Demon Slayer Chapter 3

Demon Slayer chapter 3 "I Must Return Before Dawn" delves deep into Tanjiro's moral struggles and the beginning of his training, while establishing the basic worldview of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer manga. Sakonji Urokodaki receives a letter from Giyu Tomioka detailing Tanjiro's ordeal and Nezuko's special circumstances. Giyu emphasizes in his letter that although Nezuko has become a demon, she seems unwilling to harm humans, and that Tanjiro possesses a keen sense of smell similar to Urokodaki's. This special perceptual ability could make Tanjiro an excellent Demon Slayer, with potential to become Urokodaki's successor.

Urokodaki presents Tanjiro with strict conditions: if Nezuko harms any human, Tanjiro must kill her with his own hands and then commit suicide. This cruel requirement reflects the Demon Slayer Corps' zero-tolerance attitude toward traveling with demons and tests Tanjiro's determination and sense of responsibility. Tanjiro agrees to these conditions without hesitation, demonstrating his firm commitment to protecting human life, even if it means he might have to end his beloved sister's life with his own hands.

Urokodaki immediately begins testing Tanjiro's physical condition, requiring him to keep up with his speed through mountain forests. During their run, Tanjiro recalls Nezuko's various admirable qualities—how she always refused to buy new clothes for herself in order to purchase more food for their siblings, her patience and selflessness deeply touching Tanjiro's heart. These memories strengthen his determination to save his sister and give Demon Slayer manga readers deeper insight into the profound bond between the siblings.

The chapter's climax occurs during Tanjiro's moral conflict when facing the demon's severed head. He knows he must kill the demon, but his inner compassion makes him hesitate. He considers repeatedly striking the demon's head with a stone until it dies, but the imagined suffering makes him search for a more merciful killing method. Urokodaki detects the scent of compassion, hesitation, and kindness emanating from Tanjiro, mentally questioning Giyu's judgment and believing such a kind person unsuitable for becoming a Demon Slayer. However, when the first rays of sunlight appear, the demon's head instantly turns to ash, helping Tanjiro understand why Nezuko fears sunlight. This Demon Slayer chapter moment not only resolves his moral dilemma but also provides important foundational knowledge for his future battles.