What pillar is Tanjiro? Uncovering the final rank of the strongest swordsman in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and the mystery of the "Sun Pillar"
In the epic story of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," the highest combat force of the Demon Slayer Corps—the "Hashira"—are the admired goal and the ultimate symbol of strength for all corps members. Our protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, with his extraordinary talent and indomitable will, rapidly advances in strength, leaving countless viewers and readers with a huge question: "What Hashira did Tanjiro ultimately become?" This article will provide an in-depth analysis of this question, revealing Tanjiro's final rank and the truth behind the fan-circulated title "Sun Hashira."
I. The Most Direct Answer: Tanjiro Did Not Officially Become a "Hashira"
First, let's directly reveal the answer from the official storyline: until the very end of the story, Tanjiro Kamado did not receive any official "Hashira" rank title.
This is not because his strength was insufficient, but stems from the story's conclusion. After the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji ended, the Demon King was completely eradicated, and the Demon Slayer Corps consequently lost its reason to exist and was disbanded. Since the entire rank and promotion system no longer existed, there was naturally no opportunity to appoint new "Hashira." Therefore, according to the official setting, Tanjiro's career in the Demon Slayer Corps did not conclude with him as a "Hashira."
II. Strength and Achievements: Far Exceeding the Standards to Become a "Hashira"
Although he lacked the "Hashira" title, Tanjiro absolutely possessed the substance of a Hashira, and even surpassed it. Let's look at the two recognized conditions for becoming a "Hashira":
- Reach the "Kinoe" rank.
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Achieve one of the following battle feats:
- Slay fifty demons.
- Successfully defeat a member of the "Twelve Kizuki."
Looking at his battle record, Tanjiro's achievements are truly outstanding:
- Mugen Train Arc: Together with the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, defeated Lower Rank One, Enmu.
- Entertainment District Arc: Joined forces with the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, and his companions to slay Upper Rank Six, Gyutaro and Daki.
- Swordsmith Village Arc: Independently slew the main body of Upper Rank Four, Hantengu.
- Infinity Castle Final Battle: Combined efforts with the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, to defeat Upper Rank Three, Akaza, and became the key core in ultimately eliminating Muzan Kibutsuji in the final battle.
Just considering the number and rank of the Twelve Kizuki he defeated, Tanjiro's achievements far exceed the promotion standards. His strength and contributions are recognized by all as being at the "Hashira" level.
III. The Honorary Title in Fans' Hearts: "Sun Hashira (Hinoe-bashira)"
Since no official title was given, why do we often hear the term "Sun Hashira"?
"Sun Hashira" is an honorary title given to Tanjiro by fans; it is not an official setting. This title originates from the unique Breathing Style he uses—"Sun Breathing."
"Sun Breathing" is the origin of all Breathing Styles and the strongest primordial breathing technique. As the sole inheritor of this legendary swordsmanship, Tanjiro's existence is unique in itself. In the history of the Demon Slayer Corps, there has never been an official "Sun Hashira" because very few people could master this Breathing Style.
Fans call him "Sun Hashira" not only to affirm his Hashira-level strength but also to celebrate his great achievement of inheriting the original breathing and ultimately bringing the sun back to the world (by ending the Demon King). It can be said that if the Demon Slayer Corps had continued, it would have been natural and widely expected for Tanjiro to be appointed as the "Sun Hashira" based on his strength and Breathing Style.
In summary, although Tanjiro Kamado did not nominally become a Hashira due to the disbandment of the Demon Slayer Corps, his strength, battle achievements, and uniqueness as the inheritor of "Sun Breathing" have long made him the one and only, irreplaceable "Sun Hashira" in everyone's hearts.
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