Kimetsu no Yaiba S2 – 05

「ド派手に行くぜ‼」 (Dohade ni Iku ze!!)
“Things Are Gonna Get Real Flashy!!”

Episode Recap

Tanjirou is still alive, pushing his luck with Daki. She can easily overpower him yet the young slayer makes it difficult for her to keep him at bay. He’s determined as ever, using even the Hinokami Kagura against her, a breathing technique passed down from his father that drains all his physical strength. Inosuke on the other hand has been hard at work trying to find the demon. Instead, he finds part of the demon, her sash, and food storage. By doing so, he frees not only Zenitsu but Makio and Suma, two of Tengen’s missing wives. After finding Hinatsuru (one of his wives), Tengen also finds his way into the underground lair reuniting with his (ninja wives). The episode also includes touching moments between Tengen and his wives, a little of their relationship, and some of the younger demon slayer’s training, filling in some holes for the audience.

General Impressions

I had a lot of fun watching this episode. As usual, the series keeps us on our toes and offers some beautiful animation (in battle or other). One thing I noted is that I was completely wrong about Zenitsu no longer needing to be asleep to unleash his power, however, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t grown as an individual. That confrontation with Warabihime Oiran a few episodes ago really stuck with me for some reason and this episode’s featured alter-ego-Zenitsu just made him all the more interesting this time around.

I also need to acknowledge that first impressions aren’t always true. You’d think hitting my thirties would mean I’d have that engrained. Tengen is making a surprising comeback. He truly cares for the kunoichi he’s been charged with valuing their lives above anything else. At first impression (see what I did there), the three seem to have complementary personalities. Makio has a harder exterior but is loyal to those she cares for. Suma is childlike, a little annoying if you ask me personally but cute all the same. And finally, Hina (Hinatsuru) is the more level-headed one, almost like the oldest sister. They also seem to have stolen Tengen’s heart and I’m a little jealous. That’s how much my opinion of the Hashira has changed. Did I just admit to having a crush on a Hashira?

Moving past that embarrassing realization, I’m looking forward to watching how these three impact the story. It would be great to see some more teamwork between the kunoichi and the demon slayer corps. It’s a relationship I’m quite curious about. Although there was a brief return to their training, I still have many questions about how they’re chosen, when they’re partnered up, and their origins. I think the series can do with a little more of Tengen’s wives anyway.

On that note, I still don’t think we’re seeing enough of Nezuko. I did have my hopes quite high after getting a glimpse of her in the previous episode. I thought: “This is the perfect setup for her box to break and her to pounce.” Obviously, there’s still some time left for that as it seems Daki and Tanjirou haven’t finished their battle and things are only just about to start (Tengen’s flashiness to the rescue!) Daki’s power seems to be on par with Tanjirou’s at the moment and that seems…off. I imagine having her sash watch her food reserver or navigate the city is taking away from her strength but I’m quite surprised that Tanjirou can continue to throw her off balance – with a chipped blade to boot! Does anyone want to pitch in as to why the blade he’s using is so weak?

I honestly don’t have much else to share about Demon Slayer so far. I’m always ready for the next episode, anxiously awaiting. The storyline is strong and the characters are more enjoyable this season than they were last season. I do remember having an issue with the pacing back in season 1 but I’m enjoying the stretching out of events a lot more this time around. I think it gives more time to understand the characters but also enjoy the animation. I’m sure many of you have differing opinions and I’m here to read’em. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!