As excitement builds for the premiere of Demon Slayer season 4 this season, fans may be wondering what role everyone’s favorite demon girl Nezuko will play in the upcoming Hashira Training Arc.
Unfortunately, based on how the story unfolded in Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga, it seems Nezuko will have very little presence in the next chapter of the anime.
The Hashira Training Arc primarily focuses on Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke as they learn under the tutelage of the Hashira, the Demon Slayer Corps’ most powerful warriors.
Following the events of the Swordsmith Village Arc, the boys are sent to the organization’s headquarters to undergo special training to help them reach the next level.
However, Nezuko does not join the boys on this particular phase of their journey. In the manga, she remains in a dormant state inside her box for most of the Hashira Training Arc, recovering from the battles and exertion of the previous arc. As a demon who refuses to consume human flesh, Nezuko’s body requires long periods of rest to heal and maintain her existence.
Nezuko’s absence in the upcoming arc is especially surprising given her role in the Swordsmith Village storyline. In season 3, we saw Nezuko push herself to incredible new limits, showcasing the true extent of her demon powers. Her battle against the monstrous Hantengu was a series highlight, with Nezuko unleashing her Blood Demon Art in spectacular fashion.
Perhaps the most surprising event, Nezuko was able to conquer the sun itself in the final episodes, stepping into the daylight for the first time since her transformation. These were massive developments for her character that had fans eager to see what she would do next.
Why Nezuko Is Sidelined In Hashira Training Arc?
The decision to sideline Nezuko for this part of the story was likely a strategic move on Gotouge’s part. With so much of the focus on the relationships between Tanjiro, his friends, and their new Hashira mentors, there was simply less room in the plot to give Nezuko meaningful development.
Her absence also raises the stakes by removing Tanjiro’s most powerful ally from the equation, adding to the tension and challenges he must overcome.
This is not to say Nezuko will be completely absent from season 4. The anime’s producers have been known to make slight alterations to the manga’s pacing and structure, so it’s possible we may get a brief scene or two of Nezuko resting in her box or in flashbacks.
In fact, the trailer of Demon Slayer season 4 begins with a shot of Nezuko and although not officially confirmed, there are rumors that the Hashira Training arc which only has 8 chapters worth of manga material will be extended with additional scenes to make an 8 episode season.
So, there is a slight possibility that some additional scenes involving Nezuko will be added. But for the most part, expect Nezuko to remain out of action for the majority of the Hashira Training Arc.
Some fans may be disappointed by the lack of their favorite demon-fighting imouto. After all, Nezuko’s struggle to retain her humanity and her bond with Tanjiro are key emotional pillars of the series. Her demon powers have also been an exciting element of the show’s action scenes.
Also Read: Demon Slayer: Nezuko’s Adult Form Once Again Sparks Debate on Twitter
But don’t worry, anime-only fans: without going into spoilers, rest assured that Nezuko will have plenty more moments to shine in future arcs.
In the meantime, the Hashira Training Arc still has tons to offer Demon Slayer fans. We’ll get to see Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke pushed to their limits and unlock new heights of power under the Hashira’s guidance. The season will also expand on the world and lore of the Demon Slayer Corps as the shadow war against Muzan and his demons continues behind the scenes.
So while Nezuko stans may need to wait a bit longer for her return, there are still plenty of reasons to be hyped for Demon Slayer season 4.
The new season premieres this Sunday, May 12 on Crunchyroll and other global streaming platforms. Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be one of the biggest anime events of the year! And for more updates and analysis on all things Demon Slayer, stay tuned to Anime Senpai.
