Demon Slayer Chapter 23

Demon Slayer chapter 23 "The Boar Bares Its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps" delivers one of the most shocking character revelations in the early Demon Slayer manga while showcasing the hidden depths beneath Zenitsu's cowardly exterior. The chapter opens with Zenitsu's typical panic response as he encounters a demon, desperately trying to flee with Shoichi while begging the creature to stay away. His pathetic attempts to convince the demon that neither he nor the boy would taste good emphasize his apparent helplessness and reinforce the comedic contrast between his fearful personality and his role as a demon slayer.

The situation becomes dire when Zenitsu and Shoichi find themselves trapped in a dead-end room with the demon blocking their only exit. The creature's threatening behavior, particularly its disturbing promise to devour Shoichi's brain through his ear, pushes the terror to its peak while highlighting the grotesque nature of demon predation. Zenitsu's continued begging for Shoichi to escape, despite the impossibility of the situation, shows both his genuine concern for the child and his complete inability to function as a protector while conscious.

The chapter's most stunning moment occurs when Zenitsu's terror apparently causes him to lose consciousness, only to reveal his true abilities in this unconscious state. The dramatic transformation from cowering victim to deadly warrior happens in an instant, as Zenitsu suddenly stands with perfect posture and employs Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash to decapitate the demon with incredible speed and precision. This revelation completely reframes Zenitsu's character, showing that his unconscious mind possesses the skills and courage his conscious mind lacks.

Following his swift victory, Zenitsu immediately reverts to his unconscious, snoring state, completely unaware of the heroic feat he just performed. Shoichi's amazement and confusion at witnessing this incredible display of power from the usually cowardly demon slayer adds a layer of humor to the intense situation. Meanwhile, Inosuke continues his chaotic assault on Tanjiro and the innocent child, forcing Tanjiro to prioritize protecting Teruko over engaging with the Drum Demon. This Demon Slayer chapter effectively highlights the contrasting personalities and combat styles of the three main protagonists, while setting the stage for their eventual cooperation against Kyogai in the Tsuzumi Mansion arc of the Demon Slayer series.