A Gentle Smile That Breaks Down Tear Ducts... "Set Your Heart Ablaze" - The Final Moments of Kyojuro Rengoku Are Always Heart-Wrenching in 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba'

It is no exaggeration to say that this is a line that will be remembered in the history of Japanese manga and anime. The final words of "Flame Hashira" Kyojuro Rengoku (voiced by Satoshi Hino), "Set your heart ablaze," are etched not only in the heart of Tanjiro Kamado (voiced by Natsuki Hanae) but also in the hearts of many anime fans.

The TV anime version, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc," is a re-edited work based on the 2020 released film, "Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train," with additional new episodes. In episode 7, the fierce battle between the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza (voiced by Akira Ishida), and Rengoku finally reaches its conclusion. Rengoku, mortally wounded by Akaza's Blood Demon Art "Destructive Death: Annihilation Type," delivers his final words to the tearful Tanjiro and others.

Rengoku said, "No matter how devastated you may be by your own weaknesses and inadequacies, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and move forward." He accepted his own death, saying, "Do not worry about my death here. It is only natural for a Hashira to become a shield for their juniors," and encouraged Tanjiro and the others with, "Grow more and more. And next time, you will become the Hashira who supports the Demon Slayer Corps. I believe in you. I believe in all of you."

In his blurring vision, Rengoku saw the image of his late mother, Ruka Rengoku (voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi). He asked, "Mother, did I do well? Was I able to fulfill what I should have done?" To which Ruka replied with a gentle smile, "You did splendidly." Rengoku showed a childlike smile.