Demon Slayer Chapter 153

Demon Slayer Chapter 153, titled "Pulled," unravels the profound depths of Akaza's indomitable will and the lingering echoes of his human past, as he miraculously survives decapitation and continues his relentless assault against the exhausted Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka. After being beheaded by Tanjiro, Akaza reflects on the moment, realizing he had never encountered someone completely devoid of fighting spirit in centuries; even a crying baby fights to live. Tanjiro's selfless state, or "Domain of Supremacy," baffled Akaza's Compass Needle, rendering it useless. Despite this, Akaza, driven by an ingrained warrior's instinct, pushed past the inability to sense Tanjiro, understanding the vital need to adapt to the unexpected in battle. He acknowledges that Tanjiro had grasped something profound, surpassing his speed and defeating centuries of martial arts experience with an attack devoid of malice. Akaza realizes Tanjiro had attained the "Selfless State," a vague concept he knew of but could never achieve himself, highlighting the profound irony of his demonic existence in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Akaza, with an astonishing display of demonic regeneration, reattaches his severed head, vowing to continue fighting and grow stronger. Tanjiro, realizing Akaza's desperate attempt, and Giyu, with a swift response, hurl Giyu's broken sword at Akaza's head, knocking it away again. Despite his head being separated, Akaza's indomitable will attempts to compel his body to continue fighting and regenerating. However, his head begins to disintegrate into ash, finally leaving Giyu's sword impaled where it landed. Tanjiro, relieved, believes victory is theirs, but his body begins to tremble, signaling he has reached his physical limit. However, their relief is short-lived as Akaza's body, instead of fading, suddenly activates Technique Development: Compass Needle and assumes a fighting stance. The severed neck staunchs its wound, and the headless body attacks Tanjiro, barely missing his neck. It attempts to grow a new head, kicks Tanjiro into a wall, and leaves him in pain and shock, questioning how he could have failed to kill Akaza despite decapitating him. He initially considers a special condition, similar to Gyutaro and Daki, but realizes Akaza is attempting to evolve even further, much like Muzan, by extending his weakness beyond his head.

As Tanjiro finally loses consciousness from exhaustion, Giyu, witnessing his vulnerability, picks up his broken sword and attacks the headless demon with Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide. However, Akaza's body instantly heals the slashes. Without his Demon Slayer Mark, Giyu is quickly overwhelmed by Akaza's relentless attacks and is brought down. The demon turns to an unconscious Tanjiro with murderous intent, but Giyu defiantly yells that he is still alive, challenging Akaza to defeat him first. Suddenly, a voice echoes in Akaza's mind, asserting that indomitable wills never break in hardship, and that while "they" are not samurai with swords, they wield swords in their hearts and use their fists. Akaza dismisses the voice as an annoyance, attempting to confront Giyu, but is held back by the apparition of a young woman—his human fiancée, Koyuki—who tearfully whispers, "Hakuji, that's enough." This emotional intervention, combined with the lingering echoes of his human past, creates a profound internal conflict within Akaza, showcasing the enduring power of human connection and the complex tragedy of his demonic existence in the thrilling Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.