Demon Slayer Chapter 135

Demon Slayer Chapter 135, titled "Gyomei Himejima," delves into the Stone Hashira's tragic past, revealing the origin of his immense strength and his cynical view of human nature, while Tanjiro Kamado progresses through his grueling training, learning the secret of Repetitive Action. The chapter opens with Genya Shinazugawa explaining to Tanjiro that "Repetitive Action" allows one to open all their senses, a technique Genya can perform, unlike Total Concentration Breathing. He reveals that his and Gyomei's method involves remembering a painful or anger-inducing memory, which allows them to dramatically increase their body temperature. Genya notes that while Tanjiro likely experienced something similar when he manifested his Demon Slayer Mark, he and Gyomei have not. Following Genya's advice, Tanjiro makes his first attempt at Repetitive Action, recalling the faces of his family. He then remembers Kyojuro Rengoku's inspiring words, "Keep your heart burning," as he had always used Rengoku's advice to concentrate. Initially, the boulder does not move, but by repeating the process to exert his full strength, Tanjiro's body feels the familiar sensation of gaining his Mark, causing the boulder to slowly begin to move, marking a significant breakthrough in his training.

As an amazed Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira watch, Tanjiro concentrates on not stopping, using Gyomei's emphasis on his legs and hips to push the massive boulder. Following Tanjiro's lead, Inosuke motivates himself by comically thinking about tempura, giving him the drive to push his own boulder. Zenitsu is angered that he is the last to move his boulder, but is then surprised to suddenly see Chuntaro, crying while holding a letter. Finally, Tanjiro successfully moves his boulder one cho, completing Gyomei's arduous training. He slumps over in utter exhaustion and dehydration, wondering about his friends' whereabouts. He is then suddenly greeted by Gyomei. Pouring water to quench the young Demon Slayer's thirst, the Stone Hashira praises Tanjiro not only for completing his training but also for his selfless actions at the Swordsmith Village. Confused by Gyomei's words, Tanjiro asks for clarification, and Gyomei explains that he had prioritized the swordsmiths' lives over Nezuko Kamado's. Tanjiro humbly corrects him, stating it was Nezuko who made the selfless decision, as he himself couldn't act in that critical moment, believing he is not worthy of Gyomei's respect. This exchange reveals Tanjiro's humility and unwavering moral compass.

Gyomei ponders Tanjiro's words. He had long held the belief that children are not only pure and innocent but also inherently weak, dishonest, and selfish, a cynical view born from his traumatic past. However, he does not believe Tanjiro embodies any of those negative qualities. Tanjiro tells Gyomei he had always wished for his path to be without mistakes, but since he cannot know what lies ahead, someone will always help him, allowing him to get by without making a single mistake. Denying Gyomei's respect for him, Tanjiro instead thanks him for the water and the training. Gyomei tells him he now has no doubt, and that regardless of what others say, he respects him. Unsure of what Gyomei truly means, Tanjiro listens intently as the Stone Hashira begins to tell his tragic story. He once raised nine orphans at a temple; despite having no parents, they all lived harmoniously and cared for each other. One night, a disobedient child left the temple at night and encountered a demon. He offered the lives of Gyomei and the other children to save himself and extinguished the temple's wisteria incense, a protective measure. Upon entering the temple, the demon immediately killed four of the children. Gyomei attempted to protect the others, but they ran and ignored him, as his weak voice and skinny appearance didn't give them hope he could save them; the only child who listened was the youngest, a terrified girl named Sayo. The demon killed the children who ran away before attacking Gyomei, who had no choice but to fight back. Despite his immense disgust at his own violence, Gyomei punched the demon's head with all his might, crushing it and beating the creature into submission. He remarks he could have never known his own hidden strength had he not fought back. He continued fighting until dawn arrived, risking his life to save Sayo, but at the devastating loss of the other orphans. When people arrived at the scene, the traumatized Sayo, only four years old, tragically misidentified him, screaming, "That man is a monster! Everyone... he... killed everyone!" As a horrified Tanjiro listens on, Gyomei notes that it was natural for a young girl of that age to be confused. Despite always longing for Sayo's gratitude for saving her, Gyomei believes children are simply concerned with themselves, a deeply ingrained belief stemming from his personal trauma. This chapter concludes with the harrowing revelation of Gyomei's past, explaining his unique strength and his jaded perspective on humanity, adding profound depth to his character and motivations in the Hashira Training Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.