Demon Slayer: Why Was Zenitsu Awake in the Infinity Castle?

Why was Zenitsu awake in the Infinity Castle? Exploring the reason for the shift in his fighting style in the animanga series

Zenitsu in Demon Slayer Has One of the Best Redeeming Moments and Here’s Why
Demon Slayer: Why Was Zenitsu Awake in the Infinity Castle? (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer series has some of the most interesting characters among popular modern shonen titles. Furthermore, the writer has done an incredible job in creating an array of characters who not only have unique personalities but also have unique fighting styles. As the name suggests, the series is set in a world where demons run rampant. This phenomenon has forced humans to take up weapons and fight against them. This is how the Demon Slayer Corps came into being. Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the most popular characters in Demon Slayer. This is due to his unique fighting style. He takes on demons in an unconscious state. However, fans seem to have one question in mind – why was Zenitsu awake in the Infinity Castle? This is an interesting question because his fighting style changes drastically in the Infinity Castle arc. 

The answer to the question is connected to Zenitsu’s past. It involves his late teacher Jigoro Kuwajima and his former upperclassman in the dojo. Zenitsu isn’t very confrontational for the most part. Furthermore, his loud nature can be a tad bit overwhelming as well. However, all of this changes because of a letter that he received during the Hashira Training arc. Let’s take a closer look at Zenitsu’s fighting style, why that changed, and how it is connected to his past in the Demon Slayer series. 

Zenitsu’s Fighting Style in Demon Slayer

Zenitsu as seen in the anime
Zenitsu as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Zenitsu isn’t the bravest demon hunter on the roster. He gets scared quite easily and he almost always faints out of fear. His body’s instincts take over after losing consciousness, and that’s how he fights in the animanga series. Zenitsu isn’t very proficient in Thunder Breathing either. Furthermore, he hated training. The only reason he complied was because Jigoro looked after him like he was his grandson. The young student had a great deal of respect and adoration for his teacher. 

Jigoro realized that Zenitsu wasn’t the most gifted swordsman. Therefore, he made Zenitsu practice the first form till it became instinctive. He could never perform any other predefined forms of Thunder Breathing. This is why Zenitsu can fight even after losing his consciousness in the animanga series. The consistent practice has allowed him to perfect the first form to a point where he can use it even after losing consciousness. Furthermore, Zenitsu can increase the speed of the first form to a much higher level than most Thunder Breathing users.

The Contents of the Letter

Jigoro Kuwajima as seen in the anime series
Jigoro Kuwajima as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Zenitsu trained with an upperclassman and the two were supposed to take over the dojo after Jigoro retired. However, that was not the case. The upperclassman in question didn’t particularly like or respect Zenitsu. Most people don’t know that he was the child responsible for allowing the demon to enter the temple and kill the orphans. Gyomei was forced to fend off the demon until sunrise.

This person ended up becoming a demon hunter proficient in Thunder Breathing. However, Kokushibo confronted him and nearly killed him. After begging for mercy, Kokushibo gave him Muzan’s blood, turning the former upperclassman into a demon. Jigoro equipped a demon with a Breathing Technique, and he committed Seppuku to atone for his sins. Jigoro died a slow and painful death. These events were explained in the mysterious letter that was given to Zenitsu. His rage knew no bounds and this forever changed his fighting style in Demon Slayer. 

How Did Zenitsu’s Fighting Style Change?

Kaigaku as seen in the anime series
Kaigaku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Zenitsu was the type of person who only relied on his instincts. We never saw him fight while retaining his consciousness. However, all that will change in the Infinity Castle arc. He encounters Kaigaku, the former upperclassman, and fights him while he is fully conscious. Now, he is fully awake, analyzing every move and reacting in ways that shocked the entire fanbase. Zenitsu’s speed was one of the most impressive things. However, he surpasses all expectations during his first fight in the Infinity Castle. Kaigaku was not just a regular demon. He was the replacement Upper Moon 6 demon. The Upper Moon 6 demon was so strong that he forced Tengen Uzui into retirement and it took the combined efforts of 5 demon hunters. Zenitsu faced him all on his own. Let’s take a look at how the fight concluded and why he surpassed everyone’s expectations in the manga series. 

Zenitsu vs Kaigaku in Demon Slayer

Zenitsu develops his own form
Zenitsu develops his own Thunder Breathing form (Image via Shueisha)

The fight between Zenitsu and Kaigaku is one of the most memorable parts of the Infinity Castle arc. Furthermore, this fight was a tipping point for Zenitsu because it changed him for the better. He was able to get over his fear. It had a crippling hold over his mind, and it prevented him from fighting while retaining his consciousness. This time, he faced Kaigaku head-on. In fact, he even engaged in verbal jousting before he let his sword do the talking. He called Kaigaku pathetic and went on to neutralize him quickly. This wasn’t exactly a fight, but more of a one-sided beatdown. There was nothing that Kaigaku could do to inflict damage on Zenitsu. He was clearly better than the demon in every aspect of combat – speed, skill, power, and precision. In fact, the demon hunter also showcased a technique that he developed. This form was called the Flaming Thunder God, and he decapitated Kaigaku in an instant. This wasn’t even a contest and it was clear that Zenitsu had undergone a massive transformation that would have made Jigoro Kuwajima proud. 

Conclusion

Why was Zenitsu awake in the Infinity Castle? The demon hunter in question managed to undergo a massive change that impacted his fighting style. He overcame his fear of death which often rendered him unconscious. Therefore, his instincts would take over and that’s how all of his fights proceeded. This time around, he overcame his fear. This in turn impacted his fighting style. He was conscious the whole time and outclassed an Upper Moon demon. 


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