Demon Slayer Chapter 154

Demon Slayer Chapter 154, titled "Assaulted by Memories," plunges into the tragic human past of Akaza, then known as Hakuji, revealing the profound losses and the enduring kindness that shaped him, ultimately affecting his demonic resolve against Giyu Tomioka and the unconscious Tanjiro Kamado. As Giyu prepares for another confrontation with Akaza, he acutely senses the severity of his injuries: his left ear is deaf, his right hand numb, and his remaining strength is precarious. He acknowledges the miracle of anyone battling an Upper Rank with just a Breathing Style, but he is resolute in his mission to save Tanjiro and prevent another devastating loss, a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of the Demon Slayer Corps in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Akaza, still battling a headless body, is halted by the hallucination of his former fiancée, Koyuki, who tearfully urges him to stop. Akaza, confused, demands to know who she is. Koyuki pleads with him to leave, but the demon insists on killing Giyu and Tanjiro. When asked why, he replies, "Because... if I'm not strong, I can't bring it back. Medicine for my father." His life flashes before his eyes, revealing his human desire for strength to steal medicine for his ailing father, to fight back against those he stole from, and to endure brutal beatings from the magistrate. In a flashback, a young Hakuji is shown tied and bloody, branded with tattoos for his crimes. The magistrate warns him of losing a hand for his next offense, but Hakuji defiantly laughs, vowing to use his feet if he loses his hands, claiming he will never be caught again. The magistrate, calling him a "demon child" for his eleven-year-old repeat offenses and ability to withstand severe beatings, highlights Hakuji's innate resilience. After leaving, Hakuji dismisses the insult but is shattered by news that his father committed suicide upon learning of his son's capture.

At his father's headstone, Hakuji clutches a letter reading, "Dear Hakuji, live a righteous life. You can still change. I didn't want to live if it meant stealing from people. I am sorry for troubling you." Overwhelmed with grief and rage, Hakuji curses the world, questioning if the poor are even allowed to live. Hurt and enraged, he lashes out in a town, brutally beating several men while denouncing them for being alive when his father died. He screams that he was not a bother, prepared to endure any punishment for his father's sake, only for his father to choose death despite Hakuji's efforts to save him. As his victims lie unconscious, a martial artist approaches, applauding his skill. He reveals he was summoned to prevent a child's death but instead found seven grown men unconscious. The man, impressed by Hakuji's bare-handed fighting prowess, offers him a place at his dojo. Hakuji, consumed by anger and his criminal past, initially refuses and threatens to kill him. The man, undeterred, identifies Hakuji's Edo criminal tattoos and banishment but tells him it's time for him to be reborn, assuming a fighting stance. Hakuji lunges in a furious assault, but the man swiftly delivers numerous rapid punches, knocking him unconscious. When Hakuji awakens an hour later, the man is amazed by his toughness. He introduces himself as Keizo, a martial arts teacher of the Soryu Style, who makes a living through odd jobs due to a lack of students. As Hakuji follows, Keizo explains his new role: to care for Keizo's sick daughter, Koyuki, whose mother drowned herself due to the burden of caring for her. Keizo dismisses Hakuji's criminal past, stating that since Hakuji defeated him, he is now acceptable. It is then that Akaza realizes his inexplicable dislike for Tanjiro stems from Tanjiro's resemblance to Keizo, a figment of his forgotten humanity. Keizo introduces Hakuji to Koyuki, whose illness reminds Hakuji of his father. He asks about her well-being, but Hakuji refuses to give his name. Keizo leaves them, instructing Koyuki to get well before his return. Alone with Hakuji, Koyuki asks about his injuries, while Akaza reflects on his "worthless life of lies," signifying the powerful resurfacing of his human memories and the internal conflict threatening to unravel his demonic resolve in the thrilling Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.