The Hashira are incredibly important in the world of Demon Slayer, as they have the most power and are often the key to defeating some of the most powerful demons. In the war of humans against demons, with Muzan Kibutsuji as the main obstacle, each Hashira uses their unique Breathing Techniques, among other skills, to take down demons. There is a lot of honor and responsibility attached to this role, and it follows that attaining it is a complicated and demanding process requiring intense training and exceptional talent. Apart from working hard to become one, the Hashira also carry the responsibility of carrying out challenging missions, slaying the Twelve Kizuki, and managing the training of new Hashira.
While on these difficult missions, Hashira may face several challenges while protecting humanity from demons. These challenges can sometimes lead to a Hashira leaving their post empty for various reasons. Sometimes this happens because of physical injuries or even mental trauma. It can also be due to age or other individual reasons. Whichever way, losing a Hashira throws a heavy blow to the Demon Slayer Corps, as seen after the death of the fire Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. Here are some of the Hashira who had to quit their positions.
4 Sakonji Urokodaki
Fans know Sakonji Urokodaki as the highly respected figure in the Demon Slayer world who plays a vital role in the life of Tanjiro Kamado. Sakonji is renowned for his skills as a swordsman and has become sought-after in training new students. Sakonji's decision to retire as a Hashira and become a cultivator of the Water Breathing Technique demonstrates his commitment to passing on his knowledge and skills to future generations. His passion for teaching has undoubtedly influenced the future of the Demon Slayer Corps, inspiring countless Demon Slayers to continue fighting and training to become stronger.
As a trainer, Sakonji is known for his strict and pragmatic approach, pushing his students to reach their full potential and become the best Demon Slayers they can be. His dedication to the Water Breathing style and his legacy as a skilled swordsman have motivated many Demon Slayers to continue fighting against the threat of demons. Sakonji's rigorous training approach reflects his experience as a demon slayer, and he remains an impressive physical specimen even as an older man. Many students have experienced his training skills, and Tanjiro was one of them before his journey to defeat Muzan.
3 Jigoro Kuwajima
Zenitsu Agatsuma’s history flashbacks were insightful for fans of Demon Slayer, and they featured the former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro Kuwajima. Jigoro trained Zenitsu with the same compassion with which he taught his previous student, Kaigaku, though he was not as responsible with his knowledge. As the former Thunder Hashira, Jigoro was powerful and talented with a sword. He used the combat style of Thunder Breathing to take down many demons. But when he lost his leg in a battle, he left his position as a Hashira and settled as a trainer.
Having learned the Thunder Breathing technique independently, he passed down the knowledge to students like Zenitsu. He was committed to seeing his students progress as fighters and demon slayers. He trained them with a strict but considerate attitude. His former student, Kaigaku, switched sides and became a demon when he ran into a member of the Twelve Kizuki while on a mission. This betrayal left Jigoro saddened that he’d created a demon who knew the Thunder Breathing technique. Because of this, he committed ‘seppuku,’ an honorable death where one stabs oneself in a shallow manner to make their death long and painful.
2 Shinjuro Rengoku
The father of the fan-favorite Kyojuro Rengoku and the former Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku’s role as Hashira came with some emotional complexity. He feels inferior about his breathing technique, which comes from knowing that the Sun Breathing technique is superior to his mere Fire Breathing. Also, when his wife died, Shinjuro turned to alcohol to soothe his pain.
He did this while still filling the position of the Flame Hashira, and during a battle, he let his emotions get the best of him. Instead of immediately killing the demon, Hairo, he cut his body in several places but never actually cut off his head, the action necessary to kill a demon. But as a Hashira, Shinjuro performed some good acts, like saving a woman and her daughter from a demon, a moment mirrored by his son Kyojuro Rengoku.
1 Tengen Uzui
Tengen Uzui abandoned his role as the Sound Hashira during the Entertainment District arc after fighting the upper-rank demons Daki and Gyutaro. It all began when he set out to investigate the disappearance of his wives, enlisting the help of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, disguising the boys as girls to blend into the brothels of the district. When Zenitsu went missing, Tengen sensed danger and discovered the demons holding his wives captive.
Tengen defeated them with some help but lost his left hand and eye in the battle. Poison from Gyutaro also spread throughout his body, but Nezuko healed him. Unfortunately, his resulting disability led him to leave the Demon Slayer Corps. But before he left, he recognized Tanjiro’s strength as a demon slayer and suggested that he fill the gap left by his absence.