In Demon Slayer Season 4, episode 7, titled “The Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima,” fans noticed a drastic shift in Zenitsu Agatsuma’s demeanor.
The usual carefree, anxious Thunder Breath user appeared focused and serious, a stark contrast to his typical persona. This change stemmed from a letter delivered by his crow, Chuntaro, containing devastating news.
Zenitsu received a letter from his crow, Chuntaro, revealing that his grandfather and mentor, Jigoro Kuwajima, had passed away. The letter detailed that Jigoro committed seppuku to atone for the actions of his former student, Kaigaku, who had become an Upper-Rank Six demon, replacing the defeated Daki and Gyutaro.
Jigoro’s death was not only a personal loss for Zenitsu but also a profound tragedy, as it underscored the sense of responsibility and honor that his master upheld until the very end.
Jigoro Kuwajima was not just a mentor to Zenitsu, he was a father figure who trained him in the art of Thunder Breathing. Zenitsu’s journey under Jigoro’s tutelage was marked by rigorous training and the development of his unique fighting style.
However, Zenitsu was not Jigoro’s only student. Kaigaku, another pupil, ultimately chose a different path, succumbing to the lure of becoming a demon and joining Muzan’s ranks.
Jigoro Kuwajima’s influence on both Zenitsu and Kaigaku cannot be overstated. As a former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro embodied the values of honor, duty, and discipline. He was a stern yet compassionate mentor who saw potential in both his students, despite their vastly different personalities and approaches to training.
For Zenitsu, Jigoro was a lifeline—a source of strength and guidance that helped him navigate his fears and insecurities. Jigoro’s death, and the manner in which he died, was a devastating loss for Zenitsu, shattering his world and forcing him to reevaluate his purpose as a Demon Slayer.
Kaigaku, on the other hand, saw Jigoro’s teachings as a stepping stone to greater power. His inability to master the first form of Thunder Breathing, coupled with his jealousy towards Zenitsu, led to a deep-seated resentment. When Kaigaku became a demon, it wasn’t just a personal failure but a betrayal of everything Jigoro stood for. Jigoro’s decision to take his own life was a reflection of his deep sense of responsibility and honor, qualities that Kaigaku ultimately rejected.
In a flashback scene during episode 7, it’s revealed that Kaigaku had allowed a demon into the temple of Gyomei Himejima before he became the Stone Hashira, leading to the deaths of seven children and nearly costing Himejima his life.
Jigoro’s seppuku was a means to atone for failing to prevent Kaigaku’s fall from grace. Worse yet, Jigoro died without a decapitator, meaning he experienced immense pain in his final moments.
The knowledge of Jigoro’s suffering and Kaigaku’s betrayal weighed heavily on Zenitsu. Jigoro’s sacrifice and the disgrace brought upon their Thunder Breathing lineage ignited a profound change in Zenitsu. The typically fearful and hesitant Zenitsu found himself consumed by a mix of grief, guilt, and newfound determination.
Zenitsu’s Transformation and Mission
Zenitsu’s transformation was immediate and noticeable. Gone was the timid, easily frightened swordsman; in his place stood a determined warrior with a darkened expression and a resolute sense of purpose. He brushed aside Tanjiro Kamado’s concerns, driven by a mission he chose not to share.
The letter from Chuntaro marked a true turning point for Zenitsu in Demon Slayer. He now carried the heavy burden of his master’s legacy and the need to address Kaigaku’s betrayal. Zenitsu felt personally responsible for what had happened. He blamed himself for not being able to prevent Kaigaku from straying and joining the demons. This self-imposed guilt fueled his resolve to atone for Kaigaku’s actions and honor Jigoro’s memory.
Zenitsu’s relationship with Kaigaku had always been fraught. Kaigaku’s resentment towards Jigoro and Zenitsu was evident. Zenitsu, who had always admired Jigoro, struggled with the notion that his presence might have contributed to Kaigaku’s insecurities and ultimate downfall.
This internal conflict catalyzed Zenitsu’s transformation. He realized he could no longer afford to be scared or hesitant. His mission was clear: he had to confront Kaigaku, avenge Jigoro’s death, and restore honor to their Thunder Breathing lineage. The letter’s contents pushed Zenitsu to embrace his inner strength and confront his fears head-on.
Zenitsu’s journey moving forward will be defined by his desire to uphold Jigoro’s legacy and deal with the consequences of Kaigaku’s actions. His transformation marks a significant evolution in his character, setting the stage for intense confrontations and personal growth.
The weak, undependable Zenitsu is no more, and we might never get to see him smile again until the battles end.
