Hashira

Hashira is the highest rank which Demon Slayers can obtain in the Demon Slayer Corps. The Hashira are regarded as the most skilled and feared combatants in the entire organization, protecting humanity against more dangerous threats that cannot be handled by other Demon Slayers. The Hashira, in accordance with their great strength, hold the highest authority in the organization, second only to the Corps leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and later, Kiriya Ubuyashiki. They are required to patrol, usually to gather information about the demons inhabiting said area and to improve their swordsmanship. They are also deployed on missions only if lower-ranking members are unable to complete it. Each Hashira are masters of a unique Breathing Style, some of which are even created by themselves. Interestingly, swordsmen who can use the Flame Breathing and Water Breathing have become Hashira in every era, with no exceptions thus far. To be a member of the Hashira, a Demon Slayer must be among the strongest combatants in the entirety of the Demon Slayer Corps. There are two known methods (both extremely difficult) that allow one to prove that they are worthy of becoming a Hashira: the first method is to accumulate a demon kill count of at least 50 as a Kinoe-ranked Demon Slayer, or slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki. The second method is being a Tsuguko of a Hashira, which requires immense talent. Additionally, Tsuguko can only inherit the rank, if their respective Hashira dies or retires. Tomioka Giyu(Water Breathing): 21 years old, 176 cm. Giyu always wears a stoic and unbothered expression on his face. However, he has a reserved personality and a very strong sense of justice with no tolerance towards those who don't know their own limitations and throw away their lives. Himejima Gyomei(Stone Breathing): 27 years old, 220 cm. Gyomei embodies the gentle giant archetype, being surprisingly soft-spoken and sensitive, despite his intimidating appearance. He is also shown to be quite pious, carrying his prayer beads at all times and offering prayers in poignant situations. Most notably, Gyomei easily cries over the most insignificant things, accentuating his rather soft nature. This could be due to his love for all living creatures brought about by his religious upbringing, and insinuated when he felt so disgusted by beating up a demon that he would never forget that feeling for the rest of his life. Iguro Obanai(Serpent Breathing): 21 years old, 162 cm. Obanai is a very harsh and strict individual who shows no concern for those who do not abide by the Demon Slayer rules. His expectations for his fellow Demon Slayers are quite unrealistic, as he was seen berating Tengen Uzui for suffering heavy wounds against the "weakest" Upper Rank and telling him to "fight to the death" when Tengen insists on retiring. Uzui Tengen(Sound Breathing): 23 years old, 196 cm. Tengen is an eccentric and flashy individual, always wanting to be "flamboyant", possessing a need for everything to be flashy and outstanding, even proclaiming that he is the god of flashiness and festivals. Tokito Muichiro(Mist Breathing): 14 years old, 160 cm. Muichiro is an air-headed individual who seems to constantly wander off in thought and is unable to focus on anything. Impassive and, at times, obtuse, he tends to think only for himself and operates on logic alone, never letting emotions guide him, making him seem seemingly apathetic and indifferent. Rengoku Kyojuro(Flame Breathing): 20 years old, 176 cm. Kyojuro was greatly enthusiastic in regard to his duties as a Hashira, and often came across as cheerfully eccentric. He was amiable, pure of heart, and boasted extraordinary technique and swordsmanship stemming from strict practice and discipline. He was an honorable warrior who adhered to his code of morals and principles that was instilled into him by his mother at a young age; the most significant being his belief that those who were born strong have a duty to protect the weak. Shinazugawa Sanemi(Wind Breathing): 23 years old, 179 cm. Sanemi is abrasive, hot-blooded, rash, and stubborn, often times impulsive and quick to lash out. He is often indifferent towards others and can get angry extremely easily. Kocho Shinobu(Insect Breathing): 18 years old, 158 cm. Shinobu displays a bright, friendly and cheerful demeanor, always having an easygoing smile on her face regardless of the situation she is in. It is later revealed that her outwardly calm and tranquil disposition is worn as a mask, as Shinobu holds an intense hatred for demons due to the loss of her sister, Kanae Kocho, at a young age, along with the deaths of her parents, almost all of her Tsuguko, and the families of her apprentices at the Butterfly Mansion. Kanroji Mitsuri(Love Breathing): 19 years old, 167 cm. Mitsuri is a very emotional, passionate, and jovial individual who constantly compliments people in her head, likely a contributing factor towards her nickname as "the Hashira of Love." Although she can be shy and is easily flustered, Mitsuri is always kind to others, most notably towards Obanai, whom she appears to share a strong bond with. However, despite her gentle and seemingly innocent demeanor, Mitsuri will show no mercy in the face of demons, instead expressing such sentiments with a fierce tone.