Demon Slayer Chapter 146

Demon Slayer Chapter 146, titled "Pride," marks a pivotal turning point in the Infinity Castle Arc, showcasing Zenitsu Agatsuma's hard-won triumph over Kaigaku, a poignant reunion in the afterlife, the strategic support of Yushiro, and the re-emergence of a terrifying Upper Rank demon. The chapter opens with Zenitsu's decisive decapitation of Kaigaku using Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami, sending both plummeting through the Infinity Castle. As the unconscious Zenitsu falls, the disintegrating Kaigaku is consumed by a furious pride, enraged that the one he deemed weaker had created a unique seventh form. He takes morbid comfort in the thought that Zenitsu will die with him, a pathetic final act of defiance from the traitorous Demon Slayer. This dramatic and emotionally charged opening sets the stage for a series of significant events in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Suddenly, Yushiro appears in Kaigaku's fading vision, delivering a scathing indictment: those who never give will never receive, and merely wanting without creating for others is a path to emptiness. He coldly labels Kaigaku's solitary death as pitiful, emphasizing the tragic consequences of his pride and selfishness. Yushiro then swiftly leaps across the shifting walls, catching the unconscious Zenitsu and saving him from certain death, as Kaigaku disintegrates into ash, ending his pathetic existence. Meanwhile, Zenitsu experiences a profound vision in the afterlife, a land adorned with vibrant red spider lilies. He sees his beloved master, Jigoro Kuwajima, across the ethereal Sanzu River. Zenitsu tearfully apologizes for his inability to reconcile with Kaigaku, believing his own existence inadvertently goaded Kaigaku into becoming a demon. He expresses deep regret for not repaying his master's kindness and his earnest desire to become a Hashira. Jigoro, with tears in his eyes, breaks his silence and proclaims, "Zenitsu... I'm proud of you," a message of profound love and forgiveness that causes Zenitsu to weep uncontrollably, offering a moment of solace amidst the ongoing battle.

Zenitsu awakens to Yushiro patching his wounds, surrounded by other Demon Slayers, including Murata. Murata, recognizing Zenitsu, anxiously inquires about his condition, but Yushiro, annoyed by his persistent yelling, curtly tells him to remain on guard. Murata, offended by Yushiro's demeanor, demands to know his rank, but the demon ignores him, focusing on administering a styptic to stop Zenitsu's bleeding, though he notes the cuts on his face might worsen. Yushiro remarks that Kaigaku was fortunate not to have fully mastered his techniques, claiming he could have been killed if he had progressed further. Murata, still chastising Yushiro's pessimism, encourages Zenitsu, while other Slayers reassure him. Yushiro, the only demon not created by Muzan, recalls Tamayo's instruction to act naturally while assisting the Demon Slayers. Despite his internal dissatisfaction, his altered eye color and uniform conceal his true nature, though others sense something amiss. He uses a Kasugai crow with his talisman to perceive his surroundings, growing concerned as he senses a formidable presence nearby. Elsewhere in the Infinity Castle, Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka continue their desperate search for Muzan and the other Hashira. Tanjiro senses a powerful presence approaching, realizing it's a battle, and then recognizes a familiar, menacing scent. Giyu warns him to stay back as the ceiling cracks open, and Akaza, the Upper Rank Three, lands before them. Akaza mockingly expresses surprise that Tanjiro, a "weakling," is still alive, before lunging at him with a roar. Enraged by the sight of his former enemy, Tanjiro dodges and yells Akaza's name, ready to fight. Meanwhile, Tamayo finds herself trapped in a fleshy cocoon above a bottomless shaft, realizing it's decomposing her human conversion drug and will eventually absorb her. She desperately pleads for someone to save her, highlighting her perilous situation and the cunning of Muzan's defenses in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.