Read First: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer (Season 1) – Anime Review
Read Second: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer (Mugen Train Arc) – Anime Review
Read Third: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer (Entertainment District Arc) – Anime Review
Read Fourth: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer (Swordsmith Village Arc) – Anime Review
TL;DR: The Hashira Training Arc is far lighter than previous Demon Slayer seasons, focusing more on character growth, humor, and preparation rather than nonstop battles. While there are still a few emotionally heavy backstories and some intense confrontations, most of this arc feels like a breather before the storm. Think of it as the calm, relational build-up that strengthens the characters — and the audience — before the final showdown begins.
Section 1: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc (8 Episodes) — At a Glance
Anime Summary | Taken directly from MyAnimeList
After a series of mighty clashes with Upper Rank Demons, the Ubuyashiki clan prepares for one last battle with the hellish forces of Muzan Kibutsuji. In order to finally defeat the Demon leader once and for all, the clan devises a training camp for the Demon Slayer Corps, one led by the remaining Hashira—the most elite warriors in the organization. Each Hashira forms a specialized exercise that will hone both their own abilities and the skills of the ordinary soldiers.
Tanjirou Kamado, a boy at the heart of the brewing conflict, recovers from wounds received in a recent fight. While his half-Demon sister Nezuko is studied by researchers like Shinobu Kochou, Tanjirou embarks to train with the Hashira, seeking mastery in each of their assigned areas of expertise to be best prepared for the coming war—skills vital to Tanjirou, as he has vowed to be the very warrior who will eliminate Muzan for good.
Genres & Themes
Action, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural
MyAnimeList Rating
R-17+ | Violence and Profanity
The Anime Momma Rating
PG-13+ | Parental discretion advised between ages 13-17
Section 2: Star Levels
Each category below is rated on a five-star scale:
⭐ = very little present | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = a lot present
- Action/Violence Level: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
- Addiction Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Blood/Gore Level: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
- Inappropriate, Heavy, or Mature Themes or Conduct: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
- Alternative Lifestyle Themes: ☆☆☆☆☆ (0/5)
- Level of Magical Elements: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Level of Romance: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
Section 3: Star Levels — Explained
Action/Violence Level
Compared to earlier arcs, the Hashira Training Arc is surprisingly relaxed and often downright funny. Most of the “action” comes from training sequences rather than life-or-death combat. The Hashira push the Demon Slayers hard, but it’s framed more like intense coaching than warfare.
One notable exception comes when Genya attempts to reconcile with his older brother, the Wind Hashira Sanemi. Sanemi, still carrying deep anger, reacts harshly and lashes out. Tanjiro intervenes to protect Genya, which results in Tanjiro taking a severe beating.
- It’s more of an emotional scene than a violent one, showing just how wounded these characters still are — and it ultimately helps pave the way for Genya and Tanjiro’s growing friendship.
Addiction Level
This arc is genuinely fun to watch. Instead of racing from battle to battle, we get to spend time with the Hashira in ways we haven’t before, seeing their personalities shine through their teaching styles.
Each Hashira trains the Corps differently:
- Mitsuri focuses on flexibility (with plenty of her trademark enthusiasm).
- Tengen — yes, even after losing an arm and eye — leads stamina and fitness training with his usual flair.
- Tokito pushes students toward lightning-fast movement and discipline.
It feels a bit like attending a very intense summer training camp… run by people who could absolutely destroy you if you slack off. In other words: entertaining and character-rich.
Blood/Gore Level
There is very little blood or gore throughout most of this arc — a noticeable change from previous seasons.
The tone shifts dramatically in the final episode when Muzan himself appears at the Ubuyashiki estate.
What begins as a quiet, tense conversation turns into a shocking explosion that engulfs the mansion in flames.
Muzan is severely wounded but quickly regenerates, only to find the Hashira assembled and ready to face him together. This moment serves as the transition from preparation to what would soon become an all-out war.
Inappropriate, Heavy, or Mature Themes or Conduct
While lighter overall, this arc still includes emotionally weighty material — particularly in Gyomei Himejima’s backstory.
We learn that Gyomei once cared for a group of orphaned children in a mountain temple. Their peaceful life was shattered when a demon attacked, killing nearly all of them. Gyomei fought through the night to save the last surviving child, before the demon finally disintegrated at sunrise.
- Tragically, the traumatized child could only describe a “monster” who “killed them all” to authorities, leading to Gyomei’s wrongful imprisonment given that the demon had been long gone. Luckily, Kagaya Ubuyashiki intervened and Gyomei was quickly released.
We also see more of this mysterious illness affecting Ubuyashiki, which appears to be some kind of a generational curse that prevents them from living past age thirty (I could be wrong, but that was how I interpreted it) — a sobering reminder of the cost of their long war against demons.
We also learn a bit about Tomioka Giyu’s past, and how despite never having “officially” passed the final selection, he was still welcomed into the Demon Slayer Corps. In fact, he was actually a friend of Sobito, who Tanjiro encountered during Season 1.
Alternative Lifestyle Themes
This arc does not contain any alternative lifestyle themes.
Level of Magical Elements
The supernatural elements remain consistent with the rest of the series: stylized breathing techniques, heightened physical abilities, and demonic powers. No new magical systems are introduced — the focus is much more on human discipline, endurance, and unity.
Level of Romance
Romance appears only briefly and mostly for humor. We see Obanai become comically flustered and jealous over a letter from Mitsuri that praises Tanjiro’s sweetness. It’s lighthearted and reinforces the relational dynamics among the Hashira without becoming a major focus.
Section 4: Special Notes for Parents & Guardians
This arc functions almost entirely as preparation for what’s coming next. It ends on a major cliffhanger as the Demon Slayers are suddenly transported into the Infinity Castle to confront Muzan and the Upper Rank demons.
Parents should think of this season less as a standalone story and more as the bridge between past battles and the final conflict. The tone is largely encouraging, relational, and even funny — but it intentionally builds tension for the much darker material that is bound to follow.
Final Thoughts
The Hashira Training Arc feels like a deep breath before the plunge. It gives viewers time to grow attached to the Hashira, understand their sacrifices, and see the unity forming among the Demon Slayer Corps.
For families who found earlier arcs exhausting in their intensity, this season may feel refreshingly manageable. But narratively, it’s tightening the bowstring — everything here is preparing us for the final battle where the stakes will be at their highest.
In many ways, this arc reminds us that strength isn’t only forged in combat, but in community, perseverance, and the willingness to keep showing up… even when you know the hardest fight is still ahead.
This arc can open the door for meaningful family conversations about perseverance, faithfulness, and staying steadfast even when things feel overwhelming.
As always, folks, thank you for reading this review and I look forward to seeing you again. 💛
Coming Soon: Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer (Infinity Castle: The Movie) – Anime Review
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