Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Ressha-hen – 06

「猗窩座」 (Akaza)
“Akaza”

As Enmu’s time in the spotlight ends, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen shifts into its final moments once Akaza takes center stage. When one of the more intimidating members of Muzan’s crew pops up at the last minute, it’s up to Rengoku to put up his dukes in what would become one of the most thrilling anime fights of last year.

ENTER AKAZA

It’s hard not to pity a lot of the demons that appear in this series. Replaying through the events of the first anime in The Hinokami Chronicles helps hammer this point home with the first repulsive demon you fight being overwhelmed with tears as Tanjirou prays for his salvation in his next life.

While Enmu doesn’t exactly have the most pitiable mindset as he wishes he could have another chance at successfully murdering people aboard the murder train, Enmu’s voice actor in both languages twists the knife in the anguish Enmu feels as he fades away. It’s a little similar to Envy’s breakdown in FMA where it’s painful for the both of them to acknowledge their shortcomings as it starts to become apparent that there’s no chance of seeking any positive closure in their current state.

But the story wastes no time with introducing Akaza immediately after Emnu’s demise. Most of the demons are concerned about recklessly killing and satiating their appetite, but Akaza’s fascinating because he sees his demonic powers as a form of salvation. Where his ultimate goal is geared towards showing strong humans the light by having them realize their full potential as demons. I also didn’t remember Akaza being this attractive in the manga, but I owe much of that to the high-quality visuals of the film.

THE FLAMES OF THE HASHIRA

Speaking of which, it’s also easy to see why so many people flocked to see this on the big screen. Rengoku and Akaza put up a strong fight as the two have a dynamic back-and-forth and attack each other with a series of slashes enmeshed in flames and punches fortified by demonic energy. It’s the kind of experience that would make it as worthwhile to see in theaters as it was to watch the Super Broly film where the fights were spectacles massive enough to rival heavyweight boxing.

I’m not as huge of a stickler about people choosing to watch films on TVs or smartphone technology instead of movie theaters, but with big spectacle films, I can see why the theaters would be an immersive experience for movies designed to keep you focused and on the edge of your seat. The flames and sparks of Rengoku and Akaza’s fight still look beautiful and visually impressive, but I imagine it’d be a great time at the movies.

As flashy as the fight is though, the last few minutes have a more foreboding, worrisome atmosphere to them. Mainly, it’d be geared towards the uncertainty as to whether Rengoku can defeat Akaza.

Even though Rengoku was able to offer Tanjirou praise for mastering Total Concentration lecture him on how to use concentration to seal his wounds, the strength he’s had to display on the Mugen Train is being put to the test with his battle against Akaza. On top of all of this, Akaza’s blows have started to affect him more and more as he’s left staggering and shaken from the damage he’s taken. With the last episode of the Mugen Train arc premiering next week, we’re heading into the home stretch before the new season begins.