I heard my father was born with a faint mark on his forehead, but not me. I'm definitely not a chosen one. But even if I don't have the powers of a chosen one, there are times in life when you simply can't back down. Because there are monsters in this world. Monsters with no souls. Monsters who take life without hesitation, remorse or regret. [Tanjiro]
With volume 10 we continue the confrontation between our heroes and the demons in the entertainment district. It seems that Tengen's arrival gave the three young demon slayers the upper hand they needed to win, it's a Hashira after all, but one Hashira's already been lost in the battle. Can we manage to lose another?
"I decide who shines the brightest and takes priority. You three come first, then reliable assistants, and then me." [Tengen]
I needed to start my review with Tengen, because I can't explain how deep of a soft spot I have for him after the entertainment district arc. As you know, I had trouble liking him at first. He had been rude towards the Butterfly Mansion residents and his enormous ego felt irritating. But I quickly realized that behind all the flashy persona is a heartwarming person who cares deeply about others, so much so that he is willing to put them above himself (which is something a true narcissist would never do). I love characters like this! And, well, he's cool as hell when he fights!
Also, I have to say that him lovingly patting the heads of his wives in reassurance means much more to me than if he brought them in his arms and kissed them. Truly. What a man! 😌
"People who get angry for the sake of others don't worry about themselves. Because of that you could lose everything, and that scares me." [Takeo Kamado]
I think already expressed, multiple times I believe, how much I love the constant comeback of the deceased Kamado family members and that they have an influence on their still living and breathing relatives. These characters could've been easily forgotten for the sake of the other plot points and flashy fights, but, fortunately, that wasn't the case. I love every moment they show up and help Tanjiro and Nezuko fight their battles. It's always so emotional and impactful.
Oh no... your face is burned. And you were so cute. When you have an asset like that, you have to protect it." [Gyutaro]
I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of either of the demon siblings when I watched the anime. I rolled my eyes when Daki burst into tears and her brother suddenly showed up. I felt more annoyed than entertained. But now, while reading the manga, all I have felt was deep sorrow for both of the siblings. Daki's tears were no longer the sight of a demon who was full of itself until it started losing the fight showing its true self. I no longer saw a demon, I saw a young girl who had been scared and had been calling her brother for help and reassurance. And Gyutaro delivered. He came in clutch, making sure to comfort his sister first and then facing the man who hurt her. And, guys, I love sibling stories so much!
"Shall we dance?" [Tengen]
The Tengen vs Gyutaro fight is one of my favorites in Demon Slayer, hands down. But what that fight had also shown us was the huge difference in strength between Tanjiro and a Hashira (Tengen). Tanjiro would have been easily killed if Tengen hadn't intervened. It's Tengen, and Tengen only, who can keep up with Gyutaro, and it's painfully obvious how much Tanjiro still needs to learn. Heck, Tengen's ridiculously strong, but even he isn't safe while facing an opponent like Gyutaro, so what could Tanjiro do? It looks like we can lose Tengen at any moment, just like we lost Rengoku. Gyutaro's the strongest demon we have faced so far, and in a pair with his sister, he's even stronger. Can we win this battle or will we lose someone again? We will see in the next volume! ;)
P.S. I love how we see and feel the damage that Tanjiro is getting in the fights. His injures aren't just mentioned to be brushed off, no, they are truly impactful in his fight scenes.
P.P.S. Why am I not surprised that Tengen's crow is a fashion leader in the crow world? 😂