Demon Slayer Chapter 18

Demon Slayer chapter 18 "The Curse" reveals the horrifying extent of Muzan's control over his demon subordinates while showcasing the deadly consequences of defying his authority. The chapter begins with Yahaba's final desperate attempt at revenge as he creates numerous arrows inside Tanjiro's body, intending to kill the Demon Slayer even in death. This posthumous attack forces Tanjiro to use continuous Water Breathing techniques in rapid succession - Water Wheel, Drop Ripple Thrust, Water Surface Slash, Waterfall Basin, and Striking Tide - marking the first time he has employed so many forms consecutively in the Demon Slayer manga.

The parallel battle between Nezuko and Susamaru escalates into an intense temari-kicking contest that demonstrates Nezuko's growing strength without consuming human flesh. Their back-and-forth exchange of increasingly powerful kicks showcases Nezuko's unique nature as a demon who gains strength through means other than human consumption. When Nezuko absorbs the momentum and kicks the temari back with such force that even Susamaru must dodge, it proves her exceptional capabilities as a demon who defies normal expectations in the Demon Slayer series.

The climax of this Demon Slayer chapter arrives when Tamayo and Yushiro decide to intervene directly in the battle with Susamaru. Recognizing the immediate threat to Tanjiro and Nezuko, Tamayo reveals that speaking Muzan's name without permission triggers a powerful curse that leads to a horrific death for lower-ranked demons. Yushiro uses his Blood Demon Art to trick Susamaru into saying Muzan's name, activating the curse and causing Susamaru's body to contort and explode in a grotesque display of Muzan's absolute power. This shocking event underscores the terrifying control Muzan wields over his subordinates and the brutal consequences of disobedience, profoundly impacting Tanjiro and reinforcing his resolve to defeat the progenitor of all demons in the Demon Slayer manga.