Being the main character of Demon Slayer, it should be no surprise that Tanjiro is one of the strongest characters in the series. Tanjiro’s strength and abilities as a Demon Slayer are nothing short of strong.
He has been shown improving his skills with the Water Breathing Style until eventually discovering his affinity with the Sun Breathing Style, which served as the origin of all Breathing Styles we find in Demon Slayer.
With his mastery of the Sun Breathing Style, Tanjiro can easily climb the ranks within the Demon Slayer Corps and even become a Sun Breathing Hashira. But the question is, do we actually see Tanjiro getting the rank of Hashira in the series?
Rankings in the Demon Slayer Corps:
In the world of Demon Slayer, subduing and handling demons that attack the general population is usually up to the Demon Slayers found in the Demon Slayer Corps.
The Demon Slayer Corps is an organization that protects humanity against demons, especially, Muzan, the King of Demons and progenitor of the demon kind. Killing Muzan is the ultimate goal of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps is no easy task, as it involves a Final Selection exam that aims to test a person’s capacity to join the organization.
Ranks are often used to distinguish each individual’s strength and abilities, with one of the highest positions being “Hashira” or “Pillar.”
All new members are given the rank of “Mizunoto” at the start and have to work themselves upwards to “Kinoe,” the highest out of 10 possible Demon Slayer ranks.
What Rank is Tanjiro Kamado?
Like many new Demon Slayers of the Demon Slayers Corps, Tanjiro originally had the rank of Mizunoto in the earlier parts of the story. Being a Mizunoto had him undertake various missions to increase his rank.
During Tanjiro’s encounter with several demons and even one of Muzan’s Lower Moons which eventually lead to his time at the Butterfly Mansion for treatment, we find that Tanjrio and his friends, Inosuke and Zenitsu, had advanced up three ranks landing in the rank of “Kanoe” during the Entertainment District arc.
The rank of Kanoe will eventually follow Tanjiro toward the final battle against Muzan and, subsequently, the end of the series as a whole.
Despite his skill, growth, and development in Demon Slayer, which we have witnessed, Tanjiro was never recognized as a Hashira and was never officially granted the title.
Despite Tanjiro’s overall skill and mastery over the Sun Breathing Style, alongside his significant contribution to ending the war between the Demon Slayers and Muzan, he remains a Kanoe. However, many characters, even other Hashiras, remarked on Tanjiro’s skills and potential, which can easily earn him the rank of “Hashira.”
Tanjiro’s mastery and improvements with the Sun Breathing Style make him on par with the original user and origin of all Breathing Styles. This was greatly taken into consideration by Muzan, who found a threat in Tanjiro and then a hope for his legacy and will as the Demon King, which never came to fruition.
What Are The Requirements to Become a Hashira?
The requirements to become a Hashira are just as hard as becoming a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Thanks to a chapter that features Rengoku, we find out that one of the requirements to becoming a Hashira is eliminating at least 50 demons while also bearing the rank of Kinoe.
The other method of being recognized as a Hashira is considerably more difficult as it involves taking down one of Muzan’s Twelve Demon Moons, which is a feat that is impossible for any amateur Demon Slayer.
Interestingly enough, Tanjiro satisfies all the conditions above (save for his rank) to become a Hashira but was never given the opportunity. The Demon Slayers Corps was officially disbanded after Muzan’s downfall, as demons were eradicated from the world and Demon Slayers were no longer needed.
Despite not having reached the rank of Hashira, Tanjiro was more than satisfied with the outcome of the battle and his story as he was able to successfully complete his mission of bringing back Nezuko’s humanity as well as live out his life in peace together with his sister and close friends, Zenitsu and Inosuke, at their home.
So, yeah, Tanjiro never becomes a Hashira, but he ends up becoming strong enough to be considered at Hashira-level by the time he fights against Muzan at the end of Demon Slayer!
Also Read: Who Does Tanjiro Marry?
