Kyojuro Rengoku has quickly become one of the most cherished characters in the world of Demon Slayer. The Hashira of Fire has garnered a large and devoted fanbase, despite his limited screen time, due to his optimistic demeanor and noble spirit. So, what is it about this fiery demon slayer that has propelled him to stardom in the series?
A significant contributing factor is his prominent role in the highly successful Mugen Train film. He is prominently featured as a supporting character and plays a pivotal role in the breathtaking climax of the movie. While these elements have certainly contributed to his popularity, they only scratch the surface of why Rengoku is so beloved. His positive attitude and impressive battles are just part of the equation; there is a deeper, underlying reason for his widespread appeal.
How Kyojuro Rengoku took Demon Slayer fans by storm
Rengoku's epic final fight against Akaza. (Image via Ufotable)
Rengoku takes on the final battle in the Mugen Train movie after Tanjiro and Inosuke defeat the demon that had possessed the train. Unfortunately, the fight leaves them injured and unable to continue. When the violent Upper Moon demon Akaza attacks them, it is Rengoku who steps up to battle the powerful demon.
Throughout the fight, Akaza tries to persuade Rengoku to become a demon and gain more strength, but Rengoku steadfastly rejects each offer. Despite facing overwhelming odds, he remains resilient and refuses to back down.
After mortally wounding Rengoku, Akaza was aware that he didn’t have much time left to live. Despite the pain, Rengoku fought on and attempted to stop Akaza completely and make him burn in the sunlight. Eventually, Akaza was the one to give up, fleeing from the fight in cowardice, a decision for which Tanjiro harshly criticized the demon as he retreated.
Despite Rengoku's death in the battle, he found peace in knowing that he had saved the lives of those on the train, as well as Tanjiro and the other younger demon slayers. In many ways, Rengoku emerged victorious in the fight against Akaza by not allowing him to take any lives other than his own. In death, the Fire Hashira exemplified what it truly meant to be a Demon Slayer.
Rengoku - the perfect Demon Slayer
Rengoku in his final moments. (Image via Ufotable)
Rengoku is beloved by fans not only for his positivity and cool action scenes, but also for embodying the best qualities of a demon slayer and humanity as a whole. Even in his dying moments, he praised Tanjiro and wished him well. Despite his fatal injuries, he emerged victorious and no one else on the train suffered the same fate.
The fleeting nature of his life and appearance adds to Rengoku's appeal among fans. If he had survived as a positive figure, fans would still appreciate him, but his sudden and shocking death, especially at the hands of a formidable enemy like the Upper Moon demons, left a lasting impact. Even in the face of inevitable defeat, Rengoku never wavered from his principles, ultimately proving himself as a noble and courageous soul.
In conclusion, Rengoku is adored by fans for being an exemplary Demon Slayer with impressive action scenes and a deeply moving and emotional death. These qualities have solidified him as a cherished and iconic character in the series, despite only appearing in one arc.
Editor's P/S
Kyojuro Rengoku's popularity among Demon Slayer fans can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, his character is well-developed and relatable. Rengoku is a passionate and determined individual who is always willing to put his life on the line to protect others. He is also a skilled swordsman with a unique fighting style that is both powerful and visually appealing.
In addition to his well-developed character, Rengoku also benefits from being featured in one of the most popular arcs of the Demon Slayer series, the Mugen Train arc. This arc is widely regarded as one of the best in the series, and it features some of the most intense and emotional moments in the entire story. Rengoku's role in this arc is significant, and he plays a key role in the defeat of the main antagonist.
Overall, Rengoku is a well-developed and relatable character who is featured in one of the most popular arcs of the Demon Slayer series. These factors have all contributed to his immense popularity among fans.