Demon Slayer Chapter 165

Demon Slayer Chapter 165, titled "Stunned and Trembling," thrusts Muichiro Tokito into a terrifying encounter with Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, revealing their unexpected ancestral connection and showcasing the brutal power of Moon Breathing. Observing Muichiro through the Transparent World, Kokushibo recognizes a familiar essence within him. Muichiro, in turn, is struck by Upper One's profoundly majestic appearance, noting his warped katana and questioning if the demon was once a Demon Slayer and Breathing Style user. Muichiro begins to tremble uncontrollably, his body refusing to fight due to the demon's overwhelming aura. Kokushibo asks for his name, and upon hearing "Muichiro Tokito," reveals that his human name was Michikatsu Tsugikuni, making Muichiro his descendant. This shocking revelation, coupled with the realization that Kokushibo is a user of the original Breathing Style, momentarily stuns Muichiro. However, he quickly regains his composure, facing Upper One with renewed determination, earning Kokushibo's admiration for his mental fortitude in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Muichiro lunges at the demon, using Mist Breathing, Second Form: Eight-Layered Mist, but Kokushibo effortlessly appears behind him, commending his technique. Muichiro attacks again with Fifth Form: Sea of Clouds and Haze, but again, the demon easily evades. Kokushibo, noting Muichiro's refined technique and courage despite his youth, attributes it to his lineage, stating that his cells have proliferated within him despite the bloodline thinning over generations. Muichiro rejects the idea that his ancestry dictates his strength, and as a Demon Slayer Mark appears on his face, he utilizes Mist Breathing, Seventh Form: Obscuring Clouds, seemingly cloaking himself in mist. Kokushibo is impressed by this unique form and its unpredictable tempo. Muichiro aims for Kokushibo's neck, but the demon dodges once more, praising the difficulty in reading his movements.

Amazed that Muichiro likely created this new form, Kokushibo acknowledges that it would be rude not to unsheathe his own blade. Drawing his katana, he unleashes Moon Breathing, First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace, severing Muichiro's left hand. Muichiro is stunned by the demon's use of Moon Breathing and his unprecedented speed. Ripping off his left sleeve, Muichiro quickly ties the fabric around his arm to stem the bleeding, a testament to his fighting spirit. Kokushibo commends his resilience and immediate attempt at another attack. The Mist Hashira attempts Mist Breathing, Fourth Form: Shifting Flow Slash, but Kokushibo catches his katana mid-attack and pins Muichiro against a pillar with his own weapon. The demon then offers Muichiro a chance to become a demon and serve Muzan, presenting a chilling proposition that underscores the immense power disparity and the ruthless nature of the Upper Rank One in the climactic Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.