The full re-air of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series returned on September 13, 2026 with Episode 23, “Hashira Meeting.” It’s a rare chance to see all nine Hashira gathered together, and viewers were quick to celebrate.
The series, based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is slaughtered by a demon and his sister Nezuko is turned into one. The story’s emotional weight, breathtaking swordplay, and colorful cast have helped the 23 compiled volumes surpass 220 million copies in print. The anime, produced by ufotable, has spanned multiple arcs since its April 2019 debut, with the current re-air covering the entire series.
Note: This article contains spoilers for Episode 23.
Nezuko Holds On
Brought before the Demon Slayer Corps’ leader, Oyakata-sama, Tanjiro is forced to prove that his demon sister Nezuko will not attack humans. The Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, steps forward and offers his own bleeding arm to test her restraint.
“Come out, demon! Here’s the human blood you love!” Sanemi’s self-inflicted wound drips. Nezuko emerges from her box, glaring with ragged breath. Sanemi taunts her further: “What’s wrong, demon? Come on, you want it, don’t you?”
Viewers cheered Nezuko on with comments like “Don’t give in, Nezuko!” and “Hang in there, Nezuko-chan!”, noting that Sanemi’s rare blood would make any demon desperate.
Tanjiro, pinned down by the Serpent Hashira, manages to break free. Nezuko, staring at Sanemi’s arm, recalls her past and the words of Sakonji Urokodaki: “All humans are your family. Protect them.” She turns her face away with a determined “Mmph!”
Fans praised her willpower: “Nezuko really held on,” “Well done for enduring, Nezuko!” and “Even Upper Moon One would be affected by that rare blood, so Nezuko is incredibly strong.”
Oyakata-sama’s Gentle Words
Oyakata-sama calmly states that Nezuko’s restraint has been proven. Yet he reminds Tanjiro that others still have doubts. “You must prove that you and Nezuko can fight as Demon Slayers and be useful. Defeat one of the Twelve Kizuki. Then everyone will recognize you.”
Tanjiro bows deeply, feeling oddly light-headed from Oyakata-sama’s voice. He declares, “I will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji! I will swing the blade that severs the chain of sorrow!” But Oyakata-sama gently corrects him: “You can’t do that yet, so first, defeat one of the Twelve Kizuki.”
His remark makes the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, burst into laughter she struggles to suppress. “No! Don’t laugh. No, no, no!” The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, also giggles.
Kanao and Aoi: A Study in Contrast
Oyakata-sama warns Tanjiro to be careful with his words and tells Sanemi and Obanai not to be too mean to their juniors. Then Shinobu takes Tanjiro to her estate, the Butterfly Mansion.
There, Tanjiro meets Shinobu’s tsuguko, Kanao Tsuyuri. She had also appeared at the Final Selection. Soon, a lively voice calls out, “Who is that?” and a girl briskly guides them inside—that’s Aoi Kanzaki, who works at the estate.
Fans immediately reacted: “Kanao-chan is beautiful,” “Aoi-chan is here!” and “Aoi’s efficiency really stands out against Kanao’s silence.”
Reunion with Zenitsu and Inosuke
Aoi leads Tanjiro to his assigned sickroom, where he finds a wailing Zenitsu Agatsuma. After the spider demon arc, Zenitsu’s limbs have become extremely short. Inosuke Hashibira is also there, his throat injured from shouting at the end of the fight.
Tanjiro apologizes for not coming to rescue them. Inosuke croaks, “It’s fine, don’t worry.” Fans were overjoyed to see the trio together again.
“Zenitsu is as noisy as ever,” “That shrill scream is oddly reassuring,” “Quiet Inosuke is so rare,” “He saw the Hashira’s power and realized he might not be the strongest,” and “The three of them together brings such peace.”
Hashira Meeting
Oyakata-sama asks the Hashira for their opinions on the rising number of demon attacks. Sanemi complains that the quality of Corps members has dropped significantly. Fans recalled the legendary “dice steak” senpai from earlier in the series, joking about him being an example of that decline.
Seeing all nine Hashira together was a treat. Comments poured in: “All of them together is precious,” “What a sight when the Hashira gather,” “This scene gives me chills!”
Oyakata-sama calls each Hashira by name and closes with, “My children, I look forward to your efforts.”
After the episode, viewers reflected: “This is the only time all nine Hashira appear together,” and “Everyone who meets Tanjiro changes, from Kanao to the Hashira.”
The full re-air began on April 5, just before the seventh anniversary of the original broadcast. Next week brings “Functional Recovery Training,” with new challenges for Tanjiro and his friends.
Home video releases of the first chapter of the Infinity Castle movie are available:
Cast & Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Tanjiro Kamado | Natsuki Hanae |
| Nezuko Kamado | Akari Kitou |
| Zenitsu Agatsuma | Hiro Shimono |
| Inosuke Hashibira | Yoshitsugu Matsuoka |
Staff (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Tanjiro Kamado, Risshi Hen)
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Original author | Koyoharu Gotouge |
| Director | Haruo Sotozaki |
| Character design & chief animation director | Akira Matsushima |
| Sub-character design | Miyuki Sato, Yoko Kajiyama, Mika Kikuchi |
| Production | ufotable |
| Music | Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina |
| Opening theme | LiSA “Gurenge” |
| Ending theme | LiSA “from the edge” |
Broadcast info: Every Sunday, 9:30–10:00 AM on Fuji TV and other stations (starting April 5). Check the official website for regional listings.
(C) Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
