The history of Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer), created by Koyoharu Gotouge, has established itself as one of the greatest phenomena of modern anime. With more than 150 million copies of the manga sold and film adaptations breaking box office records, the franchise continues to expand as audiences await its final two films.
The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young man who joins the Demon Hunter Corps after the murder of his family at the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. His sister Nezuko, turned into a demon, she accompanies him on a journey to recover his humanity and avenge the death of his people. Next, we review each arc of history, in chronological order and with its main events.
Final Selection Arc
Chapters 1–9 /Episodes 1–5
The first arc presents Tanjiro's origins and his entry into the Hunter Corps. After years of training with Sakonji Urokodaki, the young man faces the test of survival on Mount Fujikasane. Key characters such as are introduced here Nezuko and the pillar of water, Giyu Tomioka, in addition to establishing the threat that Muzan represents.
Swamp Arch
Chapters 10–13 /Episodes 6–7
On his first mission, Tanjiro confronts a swamp demon responsible for kidnapping young women. Although he does not belong to the Twelve Moons, his brutality sets the tone for the challenges to come. This bow highlights the coordination between Tanjiro and Nezuko in combat.
Arch of Asakusa
Chapters 14–19 /Episodes 8–10
In Tokyo, Tanjiro meets for the first time with Muzan Kibutsuji, who turns a civilian into a demon to escape. The meeting leaves it marked. Shortly after he meets Tamayo and Yushiro, two demons capable of coexisting with humans, who join their search for a cure. They also appear Susamaru and Yahaba, Muzan followers.
Tsuzumi Mansion Arch
Chapters 20–27 /Episodes 11–14
This arc introduces a Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. The three travel to a mysterious mansion where they confront Kyogai, a former member of the Twelve Moons. Here the breathing techniques of thunder and the beast are shown for the first time, in addition to consolidating the main group.
Arch of Mount Natagumo
Chapters 28–44 /Episodes 15–21
Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu and Inosuke face the Spider Family, led by Rui, one of the Twelve Lower Moons. He is the first high-ranking enemy the group fights. During the confrontation, Nezuko awakens her Blood Demonic Art and Tanjiro uses it for the first time Hinokami Kagura. The arrival of the pillars Giyu and Shinobu Kocho avoid defeat.
Training and Rehabilitation Arch
Chapters 45–53 /Episodes 22–26
After being tried for traveling with a demon, Tanjiro and Nezuko are forgiven by the leader of the Corps Kagaya Ubuyashiki. The main trio recovers at the Butterfly Mansion and trains under the supervision of Kanao Tsuyuri. Meanwhile, Muzan reorganizes his shadow troops.
Infinity Train Arch
Chapters 54–66 / Movie and Episodes 27–34
Adapted from the hit film of the same name, this arc features the pillar of fire, Kyojuro Rengoku. Tanjiro and his companions accompany him to investigate disappearances on a train controlled by Enmu, demon of the Twelve Lower Moons. After defeating him, he appears Akaza, who fights a devastating fight that ends with the death of Rengoku, one of the most shocking moments of the series.
Entertainment District Arch
Chapters 67–97 /Episodes 34–44
The protagonists infiltrate the red light district next to the pillar of sound, Tengen Uzui. There they face the demon brothers Daki and Gyutaro, both from the Upper Twelve Moons. Nezuko displays an uncontrollable transformation, while the final victory leaves Tengen seriously injured and forced to retreat.
Arch of the Blacksmith Village
Chapters 98–127 /Episodes 45–55
Tanjiro travels to the village to repair his sword and ends up confronting Hantengu and Gyokko, high-ranking demons. With the help of Genya Shinazugawa, Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji, manage to defeat them. In this arc it is revealed that Nezuko can resist sunlight, a fact that changes the course of history and obsesses Muzan.
Pillars Training Arc
Chapters 128–136 /Episodes 56–63
Hunters train under the guidance of pillars to prepare for the final war. Tengen teaches endurance, Mitsuri flexibility and Gyomei strength. During this period, Kagaya Ubuyashiki he makes one last attempt to eliminate Muzan, sacrificing himself in the process. The atmosphere leading up to the final battle feels inevitable.
Infinite Castle Arch
Chapters 137–183
The ultimate battle begins when the hunters invade the fortress of Muzan Kibutsuji. Memorable combats take place such as Shinobu vs. Dressage, Tanjiro and Giyu vs. Akaza and Sanemi, Muichiro, Genya and Gyomei vs. Kokushibo. This arc is full of sacrifices, revelations and moments of redemption.
Dawn Arch
Chapters 184–205
In the last battle, the Hunter Corps faces Muzan until sunrise. Although they manage to destroy him, Tanjiro falls under his influence and becomes a demon, eventually being saved by Nezuko and his companions. With Muzan defeated, the world returns to calm and the protagonists find peace after years of fighting.
Epilogue
Chapter 205
The story takes a time leap into the 21st century, showing the descendants and reincarnations of the characters. The Kamado, Agatsuma and Hashibira families continue their lineages, while Japan lives in a demon-free world. With it, Kimetsu no Yaiba it closes its story as one of the most influential works of modern anime.
