REVIEW: ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc’ — Episode 3

The fate of the world hangs in the balance as the Hashira prepare to take on Muzan Kibutsuji. In Demon Slayer Season 4 Episode 3, “Fully Recovered Tanjiro Joins the Hashira Training!!,” Tanjiro is ready to join the Hashira as the final battle draws near.

It is about time we get to see some actual training in the Hashira Training Arc. Tanjiro joins up with other members of the Demon Slayer Corps in the middle of some rigorous training. He is significantly stronger than your average Demon Slayer thanks to his battles with the Upper Rank demons, and it shows here. Tanjiro is faster, stronger, and just all-around better than those around him.

This is shown through a bit of a comedic training montage. Demon Slayer has struggled at times to find a balance between serious and funny but manages to deliver here. Tanjiro running circles around his colleagues is funny, but not in a way that takes away from the main story. He is supposed to be better than them, which is why he will end up fighting side by side with the Hashira when the time comes.

Demon Slayer Season 4 Episode 3 uses these moments to give a better look at what is happening with the average Demon Slayer. These random trainees even get a few voice lines! They are usually relegated to being masked figures in the background or extra bodies thrown at a problem, but here, they actually show some personality.

Tanjir0’s interactions with these Demon Slayers serve two purposes. The first and most noticeable is that his strength is an inspiration to them. He is not a Hashira, but his hard work and determination allow him to battle Upper Rank demons, and that is inspiring. But Tanjiro also has a lot to learn from those who are not as strong as him. It is a reminder for him to value the lives and efforts of the people fighting alongside him. This helps keep him humble and grounded, continuing to make him an easy hero to root for.

One of the lessons Tanjiro learns is that all of the Hashira are kind deep down. Even the ones who give off a more flippant vibe, like Giyu Tomioka, care quite a lot about those around them. Tanjiro has always been a caring person, but he is seeing that trait in others as well. He sees it as an important trait for becoming a Hashira, which should help motivate him to keep pushing.

In the midst of all the training, Demon Slayer Season 4 Episode 3 takes a moment to remind viewers and the characters just what is at stake. It can be easy to get caught up in the minutia of training, but even the Hashira realize it is becoming just another excuse not to think about Muzan Kibutsuji. They know he is gathering his demons to come after Nezuko, and they are almost a little scared about what is coming. It’s nice to see them admit that they are trying to find distractions and that even the strongest heroes are not infallible.

The training itself takes a dramatic tonal shift, becoming much more serious and threatening. Instead of training during the day to build stamina, the Demon Slayer Corps members are taken into the woods at night to battle against the former Hashira Tengen Uzui. The whole situation freaks out the average members, but Tengen reminds them that the demons will have to be fought at night, too.

Tanjiro’s determination and refusal to give in once the training gets tougher inspires the other Demon Slayers. Seeing them stand by his side in battle is the foreshadowing of what is to come, and it is great to see Tanjiro take on more of a leadership role. It isn’t just about motivating himself, he will need every bit of help he can get against Muzan Kibutsuji.

It’s clear that the purpose of this arc is to have Tanjiro undergo training with the various Hashira, so it is nice to finally get to see that happen. It is also good to see that these sessions serve a purpose for more than just Tanjiro. Sure, he has a lot to learn, but it is also a great way to see him inspiring those who will fight alongside him before the final battle arrives.

Demon Slayer Season 4 Episode 3 uses training sessions as a way to give hope to Tanjiro and his allies, big and small. He still has much to learn before he helps take on Muzan Kibutsuji, but he is one step closer to being able to defeat him.

Demon Slayer Season 4 Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Sunday.