we delve into one of the most intense battles in the “Demon Slayer” manga series—the fight of tanjiro epic battle against Upper Moon 3, Akaza. This battle is particularly significant as it follows the tragic death of Rengoku, a beloved character whose demise deeply impacted fans and characters alike. Let’s explore how this fierce confrontation unfolds and why it stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the series.
THE BEST FIGHT IN DEMON SLAYER || Giyu And Tanjiro Versus Upper Moon 3 Akaza
Battle Tanjiro vs. Upper Moon 3
Tanjiro dodges Akaza’s punch and uses his Fire Wheel technique to cut off Akaza’s arm. Akaza tries to behead Tanjiro, but Tanjiro counters with a quick slash to Akaza’s face. Giyu, watching the fight, is amazed by Tanjiro’s improvement.
Giyu: “His abilities… they’re like those of a Hashira.”
Akaza acknowledges Tanjiro’s strength and activates his Compass Needle technique, signaling the real battle’s start.
Akaza: “I accept it. You’re not weak.”
Giyu joins the fight, using his Water Breathing techniques to counter Akaza’s powerful attacks. Despite their efforts, Akaza manages to land heavy blows on both Tanjiro and Giyu.
Akaza: “It’s been 50 years since I faced a Water Hashira.”
Tanjiro and Akaza clash fiercely, with Tanjiro using his Fire techniques and Akaza responding with his destructive moves. Tanjiro’s words about protecting the weak shake Akaza, bringing back memories of his past.
Tanjiro: “The strong should aid and protect the weak.”
Enraged, Akaza intensifies his attacks, but Tanjiro and Giyu continue to fight back. Giyu awakens his Demon Slayer Mark, increasing his speed and power. Together, they manage to land significant blows on Akaza.
Akaza: “How did you swing your blade like that?”
Tanjiro enters a heightened state of awareness, the “Transparent World,” allowing him to see Akaza’s moves clearly. In a final, decisive moment, Tanjiro decapitates Akaza with his Setting Sun Transformation technique, ending the battle.
Tanjiro: “Hakuji, that’s enough!”
Akaza is bewildered, wondering how Tanjiro did not have any fighting spirit, comparing this feeling to fighting against a plant. He acknowledges that Tanjiro surpassed his speed. He realizes that the “Domain of Supremacy” is nothing less than the Transparent World and a Selfless State. He tries to attach his head back, but Giyu throws his broken sword, piercing the head and separating it from the body. His head disintegrates, but his body continues to fight, using his Technique Development, Destructive Death: Compass Needle, while his head portion regenerates.
Tanjiro dodges his chops but is thrown aside by the demon’s kick. Tanjiro tries to get up and fight, but the stress and exhaustion of the fight cause him to pass out. Giyu protects Tanjiro with the Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide, slicing the headless body in various regions, but the demon regenerates faster. The two begin to trade blows, and although Giyu is badly hurt, he still focuses on protecting Tanjiro, giving Akaza vague memories of Keizo. As he advances, he is stopped by the teary-eyed spirit of his human self’s deceased fiancé, Koyuki, telling him to stop.
Koyuki: “Thank you.”
Giyu continues to stand up, despite being burdened with the desire and goal to not let his friends or family die in front of him (like his sister and Sabito). Akaza is held by Koyuki’s hand as his head continues to regenerate.
Akaza begins to remember why he wanted to become strong and thinks back to the time he was the “Demon Child” Hakuji, from his father’s death to meeting Keizo and Koyuki. He remembers trying to find a purpose and reason in life—finding someone to protect. His memories of his past suddenly come rushing back.
During this, Tanjiro manages to wake up, and Akaza’s head has halfway recovered. The demon attempts to kill Giyu with his Destructive Death: Annihilation Type, and Tanjiro rushes to stop him, but his sword slips and he punches Akaza, causing him to question his current deeds and begin to regret sullying his master’s precious style. As he prepares his technique, Tanjiro tries to pull Giyu away, but, with a smile of gratitude on his face, Akaza uses the technique on himself, mutilating and pulverizing him and reducing many parts of his body to bones.
Akaza admits defeat, stating that Tanjiro’s technique was magnificent and that he wants to go to hell like a man. He imagines his father and Keizo, but when he remembers Muzan asking if he wanted to get stronger, he begins to regenerate. He is stopped by Koyuki, thankful about Hakuji recovering his memories and thanking him for what he had done. Finally finding peace, Akaza disintegrates, dying as Hakuji, a loyal son, a protective student, and a faithful lover.
Demon Slayer Manga Synopsis
Giyu Tomioka and Tanjiro vs Akaza
Tanjiro and Giyu are racing through the castle, determined to locate Muzan Kibutsuji and Tamayo. They have just received the devastating news that Shinobu Kocho was killed by Upper Rank Two, Doma. Suddenly, a tremor shakes the ground beneath them. Tanjiro detects a familiar scent just as the roof above them collapses, revealing Upper Rank Three, Akaza. Akaza is astonished to see Tanjiro still alive and calls out his name, to which Tanjiro responds with equal intensity.
The battle between them ensues, driven by Tanjiro’s desire to avenge the death of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, whom he deeply admired and who was slain by Akaza.
Tanjiro’s Epic Battle Determination : Tragic death of Rengoku
Tanjiro Kamado, fueled by the need to avenge Rengoku’s death, confronts Akaza with unwavering determination. Akaza, known for his formidable strength and ruthless nature, poses a deadly challenge. The tension escalates as they engage in a brutal fight, with Akaza’s taunt, “You are still too weak to defeat me!” driving Tanjiro to push beyond his limits.
Akaza’s Overconfidence Shattered : Worthy Showdown
Initially, Akaza’s overconfidence is evident as he underestimates Tanjiro’s growth. However, as the battle progresses, Akaza realizes Tanjiro has evolved significantly. The young demon slayer’s enhanced techniques and resolve to avenge Rengoku bolster his strength. Akaza’s arrogance begins to crumble in the face of Tanjiro’s relentless assault and unwavering determination.
Neck-to-Neck Combat: Final battles of Wills
The intensity of the battle peaks as both combatants push their limits. Tanjiro targets Akaza’s neck, believing decapitation is the key to victory. Akaza responds with ferocious attacks, nearly severing Tanjiro’s head multiple times. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Tanjiro’s resolve remains unshaken, fueled by the memory of his fallen comrades and the determination to protect his friends.
Giyu Tomioka : Allies in the Fray
Zenitsu and Inosuke join the battle, providing crucial support to Tanjiro. Their combined efforts create openings in Akaza’s defenses, with Zenitsu’s lightning-fast strikes and Inosuke’s unpredictable fighting style proving pivotal. The camaraderie and teamwork among the demon slayers become evident, amplifying the intensity and complexity of the battle.
Akaza’s Growing Desperation
Akaza becomes increasingly desperate as he faces Tanjiro and his allies’ relentless onslaught. His initial overconfidence gives way to frustration and realization that his opponents are no ordinary adversaries. Memories of his past and losses haunt him, affecting his focus and resolve as Tanjiro’s unwavering determination drives him forward.
The Climactic Showdown
In the final moments of the battle, Tanjiro taps into newfound strength, drawing upon his father’s teachings and the memory of Rengoku. With a decisive strike, he manages to sever Akaza’s head. However, Akaza’s regeneration ability poses a new challenge as his body attempts to reassemble itself, prolonging the intense climax of their struggle.
Emotional Aftermath: Victory and Remembrance
As Akaza’s body disintegrates, Tanjiro experiences a mix of relief and sorrow. The victory is bittersweet, overshadowed by the lingering pain of losing Rengoku. This emotionally charged battle solidifies Tanjiro’s reputation as a formidable demon slayer, highlighting his growth and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Battle Conclusion: A Defining Moment
The battle against Upper Moon 3, Akaza, underscores the strength of human resolve and the power of teamwork in “Demon Slayer.” It showcases Tanjiro and his friends’ evolution, demonstrating their ability to overcome formidable challenges. This unforgettable clash remains a pinnacle of emotion and action in the series, leaving an indelible mark on both characters and audience alike.
