Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc – 03 – What Goes Around Comes Around

Kotetsu believes that Tanjirou is entitled to the mysterious 300-year-old sword that emerges from the defeated mechanical doll. After all, he was the Demon Slayer who defeated the doll, and just so happens to be in need of a sword. Who should emerge from the bush but the surprisingly ticklish Haganezuka Hotaru, who vows to repair the rusty blade, and gives Tanjirou a replacement Nichirin sword to use in the meantime.

Tanjirou, the Best Boy who only wants to be friends with everyone, tries in vain to be friendly with Shinazugawa Genya, who has no interest in interacting socially with Tanjirou in the slightest. He still holds a grudge from when Tanjirou broke his arm, but Tanjirou quite rightfully tells Genya that was his own fault for hitting a girl!

That night, a swordsmith is attacked and consumed by Upper Five Gyokko, who is hiding in an ornate vase. Tanjirou is braiding Nezuko’s hair like Mitsuri’s, which is one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen him do, and ends up dozing off when he’s awakened by Tokitou Muichirou, who is looking for his swordsmith Kanamori.

Just then, Upper Four Hantengu enters the room, and both Tanjirou and Tokitou can sense he is bad news, only a hair too late. Tokitou’s first strike misses, as Hantengu is extremely spry. Tanjirou uses Hinokami Kagura and Nezuko delivers a swift kick to the demon, enabling Tokitou to behead him, but that only causes him to split into two separate, younger demons.

Hantengu’s attack blasts Tokitou several hundred yards away, and it’s only thanks to Nezuko that Tanjirou remains in the vicinity to fight on. When Genya uses his Nichirin gun to behead both demons, Hantengu then splits into four demons, each with their own name and abilities. One of them is a harpy-like demon that separates Tanjirou from Nezuko.

Meanwhile, Tokitou hurries back to the site of the battle, and spots Kotetsu being attacked (and losing to) a lesser demon. At first, Tokitou continues on, deeming Kotetsu a low priority for rescue. But then Tanjirou’s words to Tokitou about how helping others eventually comes around for the better, and he decides to stop and save Kotetsu. Hopefully the detour won’t take too long, as Tanjirou, Nezuko, and Genya are overmatched against the crafty, adaptable Hangetsu.