9 Most Powerful Hashira in Demon Slayer, Ranked

Demon Slayer has been one of the most discussed anime series from the last ten years, thanks to its deeply moving character development, distinctive environment, and captivating visuals. Ever since it debuted in 2021, fans have been intrigued by this show. The story centers around siblings Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado, who are on a mission to reverse Nezuko’s demonic transformation in a world plagued by demons. As they progress, viewers witness Tanjiro honing his skills to grow stronger with the aid of a group of companions possessing unique talents that aid them in their battle against the malevolent forces endangering mankind.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for the Ending of the Demon Slayer Manga and Infinity Castle Trilogy!

As the thrilling end of Demon Slayer approaches, I can’t help but reminisce about the epic battles that truly embodied each character’s unique prowess. These clashes frequently revolve around the Hashira – the elite swordsmen who tackle the toughest missions in this series. In what follows, let me share my take on which Hashira stand out in terms of sheer power, mastery of techniques, and impressive feats depicted in the show.

9) Shinobu Kocho

Shinobu Kocho holds the title of Insect Master, succeeding it from her late elder sister who met her end at the hands of Douma, Upper Moon Two. She openly admits that she is the least physically powerful among the Hashira, lacking the ability to behead demons in battle with her sword. Nevertheless, Shinobu’s cunning, resourcefulness, and proficiency with poison are what earned her this prestigious position. In combat, she wields a nichirin blade adorned with wisteria, capitalizing on her swiftness and agility to inflict poisonous strikes upon her adversaries.

Shinobu’s combat style is known as Insect Strikes, which involves quick jabs and thrusts to subdue demons. She developed this method to gain an edge in battles. Her swiftness and agility often surpass those of most demons, a fact that even Douma acknowledges. Ultimately, Shinobu utilizes her intelligence and resentment towards the Upper Moon to defeat Douma. By allowing him to consume her poisoned blood and flesh, she both eliminates him and seeks revenge for her cherished sister.

8) Tengen Uzui

Among the Hashira, Tengen Uzui stands out for his flamboyant style and boisterous demeanor. He previously held the position of Sound Hashira before retiring early during the “Entertainment District Arc.” Being brought up in a family of ninja, he developed exceptional combat abilities and proficiency with various weapons. The Sound Hashira is often considered the second most physically powerful among the Hashira, and is also the quickest.

Tengen has created a unique breathing method called Sound Breathing, which significantly boosts his fighting skills including his twin sword combat and heightened hearing. Additionally, he possesses a skill called Musical Score, a talent that allows him to interpret enemy attack patterns as if they were musical compositions. Even while battling with poison, Tengen manages to keep pace with the higher-ranked demons Daki and Gyutaro during his tenure as a Hashira.

7) Kyojuro Rengoku

Kyojuro Rengoku is a highly acclaimed character in the series “Demon Slayer,” where he served as the Flame Hashira within the Corps. Remarkably, his father, also a Flame Hashira, initially trained him before ceasing his education. However, instead of being deterred, Rengoku continued his training by himself, using a book on Flame Breathing techniques to reach the rank of Hashira. In combat situations, Rengoku demonstrates exceptional strategic thinking, employing logical tactics when confronted with demon techniques he’s unfamiliar with. This shrewdness, coupled with his unyielding determination, even caught the attention of Upper Moon Three, Akaza, who proposed turning Rengoku into a demon to prevent his abilities from going to waste.

In his time as a Hashira, Rengoku possesses the ability to battle and defeat formidable demons. He outmatches Lower Moon Two, Hairo, who recognizes his prowess in martial arts and swordsmanship. During the “Mugen Train Arc” of the anime, Kyojuro contributes to slowing down Enmu, although the decisive blows are ultimately delivered by Inosuke and Tanjiro. Rengoku’s Flame Breathing technique is enhanced by his exceptional fighting style, enabling him to hold his own against Akaza during their fight. It’s likely that Rengoku would have ranked higher among the Hashira if he hadn’t perished and managed to develop a Mark like some of his fellow Hashira.

6) Mitsuri Kanroji

Mitsuri Kanroji is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, known as the Love Hashira. At first, she joined the corps with the intention of finding a powerful husband to marry. However, her commitment to the corps’ mission has grown significantly, surpassing her initial goal. Mitsuri is a lively, friendly woman who doesn’t hesitate much during battles against demons. Despite having less formal training among the Hashira, as she joined later in life, she was still able to pass the Final Selection after just six months of training.

Mitsuri’s distinctive combat method is known as Love Breathing, a style she herself created to maximize her unconventional fighting approach. She additionally possesses Flame Breathing abilities, having been tutored by Rengoku, even though she isn’t quite as adept in this technique. It’s worth mentioning that Mitsuri was exceptionally strong physically before joining the demon slayers, a fact that made her feel self-conscious as a woman. Notably, Mitsuri excels in swordsmanship, wielding a flexible, long blade that functions like a whip to slice through sound waves and lightning attacks during battles against Zohakuten. When she decides to no longer repress her power, Mitsuri can unleash her Mark, enhancing her abilities enough to keep Zohakuten at bay for an extended period.

5) Muichiro Tokito

Muichiro Tokito stands out as one of the most exceptional Hashiras, a title he earned despite being cut down tragically during the final battle. Officially recognized as the Mist Hashira, he was also the youngest among all Hashiras at only 14 years old. It’s said that before any formal training, Muichiro had already slain a demon using nothing but simple wooden tools; after his training, he managed to reach the rank of Hashira in just two months, demonstrating an extraordinary natural talent and skill. Notably, other prominent Hashiras like Rengoku and Tengen have acknowledged and praised his remarkable power and ability.

During the “Hashira Training Arc,” it’s evident that Muichiro is exceptionally skilled with a sword, outmatching a doll modeled after the legendary swordsman Yoriichi. He seamlessly integrates these abilities with his unique technique, Mist Breathing. This technique was instrumental in defeating an Upper Moon demon later on. In the climactic battle, the Mist Hashira draws a symbol and emerges victorious against Upper Moon Five, Gyokko, single-handedly. Muichiro’s might is such that it leaves even Kokushibo in awe. Facing Muzan, Muichiro continues to fight despite losing limbs and sustaining grievous wounds, demonstrating once more his indomitable willpower and unwavering commitment to the Corps’ objective.

4) Obanai Iguro

In discussions about raw strength among the Hashira, Obanai Iguro, also known as the Snake Hashira, often gets overlooked due to his smaller frame and limited vision in one eye. However, this doesn’t stop him from demonstrating exceptional skill with his sword and breathing technique, and an indomitable spirit on the battlefield that proves crucial during the climactic fight against Muzan. Despite being guarded and slow to trust because of his traumatic past in a cult that worshipped and sacrificed infants to demons, Obanai is deeply committed to the Corps and their mission.

Obanai developed a unique technique known as Serpent Breathing, an astonishing accomplishment since he conceived it entirely on his own. This method’s swiftness and agility are enhanced by his pet snake, Kaburamaru, which has been trained to alert him about incoming attacks. This allows Obanai to anticipate and neutralize any threat. During the “Infinity Castle Arc”, Obanai is depicted slaying numerous demons that are comparable to Lower Moon rank. In the final battle, Obanai was one of the Hashira who activated their Marks. He successfully held back Nakime, an Upper Moon, for a considerable duration of time. Moreover, he managed to strike Muzan multiple times and was the first Hashira to awaken following being knocked unconscious, assisting Tanjiro in restraining the Demon King.

3) Giyu Tomioka

In the anime “Demon Slayer,” Giyu Tomioka is initially presented as the Water Hashira, a prominent role he assumes. Among the Hashira hierarchy, he is the first to support Tanjiro and Nezuko’s mission, risking his life for their success. His commitment to their cause within the Hashira ranks is noteworthy.

Giyu harbors survivor’s guilt due to becoming the Water Hashira after his friend Sabito perished during the Final Selection. This burden of self-doubt often makes him feel inadequate compared to his fellow Hashira. However, despite these emotional struggles, Giyu consistently demonstrates immense strength within the Hashira group. His power significantly increases when his Mark is activated.

In combat, Giyu Tomioka employs the Water Breathing skill, which he’s perfected to such an extent that he can introduce a novel technique called Dead Calm. He swiftly eliminates Rui, a Lower Moon, with little effort, showcasing this Eleventh Form for victory. Throughout Infinity Castle, Giyu is depicted slaying several demons as skilled as the Lower Moons. During the climactic battle, he confronts Akaza, who admires his power and skill, even proposing to transform him into a demon like his proposal to Rengoku. Ultimately, Giyu plays a significant role in defeating Akaza, and is one of the slayers instrumental in weakening Muzan at the end of the battle.

2) Sanemi Shinazugawa

As a passionate follower of the Demon Slayer Corps, I can’t help but admire the mighty Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa. Known for his formidable strength among the Hashira, he’s often recognized as one of the strongest. At first glance, Sanemi appears to be a fiery soul, eager for combat and harboring a deep-seated hatred towards demons. This fierce temperament even seems to extend to his younger brother Genya, but upon closer inspection, it’s revealed that he only sought to shield Genya from the perils of the demon-hunting world.

In the climactic battle against Muzan, Sanemi proves invaluable, standing as a pillar of strength within our team. His unwavering dedication and power are truly inspiring!

In the role of Wind Hashira, Sanemi exhibits exceptional skills with Wind Breathing and is recognized as the most powerful user of this technique among the current generation. Throughout the series, he ultimately unleashes his Mark, and in crucial battles, his nichirin sword takes on a red hue to support his allies. During the “Infinity Castle Arc”, Sanemi single-handedly fends off swarms of lower-level demons. Particularly memorable is his collaboration with another character in defeating Upper Moon One, Kokushibo, even managing to momentarily match the demon’s strength when his Mark awakens.

1) Gyomei Himejima

Gyomei Himejima stands out among the Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps as the undisputed strongest. The Sound Hashira towers over his peers in terms of rank, making a striking impression with the vibrant hues of his beaded necklaces and stature. Contrary to his intimidating appearance, Gyomei exhibits a gentle disposition, speaking softly. He assumes a leadership role among the Hashira and takes Genya Shinazugawa under his wing as a trainee. Many members of the Corps admire his power, and even Kokushibo acknowledges that he hasn’t encountered an opponent as formidable as the Stone Hashira in hundreds of years.

In battle, Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, employs Stone Breathing in a unique way. Unlike other members of his order, he arms himself with a spiked flail and axe, inflicting severe damage on his foes. His blindness actually enhances Gyomei’s hearing, enabling him to navigate and respond effectively within combat situations. During the fight against Kokushibo, it was also revealed that Gyomei possesses an awakened Mark, granting him additional power. This empowerment allowed him to keep up with Kokushibo and eventually behead the Upper Moon One with assistance.

Were you in agreement with the order of items on the list? Feel free to share your preferred Hashira from Demon Slayer, along with a personalized ranking you’d give them.

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2025-08-04 05:12