Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc has finally set in stone the path fans had desperately been waiting for. This episode is by far the best entry in the fourth season with a strong foundation and even better storytelling. Episode 7: Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima draws a fine line between its first half and its second half. The way the entire episode has been handled with the extended time shows that Ufotable just needs a dream and a wish to execute brilliance.
The episode shows great focus on the prejudice innocence brings about to people. Goal orientation can often sideline other factors in one’s environment, however, that doesn’t mean that the world around them stops. It progresses just as they do. This episode takes into account all that and more, bringing forth the idea that danger lies even in corners that sometimes feel the safest.
Demon Slayer’s Tales of Tragedy
Demon Slayer found itself with two extended episodes with both episodes 7 and 8 being 40 minutes and 1 hour long respectively. Ufotable utilized this extended time in the best possible way. It is very clearly divided with a flow that speaks through the audience instead of jumping from one half of the story to another. Starting with Tanjiro pushing the boulder and completing the Stone Hashira’s training, he is met face to face with Gyomei Himejima.
The strongest Hashira immediately mistakes Tanjiro to have chosen humans over demons because of the incident in the Swordsmith Village, to which the protagonist corrects him. He corrected that it was his sister Nezuko’s idea to sacrifice herself and not his own. Tanjiro’s honesty catches Himejima off guard, leading him to tell his own story and how he came to become the Stone Hashira.
One thing the series is good at is the absolutely horrific collection of tragic tales it has. Almost every character has a backstory worth pushing fans to tears with Himejima being no exception. From caring for children and running an orphanage to being betrayed by those very people he loved so dearly, his heart wasn’t one made from stone but forced to turn into one.
Balance Lies in All Elements
To see Gyomei Himejima’s story unfold so tragically; it warms the heart to learn that Tanjiro’s honesty and determination help the Stone Hashira overcome his past trauma and betrayal that made him massively distrust children. This is where Demon Slayer strikes again with a balance of humor. It doesn’t seem imposing as much as it seems to do its job of lightening the mood. At the beginning of the episode, Zenitsu is shown having received a letter. The scene cuts back to him later as Tanjiro prepares to leave for the Water Hashira’s residence.
It is then that things come full circle, he is seen sitting on a boulder, concentrating with his back facing Tanjiro. Unlike usual, Zenitsu who acts as a comedic relief, is seen as a stark contrast to himself as a serious and determined man. What is interesting to note is that the boy who led the demon into Himejima’s temple was also at one point Zenitsu’s close friend as they both trained under the former Thunder Hashira.
Afterward, Tanjiro walks towards Giyu’s estate, hoping to start training with him as well. Himejima’s faith in him was something he never saw coming, not only because the two never had any relationship, to begin with, but also because he saw Tanjiro for his flaws and strengths alike and still chose to stand by him. In the end, it was a sad and tragic tale filled with hatred for those who betray in the falsehood of love, care, and familial bond.
Grand is the Foot that Storms the Castle
Episode 7 also features a stunning fight between the Water Hashira Giyu Tomiyoka and the Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa. It is during this training that a softer side of Sanemi gets revealed and his love for Red Bean Mochi. Although he is unwilling to admit it, the truth of the matter remains undeniable. After their little trivial banter, the Wind Hashira leaves only to discover that he is being followed by Nakime’s eye. Coming to terms with the fact that the Demon Slayer Corps has been infiltrated, it becomes the perfect setup for the final. However, what comes afterward brings impact to it all.
Muzan Kibutsuji finally enters the Demon Slayer Corps and Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s estate. The entire sequence, although heavily stretched, extending to over three minutes is highly dramatic. Albeit it serves its purpose perfectly. The coldness and terror that he brings around him surround the grounds of the residence and finally, the two come face to face. The walk is filled with slowly growing anticipation that feels both needed and unnecessary at the same time.
Rating: 8.5/10
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
