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TheDemon Slayer: Infinity Castletrilogyis expected to be released over the next few years. All set to adapt the eponymous arc, the film series will capture moments that will radically change the dynamics of human-demon conflict, setting the stage for a showdown with the Demon King himself.
As one might expect, the trilogy features some of the most high-stakes battles so far, involving the strongest combatants in the series. While fans wouldprobably expect the strongest Hashiraand Upper Moons to take the limelight, they might be in for a surprise. Shinobu Kocho might not have made her mark in the series so far, but she is all set to subvert expectations and confront one of the Upper Moons all by herself.
Understanding Shinobu Kocho
The Insect Hashira is a Ruthless Combatant
Shinobu Kocho’s first appearancemight give the impression that she is a happy-go-lucky and jolly human being who loves to live life to the fullest. But upon closer examination, her façade begins to crumble, and her true personality is revealed. Kocho might seem happy, but she is driven by a deep-rooted hatred for the demons that consume her every moment. In fact, she is always angry, itching at every opportunity to take revenge. Her feelings are understandable after knowing the pain she has endured.
I once believed that the road of happiness continued forever and ever into the distance. When it was destroyed, I realized for the first time that happiness lies atop a thin sheet of glass. And just as we were saved, there are those whose happiness hasn’t yet been destroyed. So I wanted to get stronger and protect them. ~ Shinobu Kocho
Shinobu was born to a wealthy coupleand lived a privileged life when she was young. Although simple, her life was peaceful, and she was grateful for everything. Growing up with her elder sister Kanae, she felt protected, seen, and loved. The Kocho sisters might have lived a peaceful life, but one tragedy changed everything. A demon managed to sneak into their home and attack the family. The parents fought hard but lost their lives in the process.
Kanae and Shinobu might have had a similar fate, butGyomei Himejima rescued them just in time. The tragic event derailed their perfect lives, and the two sisters vowed to fight demons until they eradicated them. At some point, the Kocho sisters rescued Kanao and adopted her. While Shinobu was initially rude and blunt with Kanao, Kanae made sure that their younger sibling always felt safe and secure.
Just when it seemed life was finally falling into place,Kanae Kocho was killed by a demon. In her last moments, she requested her sister to lead a normal life, but Shinobu was no longer the same. The incident turned her into a ruthless combatant whose outwardly tranquil disposition hides sadistic intentions. Kocho enjoys physically and psychologically torturing demons and ensuring that their deaths are as painful as possible. Her hatred for them is rooted in the suffering and loss she has endured throughout her life.
The Weakest Hashira Might Play a Huge Role in the Trilogy
Kocho’s Hatred For Demons Will Drive Her to Make Shocking Decisions
Despite being a Hashira, Shinobu Kocho has barely fought so far in the series. Most of her skills are still a mystery to the fans, so it’s not surprising that people wish to see her fight at her best.As the Demon Slayer Corpsfaces Muzan and his underlings, Shinobu will finally get to showcase her true nature at its sadistic best. Her deep-rooted hatred for demons might have been hinted at before, but the anime has not fully captured its full extent so far.
Since most Hashira have been through traumatic experiences, especially because of demons, Kocho’s experiences and feelings might appear to be no different. But it’s hard to overstate how vicious and intense her hatred truly is. As the Hashira gettrapped in the Infinity Castlewith their backs against the wall, Shinobu will not flinch to put her life on the line. But unlike others, she has a sadistic plan to take her final revenge. She will confront one of the Upper Moons alone and fight a dangerous battle trying to save the lives of several innocent people trapped in the castle.
Shinobu’s actions might seem driven by urgency and empathy, but she will be carrying a sinister secret in her heart. She will pour the pain of losing her parents and sister to demons in every move she makes, ensuring that she plays a pivotal role in Muzan Kibutsuji’s downfall. While she might not be as strong as Gyomei and Sanemi, Shinobu’s sadistic and ruthless nature will make her more dangerous thanany other Hashira in the Infinity Castle.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first installment is scheduled to be released in the United States onSeptember 12, 2025.
