Demon Slayer Chapter 78

Demon Slayer Chapter 78, titled "Wriggly," intensifies the brutal battle against Upper Rank Six Daki, pushing Tanjiro Kamado to his physical and emotional limits. Following his brief advantage in the previous chapter, Tanjiro finds his attack deflected by Daki, sending him crashing to the ground. The immense strain of using Hinokami Kagura, coupled with the wounds sustained, leaves him exhausted and struggling to rise. As Daki relentlessly closes in, Tanjiro desperately employs a recovery breathing technique, narrowly evading her deadly assault. Forced back on the offensive, he confronts Daki's impenetrable obi, which thwarts his attempts to decapitate her. This desperate struggle leaves Tanjiro with no alternative but to push his body temperature even higher, a dangerous gamble that highlights his unwavering determination to protect the innocent lives of the Entertainment District, a core theme throughout the Demon Slayer manga.

A poignant flashback interrupts the frantic battle, revealing Tanjiro's earlier interaction with Kiyo Terauchi at the Butterfly Mansion. Kiyo, deeply concerned by Tanjiro's persistent and alarmingly high fever of 100.4 degrees, insists on informing Shinobu Kocho. Tanjiro, however, reassures her that he is fine, admitting his rigorous training with Hinokami Kagura to enhance his abilities. He pleads with Kiyo to delay reporting to Shinobu, a request she reluctantly grants for a short period. This brief interlude underscores the physical toll the Hinokami Kagura takes on Tanjiro's body, revealing the immense sacrifice he makes to grow stronger. Back in the present, despite his body screaming in protest, Tanjiro's resolve hardens. He vows to prevent Daki from claiming any more lives, drawing strength from the painful memories of loss experienced by himself and his comrades, echoing the profound emotional depth often found in the Demon Slayer narrative.

Simultaneously, at the Ogimoto House, a frantic staff member alerts others to a "boar monster" (Inosuke) destroying the ceiling and floor, creating a chaotic diversion. Inosuke, in his characteristic maniacal glee, discovers a gaping hole leading to what he excitedly dubs a "Demon Nest." Embracing the challenge, he contorts his body, dislocating his joints to squeeze through the narrow opening, much to the horror of the observing staff. His unusual flexibility allows him to navigate the subterranean tunnel, eventually leading him to a vast cavern. There, he uncovers a horrific sight: numerous individuals, including an unconscious Zenitsu Agatsuma, trapped within Daki's sprawling obi. As Inosuke attempts to rouse Zenitsu, the sentient obi menacingly demands his purpose, concluding the chapter with Inosuke's visceral disgust at the worm-like demon, setting the stage for his direct confrontation with Daki's insidious powers in the ongoing Demon Slayer manga saga.