Demon Slayer Chapter 134

Demon Slayer Chapter 134, titled "Repetitive Action," immerses Tanjiro Kamado in the grueling and unconventional training methods of Gyomei Himejima, revealing Genya Shinazugawa's unique approach to power, and intensifying Muzan Kibutsuji's desperate search for Nezuko. The chapter opens with Gyomei teaching his trainees the vital importance of legs and hips; by stabilizing the body with a firm base, it leads to accurate attacks and strong defense. Their three tasks are to stand beneath a powerful waterfall, carry three large logs, and finally, move a giant boulder a distance of one cho (358 feet). Gyomei asserts his tasks are straightforward. When Zenitsu Agatsuma passes out upon hearing the daunting requirements, Gyomei calmly instructs Tanjiro to toss him into the freezing river, highlighting the Hashira's no-nonsense approach to training. Zenitsu struggles to move in the icy water without shivering, and even Tanjiro remarks that the water is colder than the middle of winter. As Zenitsu leaves the water, still cold, he notices several trainees hugging a warm rock; one of them, Murata, tells him the rock is warm, and Zenitsu immediately embraces it, reminded of his mother's hug. Tanjiro notices Inosuke Hashibira beneath the waterfall, initially believing he's making good progress, but soon realizes Inosuke is silent and resuscitates his unconscious friend. Tanjiro then takes his turn under the waterfall, reciting the Nenbutsu chant to concentrate and endure the immense pressure.

At the warm rocks, Tanjiro chats with Murata, who expresses amazement at seeing him and Inosuke, as it took him until evening to even tolerate the cold water. Murata reveals that he can now stand beneath the falls for one koku (~30 minutes) after ten days of training, but his new task is to move the logs. At a gathering where Tanjiro cooks fish for the trainees, Inosuke remarks about Gyomei, believing the Stone Hashira is the strongest member of the Demon Slayer Corps; Tanjiro adds that even Gyomei's scent is unique among the Hashira, speculating that he might soon manifest the Demon Slayer Mark. Zenitsu interjects, disbelieving that Gyomei could move the giant boulder one cho, convinced that he is only pretending to torment them, only to witness the Stone Hashira effortlessly pushing an even bigger boulder behind him. When Tanjiro asks Zenitsu if he could one day be like Gyomei, Zenitsu attacks him for his high hopes in himself, a reaction worsened when Inosuke confidently claims he can finish Gyomei's training, adding a comical rivalry to the intense atmosphere.

After completing the waterfall and log training, Tanjiro makes his first attempt to push the boulder, but even after breaking his slippers, he fails to move it. To Tanjiro's dismay, several trainees leave the mountain, believing Gyomei's training is unnecessary. During a break, Murata speculates that Hashira don't have many Tsuguko because the training is too harsh, with another trainee commenting that some recognize their inherent difference from the Hashira and give up, "like that blond guy." Murata remarks on the Hashira's seemingly effortless training, as Tanjiro receives compliments for his cooking. After six arduous days, Tanjiro is still unable to move his boulder. Lying on the ground, panting heavily, he wonders what he is lacking, knowing that demon attacks will resume soon, and he must hurry. Dismayed that his training still hasn't helped him maintain his Demon Slayer Mark, he is startled when Genya appears, asking if his mark is getting darker. Unable to contact him since his fight with Sanemi Shinazugawa, and having been scolded by Gyomei, Genya explains he was not allowed to contact Sanemi but ignored the rule anyway. Genya thanks Tanjiro for protecting him, then asks about his mark again, confirming it is darker than when he last saw him. Witnessing Genya also engaged in boulder training, Tanjiro comments that the task seems impossible and is surprised to learn that Genya has moved it slightly. Genya asks if Tanjiro is practicing "Repetitive Action"; when Tanjiro doesn't answer, Genya notes that Gyomei isn't a good teacher and explains that Repetitive Action involves performing a predetermined action to heighten concentration. He himself practices it by chanting the Nenbutsu. Tanjiro laughs, noting that Gyomei does that too, as the Stone Hashira watches them from behind the trees, his presence a silent testament to his wisdom. Elsewhere, a Demon Slayer is followed by crawling demonic eyes bearing the kanji "four." The Biwa Demon, Nakime, informs Muzan that she has found sixty percent of the Demon Slayer Corps' members, intensifying the impending final conflict and revealing the chilling precision of Muzan's surveillance in the Hashira Training Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.