Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by a demon. Along his journey, he meets many other demon slayers, some of whom are part of the elite group known as the Hashira, or Pillars. One of these Hashira is Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, who is known for his fierce and ruthless personality. But what many fans may not know is that Sanemi has a younger brother, Genya Shinazugawa, who is also a demon slayer. How are these two brothers related, and what is their backstory? In this article, we will explore the relationship between Genya and Sanemi, and reveal the truth behind their tragic past.
Contents
The Shinazugawa Family
Genya and Sanemi were born into a poor and large family in a remote village. They had six younger siblings and a loving mother and father. However, their peaceful life was shattered when a demon attacked their home and killed everyone except for Genya and Sanemi, who managed to escape. Sanemi, who was only 14 years old at the time, blamed himself for not being able to protect his family, and vowed to become a demon slayer to avenge them. He also told Genya, who was only 10 years old, to stay away from him and live a normal life.
However, Genya did not listen to his brother’s words, and followed him secretly to the Final Selection, the test that determines who can become a demon slayer. Genya witnessed Sanemi’s incredible skills and determination, as well as his brutal encounter with Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, who tried to stop him from killing Nezuko Kamado, Tanjiro’s sister who became a demon. Genya was inspired by his brother’s strength and resolve, and decided to become a demon slayer as well.
The Demon Slayer Corps
Genya and Sanemi joined the Demon Slayer Corps, but they did not have a good relationship. Sanemi hated Genya for disobeying him and putting himself in danger, and often ignored or insulted him. He also did not want Genya to know that he was a Hashira, as he feared that it would make him more reckless and ambitious. Genya, on the other hand, admired Sanemi and wanted to prove himself to him, but he also resented him for treating him poorly and abandoning him.
Genya also had a unique ability that made him different from other demon slayers. He could eat parts of demons and gain some of their powers, such as enhanced strength, speed, and regeneration. However, this also came with a cost: he would lose his humanity and become more like a demon himself. He also had no breathing style or swordsmanship skills, which made him an outcast among his peers.
Genya’s only friend was Tanjiro Kamado, who treated him with kindness and respect. Tanjiro also helped Genya learn how to use his gun-like weapon, which he made from parts of demons he ate. Genya also developed a bond with Nezuko Kamado, who reminded him of his younger sister. He was one of the few people who trusted Nezuko and did not see her as a threat.
The Final Battle
Genya’s fate was sealed when he joined Tanjiro and other Hashira in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, the first and most powerful demon who created all other demons. They infiltrated Muzan’s fortress in the Infinity Castle, where they faced many powerful enemies. Genya teamed up with Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, to fight against Kokushibo, the Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki (the strongest demons under Muzan). Kokushibo was revealed to be none other than Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the legendary demon slayer who created the first breathing style.
Kokushibo was an extremely formidable opponent who could use Moon Breathing, a breathing style that allowed him to create crescent-shaped blades with his sword and eyes. He also had enhanced senses that could detect any movement or weakness in his enemies. He easily overpowered Muichiro and Genya, who tried their best to fight back.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Sanemi arrived to join the battle. He recognized Kokushibo as his ancestor, as he was also a descendant of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He also realized that Genya was there with him. Sanemi was shocked and angry to see his brother in such a dangerous situation. He tried to protect him from Kokushibo’s attacks, but he also scolded him for being foolish and reckless.
Genya, however, was not afraid of Kokushibo. He saw him as an opportunity to gain more power and impress his brother. He ate some of Kokushibo’s flesh and gained some of his abilities, such as Moon Breathing and enhanced senses. He also used his gun to shoot Kokushibo’s eyes, which were his weak points. He managed to injure Kokushibo and create an opening for Sanemi and Muichiro to strike.
However, this also came with a price. Genya’s body became more demonized, and he started to lose his mind. He became more aggressive and violent, and even attacked Sanemi when he tried to stop him. Sanemi was shocked and saddened to see his brother in such a state. He realized that he had been too harsh on him, and that he actually cared for him deeply. He apologized to Genya for being a bad brother, and told him that he loved him.
Genya was touched by Sanemi’s words, and regained his sanity. He also apologized to Sanemi for being a burden, and told him that he loved him too. They reconciled their differences, and decided to fight together as brothers. They joined forces with Muichiro and Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, who also arrived to help. They launched a final assault on Kokushibo, who was weakened by Genya’s attacks.
However, Kokushibo was not ready to give up. He unleashed his full power, and created a massive wave of blades that threatened to kill everyone. Genya sacrificed himself to shield Sanemi from the attack, and was fatally wounded. Sanemi was devastated by Genya’s death, and cried out his name. He held Genya’s body in his arms, and thanked him for being his brother.
The Aftermath
Genya’s death was not in vain. His sacrifice allowed Sanemi and the others to defeat Kokushibo, who was finally killed by Muichiro’s sword. Genya’s body was cremated along with the other fallen demon slayers, and his ashes were scattered in the wind. Sanemi survived the battle, but he lost his left arm and right eye. He also suffered from severe blood loss and injuries.
Sanemi later learned that Genya had left a letter for him before he died. In the letter, Genya expressed his gratitude and admiration for Sanemi, and asked him to live a happy life. He also told him that he was proud to be his brother, and that he would always watch over him from heaven.
Sanemi was moved by Genya’s letter, and felt a sense of peace and closure. He decided to honor Genya’s wish, and lived on as a demon slayer. He also became friends with Tanjiro Kamado, who reminded him of Genya. He helped Tanjiro recover from his injuries, and supported him in his final confrontation with Muzan Kibutsuji.
Sanemi eventually died of old age, surrounded by his friends and family. He was reunited with Genya in the afterlife, where they embraced each other warmly. They were also joined by their parents and siblings, who welcomed them with open arms. They finally found happiness and peace together as a family.
Conclusion
Genya Shinazugawa was a brave and loyal demon slayer who fought alongside Tanjiro Kamado and the Hashira against Muzan Kibutsuji and his minions. He was also the younger brother of Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, who had a complicated relationship with him. They had a tragic past that separated them from their family, but they also had a strong bond that united them in their final battle.
Genya died as a hero, sacrificing himself to save his brother from Kokushibo’s attack. His death marked the end of their feud, and the beginning of their reconciliation. His legacy lived on through Sanemi, who continued to fight for justice and peace as a demon slayer.
Genya Shinazugawa was a remarkable character who showed us the meaning of courage, determination, and love. He was not only related to Sanemi Shinazugawa by blood, but also by heart.
