Demon Slayer Chapter 144

Demon Slayer Chapter 144, titled "Successors," marks a pivotal moment in the Infinity Castle Arc, as the leadership of the Demon Slayer Corps falls to the young Kiriya Ubuyashiki amidst the chaos, and Zenitsu Agatsuma confronts his past with a vengeful fury against the new Upper Rank Six, Kaigaku. The chapter opens with Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka navigating the treacherous, ever-shifting landscape of the Infinity Castle. Tanjiro narrowly avoids falling through a collapsing floor, prompting Giyu to warn him to remain vigilant. Tanjiro notes the castle seems to be actively trying to separate them, a strategic move by Muzan Kibutsuji to isolate and overwhelm the Demon Slayers. He also realizes the urgency of their mission, knowing Tamayo is running out of time, yet Muzan's exact location remains unknown. This disorienting and dangerous environment sets a grim tone for the unfolding battle in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Suddenly, a Kasugai crow announces Shinobu Kocho's death at the hands of Upper Rank Two, Doma. Tanjiro is overcome with grief, thinking of Kanao Tsuyuri and the girls at the Butterfly Mansion. Giyu notices a talisman attached to the crow, realizing that Yushiro's Blood Demon Art is being used to transmit vital information. Indeed, Kiriya Ubuyashiki, now the eight-year-old leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, receives this information via similar talismans on his head, along with his sisters Kanata and Kuina. Despite the recent deaths of his parents, Kagaya and Amane Ubuyashiki, and his older sisters, Nichika and Hinaki, Kiriya stoically focuses on the mission, having no time for personal grief. Kagaya had raised his children strictly, preparing them for such a heavy responsibility. Kiriya, with his sisters' support, commands the crows to spread as many vision talismans as possible to relay Muzan's unchanging location and to direct the scattered Hashira, with Kanao and Zenitsu currently facing Upper Ranks, to head north, showcasing his remarkable leadership under immense pressure.

Meanwhile, in a heated confrontation, Kaigaku, the new Upper Rank Six, mocks Zenitsu, calling him a "shabby, little runt" and questioning his inability to master all forms of Thunder Breathing. Zenitsu, however, responds with newfound courage, pointing out Kaigaku's pathetic pride in attaining the lowest Upper Rank position, a spot only available due to a vacancy. Kaigaku is surprised by Zenitsu's newfound assertiveness. Zenitsu then angrily demands to know why Kaigaku betrayed their master, Jigoro Kuwajima, and chose to become a demon, before revealing the devastating truth: Jigoro had committed seppuku to atone for Kaigaku's defection. Zenitsu recounts the agonizing details of Jigoro's death—he slit his stomach instead of his throat, dying alone and in immense pain due to the shame of producing a demon within their lineage. Kaigaku dismisses the news, callously laughing it off and claiming he only serves those who recognize his worth, expressing joy at Jigoro's death for not anointing him as the sole successor. He arrogantly proclaims Jigoro intended to make him a joint successor with "scum like" Zenitsu.

Enraged by Kaigaku's insults towards their master, Zenitsu passionately refutes his words, declaring, "If I'm scum, then you're trash! I feel sorry for Grandpa for having such pathetic successors... I can only do the first form and you can do everything except that!" Angered by Zenitsu's defiant comparison, Kaigaku unleashes Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder. However, in a shocking display of newfound speed and resolve, Zenitsu rushes past him, proclaiming, "You're too slow!" To Kaigaku's utter disbelief, Zenitsu has already slashed his neck, his movements transformed by a fierce determination. The demon realizes that Zenitsu now moves with an entirely different, unprecedented speed. This climactic confrontation highlights Zenitsu's profound growth, his unwavering loyalty, and the devastating power he unleishes when protecting those he cares about, setting a new stage for the intense battles within the Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.