Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc Episode 4 gives fans a fresh look at Muichiro Tokito after the events of the Swordsmith Village arc. After the gruesome battle that took place, he was left with an overflow of lost memories. This put Tokito in a spot of finding himself once again. Seeing him as a Hashira is something the latest season has already provided the fans. However, getting to see him as the person he has now become isn’t something fans experienced until now.
Episode 4 – To Bring a Smile to One’s Face, has Tanjiro going to the Mist Hashira in order to continue his training. The atmosphere, the moment he enters, is a complete contrast from that of what Tengen’s training held. His was more chaotic and enthralling, tiresome even. On the other hand, Tokito’s place is looming with fear. Episode 3 balanced the stories of Tengen and Tanjiro with poise. However, the latest episode pushes Tanjiro to the side.
Muichiro Tokito Takes the Centre in Demon Slayer
The latest episode of Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc starts with the last few scenes of the previous episode. Tanjiro enters Muichiro Tokito’s place and is immediately taken aback by the tense environment around him. The Mist Hashira is very easily defeating the other Demon Slayers around him, telling them how vulnerable they are. It is, in a sense, to show how far behind they are as compared to where they should be.
A sense of fear has taken over them, seeing that Tokito comes off as a cold-hearted person at first. However, prejudice has never proven to be kind. As they train under him, it takes every cell in their body to keep up with Tokito’s speed, and it still isn’t enough. Upon Tanjiro’s arrival, he can be smiling more. That is when a clearer picture is provided about his character.
Ever since the Swordsmith Village arc, Muichiro Tokito got the memories of his late twin brother again. Since then, he has been a happier person. The other Demon Slayers keep requesting Tanjiro to talk to him about going easy on them in terms of the way he talks. At the same time, another mystery sprouts.
The Mist of Freedom
Episode 3 hinted at a fight between Sanemi Shinazugawa and Obanai Iguro. The Demon Slayers training under Tokito noticed how he goes off at night, much like any other Hashira. That is when another thing comes into focus, Nakime, who takes on the role of Upper Moon 4 after Hantengu’s death, is profusely keeping an eye on everyone, continuously on the lookout for Nezuko. Ufotable then takes the liberty of making mesmerizing fight sequences between Sanemi, Obanai, and Muichiro.
They call this their own Hashira training, considering that teaching the others wasn’t providing them the level of expertise they needed. What is ironic in this situation is that while they fight with wooden swords, they are freely using their breathing techniques. This gives about a gripping sequence between Sanemi and Obanai. However, things take a quick turn when Muichiro also wants to join the bunch. Then the fight becomes a 2v1, The Wind and Serpent Hashira vs. The Mist Hashira.
This fight isn’t the heart of the episode. Instead, it is the theme of freedom. Episode 4 makes good use of paper planes, showing how Muichiro has a fondness for making them and flying them as a hobby. A contest of flying them takes place among everyone present, with Tokito winning to no one’s surprise. Although it is not about winning or losing that these simple and fragile structures hold importance over.
Paper planes symbolize freedom. A simple piece of paper can fly with little adjustments. They are a metaphor for a different perspective of life. They signify emotional growth and intelligence. While at the same time pointing towards the freedom of ones longing heart. Each of these traits can be subjected to Muichiro Tokito, who sees his life in a completely new perspective and thus can finally bring himself to smile.
Rating: 8.5/10
Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
