The Death of Regoku and How It Changed Tanjiro in Demon Slayer

Take a closer look at the death of Rengoku and how it impacted Tanjiro and other characters in the series.

Rengoku Demon slayer Akaza legendary anime battles
The death of Regoku and how it changed Tanjiro in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

The Demon Slayer anime series has given fans some of the most lovable characters. However, the story is set in a world where death is constant. Humanity yearns for peace, and the Demon Slayer Corps is leading the charge against the tyranny of demons. As a consequence, fans have witnessed some of the most heartbreaking deaths in the series.

Rengoku’s death had a profound impact on fans. They mourned the loss of this young Hashira. He was talented, driven, and a kind human being. He was a mentor to many, and they owe their success to him. One such character is Tanjiro Kamado. Rengoku didn’t take Tanjiro as his Tsuguko. However, the Flame Hashira played the role of a mentor. The protagonist only had one formal mentor during the earlier parts of the series—Sakonji Urokodaki.

However, Rengoku filled that spot as the series progressed. Naturally, Rengoku’s death hit him hard. Both fans and Tanjiro struggled to cope with this character’s death. However, it changed Tanjiro for the better. The protagonist became one of the most capable demon hunters, and his drive was unmatched.

How Did Rengoku Die in Demon Slayer

Rengoku Akaza
Rengoku landed an attack against Akaza (Image via Ufotable)

Kyojuro Rengoku boarded the Mugen Train to investigate the missing people. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke accompanied him as well. The Flame Hashira and other demon hunters dispatched the Lower Moon demon responsible for the missing people. However, Rengoku’s demise was confirmed the moment Akaza came into the picture. The Upper Moon 3 demon appeared out of nowhere. However, the Flame Hashira stepped up to the occasion and put himself before his comrades and everyone else on the train.

Rengoku put his life on the line during that fight. Akaza was far more powerful than Rengoku. The Flame Hashira ultimately succumbed to his injuries. In his dying moments, he had a word with his comrades. He uttered his most popular catchphrase: “Set your heart ablaze.” The dying embers of the Hashira stoked the flames of determination within his comrades. Rengoku’s death was executed to perfection. The emotional impact was potent, and its effect would be seen until the very end of the overarching story.

How Rengoku’s Death Impacted Tanjiro in Demon Slayer

Rengoku’s death was executed beautifully in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Tanjiro found it hard to cope with Rengoku’s death. He was at a loss for words. His anger and fury reached new heights as he threw his sword in Akaza’s direction. The protagonist was known for his empathy. However, Rengoku’s death brought out a different side of him. Tanjiro was determined from the very beginning. However, his determination was now infused with frustration.

He developed an edge that made him sharper on the battlefield. His training was far more intense, and he wouldn’t rest until his body gave way. In fact, Zenitsu and Inosuke took inspiration from Tanjiro at various junctures of the story. Tanjiro’s goal was to find a cure for Nezuko. Furthermore, he wanted to kill every demon out there for what Muzan had done to his family.

Not that Tanjiro needed a reminder, but Rengoku’s death put him on the right path once again. Rather, he developed a tunnel vision that propelled him to the next level. Following this, he went on to defeat an Upper Moon demon with his comrades while unlocking the Demon Slayer Mark. Tanjiro’s drive and determination led him to play an important role in Muzan’s death as well.

Rengoku’s Impact Beyond Tanjiro

Tanjiro as seen in Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

It’s quite clear that the Flame Hashira deeply impacted the protagonist. However, the impact of his death extended beyond the confines of the protagonist. Zenitsu and Inosuke also witnessed his death. They were moved by his sacrifice and decided to train harder. They realized their weaknesses and worked towards becoming the best versions of themselves. Rengoku’s father was addicted to alcohol and neglected his younger child. However, Rengoku’s death and Tanjiro’s words changed that. Kyojuro Rengoku’s younger brother also picked himself up and decided to work on himself.

Tengen Uzui fondly remembered Kyojuro Rengoku during his fight against Daki and Gyutaro. Gyutaro stated that Tengen Uzui had everything, including talent and strength. However, he remembered the likes of Muichiro and Rengoku, stating that reality can be quite humbling. Muichiro Tokito also fondly remembered the Flame Hashira after defeating Gyokko. Tanjiro’s new sword incorporated Rengoku’s Tsuba (sword guard), and it was displayed in the Kamado house for generations.

Everything That Rengoku Stands For

Rengoku took on the role of a mentor to Tanjiro and his comrades (Image via Ufotable)

Perseverance was important to Rengoku. His popular phrase, “Set your heart ablaze,” speaks volumes about his indomitable spirit. Rengoku never wavered in the face of adversity. He embraced discomfort with open arms and did everything he could to gain control of the situation. He always had a smile on his face, even if he was moments away from death. The Flame Hashira is the perfect hero.

He also believed in kindness, which can be seen in the way he treated Tanjiro and his younger brother. Kindness isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s a sign of strength because it takes a great deal of effort to be kind despite the hand that’s dealt to you. Kyojuro Rengoku lost his mother at a young age, and he didn’t have an involved father. He took care of his younger brother and swore to become strong enough to protect his loved ones. Rengoku is a character that stands for love, strength, perseverance, and absolute kindness.

Rengoku’s Role in Demon Slayer

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

Rengoku is a side character who is quite important to the series. He isn’t a deuteragonist in the anime series because he didn’t accompany Tanjiro’s journey until the very end. However, he was with Tanjiro in spirit. That being said, Rengoku’s time in Demon Slayer was quite short-lived. However, his impact was seen even after his death. Kyojuro Rengoku is an important side character whose values and ideals helped the protagonist become the best version of himself in the anime and manga series.

Conclusion

Rengoku died fighting against Akaza. He managed to save everyone on the train and lost his life doing it. His death had a profound impact on the protagonist as well as the readers/viewers of the title. While he didn’t receive much screen time, he left a lasting impression on the viewers. He was a loving son, a fierce demon hunter, and an amazing human being whose spirit lit a fire inside every demon hunter who had the pleasure of knowing and training with him.


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