Could Akaza Become a Hashira in Demon Slayer? Exploring Strength, Honor, and the Nichirin Blade Rule
In the vast universe of Koyoharu Gotouge’s “Demon Slayer”, few characters spark as much debate as Akaza, the formidable Upper Moon Three. While he possesses immense strength, his character arc raises intriguing questions about what it truly means to be a Hashira. Many fans have wondered: Could Akaza ever join the Demon Slayer Corps? Despite his sheer power, Akaza ultimately lacks key qualifications, making it impossible for him to earn the esteemed title of Hashira.
This article delves into the characteristics of a Hashira, why Akaza wouldn’t qualify, and the fan theories surrounding his hypothetical inclusion in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Who Is Akaza? Understanding His Role in Demon Slayer
Akaza is one of the most complex antagonists in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. He first appears in the Mugen Train Arc, where his epic battle against Kyōjurō Rengoku cements his place as one of the most powerful demons in the series. However, his tragic backstory, deep-seated beliefs about strength, and unique combat style set him apart from both heroes and villains.
His martial arts-based fighting style, Destructive Death, is incredibly effective, making him a feared warrior. But would his strength alone be enough to qualify as a Hashira?
What Defines a Hashira? The Strict Requirements of the Demon Slayer Corps
The Hashira are the elite warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps, each specializing in a Breathing Style and wielding a Nichirin Blade—a weapon essential for slaying demons. To become a Hashira, a warrior must:
✅ Master a Breathing Style
✅ Slay at least 50 demons or defeat a Lower Moon demon
✅ Wield a Nichirin Blade made from Scarlet Ore
✅ Demonstrate unwavering loyalty to humanity
Akaza’s biggest disqualification is his lack of a Nichirin Blade. Instead of wielding a sword, he relies on hand-to-hand combat, making him ineligible under the Demon Slayer Corps’ strict criteria.
Why Akaza Could Never Become a Hashira
1. He Refuses to Use a Nichirin Blade
The Nichirin Blade is an essential weapon for all Hashira. It absorbs sunlight, the only natural weakness of demons. Akaza, however, fights exclusively with his fists, relying on his superhuman martial arts and regeneration. Without a Nichirin weapon, he simply cannot qualify as a Hashira.
2. His Perception of Strength Clashes with the Corps’ Values
Akaza believes that the weak deserve to perish, a philosophy that directly opposes the values of the Demon Slayer Corps. The Hashira fight to protect the weak, while Akaza despises them. His inability to work within a team or fight for the good of humanity further disqualifies him.
3. His Offer to Rengoku Proves His Misguided Beliefs
During his iconic battle with Rengoku, Akaza offers him the chance to become a demon so they could train together. This moment highlights Akaza’s twisted perspective on strength, showing that he values power over purpose. The Hashira fight for humanity’s survival, whereas Akaza’s goal is purely self-improvement through battle.
4. Akaza Is Already a Demon—An Enemy of the Corps
Becoming a Hashira requires total dedication to the Demon Slayer Corps. Akaza, as an Upper Moon, has slaughtered countless demon slayers. Even if he miraculously turned human again, his past crimes would make acceptance nearly impossible.
Could Akaza Adapt? Fan Theories About His Potential as a Hashira
Despite his disqualifications, fans have speculated on ways Akaza could theoretically fit into the Corps. Some interesting theories include:
🔹 Nichirin Knuckles – Some suggest that if Akaza wielded Nichirin-infused gauntlets, he could retain his martial arts style while still qualifying.
🔹 A Unique Breathing Style – If Akaza developed a custom Breathing Style that aligned with the Corps’ values, perhaps he could have become an elite slayer instead of a demon.
🔹 Redemption Arc – If Akaza had been saved like Nezuko, some fans believe he could have undergone training to earn redemption and eventually join the Corps.
While these are exciting possibilities, they remain purely hypothetical, as Akaza’s demon nature and core beliefs prevent him from ever becoming a Hashira.
What If Akaza Joined the Demon Slayer Corps?
If Akaza had never become a demon, his strength and fighting instincts could have made him a top-tier warrior. He would have needed to:
✔ Master a Breathing Style
✔ Accept teamwork and camaraderie
✔ Wield a Nichirin Blade or alternate weapon
✔ Fight for the weak rather than despise them
Had Akaza chosen the path of a slayer, he could have been a force of good, potentially even surpassing the strongest Hashira. However, his choices led him down a different road, making it impossible for him to fit within the Corps.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Akaza in Demon Slayer
Akaza is one of the most compelling villains in Demon Slayer, not just because of his strength, but because of his tragic past and complex philosophy. His story challenges the idea of what it means to be strong, making him one of the most intriguing characters in the series.
Despite his unmatched combat abilities, Akaza could never become a Hashira due to his:
❌ Lack of a Nichirin Blade
❌ Philosophy that opposes the Corps’ values
❌ Demon nature and past crimes
However, his hypothetical redemption arc remains a fascinating topic for fans. Could Akaza have been one of the strongest Demon Slayers if he had chosen a different path? It’s a question that continues to spark heated debates among the fandom.
Where to Watch Demon Slayer
You can experience Akaza’s legendary battles and the epic storytelling of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by streaming the series on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and other major anime platforms.
💬 What do you think? Could Akaza have ever become a Hashira? Or was he destined to walk the path of a demon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!