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Tanjiro Kamado has already completed rigorous training with ex-Hashira Tengen Uzui, and as teased at the end of episode 3 of the Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc, he is now headed to train under the green-eyed Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito.
Titled “It Makes You Smile,” episode four of the Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc opens with Tokito swiftly ‘killing’ his juniors in mock battles as Tanjiro enters his training quarters. While Tokito wasn’t as seriously injured as Tanjiro during their battle against upper-level demons in the Swordsmith Village, the two have developed a certain kinship, reflected in Tokito’s softer treatment of Tanjiro in this edition of Demon Slayer. From being completely expressionless while training the others, his face completely lights up with a smile when he spots Tanjiro at his door. They are both in top form, eager to take on new demons and defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.
This was a largely relaxed episode, mostly focused on Tokito rigorously training lower-level demon slayers throughout the day and then jetting off at night to do his own thing. The animation is a lot more enjoyable in this installment, showcasing Tokito’s expertise as a swordsman and his dedication to improving his juniors’ armed combat skills, resulting in plenty of fencing scenes. The creators also deliver the promised fight between Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa and Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro, but with an exciting twist!
True to its title, “It Makes You Smile,” the episode feels like a filler designed to entertain. However, given the progression of the Hashira Training Arc, the entire season might serve as a laidback appetizer before the inevitable bloody battle between demons and slayers. Everyone is acutely aware that the demons haven’t been terrorizing civilians as usual, heightening the tension over their plans. Most of the Slayer Corps believes Muzan Kibutsuju is merely biding his time before he and his followers attempt to capture Nezuko, the only demon who has successfully conquered sunlight.
Until the demons make their move, Tanjiro and the other slayers must focus on training hard to be prepared for the inevitable war.
You can stream the series on Netflix, CrunchyRoll and JioCinema.
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These episodes just keep getting better and better.