Demon Slayer season 4’s final episode was nothing short of spectacular, reminding viewers why they fell in love with the series in the first place. However, the lead-up to this finale has been plagued by filler content that often feels drawn out and repetitive. Filler episodes can enhance a series by slowing down the pace and offering deeper character moments, but in this season, they felt excessive and lacked substance, diminishing the momentum of the overarching storyline. This imbalance left fans craving more meaningful developments throughout the season.
Demon slayer anime season 4 episode 8 is all about the “The Hashira Unite”. I’ve had my gripes with this season of Demon Slayer, especially during the slower-paced Hashira Training arc, which just didn’t capture my interest. But the final episode more than made up for it. It was packed with everything I love about this series – the action, the emotion, and the stunning animation.
Table of Contents
Ubuyashiki Faces Muzan
The voice acting truly shone in this episode, especially during Ubuyashiki’s conversation with Muzan. Despite being nearly a third of the episode, it never felt slow or dragging. The calm, eerie tone of their exchange was captivating, setting the stage for the intense action that followed. The soft art style of the mansion, combined with the haunting music and dialogue, created a perfect contrast to the explosive plan to bait Muzan. The lack of overt murderous intent made the tension all the more gripping.
What made this sequence even more impactful was how it lulled us into a false sense of calm. Muzan, like the audience, seemed thrown off by the lack of aggression or murderous intent, which only made the explosive reveal of Ubuyashiki’s trap all the more shocking. The scene played out like a well-timed symphony, building subtle tension and rewarding viewers with a satisfying climax, both in terms of plot and emotional intensity.
Into the Castle
The voice acting in this episode truly stood out, particularly when it came to the Hashira’s emotional response. Each actor managed to convey their character’s profound devotion and unwavering loyalty to Ubuyashiki with remarkable depth, adding emotional weight to their frantic race to save him. It felt like you could hear the heartbreak and desperation in their voices, which elevated the scene far beyond just action—it became a testament to their bond with their leader.
In perfect harmony with the voice work, the music was masterfully composed to heighten the tension as Ubuyashiki’s carefully laid plan began to unfold. The score built gradually, creating a sense of foreboding before rising to a dramatic peak in sync with the explosion. The strings in particular delivered a powerful, almost cinematic swell that mirrored the growing intensity of the moment, making the shock of the explosion even more impactful. It all worked together beautifully, turning the scene into a symphony of voice, music, and emotion.
The visually captivating moment when the Corps members were sent into Muzan’s castle showcased fluid animation and highlighted each character’s unique reaction to the sudden danger. Inosuke’s humor and Zenitsu’s unexpected calmness stood out. The decision to split the characters into different locations, a common shonen tactic, worked well by offering varied battles without a Hashira dominating the scenes. However, despite the finale’s beauty and strong execution, the overall season was disappointing. The Hashira training arc, brief in the manga, didn’t translate well into the anime, leaving much of the earlier episodes feeling lackluster.
Kagaya and Muzan meet
After a long wait, Muzan Kibutsuji finally faces his ultimate rival, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. These two are complete opposites: Muzan is a picture of health, with only sunlight posing a threat, while Kagaya is frail and sickly. Muzan is ruthless and self-centered, using demons for his own purposes, whereas Kagaya views the Demon Slayers as his “children,” treating them with care and compassion. Unlike Muzan, who sees himself as flawless, Kagaya recognizes his own fragility and weaknesses.
Muzan expresses his contempt for Kagaya, calling him “loathsome” and “indescribably ugly,” taunting him about his decaying appearance. In Kagaya, Muzan sees what he fears most: vulnerability. Kagaya shares that a doctor has given him only days to live, yet he remains determined to defeat Muzan, driven by his sense of duty. He explains that his family has been cursed due to a demon in their bloodline, and a priest foretold that they must devote their lives to eliminating that demon.
However, Muzan dismisses Kagaya’s suffering as trivial, arrogantly proclaiming that he has killed “hundreds of thousands” without facing any consequences. This interaction highlights their contrasting motivations: Kagaya fights for redemption and the safety of others, while Muzan’s selfishness and lack of empathy drive his destructive path. This tension sets the stage for an intense showdown, raising the stakes for both characters and the world they inhabit.
Eternity is, the human will
At last, Muzan Kibutsuji confronts his greatest adversary, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. They serve as stark contrasts: Muzan is robust and nearly invincible, with sunlight as his only vulnerability, while Kagaya is frail and gravely ill. Muzan embodies ruthlessness, exploiting demons for his gain, whereas Kagaya regards the Demon Slayers as his “children,” protecting them fiercely.
Muzan’s disdain for Kagaya is palpable as he mocks him, labeling him “loathsome” and “indescribably ugly.” This contempt stems from Muzan’s fear of vulnerability, which he sees reflected in Kagaya. Despite his grim prognosis of only days to live, Kagaya remains resolute, driven by a deep-seated obligation to eradicate Muzan and break his family’s curse.
Kagaya reveals that the curse stems from a demon in their lineage, forcing his family to dedicate their lives to hunting it down. In stark contrast, Muzan arrogantly dismisses Kagaya’s suffering, boasting of the countless lives he’s taken without consequence. This encounter not only heightens the tension but also underscores the philosophical divide between them—one seeks redemption, while the other revels in chaos, setting the stage for an epic confrontation that could determine the fate of humanity.
The Infinity Castle Arc begins
Tamayo reveals to Muzan that the drug he absorbed is designed to revert demons back into humans. Muzan dismisses her claim and viciously seizes her by the forehead. Accepting her fate as atonement for the countless lives she’s taken, Tamayo calls out to Gyomei. The Stone Hashira strikes, beheading Muzan with his colossal flail, but it’s far from a killing blow. Muzan quickly regenerates and retaliates using his Blood Demon Art: Black Blood Brambles, only for Gyomei to block the attack with Stone Breathing: Third Form: Stone Skin.
Soon after, the other Hashira and Tanjiro arrive on the scene. Gyomei alerts them to Muzan’s presence, and for the first time, they face the Demon King in combat, unleashing their unique breathing techniques. Muzan then opens the gates to the Infinity Castle, drawing not only the Hashira and Tanjiro but all of the Demon Slayers into his lair. He dares Tanjiro to defeat him, to which Tanjiro fiercely vows that he will.
FAQs
Q1: Who dies in the finale?
ANS: In the latest episode, Muzan Kibutsuji dramatically approaches Ubuyashiki’s home, with stunning animation showcasing his presence. Despite the tension, Ubuyashiki and his family make no move to stop or escape Muzan, knowing it would be futile. Through intriguing exposition, we learn that Ubuyashiki’s family is cursed with frailty as karmic retribution for their ancestral connection to Muzan. Ubuyashiki, nearing death, has been holding on in hopes of breaking this cycle.
Q2:How does Demon Slayer season 4 setup the infinity castle movie strategy?
ANDS: Kibutsuji uses his demon powers to pull everyone into the mind-bending Infinity Castle, where the final battle begins. Instead of a TV season, this arc will be split into three movies, promising intense action and shocking twists. While season 4 was slow-paced and lighter, what comes next will be fast, devastating, and filled with heartbreaking losses.
Final Thoughts
The eighth episode, titled “The Hashira Unite,” showcased the series’ trademark blend of action and emotional resonance, making up for the slower Hashira Training arc that failed to capture my interest. The standout voice acting added layers of depth, particularly during pivotal moments between Ubuyashiki and Muzan, setting the stage for what lies ahead.
The confrontation between Ubuyashiki and Muzan starkly illustrated their contrasting motivations—Kagaya’s compassion against Muzan’s ruthless self-interest—heightening the stakes for the ensuing battle. As we transition into the Infinity Castle arc, the series hints at an intense and fast-paced narrative that will likely leave fans on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, while Season 4 stumbled with pacing issues and filler, its finale reminded us why we fell in love with Demon Slayer. The upcoming movies promise a thrilling continuation of the story, with high stakes and emotional depth that fans have come to cherish.
To watch this epiosode follow the link given.
https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GX9UQE82J/the-hashira-unite
