The Demon Slayer series has captivated anime and manga enthusiasts with its compelling storyline and diverse range of intriguing characters. The nine Hashiras, in particular, hold significant appeal, with each possessing unique qualities. Uzui Tengen, the Sound Hashira, captures the audience's attention in the anime's second season with his flamboyance and the unique aspect of having three wives as a former shinobi-turned-Hashira.
As a result, fans have been speculating about which of his wives holds a special place in his heart since their introduction to the series. Please note that this article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
Does the sound Hashira display favoritism towards one of his three wives in Demon Slayer?
In the Demon Slayer narrative by manga artist Koyoharu Gotouge, Tengen is shown to consistently love and care for all three of his wives - Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru. This was evident when he showed equal concern for each of them when they were captured during the Entertainment District Arc, showcasing his deep care for their well-being. Additionally, he had previously instructed them to prioritize their lives over missions, further emphasizing his concern for their safety.
Instances that may indicate his favoritism
Despite this, there are still fans who harbor lingering doubts about the potential for bias toward one of his wives, citing particular events in the plot. However, the interpretation ultimately boils down to a matter of personal perspective.
The special moment between Tengen and Hinatsuru in the upcoming season 2 of Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)
There is a theory about Suma that suggests Tengen may have special feelings towards her as his first wife. According to the official fanbook of Demon Slayer, Tengen was originally supposed to marry Suma's younger sister.
Suma willingly married Tengen after a successful marriage interview, becoming his first wife. She is the only wife to have entered into the marriage of her own volition, unlike the arranged marriages he had with his other two wives.
Some fans speculate that the Sound Hashira shows favoritism towards Hinatsuru over his other wives, based on their interactions in Demon Slayer's narrative. In season 2 episode 9, flashbacks of Hinatsuru visiting the grave of Tengen’s deceased brothers show the three wives spending time together.
Tengen with his three wives at his family's grave (Image via Ufotable)
In these particular moments, Tengen becomes aware of a delicate sakura petal trapped in Hinatsuru's hair, and instinctively moves to gently remove it. The ambiance of the scene exudes a romantic air, sparking feelings of envy in his other two wives, who subsequently yearn for similar tender gestures.
The way Tengen interacts with Hinatsuru has led fans to question his claim of loving all his wives equally, as his interactions with her seem to carry a special significance in comparison to his other two wives.
Suma and Makio feeling jealous of Hinatsuru (Image via Ufotable)
As mentioned before, the relationship dynamics between Tengen and Hinatsuru caused jealousy among his other wives. This became clear when Makio added sakura blossom petals to her own hair, hoping that Tengen would also remove them for her.
When Tengen granted Hinatsuru's request for a petal, the other two wives expressed their jealousy and immediately asked their husband for the same gesture.
Final thoughts
The exclusive anime scenes have caused doubts among viewers regarding the Sound Hashira's equal love for his wives, leading to various fan theories. It's important to acknowledge that these are just fan interpretations and that there is no concrete evidence in the Demon Slayer storyline to refute his initial statement. As a result, it is up to the fans to decide how they perceive Tengen's emotions and behavior.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Demon Slayer, I find the exploration of Tengen Uzui's relationships with his three wives to be a fascinating aspect of the series. The anime and manga have done an excellent job of portraying the complexities of their polyamorous marriage, and it's clear that Tengen cares deeply for all of his wives. However, I can understand why some fans might speculate that he has a favorite wife. The special moments between Tengen and Hinatsuru, in particular, have led many to believe that he may have stronger feelings for her than for Suma and Makio.
Personally, I believe that Tengen loves all of his wives equally, but that he may have a special connection with Hinatsuru. The way he interacts with her is certainly different from the way he interacts with Suma and Makio, and it's clear that she holds a special place in his heart. However, I don't think this means that he loves her more than the others. I think he simply has a different kind of relationship with her. Ultimately, it's up to each individual fan to decide how they interpret Tengen's feelings for his wives.