A Tsuguko (
Overview[]
The Tsuguko position acts as a wild card for the Hashira position in the Demon Slayer Corps, which can only be obtained by a select few who have impressed the current Hashira. Becoming a Tsuguko to a Hashira can be achieved through two methods:
- Application: By applying for the position and being accepted. An example of a Demon Slayer using this method is Genya Shinazugawa, who ardently desired to become a Hashira. Despite lacking the ability to use a Breathing Style, Genya persistently sought to be Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima's Tsuguko, who is the strongest Hashira of the current generation. While Gyomei didn't make him his Tsuguko, he still provided training and guidance to Genya.[2]
- Scouting: By being scouted by a current Hashira. An example of this method being used is when the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku personally extended an invitation to Tanjiro Kamado to become his Tsuguko, recognizing his potential and skills.[3]
The ability to use one of the Breathing Styles is considered a prerequisite to becoming a Tsuguko. While it is common for a Tsuguko to utilize the same Breathing Style as their mentor, it is not a strict requirement.[4][5] For example, Kanao Tsuyuri is Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho’s Tsuguko and uses Flower Breathing, a Breathing Style which Insect Breathing is branched off from.
The primary role of a Tsuguko is to step into the shoes of the Hashira they serve under, should the Hashira no longer be able to fulfill their duties. This can occur when a Hashira retires or passes away. In the event that the Tsuguko practices a different Breathing Style than their Hashira mentor, they may eventually assume the position of a Hashira within their respective Breathing Style. This ensures the continuity and strength of the Demon Slayer Corps, as the next generation of skilled warriors is prepared to uphold the responsibility.
In the current generation, the Hashira's Tsugukos are few and far between. As Murata points out, the reason for this is because potential proteges get frightened or demoralized by the immense strength the Hashira display, and are driven away by the intense and grueling training. The latter of which is stated to be the reason why Kyojuro Rengoku's potential Tsugukos tend to quit.
Known Tsuguko[]
| Insect Pillar | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanao Tsuyuri (Tsuguko) |
Shinobu Kocho (Hashira) | ||||||
| Flame Pillar | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsuri Kanroji (Former Tsuguko) |
Kyojuro Rengoku (Hashira) | ||||||
References[]
- ↑ Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga and Anime: Chapter 48 (Page 9) and Episode 24.
- ↑ Kimetsu no Yaiba First Fanbook.
- ↑ Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 54.
- ↑ Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Chapter 130 (Page 2).
- ↑ Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga: Volume 11, (Extra Pages).