"One cannot simply decide to become a demon. You must be chosen. But you, who worked so hard to build such magnificent talent, would simply let it wither away. Such a waste! It's hard for me to accept. I can't stand it. Die for me, Kyojuro. Do it while you're young and strong!" [Akaza]
First of all, these are some truly wild things to say to somebody you just met. Second of all, this volume is unquestionably a Rengoku volume and I'm deeply sorry to all his fans for the three stars that I dared to give it. I understand the deep emotions you feel about it, I just didn't feel the same way. I like and respect Rengoku's character, but there wasn't enough time for me to feel any bond with him. It felt like he had just showed up and then suddenly he was gone, leaving hundreds of people in tears and heartbreak. I wish to feel the same way about it, truly but, unfortunately, my emotions regarding this part of the story were quite different.
Rengoku's fate was quite obvious to me the moment he was seen on the train. There had to be a big moment incoming, a significant loss, and there it was. It didn't hit me like it should, not just because I didn't spend as much time with Rengoku as I should (it is one of the reasons, though), mostly because, as the anime watcher, I already know the future events and, because of that, I also know that there is basically no impact of Rengoku's fate on the rest of the characters or the events in general. It should be a big loss, something deeply impactful, but it's not. That's why, no matter how much I could want to give this volume a higher rating, I can't. It wouldn't sit right with me, and I'm sorry.
Now, before I end my review, I want to talk about a couple of things, like:
1. The total concentration: constant technique.
"There's lots of things you can do if you can master your breathing." [Rengoku
As much as I love Demon Slayer, the power scale in this universe is quite ridiculous. It's all based on the breathing technique that, first: gives you strength when you need it, second: can formulate a shield that will protect you from an attack, and third: can stop your wounds from bleeding. I can ignore the strength and even the shield thing, but the healing thing? Hell nah. It's a fictional story, I get it, but c'mon.
2. A dying guardian's last wish.
"Kyojuro."
"Yes, mother?"
"Think hard about the next question. Do you know why you were born stronger than other people?"
"Um... I don't know!"
"So that you can help weaker than you."
This part instantly reminded me of Yuji and his grandfather's conversation in another anime (that I also love very much), Jujutsu Kaisen. Both grandpa Itadori and Rengoku's mother requested of their children to lend their strength to the weaker. And as amazing and noble this request is, because yes, we need to help the weaker, the other people in need, it's also a very bothersime request for those children. It kept both Yuji and Rengoku in the need of constant fighting, and gambling with their health and lives for the sake of others. It's noble, yes, but it's also sorrowful, because these characters never thought about themselves, always putting the needs of others above their own, being ready for a sacrifice at any point.
3. The hypocrisy of the demons.
I will put Akaza as the example here. He acted high and mighty the moment he was introduced in the story, mocking Tanjiro for being weak, and trying to manipulate Rengoku, who he thought of as an equal (or close to an equal), to join him in the demon ranks so they could fight each other for an eternity. He behaved like the demons were superior to the humans in every way, like they were the perfect beings, without any weaknesses. But the moment he realized that the sun was coming up, he bolted away at the very first chance he could. So the demons aren't such perfect beings, aren't they, Akaza? A little sunlight and poof, you all are gone!
4. Muzan's continuation of being a cartoony villain.
He got mad and punished Akaza for literally no reason. All Akaza did was to follow orders. He did what he could, eliminated the biggest threat (as it seemed, at that time), and all he got in return from his master was a punishment. Muzan is a truly irrational villain, who just trying to show everybody how evil he is, but it all looks weak and cheap, and he looks like a kid who's throwing a tantrum (the fact that he had the body of a kid at that time is even more funny).
5. Rengoku senior's continuation of being a worthless parent.
You can say that he redeemed himself in the end when he cried, but I will not forgive him for all the cruel things he had said about his son. There was no reason for him to act like this. At least, Rengoku's mom was a loving parent.
6. Tengen's arrival at the Butterfly Mansion.
Okay, this was a moment that made me dislike Tengen on the spot when I watched the anime for the first time. What was that idiot even thinking when he just catched two innocent girls in his arms and tried to run away with them, I will never know. I mean, I understand that he needed support for his mission, but he knew he was going in the entertainment district - basically a demon lair. Did he really want the two girls, who obviously weren't fighters, to do well there and come out of there alive? Was he nuts?
7. Kanao's decision.
As much as the Tengen moment shown us Tengen in, uh, not the brightest light, it was a very important moment for Kanao's character. After remembering that she no longer posses the coin that helped her make a decision, she had to make a choice by herself. And she did. It was a small moment, but very significant, and I cheered up for her. She will grow up splendidly from now on, I believe!
8. Genya.
Is he Gyomei's student now?! Or did they met by accident and decided to travel together? I'm so confused?! I feel like I missed something!
Anyways, that's all for this volume. With the next one, the Tengen arc will start. I know it has a different name, but it's how I call it 😂 I'm very excited, because I really liked this arc when I watched the anime. There will be so much going on! I'm jumping to the next volume as we speak ☺️