Warning: Spoilers for Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Arc
Demon Slayer Known for its superb animation and exciting action scenes against demons with developed backstories. The protagonist Tanjiro always remains compassionate despite accepting the need to kill demons to save human life. As the third highest-ranking demon in the ranks of Muzan Kibutsuji, Akaza Holds exemplary power and has terrorized the Demon Slayers, even killing the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. However, he is also the only demon who truly deserves Tanjiro’s piety and understanding.
Akaza’s story is far from the typical antagonists shown in Demon Slayer. While the anime explores themes of humanity amidst acts of evil, Akaza’s past and moral values ​​set him apart from other demonsEspecially in the twelve kizuki. With his deep sense of honor that persisted even after becoming a demon, paired with his devastating backstory, Akaza possesses qualities that make him the only demon truly worthy of Tanjiro Kamado’s piety and empathy.
Akaza’s unbreakable code of honor sets him apart
During all his time as a demon, Akaza never once killed or devoured women
Most demons shown in Demon Slayer Don’t fight against their bloodlust, just deal with it. Akaza, on the other hand, has a unique moral code that prevents him from mindlessly devouring humans. He follows a personal code Prevent him from consuming or killing any womanA meaning carried over from his human life. As a member of the Twelve Kizuki, where power and cruelty are seen as signs of strength, Akaza’s actions remain guided by an internal moral compass.
Unlike many other demons, Akaza’s moral complexity shines through the revelation. While he still craves and values ​​strength, his refusal to hurt women shows that his demonic nature has not completely overpowered his humanity. It raises questions about whether or not Akaza is truly irredeemable. His reluctance to fight against women proves that, even as a demon, Akaza possesses a sense of self-discipline and honor, adding to his interesting complexity as a character.
Akaza is complex and has the most tragic backstory
Akaza’s reason for becoming a demon does not stem from a desire for power
One of the most interesting backstories in Demon Slayer Belongs to Akaza, adding layers to his character and differentiating him beyond any other demons shown in the story. Before becoming a demon, Akaza was known as Hakuji, a young man who initially got by dishonest means and suffered huge personal losses. Akaza stole to help his sick father, which led to his arrest. This drove his father to commit suicide to prevent Akaza from walking down a bad path.
Later, Akaza was taken in by a martial arts master and trained in his dojo, where he also fell in love with the master’s daughter. However, Akaza’s life was destroyed again by the murder of his beloved fiancee and her father. After suffering the loss of the only family he had left, Akaza was driven into a bloodthirsty rage, killing all sixty-seven members of the dojo responsible for their deaths.
When Muzan offered him the chance to become a demon, Akaza accepted, but not out of a desire for revenge. rather, Akaza accepted because he lost his will to continue living. Akaza’s transformation into a demon stemmed from his overwhelming grief and desire to fill a void left by his loved ones. For many years, it was enough that he forgot his memories as a person and the tragedies that he went through.
Unlike other powerful demons, Akaza maintains shreds of humanity
Despite being the top three in the twelve Kizuki, Akaza is never truly evil
Despite being one of the most powerful and feared demons, Akaza is not driven by the same malice or evil intent that defines other demons in Demon Slayer. In his heart, even if he doesn’t remember his life as a human, he shows empathy and displays a sense of honor that suggests he was never truly evil. For example, according to Doma, Women are better for demons to eat due to having more nutrientsBut even knowing this, Akaza still stands by his morals and does not want to participate. This display of principles proves that Akaza retains shreds of humanity.
Akaza returns to being Hakuji before his end, despite Muzan urging him to continue fighting and gaining more strength. Instead, Akaza has a vision of his fiancée, and he remembers his human identity in his final moments. This reversal signifies that Akaza places more value on his humanity; In denying Musan one last time, Akaza exemplifies that he is not as evil as other higher-ranking members.
Tanjiro is a unique protagonist because he stubbornly refuses to hate his enemies, even when faced with their boundless cruelty. However, Akaza truly deserves this treatment, because the way he breaks down in Koyuki’s arms in his final moments proves that he only wanted to live as a human with her, making him the demon most deserving of piety in Demon Slayer.