Here’s a detailed summary of the story of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge. The story is set in Taisho-era Japan and follows a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, except for his sister Nezuko, who is turned into a demon.

Prologue

Tanjiro Kamado is a kind-hearted and intelligent boy who lives with his family in the mountains. He is the breadwinner of the family after his father’s death, making a living by selling charcoal in the nearby village. One day, Tanjiro goes to the village to sell charcoal but, due to the lateness of his return, stays overnight in the village. When he returns home the next day, he finds his family brutally murdered by demons. The only survivor is his sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon.

The Journey Begins

Despite being a demon, Nezuko shows signs of human emotion and restraint, which is highly unusual for demons, who typically lose all humanity. Tanjiro encounters a demon slayer named Giyu Tomioka, who attempts to kill Nezuko but is impressed by her protective behavior towards Tanjiro. Giyu directs Tanjiro to seek out Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Water Hashira (a high-ranking demon slayer), for training.

Training and the Final Selection

Under Urokodaki’s tutelage, Tanjiro undergoes rigorous training to become a demon slayer. This includes learning various breathing techniques, specifically “Water Breathing,” and honing his combat skills. After two years of grueling training, Tanjiro is ready to take the Final Selection, a test to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. He passes the test, obtaining a special sword called a Nichirin Blade, which is capable of killing demons.

First Missions and New Allies

Tanjiro’s first missions involve confronting and defeating various demons while seeking a cure for Nezuko. He meets fellow demon slayers, including Zenitsu Agatsuma, a cowardly boy who can unleash immense power when unconscious, and Inosuke Hashibira, a boar-headed fighter with incredible strength and agility. Together, they form a team, taking on missions and growing stronger.

Encounter with the Twelve Kizuki

The group soon learns of the existence of the Twelve Kizuki, the twelve most powerful demons who serve directly under Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons and the one responsible for the murder of Tanjiro’s family. Tanjiro vows to defeat Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko.

The Spider Family and Mount Natagumo

One of their significant battles is against the Spider Family on Mount Natagumo. This group of demons has taken over the mountain, terrorizing demon slayers and innocent people alike. The battle is intense, and it pushes Tanjiro and his friends to their limits. They receive assistance from Hashira members, particularly Giyu Tomioka and Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, who help them defeat the Spider Family.

Recovery and Hashira Meeting

After the battle, Tanjiro and his friends are taken to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, where they meet the Hashira, the most powerful demon slayers. Initially, many Hashira are suspicious of Nezuko, but after a test of her restraint and the intervention of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, they accept her. The group then undergoes rehabilitation training to recover from their injuries and improve their skills.

The Mugen Train Arc

The next major mission involves the Mugen Train, where Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, to investigate mysterious disappearances. They discover that Enmu, a Lower Rank demon of the Twelve Kizuki, is responsible. The battle against Enmu is fierce, but they manage to defeat him. However, they are then confronted by Akaza, an Upper Rank demon, resulting in a tragic and intense fight that ends with the death of Kyojuro Rengoku.

Training at the Butterfly Mansion

Following the Mugen Train incident, Tanjiro and his friends return to the Butterfly Mansion, where they undergo further training to become stronger. They learn advanced breathing techniques and swordsmanship, preparing for future battles against the Twelve Kizuki.

The Entertainment District Arc

Their next mission takes them to the Entertainment District, where they team up with the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, to investigate demon activity. They face off against the powerful demon siblings, Daki and Gyutaro, who are Upper Rank demons. The battle is intense and pushes the group to their limits, but with teamwork and determination, they manage to defeat the demons.

Swordsmith Village Arc

Tanjiro travels to the Swordsmith Village to repair his Nichirin Blade and continues his training. There, he encounters two more Upper Rank demons, Hantengu and Gyokko. With the help of the Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, and the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, they engage in a fierce battle. Tanjiro’s growth and development as a demon slayer become evident as he contributes significantly to the defeat of these powerful demons.

The Final Battle

The final arc revolves around the assault on Muzan Kibutsuji’s stronghold. The Demon Slayer Corps, including all the Hashira, launch a coordinated attack to defeat Muzan and his remaining Upper Rank demons. The battles are intense and filled with high stakes, with several Hashira making the ultimate sacrifice.

Conclusion

In the climactic battle, Tanjiro, along with his friends and the remaining Hashira, confront Muzan. After a long and grueling fight, they manage to weaken Muzan, and with the combined efforts of all the demon slayers, they finally defeat him. However, in the process, Tanjiro is mortally wounded and briefly turned into a demon by Muzan’s desperate attempt to survive. Thanks to Nezuko and the surviving demon slayers, Tanjiro is brought back to his human form.

With Muzan’s death, the curse of the demons is lifted, and Nezuko returns to being human. The story concludes with Tanjiro and his friends recovering from their ordeals and looking forward to a peaceful future, free from the terror of demons.