Demon Slayer Chapter 130

Demon Slayer Chapter 130, titled "A Place to Be," heralds the commencement of the rigorous Hashira Training, a specialized preparation for the impending final battle against Muzan, while delving into the tragic past and deep-seated insecurities of Giyu Tomioka. The chapter explains that due to Nezuko Kamado's miraculous immunity to sunlight, demon attacks have completely halted, freeing the Hashira from their regular patrols. In response, a special organized training regimen, known as Hashira Training, begins, where all Demon Slayers below Hashira rank will be personally trained by the Hashira. While Hashira typically only train their Tsugukos, their current responsibilities now include acting as security at night and training during the day, highlighting the urgency of their preparations. Tanjiro Kamado and Zenitsu Agatsuma discuss Zenitsu's "awful" experience in Hashira Training, where he was forced to spar with someone stronger. Tanjiro, conversely, is excited at the prospect of becoming stronger, prompting Zenitsu to angrily gnaw on his forehead, declaring they are not friends at this moment, bemoaning that Tanjiro's optimistic view stems from his comfortable healing period while Zenitsu endures intense training. This humorous exchange contrasts their perspectives on the demanding training regimen.

Before leaving, Zenitsu hears Tanjiro thank him, recalling how a technique Zenitsu taught him helped defeat Upper Rank Four Hantengu. Tanjiro uses this to motivate Zenitsu, framing Hashira Training as beneficial, but Zenitsu, instead, uses the compliment to boost his own self-esteem about his skills. A Kasugai crow then pecks Tanjiro on the head, delivering a letter—a summons to the training. At Hashira Training, Tengen Uzui barks at the exhausted trainees to keep running, marking the beginning of his basic stamina training. This is followed by Mitsuri Kanroji's lessons in enhancing flexibility, and then Muichiro Tokito's teaching in high-speed movement. Next comes swordsmanship training with Obanai Iguro, lessons with Sanemi Shinazugawa on surviving onslaughts, and finally, strength training with Gyomei Himejima. This comprehensive regimen ensures all Demon Slayers are pushed to their limits. Furthermore, sparring against trainees for hours allows Hashira to improve their own strength, with the intense training also serving to raise heart rates and body temperatures, conditions conducive to unlocking the Demon Slayer Mark. Those who have manifested the mark must also train to maintain it, and sharing this knowledge within the Corps helps boost everyone's overall abilities. However, one prominent figure is conspicuously absent from the training: Giyu Tomioka.

Alone in his mansion, Giyu suddenly hears Tanjiro's voice outside. Tanjiro lets himself in, explaining the details of Hashira Training, to which Giyu acknowledges he is already aware. Mentioning he can resume active duty in a week, Tanjiro asks Giyu for lessons, but is denied. Tanjiro notices Giyu's scent of anger, and Giyu reveals his frustration stems from Tanjiro's perceived failure to master Water Breathing, believing Tanjiro was destined to be the next Water Hashira. Tanjiro counters by noting that Sakonji Urokodaki had told him it was not unusual to switch styles, as Water Breathing is a fundamental style. Giyu denies this, asserting that someone must uphold the mantle, flatly denying he is the Water Hashira. He orders Tanjiro to leave and walks away, leaving Tanjiro dismayed. In a previous meeting with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Tanjiro was instructed by the Oyakata to convince Giyu to join the training, emphasizing Giyu's tendency to be solitary and urging Tanjiro to be persistent. Tanjiro, taking this advice literally, relentlessly speaks to Giyu throughout the day, even waiting outside the bathroom to continue their conversation. After four days, Giyu finally relents, confiding in Tanjiro that he did not complete Final Selection. Tanjiro asks if he means the selection at Mount Fujikasane, and Giyu confirms it. During his selection, there was a boy who, like Giyu, had lost his family to demons. Giyu reveals his name was Sabito, shocking Tanjiro. They were both thirteen when they met and quickly bonded. During Final Selection, Sabito was the only one to die, despite almost single-handedly killing all the mountain's demons. Giyu adds that he himself was injured by the first demon he encountered, collapsing and being saved by Sabito, further cementing his feelings of unworthiness. This poignant revelation explains Giyu's deep-seated guilt and his reluctance to fully embrace his Hashira title, highlighting the profound emotional scars he carries into the climactic Hashira Training Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.