Demon Slayer Chapter 164

Demon Slayer Chapter 164, titled "Just Overdid It A Little," explores the aftermath of Tanjiro and Giyu's brutal battle with Akaza, the tactical struggles of Mitsuri and Obanai against Nakime, and the ominous first encounter between Muichiro Tokito and the formidable Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. Tanjiro awakens from unconsciousness, disturbed by the scent of something burning. He finds Giyu, his injuries patched, cauterizing a wound on his arm with his katana, a gruesome sight that unsettles Tanjiro. Giyu offers to do the same for Tanjiro's persistent bleeding arm, but Tanjiro politely declines. Giyu then remarks that their battle was merely the beginning, with Muzan as the ultimate target, and they may soon face Upper Rank Two or One. Their conversation is interrupted by a Kasugai crow announcing that Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke have jointly defeated Upper Rank Two, surprising both Hashiras. Tanjiro inquires about Kanao and Inosuke's well-being, and the crow assures him they are mostly fine, filling Tanjiro with amazement at their victory and the growing proximity to Muzan in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Elsewhere in the Infinity Castle, Mitsuri Kanroji locates Nakime, the Biwa Demon, and identifies her as Upper Rank Four. Obanai Iguro is surprised by this, correctly deducing that she is a replacement given the prior defeat of another Upper Rank Four. Inspired by Shinobu's bravery and sacrifice, Mitsuri vows to give her all, but is suddenly thrown aside by a slamming door conjured by Nakime. Obanai swiftly catches the embarrassed Love Hashira. He explains that, lacking knowledge of Nakime's Blood Demon Art, they must analyze her first. The two almost fall again as Nakime summons a door beneath them, but they catch a door frame. Mitsuri is then cut off by a series of rapidly opening doors, while Obanai faces multiple columns attempting to crush him. Mitsuri is nearly crushed by a column but slices it apart just in time. Confident in recognizing Nakime's patterns, Mitsuri attempts to attack again, but the Biwa Demon summons a new door, sending Mitsuri falling once more, much to her disappointment. Obanai closes in on Nakime, unleashing Serpent Breathing, Second Form: Venom Fangs of the Narrow Head, but Nakime reacts by pushing herself away atop another column. He notes that her Blood Demon Art, while not deadly, is irritating and promises a long, troublesome fight. Mitsuri narrowly saves herself by grabbing onto a wooden ledge, poised for another attempt.

Meanwhile, Gyomei Himejima and Muichiro Tokito traverse the complex architecture of the Infinity Castle, searching for Muzan. Just as Gyomei warns him to remain vigilant, Muichiro is abruptly separated by a sliding column. The Mist Hashira, urging Gyomei not to heed him, is sent crashing through a wooden wall into a vast hall of pillars and walls. Inside, Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, calmly observes his new visitor, remarking on Muichiro's familiar appearance. Muichiro, barely comprehending the immense power before him, realizes with a chilling certainty that he is now facing the most formidable of Muzan's demons, Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, setting the stage for a truly terrifying and potentially devastating confrontation in the climactic Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.