, and Rokuya urged him to spare her because she still showed human reason.

  • Giyu drew his Nichirin Blade and moved to kill Nezuko, while Tanjiro pleaded and shielded her.
  • Giyu shouted at Tanjiro to stop begging and fight, then threw him against a wall; Rokuya watched, understanding that Giyu was confronting memories of his own helplessness.
  • Tanjiro clung to Giyu’s leg to stop him from killing Nezuko, and Giyu struck his hand with the sword hilt.
  • Nezuko woke and leapt between Tanjiro and Giyu’s blade, protecting her brother instead of attacking anyone.
  • Giyu stopped his blade in shock, and Rokuya lowered his arm and told him to spare Nezuko because she had protected Tanjiro and retained her human reason.

Ch. 191Joining the Demon Slayer Corps

Rokuya protected Nezuko and arranged for the Kamado family to relocate near Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, then set off with Tanjiro to begin his training. On the mountain path, Rokuya stopped to confront Tanjiro about continuing with a badly broken arm.

  • Rokuya told Tanjiro that Tamayo might be able to turn Nezuko back into a human and promised to protect the Kamado family.
  • Rokuya arranged for the Kakushi Corps to move Kie and the other surviving family members near headquarters, while Giyu stayed behind to guard them.
  • Rokuya placed Nezuko in a quilt-lined bamboo basket to shield her from sunlight and carried her down Mount Kumotori with Tanjiro.
  • Tanjiro followed Rokuya despite his injured arm, and Rokuya stopped to ask whether he intended to lose the use of it.

Ch. 192Arrival at headquarters

Rokuya healed Tanjiro’s broken arm and brought him and Nezuko to the Ubuyashiki Estate, where he reported his encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji. The chapter ended with Kagaya learning that Muzan survived Rokuya’s attacks and escaped through a spatial Blood Demon Art.

  • Rokuya injected Tanjiro with Shinobu’s medicine, which healed his broken arm and began repairing his hidden injuries.
  • Rokuya told Tanjiro that Nezuko’s condition violated Demon Slayer Corps rules, but vowed to protect her even against the Corps’ highest authority.
  • Two days later, Rokuya and Tanjiro arrived at the Ubuyashiki Estate, where Kagaya and Amane received them.
  • Rokuya told Kagaya that he had encountered Muzan Kibutsuji on Mount Kumotori and had severed his arms and head.
  • Rokuya explained that Muzan survived and escaped through a spatial Blood Demon Art, though Rokuya’s final attack had severely injured him.

Ch. 193A powerful ally

Rokuya persuaded Kagaya to spare Nezuko and shelter her and Tanjiro, offering to train Tanjiro in Sun Breathing. At the Butterfly Mansion, Shinobu angrily confronted Rokuya over bringing a demon to headquarters, and Kanao urged her to hear him out.

  • Rokuya told Kagaya that Nezuko had retained her human emotions and that Tanjiro's family passed down Sun Breathing.
  • Rokuya vowed to protect the Kamado family and train Tanjiro, and Kagaya agreed that Nezuko could live as an ally against Muzan.
  • Kagaya arranged for Tanjiro and Nezuko to stay at his residence until he could explain their situation at the next Hashira Meeting.
  • Rokuya went to the Butterfly Mansion, where Shinobu scolded him for bringing Nezuko to headquarters and putting Kagaya at risk.
  • Kanao asked Shinobu to hear Rokuya out.

Ch. 194Emergency Hashira Meeting

Kanae and Shinobu heard Rokuya recount how he had protected Nezuko and won Oyakata-sama’s approval, and Shinobu pledged to stand by his guarantee. Two days later, the Hashira assembled at Ubuyashiki Estate for an emergency meeting, with Takanashi Rokuno among them.

  • Rokuya told Kanae and Shinobu about Muzan’s attack, Nezuko’s resistance to her demon instincts, and Oyakata-sama’s decision to trust his guarantee.
  • Kanae mourned Nezuko’s suffering, while Shinobu admitted her doubts and then vowed to share Rokuya’s responsibility if Nezuko harmed anyone.
  • Rokuya reassured Shinobu that he would protect her, even if the sky fell.
  • Two days later, all nine Hashira gathered at Ubuyashiki Estate after an emergency summons.
  • The assembled Hashira included Giyu Tomioka, Sabito, and Kai Hashira Takanashi Rokuno.

Ch. 195Severed His Head?

Rokuya told the Hashira that he had beheaded Muzan Kibutsuji, though a demon with spatial powers rescued Muzan before he could die. He then revealed that Muzan had turned Nezuko Kamado into a demon, leaving the Hashira reacting with shock and hostility.

  • Rokuya announced that he had encountered Muzan on Mount Kumotori and cut off both his arms and his head.
  • Rokuya explained that Muzan survived because a demon used a spatial rift to transport him away, despite Rokuya severely wounding him.
  • Kagaya and the Hashira celebrated Rokuya's victory and took heart from learning Muzan could be hurt and beheaded.
  • Rokuya said Muzan had attacked the Kamado family and turned Nezuko Kamado into a demon.
  • Sanemi reacted to Nezuko's transformation with killing intent.

Ch. 196Children, I've Come from Dandong Again

Rokuya defended Nezuko before the Hashira and persuaded Kagaya to let her stay temporarily while they sought proof. He then revealed Tanjiro’s connection to Sun Breathing and announced that he would train him, leaving Tanjiro deeply grateful and determined to prove worthy.

  • Rokuya insisted that Nezuko had retained her humanity, had harmed no one, and would be under his protection, despite Sanemi and Obanai’s objections.
  • Giyu testified that Nezuko had protected Tanjiro, while Kanae and Shinobu supported Rokuya’s judgment.
  • Kagaya allowed Nezuko to stay for the time being and ordered the Kakushi to bring Tanjiro and the box containing her into the courtyard.
  • Rokuya comforted Tanjiro, then revealed that the Hinokami Kagura was Sun Breathing and that Tanjiro had inherited it.
  • Rokuya announced that he would personally train Tanjiro to become a weapon against Muzan, and Tanjiro resolved not to disappoint him.

Ch. 197The test

Sanemi Shinazugawa tested whether Nezuko could resist her demon instincts by tempting her with his exceptionally rare blood. Nezuko refused to eat him, leaving Sanemi and the Hashira stunned.

  • Rokuya stopped Tanjiro from intervening and agreed to let Sanemi test Nezuko, warning that Sanemi would have to apologize if she resisted.
  • Sanemi cut his arm and exposed Nezuko to the scent of his exceptionally tempting rare blood.
  • Nezuko struggled against her hunger as the Hashira watched, while Tanjiro and Rokuya urged her to hold on.
  • Nezuko recalled Tanjiro and Rokuya's support, turned away from Sanemi's bleeding arm, and returned to her box without biting him.
  • Sanemi dropped his sword and staggered back, shaken by Nezuko's refusal.

Ch. 198Unexpected calm

Nezuko passed the Hashira’s test, and Kagaya officially accepted her and Tanjiro into the Demon Slayer Corps, assigning Tanjiro to train under Takanashi Rokuno. During training, Tanjiro unexpectedly dodged Rokuya’s wooden sword by sensing a peculiar scent he called “unexpected calm.”

  • Gyomei, Tengen, and Obanai accepted Nezuko’s humanity, and Sanemi silently returned to his place without opposing her.
  • Tanjiro thanked Rokuya for protecting Nezuko, and Rokuya ordered him to train hard and master Sun Breathing.
  • Kagaya officially accepted Tanjiro and Nezuko into the Corps, assigned Tanjiro to Takanashi Rokuno, and urged the Hashira to prepare for the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
  • Rokuya knocked Tanjiro down repeatedly during training, criticizing his slow physical reactions.
  • Tanjiro evaded Rokuya’s near-fatal wooden sword strike by smelling “unexpected calm,” surprising Rokuya.

Ch. 199Special abilities

Rokuya discovered that Tanjiro could smell people’s emotions and assigned him emotional-perception training at the Butterfly Mansion. Tanjiro left to begin the task, while Rokuya considered how the ability might improve his combat techniques.

  • Tanjiro explained that he could smell emotions, and Rokuya realized the ability could help read people and opponents.
  • Rokuya ended Tanjiro’s physical training for the day and ordered him to train at the Butterfly Mansion.
  • Rokuya told Tanjiro to identify injured Corps members with hidden emotional distress and comfort them.
  • Tanjiro agreed and hurried to the Butterfly Mansion after Rokuya told him to bathe and change first.
  • Rokuya considered combining Tanjiro’s emotional perception with his single-target critical strike rule.

Ch. 200The grateful cherry tree

Tanjiro used his heightened sense of smell to comfort grieving and distressed people at the Butterfly Mansion, then discovered an extraordinary scent of gratitude coming from a cherry tree. Rokuya reacted sharply when Tanjiro described the scent, leaving its source and meaning unresolved.

  • Tanjiro recognized a Kakushi Corps member’s guilt over a comrade’s death and stayed with him until his self-reproach eased.
  • Tanjiro spent hours comforting wounded people at the Butterfly Mansion and found that he could sense the color and temperature of emotions.
  • Tanjiro discovered that a cherry tree in the back courtyard gave off immense scents of hope and gratitude.
  • Rokuya appeared and asked whether Tanjiro was sure the tree’s powerful scent was gratitude.
Arc 8 of 14