Demon Slayer Chapter 131

Demon Slayer Chapter 131, titled "Visitor," delves into Giyu Tomioka's profound guilt and reconciliation, revealing Shinobu Kocho's secret plan for revenge, and introduces an unexpected alliance with Tamayo in the ongoing Hashira Training Arc. The chapter opens with Tanjiro Kamado deeply sympathizing with Giyu, understanding the pain of losing a loved one and the desire to have died in their stead—a feeling amplified when that person saved them. He recalls his time with Sabito and Makomo, acknowledging they were already deceased when they helped him, and marvels at Sabito's feat of single-handedly saving everyone during Final Selection. Tanjiro believes Sabito would have undoubtedly become an incredible swordsman had he lived, and that this fact must weigh heavily on Giyu's survivor's guilt and frustration. He reminisces about Kyojuro Rengoku, who sacrificed his life to save others, and though Tanjiro once thought he himself should have died, he remembers Inosuke Hashibira's words that the Hashira believed in them. With this renewed perspective, he ponders what to say to Giyu, who, despite his accomplishments, refuses to call himself a Hashira. Tanjiro calls out to Giyu, asking if he would want to make use of Sabito's gift to him—a question that stops the Water Hashira in his tracks. Giyu flashes back to a time during training when Sabito had slapped him, reprimanding him for wishing he were dead and threatening to end their friendship if he continued, highlighting Sabito's strong moral compass and dedication to life.

Sabito's words, echoing through Giyu's memory, remind him that his older sister, Tsutako, had protected him from a demon, demanding that he not disrespect her sacrifice again. She, too, had given her life to grant him a future. The familiar sting of that reprimand settles within Giyu, as Tanjiro worries he has pushed too far. Giyu vividly remembers the pain of Sabito's words, realizing he had suppressed such a vital moment because he didn't want to remember the agony of their loss. Remembering both his sister Tsutako and his friend Sabito, Giyu finally apologizes to them for his immaturity and survivor's guilt. Tanjiro grows concerned by Giyu's prolonged silence, fearing he has only worsened his pain. Thinking quickly, he proposes an eating contest, as he cannot spar yet, and Giyu, at an eating contest, wouldn't have to talk much. Just as Giyu turns to him and says he is late for his lessons, Tanjiro asks if he could partake in a soba-eating contest, to which Giyu obliges. With Giyu's participation, Hashira Training is now in full swing, marking a significant step in his emotional healing and reintegration into the Corps.

Elsewhere, a visibly angry Shinobu Kocho rushes into her room, sitting down and attempting to calm herself. Kanao Tsuyuri arrives, informing Shinobu that she will now train with Sanemi. Kanao asks if she could train with Shinobu after her lessons with Gyomei Himejima, but Shinobu explains she isn't participating in Hashira Training, instead inviting Kanao to sit with her. Kanao is dismayed, having wished to train with her mentor, but Shinobu smiles, hearing and seeing that Kanao is making her own choices. Believing the time is right, Shinobu then discusses with Kanao a meticulous plan to kill the demon who murdered her sister, Kanae Kocho, revealing her deep-seated desire for vengeance. A Kasugai crow flies into an open window, greeting the demon Tamayo and introducing himself as Kagaya Ubuyashiki's messenger. He compliments her on her impeccable hiding, noting that Kagaya had lost his ability to move since he began searching for her. Tamayo questions how he located her, to which the crow explains he followed the former owner of her current house and had taken control of Yushiro's sight. He eases her concerns, assuring her he has no reason to harm them, prompting Tamayo to question his true purpose, suspecting Kagaya might trick her. When she asks for Yushiro's whereabouts, the crow notes he is still upstairs, under his control. Delivering his crucial message, the crow explains that someone within the Demon Slayer Corps is highly knowledgeable about demon physiology and pharmacology, and Kagaya wishes for Tamayo and this individual to study Nezuko's transformation together. Tamayo is shocked, wondering how a demon could be part of the Demon Slayer Corps, ending the chapter on a note of intrigue and foreshadowing a groundbreaking scientific collaboration against Muzan. This chapter highlights personal growth, strategic planning, and the forging of unlikely alliances in the lead-up to the final battle.