Demon Slayer Chapter 157

Demon Slayer Chapter 157, titled "Returning Spirit," delivers a poignant end to Akaza's tragic journey, showcases Kokushibo's disdain for his fallen comrade, and ignites the fierce battle between Kanao Tsuyuri and the callous Doma. As Hakuji, Akaza's human self, calls out to his father, Keizo, and Koyuki, proclaiming he is finally home, his spirit, joined by Koyuki, is engulfed in the metaphorical fires of hell, marking his ultimate redemption. Tanjiro Kamado, witnessing Akaza's final disintegration, declares the arduous battle over. However, realizing he must reach Tamayo to deliver crucial information, his body, pushed beyond its limits, collapses into unconsciousness. Giyu Tomioka, surprised by Tanjiro's sudden collapse, also succumbs to exhaustion, his body resting against his sword. A Kasugai Crow swiftly reports the aftermath: Tanjiro and Giyu have defeated Upper Rank Three but are now incapacitated, highlighting the immense physical and emotional toll of their victory in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Simultaneously, Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, senses Akaza's demise and grimly acknowledges his defeat. Recalling his earlier vow to kill Akaza, Kokushibo furiously slashes the pillars of his room, cursing his former comrade as "exceedingly weak" for abandoning the path to further strength. Elsewhere, Doma, Upper Rank Two, also senses Akaza's death, casually remarking that Akaza seemed different lately. He then addresses Kanao, asking her name. Kanao introduces herself as Kanao Tsuyuri, the younger sister of Kanae and Shinobu Kocho. Doma, initially confused by her lack of apparent blood relation, dismisses it, commenting that young girls are always delicious. He then reminisces about his subordinate's conscious refusal to eat women, attributing Akaza's demise to this unusual decision, though he admits women have more nutritional value. As Doma feigns mourning for his "best friend," Kanao vehemently refutes his lies, observing that his facial expression remains unchanged, indicating his complete lack of genuine sadness. Kanao retorts that both demons and humans can display emotion through facial changes, exposing Doma's deceptive facade. This bold confrontation sets the stage for a tense showdown between the two combatants.

Kanao then reveals that her sister Kanae felt pity for Doma due to his apathy, asserting that all beings are born with the capacity for happiness, sadness, and anger. Doma, unable to comprehend these emotions, is intellectually dissected by Kanao, who tears into his facade of feigned emotions, exposing him as an empty shell whose pretense is comical and stupid. She mockingly questions his very existence: "Why were you even born?" Doma, visibly shaken by Kanao's cruel yet truthful words, remarks that despite interacting with numerous young women throughout his life, he has never encountered a "bully" like her. Kanao retaliates with her outright hatred and desire to decapitate him, bluntly stating her disgust and believing it pointless for him to continue living. Doma instantly appears behind her, attempting a swift neck slice, but Kanao reacts in time, crouching and slashing through his abdomen. When he retaliates with ice lotuses, she deftly dodges to safety. As Doma regenerates, he notes Kanao's accelerated reaction speed and her adaptation to his movements, marveling that she has avoided inhaling his ice despite lacking a specific breathing technique. Doma, now realizing Kanao's exceptional skill, conjectures that she might even be stronger than Shinobu, setting the stage for a fierce battle against one of the most powerful Upper Rank demons in the climactic Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.