Demon Slayer Chapter 172

Demon Slayer Chapter 172, titled "A Weakling's Potential," intensifies the harrowing battle against Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, as Genya Shinazugawa embraces his unique strength, and the Demon Slayers face devastating attacks while fueled by resolve. As Genya ties Muichiro Tokito's sword to his remaining hand, Sanemi Shinazugawa narrowly avoids a fatal blow from Kokushibo, losing two fingers. He curses his slowed reactions, realizing increased injuries burden him and that his Marechi blood no longer affects Kokushibo. The demon's effortless wielding of his immense, transformed weapon at incredible speeds further frustrates Sanemi, leaving him questioning his ability to dodge or counter in the thrilling narrative of the Demon Slayer manga.

From behind a talisman-adorned Kasugai crow, Kuina Ubuyashiki watches the battle unfold, alarmed. She asks Kiriya Ubuyashiki if they should send Tanjiro and Giyu as reinforcements, but Kiriya staunchly refuses, insisting they continue towards Muzan. He reaffirms his unwavering faith in Gyomei, Sanemi, Muichiro, and Genya to defeat Upper Rank One. Kokushibo unleashes Moon Breathing, Seventh Form: Mirrors of Misfortune, Moonlit, powerful long-range slashes that Sanemi and Gyomei barely dodge, with Gyomei noting the attack's doubled range. Kokushibo follows with Eighth Form: Moon-Dragon Ringtail, a wide-arcing crescent blade attack that repeatedly cuts Sanemi. Sanemi curses his inability to get close to Kokushibo's head and can only defensively ward off the relentless, fast attacks. Kokushibo then uses Ninth Form: Waning Moonswaiths to separate the Hashiras, inflicting a deep cut on Sanemi's back. As Sanemi stumbles, Gyomei calls out, but Sanemi orders him to ignore him. Kokushibo then uses Tenth Form: Drilling Slashes, Moon Through Bamboo Leaves, launching sawblade-like projections that close in on Sanemi. Suddenly, Muichiro pushes Sanemi away, declaring he won't let him die and can still use both arms.

Watching from cover, Genya questions his usefulness against Kokushibo, fearing another devastating blow. Seeing Sanemi and Muichiro struggle, he vows not to let Sanemi die, nor to fail. Anguished by his perceived weakness and longing to be as strong as the Hashiras, his desire to save them makes him hesitant. Overwhelmed by his fears of failure, he recalls Tanjiro's encouraging words: that the weakest among them holds the most potential. Tanjiro recounted how his own weakness changed the tide of battle against Upper Rank Six, explaining that if an enemy views someone as weak, their guard is lowered, allowing for unexpected blows that pave the way to victory. Remembering Tanjiro's words, Genya steels his resolve to save the Hashiras and win. He reveals a broken shard of Kokushibo's katana blade. Vowing not to let Sanemi, the Oyakata, or any of his friends die, Genya swallows the katana blade, rejecting his initial plan to save it and choosing to act decisively now, demonstrating a powerful surge of determination in the climactic Infinity Castle Arc of the Demon Slayer manga.