Why Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc is the Best Anime Episode of this Year

Demon Slayer has upped the ante of the sort of quality one can expect from a serialized anime. It’s a mystery how Ufotable can put out movie-level animation on an episode-by-episode basis without missing deadlines, all the while keeping up the yearly seasonal updates.

The level of mastery with animation and anticipation that was presented in the final episode of the Hashira Training Arc is remarkable. From Muzan’s dramatic walk towards Ubayashiki to his battle cry in the final scene of the episode, all of it was a masterclass of animation.

If was very interesting to witness the conversation at the start of the episode, where the difference in ideals between Muzan and Ubayashiki was at full display: A destitute leader in the face of an overwhelming leader, though both once hail from the same bloodline, only to be separated by their ideals: Muzan on pure domination, and Ubuyashiki on eternity.

The Ubayashiki residents using themselves as bait for Muzan to be trapped was the last thing I expected. I mean, the whole damn place exploded! Even the cautious Muzan took note of how these people did not have any resistance to him entering that place, but his emotions got the better of him as it was later revealed that he was related to them after all.

Tamayo who was found by Ubayashiki was finally given an honorable death after her long existence as a demon. She was no less than a martyr here. Seeing Muzan lose his cool as he was barraged with more explosions and traps as the Hashiras rushed toward him had my eyes glued to the screen. We could also finally see a glimpse of Himejima's skills in action after his tragic backstory was explored a couple of episodes prior, knowing he is the most powerful Hashira. Seeing everyone come together at such a climactic scene was a delight, but no one was happy to be there. Things really got spiced up when the battlefield changed to the Infinity Castle. This short arc could not have been concluded better, and it serves as an excellent prologue to what is described as the greatest arc in Demon Slayer by manga readers!

I was one of the few people who did not know this episode would not resolve the battle against Muzan that has been teased throughout the whole show especially so in this season. Before starting, I had noticed the runtime was longer than the usual episode at 60 minutes. As a naïve anime-only fan who tries to avoid anime discussions to keep away the spoilers, I expected all the training during this arc to pay off with one final showdown, but boy how wrong I was. However, the immediate announcement of three whole movies covering the teased battle was indeed a sigh of relief. I can’t say I did not hold my breath after Muzan told his henchman to transport all the Hashiras, Tanjiro, and his friends to the Infinity Castle.

It's safe to say, Demon Slayer is about to win episode of the year and possibly anime of the year once again thanks to this incredible season. Even manga fans enjoyed this arc despite it being very short in the books. Ufotable has done an excellent job yet again, and I’m sure I’m no different from the fans when I say I can’t wait to see what Ufotable has in store for us in the upcoming movies.