Demon Slayer Chapter 170

Demon Slayer Chapter 170, titled "The Immovable Hashira," intensifies the battle against Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, as Gyomei Himejima and Sanemi Shinazugawa face the devastating truth of the Demon Slayer Mark while demonstrating unwavering resolve. Kanao and Inosuke, having left Doma's chambers, are on the verge of reuniting with Zenitsu and Murata. Meanwhile, Muichiro Tokito finally pulls his katana free from the pillar, enduring immense pain. He acknowledges his severely wounded state, noting his lack of Tengen Uzui's physique, but resolves to defeat Upper Rank One to lessen the burden on others. As he prepares to re-enter the fray, Genya Shinazugawa, miraculously still alive, calls out to him, requesting Muichiro push his body towards his torso and give him Kokushibo's fallen lock of hair to consume. Muichiro agrees, determined to fight until the end to protect Sanemi in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

Kokushibo, noticing the Demon Slayer Mark on Gyomei, remarks on his unfortunate situation. When Gyomei questions him, Kokushibo reveals that anyone who awakens the mark will die before the age of 25. He coldly explains that the mark, while increasing power, merely reduces lifespan, and being 27, Gyomei is destined to die soon. Kokushibo asks if Gyomei laments the fading of his refined body and techniques, to which Gyomei defiantly replies he does not. He asserts that all marked individuals are aware of their fate, and that being a Demon Slayer already offers no guarantee of seeing another day. He scathingly questions if he should cling to life and considers such conviction unfit for a Hashira, before declaring Kokushibo's insult to his existence has ignited his rage. An unimpressed Kokushibo clarifies he wasn't speaking of Gyomei's life, but of preserving his body and techniques by becoming a demon, calling him foolish for not understanding. Gyomei retorts that there is nothing to understand, as Demon Slayers are proud to live and die as humans. He demands Kokushibo stop imposing his beliefs on others, then reveals he sensed a lie: someone must have lived past 25 with the mark. This causes Kokushibo to pause, shaken by Gyomei's taunt. Kokushibo angrily attempts to slash his neck, but Gyomei blocks with his chains, and their battle resumes.

Hiding behind a wall, Sanemi finishes stitching his wounds. He stands, breathing heavily, as the Demon Slayer Mark manifests on his face. Kokushibo and Gyomei exchange blows until Sanemi rejoins the battle, going on the offensive. Kokushibo notes that every Hashira of their generation seems to be marked. He observes Sanemi ducking as Gyomei's flail flies towards him, followed by Sanemi slashing at his feet, forcing the demon away. Kokushibo realizes that the two are coordinating their attacks despite their differing Breathing Styles and the battle's rapid tempo. Sanemi remarks he is glad to have undertaken Hashira Training with Gyomei, underscoring their synergy and the combined might they bring against the formidable Upper Rank One in the climactic Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.