The Strongest Demons in Demon Slayer: The Twelve Kizuki
- ND MART staff
- Jun 26, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
If you're a fan of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," then you know that the demons in the series are some of the most fascinating and terrifying characters ever created. Among them, the Twelve Kizuki, or the Twelve Demon Moons, stand out as the most formidable and fearsome. These demons, under the command of Muzan Kibutsuji, are the main antagonists of the series and are considered the strongest demons in the "Demon Slayer" universe.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of the Twelve Kizuki, exploring their powers, ranks, and why they are so integral to the story. Let's embark on this journey to uncover what makes these demons the most powerful adversaries faced by the Demon Slayer Corps.
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Who Are the Twelve Kizuki?
The Twelve Kizuki are elite demons handpicked by Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons. These demons are divided into two groups: the Upper Moons (Jōgen no Kizuki) and the Lower Moons (Kagen no Kizuki), each consisting of six members. The Upper Moons are vastly more powerful than the Lower Moons, creating a significant hierarchy among the demons.
The Hierarchy of the Kizuki
The Twelve Kizuki are ranked based on their strength and abilities, with Upper Moon One being the strongest and Lower Moon Six being the weakest within their respective groups. This ranking system not only highlights their power levels but also the enormous gap between the Upper and Lower Moons.
Blood Demon Arts: The Source of Their Power
One of the most intriguing aspects of the demons in "Demon Slayer" is their Blood Demon Arts. These are unique abilities granted to demons by Muzan, often tailored to their strengths and characteristics. The Twelve Kizuki possess exceptionally powerful Blood Demon Arts, making them nearly invincible and formidable foes for the Demon Slayers.
Now, let's take a closer look at each of the Twelve Kizuki, starting with the Lower Moons.
Strongest Demon in Demon Slayer:
The Lower Moons
Lower Moon Six: Kamanue
Kamanue, though the weakest among the Twelve Kizuki, still poses a significant threat. However, his tenure as Lower Moon Six is brief, as he is swiftly killed by Muzan for showing fear and weakness. This event marks the beginning of Muzan's ruthless purge of the Lower Moons.
Lower Moon Five: Rui
Rui is one of the more memorable Lower Moons, primarily due to his encounter with Tanjiro Kamado and his friends. As Lower Moon Five, Rui controls a family of spider-themed demons and possesses the ability to manipulate threads, which he uses to deadly effect. His tragic backstory and intense battles make him a standout character in the series.
Who killed Rui?
Rui is powerful enough to fight against the Demon Slayer Corps but not strong enough to overcome the Hashira. His head is sliced by Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira.
Lower Moon Four: Mukago
Mukago is known for her cowardice, which leads to her demise at the hands of Muzan. Despite her rank, she is unable to demonstrate the resolve expected of a member of the Twelve Kizuki, leading to her elimination.
Lower Moon Three: Wakuraba
Wakuraba, another victim of Muzan's wrath, tries to flee upon sensing Muzan's dissatisfaction with the Lower Moons. His swift death underscores the unforgiving nature of Muzan and the high standards he holds for his strongest demons.
Lower Moon Two: Rokuro
Rokuro is confident in his abilities and desires more power, asking Muzan for additional strength to prove himself. However, his plea results in his death, highlighting Muzan's intolerance for perceived weakness and ambition among the Lower Moons.
Lower Moon One: Enmu
Enmu is the last remaining Lower Moon after Muzan's purge and is given a final chance to prove his worth. His Blood Demon Art allows him to manipulate dreams, making him a formidable opponent during the events of the "Mugen Train" arc. Enmu's cunning and sadistic nature make him a notable adversary, but ultimately, he falls to the Demon Slayers.
Who killed Enmu?
Tanjiro Kamado kills Enmu by using the Hinokami Kagura, also known as the Sun Breathing technique, to slice off the head that is hidden in the train cart. After slicing off the head, Enmu realizes that she is not as powerful as the upper moons, even after receiving blood from Muzan.
The Upper Moons
Now, let's shift our focus to the Upper Moons, the true powerhouses of the Twelve Kizuki. Their strength and abilities are on an entirely different level compared to the Lower Moons, and their battles are among the most intense in the series.
Upper Moon Six: Daki and Gyutaro
Daki and Gyutaro are a unique pair, sharing the position of Upper Moon Six. Daki uses her obi sashes as deadly weapons, while Gyutaro wields poisoned sickles. Their sibling bond and synchronized fighting style make them a formidable duo. Their battle with the Demon Slayers in the Entertainment District arc is one of the series' highlights.
Who killed Daki and Gyutaro?
Daki's head was sliced by the combination attack from Inosuke and Zenitsu, while Gyutaro was decapitated by Tanjiro Kamado with the help of Tengen Uzui, The sound hashira. In that battle, Tengen lost his hand, and Tanjiro was poisoned.
Upper Moon Five: Gyokko
Gyokko is a grotesque demon with a twisted sense of artistry. His Blood Demon Art allows him to create and manipulate pots, from which he summons various aquatic creatures to attack his enemies. Gyokko's sadistic nature and bizarre abilities make him a memorable antagonist.
Who killed Gyokko?
Muichiro's Demon Slayer Mark manifested, enhancing his strength and agility. With a swift and precise technique, Muichiro unleashed his Mist Breathing, Seventh Form: Obscuring Clouds. The lethal attack effortlessly decapitated Gyokko, ending the intense confrontation and demonstrating Muichiro's mastery of his breathing technique.
Upper Moon Four: Hantengu
Hantengu's power lies in his ability to split into multiple clones, each embodying a different emotion and possessing unique abilities. This makes him incredibly difficult to defeat, as each clone must be dealt with separately. His encounter with the Demon Slayers is both challenging and intriguing due to his complex powers.
Who killed Hantengu?
With a decisive strike of his sword, Tanjiro slices Hantengu's neck, successfully killing him. However, his victory is bittersweet as he realizes it is too late to save his sister Nezuko from the sun's deadly rays. Overwhelmed by grief, Tanjiro collapses to his knees and weeps for Nezuko, his tears flowing freely. In a miraculous turn of events, Nezuko overcomes the sun's effects, surviving against all odds and bringing a glimmer of hope to Tanjiro amidst his despair.
Upper Moon Three: Akaza
Akaza is one of the most skilled martial artists among the demons, relying on his brute strength and combat prowess. His Blood Demon Art enhances his physical abilities, making him a deadly opponent in close-quarters combat. Akaza's fight with Kyojuro Rengoku during the "Mugen Train" arc is one of the most intense and emotionally charged battles in the series.
Who killed Akaza?
During the fight with Akaza, Giyu bravely defends the unconscious Tanjiro, sustaining serious injuries in the process. Despite his condition, he courageously risks his life to protect Tanjiro. This reminds Akaza of his human life with Koyuki. As Akaza prepares to attack Giyu, he is stopped by the spirit of his wife pleading with him to cease his actions. After this encounter, Akaza regrets his life as a demon and decides to end his life by using his last ounce of strength.
Upper Moon Two: Doma
Doma is a charismatic and sadistic demon who revels in the suffering of others. His Blood Demon Art allows him to manipulate ice, creating deadly attacks and defenses. Doma's nonchalant demeanor and ruthless nature make him a particularly chilling adversary for the Demon Slayers.
Who killed Doma?
Realizing the power of Doma, Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, put her secret plan into action. She allowed Doma to eat her, releasing a fatal dose of poison into his body, which weakened him. By the time Kanao Tsuyuri, Shinobu's adopted sister, and Inosuke arrived at the scene, they launched a combined attack and greatly weakened Doma, ultimately decapitating him.
Upper Moon One: Kokushibo
Kokushibo, the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki, is a former Demon Slayer who became a demon to achieve greater power. His Blood Demon Art allows him to manipulate his sword, creating deadly crescent-shaped slashes. Kokushibo's immense power, combined with his tragic backstory and connection to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, makes him one of the most compelling characters in Demon Slayer
Who killed Kokushibo?
In the intense battle, Sanemi and Gyomei managed to decapitate Kokushibo, but he regrew his head just like Akaza. However, Muichiro's fiery red-blade attack weakened his body. Kokushibo remembered his human life as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the twin brother of Yoriichi. Then he realized how evil he had become in his pursuit of power, forcefully stopped his regeneration ability, and died in the battle.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Twelve Kizuki
The Twelve Kizuki are not just powerful enemies for the Demon Slayers; they are complex characters with rich backstories and unique abilities. Their presence in "Demon Slayer" adds depth to the story and raises the stakes for our heroes. Understanding what makes these demons the strongest in the series helps us appreciate the intricacies of their battles and the challenges faced by the Demon Slayer Corps.
As we follow Tanjiro and his friends on their journey, the encounters with the Twelve Kizuki remind us of the ever-present danger and the need for strength, courage, and resilience. These demons, with their diverse powers and personalities, contribute to making "Demon Slayer" a captivating and unforgettable series.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of "Demon Slayer," the Twelve Kizuki are sure to leave a lasting impression, showcasing the brilliance of the series' storytelling and character development. So, next time you watch or read "Demon Slayer," pay close attention to these formidable foes and appreciate the role they play in this epic tale of good versus evil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the main protagonist of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"?
The main protagonist is Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted and determined boy who becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon.
2. What is the primary goal of Tanjiro Kamado in the series?
Tanjiro's primary goal is to avenge his family, who were slaughtered by demons, and to find a way to turn his sister Nezuko back into a human.
3. What are the Breathing Techniques in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"?
Breathing Techniques are special combat styles that demon slayers use to enhance their physical abilities and combat demons. Each technique is based on a different element or theme, such as Water Breathing, Fire Breathing, or Thunder Breathing.
4. Who are the Hashira, and what is their role in the series?
The Hashira, or Pillars, are the elite demon slayers of the Demon Slayer Corps. Each Hashira is a master of a specific Breathing Technique and holds significant power and authority within the Corps. They play a crucial role in protecting humanity from powerful demons.
5. What is the significance of the Nichirin Blades in the series?
Nichirin Blades are special swords used by demon slayers. These blades are forged from a unique ore that absorbs sunlight, making them effective in killing demons. Each blade changes color based on the user, and the color can indicate the user's personality or the type of Breathing Technique they use.
