RECAP: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc, Episode 9
The demon reveals his true form in the latest episode of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba! The Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and the Upper Rank 5 demon Gyokko display their real power. Which one will finally emerge victorious?
RELATED: Watching Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc? Keep Up With Our Weekly Episode Recaps
Let’s talk about everything that happened in Episode 9 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc! New episodes of the smash hit series stream exclusively on Crunchyroll every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. PT, and you can catch the English dub at 1:30 p.m. PT.
Warning: Full spoilers for the currently airing arc of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follow.
Muichiro Is in the Zone
Muichiro feels unstoppable after his memories return. He might seem calm on the outside, but inside, his fury rages. His battle with Gyokko is put on pause as the two take a moment to taunt one another. Muichiro finally hits a nerve with the demon, who prides himself on his artistry, by deeming his vase asymmetrical and unattractive. Gyokko is incensed.
The demon unleashes another attack. All at once, 10,000 fish with poison blood spew from Gyokko’s vases toward Tokito. The Mist Hashira responds with an assault that strikes all of them down, to the demon’s shock.
Gyokko Shows His True Colors
The Upper Rank 5 demon barely evades Muichiro’s follow-up attack. He sheds his skin to reveal his true form, a serpent-like monster with sparkling scales as hard as diamonds. His fist has the terrifying power to turn whatever he touches into fish. Gyokko waits for Muichiro to be impressed… but he’s definitely not. Enraged, he lashes out at the Mist Hashira.
Muichiro dodges, gives Gyokko a rare smile and taunts him again.
Muichiro Remembers the Rest
The Mist Hashira recalls the days after a demon took his brother’s life. Grievously injured and unable to move, he gripped Yuichiro’s hand even as his brother’s body began to decompose. Amane Ubuyashiki, the wife of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, arrived in the nick of time with her children to save Muichiro. They tended to his wounds.
Muichiro began training in swordsmanship not long after, his memories reveal, even before he had fully healed. All of his training led to this moment as Muichiro faces Gyokko. The demon moves with lightning speed, but Muichiro uses his Mist Breathing technique to obscure the area with a thin fog. Gyokko lashes out again and again but is unable to land a hit on Muichiro.
The Mist Hashira Strikes
With one final swing of his katana, Muichiro removes Gyokko’s head. The irate demon turns to ash, insulting Muichiro with his final breaths.
Kanamori thanks Muichiro just as the poison overtakes the Mist Hashira’s body. They’re both surprised to see Kotetsu. The boy shows them that Rengoku’s sword guard, which Tanjiro had asked him to hold, saved his life. Muichiro remembers Rengoku with warmth. He then sees the faces of his family, who each give him a kind smile and praise for a job well done.
The Love Hashira Arrives
Meanwhile, in the forest, Tanjiro, Nezuko and Genya are losing the fight against Zohakuten. Zohakuten, the embodiment of Upper Rank 4 demon Hantengu’s hatred, has a five-headed dragon at his disposal — along with the powers of the other four Emotion Demons. Just as the dragon swallows Tanjiro whole, a flash of pink signals the arrival of Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. She slices open one neck of the dragon, saves Tanjiro from being crushed, and gets him to relative safety.
RELATED: Demon Slayer’s Mitsuri Kanroji Gets Lovely Manga Character Trailer for Her Birthday
Mitsuri, determined to save Nezuko and Genya next, runs toward the dragon. Her flexible-bladed sword twists through the air as she races toward Zohakuten.
What’s next for Tanjiro and Nezuko in the Swordsmith Village? Find out in the next episode of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc, streaming exclusively right here on Crunchyroll every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Pacific with English dubs streaming at 1:30 p.m. PT!!
Watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba on Crunchyroll!
Kelly Knox has been an anime fan for over 20 years. She’s a pop culture writer and author in the Seattle area and you can still find her on Twitter.
