To us, Demon Slayer's Tanjiro Kamado is our sweet angel who can do no wrong. But to some, they couldn't be any more irritated by this persistent, outspoken individual who stands up for those who can't speak for themselves — even when it's better that he keep shut.
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc episode 5 has broken our rose-colored glasses and showed us that not all Hashira members are willing to put up with Tanjiro's behavior. Rather, they would prefer to humble the demon slayer solider now before he gets himself wrapped up in something that has nothing to do with him. Of course, they are still his higher-ups so he must show them the utmost respect. But, at some point, even Tanjiro questions if these Hashira are within their right to do whatever they want simply because of their status.
The tension of episode 5 was so thick we couldn't cut it with a knife if we tried. Even so, we know that this tension is sure to serve a greater purpose in the end. Without further ado, here's what you missed in episode 5 of Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc!
Episode 5 reveals that not all appreciate Tanjiro's good nature
We begin this episode by briefly taking a trip to the Love Hashira's training ground. Here, we see Tanjiro and the rest of his peers engage in some peculiar exercises, such as stretching in questionable garments. We also see the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, feed Tanjiro yummy foods like pancakes and black tea, which, to Tanjiro, is definitely a nice change of pace.
What exactly Tanjiro learned from Mitsuri is not really clear, but the fun he had here was more than enough to anger a certain Hashira.
At the Serpent Hashira's house, Tanjiro was quickly met with disdain from the esteemed warrior. The Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, wasn't too keen on Tanjiro getting close to Mitsuri and his jealousy was seen all over him. This anger only made Obanai far more ruthless in his training which was already pretty brutal to begin with.
Obanai's training consisted of the Hashira tying up several demon slayer soldiers for an exercise that involved cutting through them to deliver a perfect strike on a branch. This would enable Tanjiro to learn how to be aware of his surroundings so that he doesn't accidentally get his sword tangled up in a tree or other objects that will hinder him.
In every way, this exercise is necessary for a quality swordsman like Tanjiro, but the only way he could pass with flying colors was to clear his head and focus on the objective; something that he has to do on the battlefield or else it would mean instant death. Fortunately, Tanjiro focused up enough to land a tear on Obanai's cloth, a mark that meant he could move on to the next stage.
If only this demon slayer knew what mess he would find himself in with the Wind Hashira.
On his way to the Wind Hashira's training, Tanjiro reunited with his anxiety-ridden friend Zenitsu Agatsuma who fears going back to Sanemi's tough exercises.
Sanemi's exercises are pretty straightforward in that they only involve a demon slayer soldier landing a hit on the Hashira. The only thing is no one has been able to since they've been there. The Hashira is not only very quick but also packs a mean punch, so by the time they even work up the courage to attempt to hit him, they are too battered up to do so. Even Tanjiro fails to keep up, at first.
During his brief recovery time, Tanjiro overhears Sanemi talking with his younger brother, Genya. Genya pleaded with his older brother to forgive him for being so weak, but Sanemi refused to hear him out. That is until Genya admitted that he ate demons to get stronger, an admittance that pissed off Sanemi so much that he attempted to blind Genya in one fell swoop.
Just before Sanemi makes contact with Genya's eyes, Tanjiro swoops him to push Genya out of Sanemi's wrath. But it's futile because the Wind Hashira only sees red.
Tanjiro tries to reason with Sanemi, imploring him to leave his younger brother to stay in the demon slayer corps since he is strong enough to go toe-to-toe with an Upper-Rank demon. Tanjiro also reminds Sanemi that he doesn't have the right to make decisions for Genya, especially if Sanemi doesn't consider Genya his younger brother anymore.
Naturally, this upsets Sanemi greatly, causing him and Tanjiro to exchange blows all day.
In a stalemate, neither Tanjiro nor Sanemi settles their score, and thus, Tanjiro and Zenitsu's training at Sanemi's turf ends prematurely with Tanjiro getting banned from being anywhere near Sanemi and being unable to fix the relationship between Sanemi and Genya.
Now that one training is done, the next is set to be underway. But with the Sound Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, being the strongest Hashira there is, we can tell that Tanjiro is going to have an even more difficult time.
What awaits Tanjiro at Gyomei's residence will be witnessed very soon. Catch a brand-new episode of Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc on Sunday, June 16, at 10:45 a.m. PT (or 1:45 p.m. ET) on Crunchyroll!