This article is written by guest contributor Ichi, who is a member of VRSUS’ Upper Writer Moons and has dedicated his life to art, tabletop games, TCGs, anime and is looking to unlock his Demon Slayer Mark soon.
Muzan, the Demon King, has created and employed many demons to serve him in his army, blessing them with unnatural strength, speed, and lifespan. These gifts transform even the frailest men into the fiercest warriors, allowing them to survive countless battles and learn from them far greater than any normal human. With this in mind, what do demon slayers have that could possibly even the odds? Well… there’s the fabled demon slayer mark.
DEMON SLAYER MARK – A BLESSING AND A CURSE
Though its true origins remain obscure, the first recorded appearance of these demon slayer marks belonged to the Sun Breather himself, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. As seen in the series, Tanjiro and the Hashiras are able to manifest their unique demon slayer mark during their intense encounters with the Twelve Demon Moons, which gives them just enough strength to overcome their opponents. But what do these marks represent, and what do they actually do? During the Infinity Castle Arc, Kokushibo, the Upper Rank 1 Demon, does give us some information on what these powerful marks mean. He explains that demon slayers who are strong enough develop the ability to manifest these unique scar-like marks, increasing the bearer’s power, speed, and abilities, though with a very costly price.
The demon slayer mark increases and improves the breathing forms of their bearers, allowing them to perform otherwise impossible techniques within their respective breathing forms as well as giving them the ability to unlock the Transparent World. Tanjiro, in Season 3, Episode 10, using his mark, was also able to unleash one of the most powerful benefits of the marks by being able to use the Red Nichirin Sword in his battle against Gyutaro, decapitating him when previous attempts without the mark failed.
However, using this demon slayer mark is not without its limitations and costs. Often, the physical strain of gaining such an enormous amount of energy all at once causes an even more significant physical toll on the user, leaving them in a severely weakened state. As of this writing, only two known bearers survived beyond 25 years after using their demon slayer mark: Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his brother Michikatsu Tsugikuni/Kokushibo. Tanjiro’s father, Tanjuro Kamado, also appears to possess one thought to be just a birthmark and seemingly never had to use it or was even aware of it not being inducted into the demon slayer corps. It is believed that usage of the marks ultimately shortens the life expectancy of their bearers in exchange for power.
TANJIRO, THE DEMON SLAYER CATALYST
Fans speculate that prolonged exposure to a mark bearer seems to trigger the ability of demon slayers or at least increase their chance of manifesting it, as observed during the time of Yoriichi and his generation of demon slayers. The same can be observed with the arrival of Tanjiro and his experience with the current generation of demon slayers, who can tap into them during battles with Tanjiro nearby. Of all the known users, only Yoriichi, Kokushibo, and Tanjiro are seen to bear the marks permanently, while the rest of the Hashiras lose them shortly after.
Here are some of the instances where the Tanjiro and the Hashiras use their demon slayer mark:
Tanjiro Kamado versus Gyutaro – Entertainment District Arc
Muichiro Tokito versus Gyokko – Swordsman Village Arc
Gyomei Himejima versus Kokushibo – Infinity Castle Arc
Sanemi Shinazugawa versus Kokushibo – Infinity Castle Arc
Mitsuri Kanroji’s versus Zohakuten – Infinity Castle Arc
Giyu Tomioka versus Akaza – Infinity Castle Arc
Obanai Iguro versus Muzan – Infinity Castle Arc
MARKS THAT DEEP DIGGER
Though not explicitly explained by Kimetsu no Yaiba’s creator, Koyuharu Gotouge, we can extrapolate that the breathing forms used and developed by the Demon Slayer Corps are direct products of their immense physical training. Thus, demon slayer marks can be interpreted as the user’s will and determination. Through repetition and understanding of the elements, the demon slayers can develop techniques combining martial prowess with correct breathing as derivations from the original form, Sun Breathing. Demon slayer marks, by contrast, are unpredictable and spontaneous, appearing only in the direst of situations, often triggered by intense emotions to the point that they seem almost spiritual. This may be the author’s intention, as the series has its themes running parallel to the ideals and concepts of martial arts practitioners of their respective disciplines.
Without Tanjiro and the Hashiras unlocking their full capabilities with their demon slayer mark, it is doubtful that they will be able to defeat the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Mizuki despite their intense training. However, with limited use of their marks, which are only accessible during extreme life-threatening circumstances, can Tanjiro and the Hashiras defeat a demon who also bears a demon slayer mark? Find out in the epic conclusion of the Demon Slayer Saga in the Infinity Castle Arc coming to a theater near you soon!
Need to catch up on Demon Slayer? All 4 seasons are streaming on Netflix.
What happens when the strongest Demon gets the demon slayer mark? You get Kokusibo! Find out more about him below!
