Is Zenitsu Agatsuma a Pillar? Revealing the truth about whether he becomes the Thunder Pillar in the Demon Slayer ending
In the epic story of "Demon Slayer," fans have witnessed many characters' bloody battles and astonishing growth. Among them, Zenitsu Agatsuma transformed from a cowardly swordsman who only cried and ran away into a strong individual capable of standing on his own. His final strength and status have become a hot topic of discussion among fans. Many are curious: with his remarkable achievement of single-handedly killing an Upper Rank demon, did Zenitsu Agatsuma ultimately ascend to the highest hall of the Demon Slayer Corps and become a member of the "Hashira"? The answer, in fact, lies in the recognition of his strength and the reality of the story's conclusion.
Conditions for Becoming a "Hashira"
First, we must understand the strict conditions for becoming a "Hashira" in the Demon Slayer Corps. According to the story's setting, to be promoted to Hashira, a member must meet one of the following conditions:
- Successfully defeat any member of the Twelve Kizuki.
- Accumulate the elimination of fifty or more demons.
These two conditions not only test a swordsman's strength but also their survival rate and experience in countless life-and-death battles.
Zenitsu's Astonishing Achievement: Single-Handedly Killing an Upper Rank Demon
In the final chapter, the "Infinity Castle Battle," Zenitsu Agatsuma reached the climax of his character arc. He faced alone his senior brother, Kaigaku, who had replaced Daki and Gyutaro and was newly promoted to "Upper Rank Six."
In this fateful confrontation, burdened by the painful past of his master's seppuku due to Kaigaku's betrayal, Zenitsu displayed unprecedented determination and rage. He was no longer the boy who needed to fall asleep to fight; in a fully conscious state, he executed his self-created "Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami," delivering a strike beyond his limits and successfully single-handedly beheading Upper Rank Six, Kaigaku.
Without a doubt, by single-handedly defeating an Upper Rank of the Twelve Kizuki, Zenitsu Agatsuma fully met the conditions for promotion to Hashira. His strength at this point had undoubtedly reached Hashira level.
Why He Ultimately Did Not Become a "Hashira"? The Truth of the Conclusion
Since Zenitsu already possessed the qualifications and strength to become a Hashira, why did we not see him wearing the haori representing the "Thunder Hashira" at the end of the story? The reason is very realistic and crucial:
The Demon Slayer Corps disbanded after the final battle.
After the brutal final battle against the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji, the world of demons was completely ended. The Demon Slayer Corps fulfilled their thousand-year mission. Therefore, the 98th head of the Ubuyashiki family, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who was only eight years old at the time, officially announced, "The Demon Slayer Corps is disbanded."
With the disbandment of the Demon Slayer Corps, all ranks, including Hashira and members, naturally ceased to exist. Although Zenitsu made meritorious contributions in the final battle sufficient to earn the title of Hashira, the organization's dissolution rendered it meaningless. He, along with surviving companions like Tanjiro and Inosuke, returned to ordinary lives.
Conclusion
In summary, regarding the question "Did Zenitsu Agatsuma become a Hashira?", the most accurate answer is: He absolutely possessed the strength and achievements to become a Hashira, but he never formally held the title of "Hashira". In his battle against Kaigaku, he proved himself to be the strongest Thunder Breathing user of his generation. If the Demon Slayer Corps' story had continued, with the Thunder Hashira position vacant, Zenitsu would almost certainly have been the only and natural candidate. However, the story's conclusion gave these heroes a gift more precious than honor—a peaceful world without demons, where they could spend the rest of their lives with their loved ones. For Zenitsu, being able to marry his beloved Nezuko and have children might be a happier ending than becoming a "Hashira".
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