Demon Slayer Chapter 117

Demon Slayer Chapter 117, titled "Swordsmith," marks a pivotal turning point for Muichiro Tokito as he battles Gyokko, regains his lost memories, and is inspired by a heroic act of sacrifice in the Swordsmith Village Arc. Still trapped in Gyokko's suffocating Water Prison Pot, Muichiro reflects that he has enough air for only one attack. He attempts Mist Breathing, First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze, but it proves unsuccessful. With no more air left, he accepts his fate, mentally thanking Kagaya Ubuyashiki for his support and wishing him luck in finding a replacement Hashira. However, he is surprised by a vivid vision of Tanjiro Kamado, who tells him that no one knows what the future holds—a statement Tanjiro had never actually uttered to him, hinting at a deeper connection or a latent memory beginning to stir within the Mist Hashira.

In a nearby shed, Kozo Kanamori is slashed by Gyokko as he valiantly shields Hotaru Haganezuka from the insidious demon. Unaware of their presence, Hotaru is completely fixated on restoring the blade given to him by Tanjiro, muttering about its incredible craftsmanship. Gyokko observes Hotaru, confirming he is not the village chief due to his youthful appearance. The demon calls out to him, but Hotaru remains unresponsive, continuing his obsessive work—a level of concentration that astonishes Gyokko. Jealous of Hotaru's profound dedication to his craft, Gyokko repeatedly slashes him and summons another fish demon to attack Kozo. Hotaru continues to ignore the assault, even as his mask falls off, revealing his face. Kozo frantically tries to snap Hotaru out of his trance, while Gyokko vows to break the swordsmith's unwavering persistence, escalating the psychological torment.

Outside the shed, Muichiro slowly loses his ability to breathe within the water prison. Tanjiro's vision persistently appears before him, stating that Muichiro himself would decide his own fate. Muichiro dismisses these words, but the vision of Tanjiro continues, informing the Mist Hashira that someone would come to save him. Although Muichiro initially struggles with the idea of relying on others, the vision reminds him that he cannot do everything alone. Muichiro heeds this remark, berating himself for not working hard enough to prevent mistakes and for overestimating his own capabilities. Suddenly, a knife pierces the water, and Kotetsu desperately begs Muichiro not to die, futilely struggling to break the water prison. Muichiro urges him to protect the chief instead of worrying about him, but Kotetsu persistently continues his attempts. One of Gyokko's minions appears behind the child and slashes at him; as Kotetsu runs, the demon uses its claw to stab him in the solar plexus. Witnessing this attack on a vital point, Muichiro sadly deems the boy dead.

However, in a miraculous display of resilience, Kotetsu remains standing and returns to the water, blowing air into it, transferring a breath to Muichiro. As Muichiro inhales the air, he remembers Tanjiro's words about helping others in turn helping himself, and connects this profound insight to his own father. Freshly motivated and with his memories flooding back, the Hashira unleashes Mist Breathing, Second Form: Eight-Layered Mist, successfully destroying the water prison. This dramatic conclusion to Demon Slayer Chapter 117 signifies Muichiro's complete memory recovery, a powerful surge in his abilities, and his renewed resolve, setting the stage for his intense confrontation with Gyokko in the thrilling Swordsmith Village Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.