- Sakonji Urokodaki

Demon Slayer has presented many mysteries to the viewers. One of the biggest is the Demon Slayer Corps of which a lot of people still ask a variety of questions. In response to that, I ask you to join me on this thrilling journey through the nooks and crannies of this enigmatic society to learn more about its members, structure, and history.

It is common knowledge that the Demon Slayer Corps protects people and slays demons, but what else is there to know about them? Let’s find out together!

Spoiler Warning: This article covers events not yet depicted in the Demon Slayer anime. Read at your own risk!

What is the Demon Slayer Corps?

The Demon Slayer Corps is a covert organization committed to hunting and eliminating demons. Despite its vital role, the government does not officially recognize the Corps. This lack of recognition forces demon slayers to operate in secret, prohibiting them from carrying their signature swords in public. The rationale behind this secrecy is to prevent widespread panic and confusion among the public, as many people are unaware of the existence of demons.

While the Demon Slayer Corps receives no government recognition or support for its activities, the Ubuyashiki family, endowed with a unique gift of foresight, plays a crucial role by providing the necessary resources for the Corps to function effectively. The family's accumulated wealth, acquired through their foresight abilities, ensures that demon slayers have the means to fulfill their duties.

Demon Slayer Corps | Creation & History

The creation of the Demon Slayer Corps dates back to the Heian Era (over a thousand years ago) when a group of swordsmen swore to put an end to demons and the baseless murdering of innocents in their quest for sustenance. Its creation is an act of necessity, as it was created just after Muzan (who is a distant relative of the Ubuyashiki family) became a demon. Muzan did this to escape the family’s terminal generational ailment which prevented them from living past the age of 25.

Across the ages, the Corps achieved moderate success, yet the elusive Muzan remained beyond their grasp. Their game-changer emerged in the Sengoku era with the arrival of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. His mastery of Total Concentration Breathing and the revolutionary Sun Breathing ushered in what we now call the Golden Age. During this period, empowered with distinct Demon Marks, modified techniques, and armed with special weapons, the Corps came close to wiping out all demons.

This formidable prowess, however, came at a steep price. The Marked demon slayers sacrificed their lives. Due to their sacrifices, they faced a critical problem – a lack of successors. Yoriichi's twin, Michikatsu, took a dark turn, aligning with Muzan to become Kokushibo, orchestrating a sinister plan for the Corps' downfall. As a result of this, and his inability to kill Muzan, Yoriichi Tsugukuni was expelled from the Demon Slayer Corps.

Muzan, biding his time in secrecy, aimed to exploit Yoriichi's downfall, setting his sights on the Corps and the Ubuyashiki Family. Afterward, Muzan created the Twelve Kizuki, a formidable group of the twelve mightiest demons that are to help him exterminate demon slayers and find the blue spider lily, a rare flower that would grant him true eternity. Despite facing impending doom, the Corps confronted the demons but were unable to surpass the unmatched skill of the Golden Age slayers.

Fast forward to the Taishō era, when a fresh generation took the reins. Tanjiro and company boldly confronted the Twelve Kizuki, engaging in a fierce battle against demons, culminating in a decisive showdown to keep Muzan at bay until sunrise. Muzan's demise triggered a chain reaction, spelling the end for demons and, with it, concluding centuries of conflict and marking the bittersweet disbandment of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Demon Slayer Corps | Membership & Structure

The Demon Slayer Corps is made up of several members serving different functions in their respective categories, all to drive home the sole mission of the Corps. Listed below are the arms of the corps.

Oyakata – The Leader

This is usually the head of the Ubuyashiki family. He assumes pivotal duties, including the coordination of demon slayers’ deployment to regions afflicted by demon activity, supervision of the Final Selection examination for potential demon slayers, and facilitation of discussions with the Hashiras. The current (and final) leader of the Demon Slayer Corps is Kagaya Ubuyashiki, fondly called Oyakata-sama by the Hashira.

Hashira – Pillars

These are the highest-ranking swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps, all of whom are masters of their chosen breathing technique. They are often tasked with patrolling and gathering intel about demon activity in different parts of the country, honing their skills, and, of course, eradicating demons. They’re also the Corps’ knights, as they’re often called upon for missions if the lower-ranking members prove incapable of completing the task. Currently, there are nine Hashiras in the Demon Slayer Corps.

To become a Hashira, a demon slayer must’ve slain 50 demons, or at least one of the Junikizuki (a twelve Kizuki demon).

Tsuguko

This is an exceptional individual that is assigned to or handpicked by a Hashira for further training. They train hard so they could succeed the Hashira upon their retirement or, more likely, demise. They are also known as Hashira apprentices and are required to hone their craft in their master’s breathing technique.

Oni Kari – Demon Slayers

These are the foot soldiers who make up the bulk of the Corps’ armed fighters. They are primarily assigned on missions to hunt down and execute demons at particular places, and can either be sent solo or in groups.

Iku Shu – Cultivators

Cultivators train those aspiring to be Demon Slayers. Each individual employs distinct methodologies for training and specializes in a certain Breathing Style. Once a cultivator judges their pupil to be sufficiently prepared, they approve their participation in the Final Selection. Two known cultivators in the series are Jigoro Kuwajima (the old man who taught Zenitsu Thunder Breathing), and Sakonji Urokodaki (the former water Hashira that taught Tanjiro Water Breathing).

The Kakushi

Simply put, the Kakushi are the clean-up crew of the Demon Slayer Corps. As the Corps’ activities must be kept a secret from the public, they make sure to clean up and erase all evidence of confrontation from places where Demon Slayers fight demons. They also treat all injured humans, both demon slayers and innocent bystanders alike.

Katanakaji – The Swordsmiths

These are a highly talented and committed group of artisans that specialize in the forging, mending, and care of Nichirin Swords. Their primary goal is to supply the slayers with powerful and effective weapons.

Wisteria House Families

These are families in different parts of the country that help provide care and relief to demon slayers that come their way. They often serve as a haven for demon slayers while on their missions. They feed, clothe, house, and treat the injuries of any demon slayer they come across. These families always have a Wisteria flower symbol at the front of their house.

Demon Slayer Corps | Ranking System

Amongst the demon slayers, there exist ranks that serve to show individual strength and skill. There are a total of ten levels/ranks within the demon slayers, which are:

Level 1 – Mizunoto
Level 2 – Mizunoe
Level 3 – Kanoto
Level 4 – Kanoe
Level 5 – Tsuchinoto
Level 6 – Tsuchinoe
Level 7 – Hinoto
Level 8 – Hinoe
Level 9 – Kinoto
Level 10 – Kinoe

The above analogy makes the chronological order of ranks more understandable. Demon slayers who just passed Final Selection automatically start at the Mizunoto rank. They can gradually work their way up the ranks until they reach Kinoe.
In the Mount Natagumo arc of the story, Tanjiro and his friends were still ranked Mizunoto, while Murata, who claimed to be their senior, was on Kanoe rank. Also, being a Tsuguko isn’t exactly a rank in the Demon Slayer Corps. While Kanao Tsuyuri is Shinobu Kocho’s Tsuguko, she still is a Kanoe.

Demon Slayer Corps | Dress Code

Kakushi

They wear a sleek black version of the typical Demon Slayer uniform, which is the gakuran jacket paired with hakama pants. On the back of their uniform, is inscribed the kanji symbol “隠” which translates to “conceal”, “hidden” or “sympathize”. They also keep their identities a secret by wearing a head covering and black-and-white mask.

Demon Slayers

They wear uniforms comprising a deep-brown gakuran jacket adorned with a white belt securing their sword by their waist, roomy chocho zubon trousers extending to tabi socks, and zori with red straps. They also wear black boots. Their uniform is meticulously crafted for both lightness and flexibility. It is adorned with the kanji symbol “滅” which translates to “exterminate” or “to kill”. How fitting!

Others

All other members of the Corps have the liberty to choose their dress, as the Hashiras aren’t bound by any laws to wear the standard uniforms. However, it’s been noticed that the Swordsmiths all wear masks to keep their identities a secret. The fact that Inosuke and Zenitsu don’t wear the standard uniform isn’t explained anywhere in the series, so we’ve just come to accept that for what it is.

Demon Slayer Corps | Bases of Operation

The Demon Slayer Corps engages in a variety of activities, all of which cannot be done from the same place. The Corps needs to keep its location a secret from everyone, including even its members. This birthed the need to have four bases for it to operate from, which are:

Ubuyashiki Estate

This serves as the Corps’ headquarters and is also home to the Ubuyashiki family. From here, Oyakata-sama directs and oversees the activities of the Corps and holds periodic meetings with the Hashiras.

Mount Fujikasane

This is the location where the Final Selection examination takes place. It is a wisteria flower-infested mountain, on which demons are trapped and unable to leave. It serves the singular purpose of testing the skill and endurance of aspiring demon slayers.

Butterfly Mansion

This is the home of the Kocho Family. It serves as a hospital for injured members of the Demon Slayer Corps, as the Kocho Family is renowned for their medical knowledge and expertise. All injured members of the Corps are taken there to receive proper healthcare.

Swordsmith Village

The Swordsmith Village is a hidden village where all swordsmiths that forge swords for the demon slayers reside.

Demon Slayer Corps | Disbanded

There's the untold saga of the Demon Slayer Corps, where blades and shadows tango in a dance of destiny. We've explored the intriguing origins, the secretive bases, and the stylish uniforms of this fascinating world. As the curtain drops, may the Corps' legacy ignite your courage to confront your inner and outer challenges. Until we meet again, keep your courage high, and your curiosity alive, and may your path be free from any pesky demons!