Demon Slayer Pillars Ranked From Weakest To Most Powerful
Emma Terry
The Pillars are the most powerful swordsmasters in the Demon Slayer Corps – but which one of the members are the MOST powerful?
The Demon Slayer Corps contains some of the most powerful beings in the manga universe of Demon Slayer – but even they have their heavy-hitters. Known as the Hashira (or “Pillars”) these swordsmasters possess skills and attributes that would make even the most powerful Demon raise his or her guard in a one-on-one battle.
But which of these Pillars are the strongest of them all? While fans may debate the issue, here are the Demon Slayer Pillars from the (relatively) weakest to the strongest.
Kanae Kocho
This Hashira was actually killed several years before the main Demon Slayer story. A master of Flower Breathing (derived from Water Breathing), Kanae Kocho was a kind woman, albeit with a strict side. Her breathing technique made her a powerful warrior and it was only after battling the sadistic Demon Doma that she met her end. Even so, Kanae was able to battle Doma until sunrise before being fatally wounded, showing both extreme skill and stamina.
This wasn’t even the end of Kanae’s story as her spirit manifests to encourage another Hashira – her sister Shinobu.
Shinobu Kocho
Speaking of Shinobu, this Insect Hashira is also incredibly powerful in her own right. Shinobu’s Insect Breathing style is derived from Kanae’s own Flower Breathing style, showing the bond between the sisters. While outwardly calm and friendly, Shinobu harbors a deep hatred for Demons after they killed her sister. This motivated her to keep refining her skills to Hashira level – although she doesn’t have the physical strength to cut off a Demon’s head or many other superhuman abilities associated with other Pillars.
Jigoro Kuwajima
Not only was this esteemed Demon Slayer a Thunder Hashira, he was also an excellent teacher who devoted his life to training the next generation of Demon Slayers. Despite his strong belief in his students, he was crushed when his former protégé Kaigaku betrayed the Corps and became a Demon in the Twelve Kizuki. This grief drove Jigoro to commit ritualistic suicide.
Tengen Uzui
Known as the Sound Pillar, Tengen Uzui is a flamboyant but skilled fighter, capable of holding his own even when poisoned and missing a hand! Thanks to his mastery of Sound Breathing, Tengen is able to record his battles like a musical score and review them to improve his skill. Now that’s dedication!
Kyojuro Rengoku
The Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku is known as one of the most powerful Demon Slayers. His feats include using the Breath of Flame technique to issue a sea of flames against his opponents. Beyond this, he knows how to protect others – at one point splitting his attention between saving the passengers of a train and battling multiple Demons!
Sakonji Urokodaki
This Demon Slayer resembles a Demon himself at first glance thanks to his tengu mask. Actually, his real face is said to be quite kind. Nevertheless, he is also a master of Water Breathing – and considering that those who master the Water Breathing technique (as well as Flame Breathing) invariably become Hashira, that says a lot about his skill.
What’s also impressive about Sakonji Urokodaki is that he actually lived to old age while battling Demons. Considering many Demon Slayers have an (understandably) short life span, this actually says even more about his position among the Hashira.
Obanai Iguro
Harsh and strict, this master of Serpent Breathing is also one of the most determined of the Demon Slayers. Thanks to this determination and his ability to twist and bend his sword much like a slithering serpent, Obanai Iguro was able to battle the original Demon Muzan even after being blinded and horribly wounded. Although not the most powerful Hashira, Obanai Iguro’s will is second to none.
Muichiro Tokito
Considering this Demon Slayer became master of Mist Breathing at the age of fourteen and joined the Demon Slayer Corps at the age of ten, Muichiro Tokito’s talent and skills are undeniable (he mastered his technique in a matter of months!) Despite his tendency to wander off in thought, few can deny that he when it comes time to fight, not many Demon Slayers can match the sword techniques of Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Pillar.
Sanemi Shinazugawa
This Hashira’s scar-covered body is a testament to his years of battling Demons. A master of Wind Breathing, Sanemi Shinazugawa is known to be rude, stubborn, and driven by fury. Aside from his excellent swordsman skills, Sanemi’s blood is known to be intoxicating to Demons which can work for and against him as Demons lose focus from his blood’s smell, yet hunger for its intoxicating effects.
Giyu Tomioka
As masters of Water Breathing inevitably become Hashira, it makes sense that the Water Pillar, Giyu Tomioka, ranks so high on this list. A strong and silent type, Giya was able to easily defeat the Father Spider Demon and even earned the respect of Akaza, a member of the Twelve Kizuki. Akaza considered Giya so worthy that he offered to make him into a Demon. Naturally, Giya declined.
Mitsuri Kanroji
Shy, kind, and sensitive, this Hashira’s soft nature lies in direct contrast to her unbelievably powerful muscles. Even against the original Demon Muzan, Mitsuri’s strength was sufficient to rip off his tentacles without using her blade. As a Hashira, however, Mitsuri created her own unique “Love Breathing” that allows her to wield her thin sword like a whip, making her unbelievably fast as well as strong. Those who underestimate this Demon Slayer do so at their own peril.
Gyomei Himejima
Was there any doubt as to which Demon Slayer would make it to the top of this list? The blind Demon Slayer Gyomei Himejima is a master of Stone Breathing and wields a deadly strong-hand axe instead of a sword. Despite his gentle and pious nature, Gyomei’s fighting prowess is so unbelievably effective that even the Demon Kokushibo considered Gyomei the most powerful Demon Slayer of all!