Demon Slayer Chapter 155

Demon Slayer Chapter 155, titled "Useless Komainu," delves deeper into Akaza's tragic human past as Hakuji, revealing the profound connections he forged and the devastating losses that ultimately transformed him into a demon. The chapter opens with Hakuji pondering why the ill constantly apologize for conditions beyond their control, yearning for independence yet blaming themselves despite their suffering. While nursing Koyuki, who apologizes for his inability to train or have fun due to her worsening condition, Hakuji, accustomed to caring for his father and possessing superior endurance, is unfazed. He reassures Koyuki that he trains regardless and doesn't mind staying in. She insists he go out, mentioning fireworks, but he playfully suggests carrying her to see them. When she expresses confusion, he explains that fireworks occur yearly, and she can see them next year. Koyuki cries, an action Hakuji dislikes, mistakenly attributing her sadness to her illness rather than his unwitting promise of a future she couldn't imagine, highlighting his compassionate yet naive human nature in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Later, while drinking with Keizo, Hakuji learns that the kanji for "Haku" in Hakuji is the same as "Koma" in Komainu, symbolizing their shared role as protectors, a fact that amuses Keizo. Hakuji recounts how Keizo, though not a samurai, acquired his dojo by saving its owner from bandits, who, impressed by his skill and lacking an heir, gifted him the land. However, rival dojos, displeased by Keizo's ownership, harassed his dojo, making it difficult for him to attract students. Despite these challenges, Keizo's heart was healed by lessons with Hakuji and helping Koyuki. Years pass, and an eighteen-year-old Hakuji finds a sixteen-year-old Koyuki vibrant, cheerful, and eager to assist in the dojo, living a normal, happy life. One day, Keizo calls Hakuji, offering him succession to the dojo and revealing Koyuki's affection, leaving both teens speechless. Branded a criminal, Hakuji never imagined a future, let alone one with love. He realizes he can now fulfill his father's wish for a righteous life, envisioning a fresh start. Hakuji bows in gratitude, vowing to dedicate his life to Koyuki and Keizo, a promise that makes the subsequent tragedy even more unbearable as he bitterly recalls never living up to it. This poignant revelation underscores the profound impact of his human connections and the cruel twist of fate that awaited him.

Hakuji visits his father's grave to announce his impending marriage, but upon returning, he finds people gathered at the dojo, consumed by a terrible premonition. He learns that a rival dojo poisoned their well, killing Koyuki and Keizo, unable to defeat them in battle. Inside, Hakuji discovers their bloodied, disfigured bodies. He laments his inability to protect them again, despite his promise. A flashback shows Koyuki, while watching fireworks, reminding Hakuji of their earlier conversation, which he vaguely remembers. She tells him even that small interaction made her happy, as his promise of seeing fireworks "next year" gave her hope despite her mother's similar despair and her father's resignation. She then asks him to be her husband, holding his hand. Hakuji, holding hers, agrees, promising to become the strongest and protect her for life, a promise he tragically failed to keep. In a fit of uncontrollable grief and rage, Hakuji massacres the rival kenjutsu dojo, brutally killing all 67 members with his bare hands, leaving a horrific scene of mangled bodies and scattered organs. Thirty years later, magistrate records of the massacre are destroyed, deemed too unbelievable to be true. Bloodied and dazed, Hakuji wanders to a footbridge where Muzan Kibutsuji appears, having heard of the massacre. Disappointed it was a human, Muzan impales Hakuji's head, offering him demonhood and his blood to withstand it. Broken by his loss, Hakuji accepts, declaring he no longer cares. As Akaza, he loses his human memories but is still driven by a desire for strength, even with nothing left to protect. He despises living in a world without his loved ones, condemning his entire life as "a horribly sad, laughable, and ridiculous story," a tragic end to his humanity and the birth of a powerful demon in the thrilling Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.