I know what you might be thinking – how can a demon responsible for so much harm be someone's favorite? But hear me out. Akaza from Demon Slayer is my top pick among all the demons, and I have some solid reasons to back it up.
Before we go any further, if you haven't caught up with the manga or the anime, I suggest you stop reading now to avoid spoilers. Alright, let's get into it.
Akaza is part of the Twelve Kizuki, the Twelve Demon Moons, and holds the impressive title of Upper Rank 3. He has a thing for battling Demon Slayers, especially the Hashiras or Pillars, who are the elite fighters among the Demon Slayers. He despises the weak but respects the strong. To understand why, we need to delve into his past when he was a human named Hakuji.
Hakuji was compassionate and stubborn. He turned to thievery to fund his father's treatment, even enduring beatings. Tragically, his father died by suicide, and Hakuji was left with guilt. He turned to violence, but a chance encounter with Keizou, a martial arts teacher, changed his life. Keizou's daughter, Koyuki, reminded Hakuji of his father, leading him to protect her. Things were looking up – he helped Koyuki overcome her illness, and he was even set to marry her.
But fate dealt another blow. Keizou and Koyuki were poisoned, shattering Hakuji's dreams. Enraged, he brutally killed 67 people. Kibutsuji took notice and turned him into a demon named Akaza, erasing his memories.
So, why do I love Akaza? Here are the reasons:
- A Sense of Honor: Despite being a demon, Akaza refused to harm or eat women. He disliked the weak but respected strength. He even demanded to know the names of strong opponents, honoring their power.
- Tragic Backstory: Akaza's history is heart-wrenching, making his character more relatable and complex. He was once a human with dreams and suffered immense losses.
- Unique Techniques: Akaza's fighting techniques are fascinating. They're shaped like snowflakes, reminiscent of Koyuki's snowflake hairpins. His attacks are named after fireworks, a promise he made to Koyuki.
- Defiance of Influence: Akaza's strongest moment comes when he breaks free from Muzan Kibutsuji's control. He willingly stops regenerating, choosing his own end over eternal servitude.
In a series filled with demons, Akaza stands out due to his depth, principles, and growth. He's not just a mindless villain but a character with motivations and emotions. Now, I'm curious – who's your favorite demon in Demon Slayer? Share your thoughts below!