What Happened to the Flame Hashira After Kyojuro Rengoku’s Death?
Learn why no one replaced Kyojuro Rengoku as the Flame Hashira in the Demon Slayer series after his death and the impact it had on the story and characters.
The Impact of Kyojuro Rengoku’s Death on the Flame Hashira
Kyojuro Rengoku’s death in the battle against Akaza left a significant impact on the Demon Slayer series, particularly on the position of the Flame Hashira. After his demise, no one was immediately appointed as his replacement, primarily due to the lack of time for the organization to find a suitable candidate.
( Credit to: Sportskeeda )
The absence of a new Flame Hashira can also be attributed to the unique circumstances surrounding Rengoku’s death. When Tengen Uzui lost his hand and retired, his position remained vacant as well. The organization seemed to struggle with finding replacements in situations where Hashiras had to step down or were lost in battle.
( Credit to: Sportskeeda )
Furthermore, the Flame Hashira position required not only strength and skill but also the ability to use Rengoku’s Flame Technique. Rengoku’s apprentice, Kanroji Mitsuri, attempted to replicate his techniques but was unable to do so successfully. Her inability to match Rengoku’s skill disqualified her from being considered for the Flame Hashira position.
The Unfulfilled Potential of Shinjuro Rengoku
The only viable candidate to succeed Kyojuro Rengoku as the Flame Hashira was his own father, Shinjuro Rengoku. However, despite feeling the impact of his son’s death and regretting his past actions, Shinjuro never returned to his former role as a Hashira.
Shinjuro’s decision not to assume the position of Flame Hashira left a void that could not be easily filled. His potential as a successor added an additional layer of tragedy to Kyojuro’s death, as the opportunity for a direct lineage to continue the legacy was lost.
Rengoku’s Enduring Legacy
Kyojuro Rengoku’s presence in the Demon Slayer series left a lasting impact on both the story and the fans. His popularity soared after the anime adaptation of the Mugen Train arc, propelling him to become one of the iconic faces of the series within the community.
Narratively, Rengoku’s death added tension to the story as it occurred during a time when major characters were not dying. It served to highlight the strength of the antagonist, Akaza, and intensified the conflict between him and the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. Tanjiro’s determination to avenge Rengoku further heightened the stakes and showcased the depth of their bond.
Despite his limited screen time, Rengoku’s death reverberated throughout the story. Multiple characters referenced him and expressed their grief, making his demise feel realistic and deeply felt. His legacy as the Flame Hashira continues to be remembered and honored by both the characters and the fans of Demon Slayer.