Tanjiro, Nezuko, Genya, and Mitsuri found themselves embroiled in a grueling confrontation with the formidable Upper-Rank 4, Hantengu. The demon, adept at shrinking himself, proved elusive as he darted through the forest with the agility of a mouse, leaving the group struggling to keep up. Hantengu's Demon Art manifested a tumult of powerful adversaries, diverting Nezuko, Genya, and Mitsuri's attention, while Tanjiro relentlessly pursued the elusive demon.

Despite Tanjiro managing to catch up, the battle took a harrowing turn. Hantengu's evasive maneuvers thwarted Tanjiro's attempts to sever his head, adding a layer of complexity to an already arduous confrontation. As dawn approached, Tanjiro faced a poignant dilemma: protect Nezuko from the impending sunlight or continue the pursuit to vanquish Hantengu. Opting to shield his sister, Nezuko surprised him by forcefully kicking him away, urging him to pursue the elusive demon.

The intense battle unfolded over multiple episodes, culminating in Tanjiro overcoming the combined threat posed by Upper Ranks 4 and 5. However, the victory came at a grave cost—Nezuko's apparent sacrifice. Unbeknownst to Tanjiro, his sister emerged unscathed, immune to the sun's rays. This revelation hinted at future trials, as Nezuko exhibited a unique trait coveted by Demon King Muzan—an unforeseen twist in the ongoing saga of hardship and conflict.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 125
  
• Anime debut: Season 3, Episode 11

In the heart of the "Swordsmith Village Arc," the Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito found himself in a perilous encounter with the formidable Upper-Rank 5, Gyokko, amidst the dense forests surrounding the Swordsmith Village. Muichiro's resilience was put to the test as he endured a barrage of poisoned needles, ultimately finding himself ensnared within Gyokko's seemingly impenetrable bubble.

With Muichiro seemingly subdued, Gyokko, confident in his victory, departed to attend to other matters. However, in a last desperate attempt, Muichiro summoned his remaining strength to pierce the bubble as his life force waned. On the brink of succumbing to death, he glimpsed Tanjiro, questioning the latter's willingness to sacrifice himself.

As Muichiro teetered on the edge of mortality, his latent Demon Slayer mark suddenly ignited. At this critical moment, young Kotetsu arrived, blowing life-sustaining air into the bubble. Empowered by this unexpected aid, Muichiro shattered the confining barrier and set forth in pursuit of Gyokko.

The ensuing battle unfolded in a dramatic crescendo, with Muichiro displaying unwavering determination. Despite the daunting challenges, he successfully beheaded Upper-Rank 5, while Tanjiro and his companions confronted the formidable Upper-Rank 4 in a parallel struggle. The clash between Muichiro and Gyokko marked a pivotal moment in the intense narrative of the Swordsmith Village Arc.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 118
• Anime debut: Season 3, Episode 9

Nezuko's involvement in the confrontation with Upper-Rank 6, Daki, proved to be an arduous ordeal. Pushed to her limits by the relentless assaults of Daki and her twisting obi, Nezuko faced the harrowing experience of her limbs being severed repeatedly. Despite the immense challenges, she demonstrated an indomitable spirit, consistently rising to continue the fierce struggle against her formidable adversary.

In a surprising turn, Nezuko managed to give Daki a formidable challenge, showcasing a resilience that caught the demon off guard. However, the turning point came when Nezuko's bamboo muzzle was shattered, allowing her to catch a whiff of human blood emanating from a wounded girl. The feral instincts within Nezuko threatened to overwhelm her rationality, compelling her to launch an attack.

Fortunately, Tanjiro intervened just in time, preventing Nezuko from succumbing to her demonic urges. With a blade placed gently in her mouth and the familiar melody of a lullaby sung by Tanjiro—the same soothing tune their mother once used—Nezuko succumbed to a peaceful slumber, momentarily subdued in the midst of the chaotic battle.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapter 85
• Anime debut: Season 2, Episode 6

Engaged in a perilous mission led by the Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui to investigate demonic activity within Tokyo's Yoshiwara red-light district, the Demon Slayers found themselves confronting Gyutaro and Daki, a formidable brother-sister duo sharing the prestigious Upper-Rank 6 designation. Initially facing the lethal prowess of Daki alone, a grueling clash with Nezuko ensued, leading the Slayers to believe they had triumphed. However, the emergence of Gyutaro revealed the necessity of a simultaneous decapitation to secure victory against the cunning pair.

In a strategic division of forces, Tanjiro and Tengen confronted the menacing Gyutaro, while Inosuke and Zenitsu engaged in a fierce battle against the relentless Daki. Gyutaro, a formidable adversary, not only poisoned Tengen but also taunted Tanjiro about the imminent demise of his comrades, emphasizing the consequences of his perceived foolishness. The relentless struggle against Upper-Rank 6 unfolded as one of the most protracted and arduous battles in the series, with the Demon Slayers narrowly emerging victorious.

As the dust settled, the realization lingered that Gyutaro and Daki were merely the beginning. With five even more formidable Upper-Rank demons yet to be faced, the road ahead promised challenges of unprecedented difficulty for the valiant Demon Slayers.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 76 - 94
• Anime debut: Episodes 37 - 43

The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, graced the screen with fleeting yet intense presence. Entrusted with unraveling the enigma surrounding the Mugen Train's vanished passengers, Kyojuro confronted the formidable Upper-Rank 3 demon, Akaza, in the desolation outside the wrecked train. A riveting clash unfolded, with each combatant showcasing unparalleled skill, captivating the wounded Tanjiro and Inosuke as silent witnesses.

In a moment of intense brutality, Akaza's fist pierced through Kyojuro's solar plexus, triggering a poignant journey through the Flame Hashira's life. Unyielding, Kyojuro clung to the demon, defiantly holding him in place as the dawn approached. Even as Kyojuro's blade relentlessly sliced into Akaza's neck, the desperate demon resorted to a gruesome sacrifice, tearing off his own arms to evade certain defeat. Tanjiro, fueled by righteous anger, pursued the retreating Akaza, berating him for his nocturnal cowardice. However, the elusive demon eluded Tanjiro's grasp, disappearing into the shadows.

Returning to Kyojuro's side, Tanjiro bid farewell as the Flame Hashira uttered his final words, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative with his heroic sacrifice and the poignancy of his parting moments.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 62-65
• Anime debut: Episodes 32 - 33

In the crucible of the Final Selection, Tanjiro's encounter with the Hand Demon unfolded as a nightmarish ordeal. The revelation that the demon had voraciously consumed over fifty previous candidates, including Urokodaki's beloved students Makomo and Sabito, fueled Tanjiro's righteous fury. Unleashing a torrent of strikes, Tanjiro methodically severed the demon's multitude of arms, despite its taunting insistence that such an approach wouldn't lead to its demise. Relentlessly, the demon mocked Tanjiro, highlighting the futility even Sabito faced in attempting to behead it.

Through years of unchecked predation, the demon had grown complacent, a fatal flaw that ultimately sealed its fate. Tanjiro, keenly perceptive, identified the subtle vulnerability and exploited it. Employing the Water Breathing technique, specifically the First Form: Water Surface Slash, Tanjiro executed a precise strike that culminated in the decapitation of the demon. Beyond showcasing Tanjiro's formidable combat skills, this encounter underscored his innate compassion. In the demon's final moments, the impact of Tanjiro's humanity became evident, offering a poignant glimpse into how his compassion could elicit a profound response even from the most malevolent adversaries.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 6-8
• Anime debut: Episode 4

Summoned to assist Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku in the aftermath of the Mugen Train's mysterious disappearances, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke found themselves ensnared in the illusory realm created by the Blood Demon Art wielded by Enmu. As the peaceful dream state lulled them into a false sense of security, Nezuko, sensing the anomaly, fervently attempted to rouse her brother from the enchantment, resorting to a determined headbutt.

Recognizing Nezuko's distress, Tanjiro managed to break free from the dream, leaving her to watch over their still-trapped companions. Ascending to the train's summit, Tanjiro confronted the elusive Enmu, only to find himself repeatedly plunged into unconsciousness whenever he drew near. With Kyojuro and the others awakening, Tanjiro and Inosuke embarked on a relentless search throughout the train, grappling with the persistent pitfalls of Enmu's Blood Demon Art.

In the decisive moment, Inosuke's keen instincts and Tanjiro's unwavering determination harmonized. Through a synchronized effort, they exposed Enmu's vulnerable neck and executed the decisive strike, severing the demon's head and finally bringing an end to the surreal nightmare within the confines of the Mugen Train.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 58-61
• Anime debut: Episodes 22 - 26

Encountering Rui, the formidable Lower-Rank five demon and true power behind the Spider Family, Tanjiro witnessed the cruel treatment inflicted upon a younger sister and courageously intervened, sparking a grueling confrontation. The battle intensified when Rui, intrigued by the fierce protection Nezuko, a demon, displayed for a human, saw a glimpse of the sibling bond he had yearned for throughout his existence. Seizing Nezuko as a hostage, Rui proposed a perilous bargain to Tanjiro, offering his safe departure in exchange for Nezuko's freedom—an offer Tanjiro adamantly refused.

In the ensuing clash, Tanjiro, despite pushing himself to the limits, found himself overmatched by Rui's formidable prowess. It wasn't until Tanjiro tapped into the Hinokami Kagura for the first time that the tide of the battle shifted, providing him with the advantage needed to challenge Rui on equal footing. With Nezuko rejoining the fray, the siblings united in a fierce struggle for survival.

The climactic turning point arrived when Giyu entered the scene, contributing to the battle and ultimately dispatching Rui. The combined efforts of Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Giyu culminated in the triumph over the once formidable adversary, concluding a poignant and intense confrontation that showcased the unyielding bond between brother and sister in the face of overwhelming demonic threats.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 37-42
• Anime debut: Episodes 18-20

Venturing into the woodlands of Mount Natagumo, Tanjiro and Inosuke abandoned the apprehensive Zenitsu. Within the dense forest, they came across another Demon Slayer assigned to eliminate the demons lurking within. However, conflict arose among the Slayers, leading Tanjiro to discern that something was amiss. Unveiling the Spider Mother's influence, who manipulated the Slayers through her webs, Tanjiro skillfully ensnared them in the trees to both restrain and shield them.

Frustrated by this interference, the Spider Mother simultaneously pulled all the strings, resulting in the demise of the ensnared Slayers. Determined, Inosuke and Tanjiro pursued the Spider Mother, maneuvering through her controlled puppets. In a strategic move, Inosuke launched Tanjiro into the air, and he swiftly dealt a fatal blow to the Spider Mother as he descended.

Their encounter with Spider Father ensued shortly after. Ignoring a cautionary warning to steer clear, they crossed a river and initiated an assault. In the midst of the skirmish, Inosuke was hurled into the river, while Tanjiro attempted to bring down a tree to decapitate the Spider Demon. However, the demon countered the attack, tossing Tanjiro aside as Inosuke pursued it into the forest. Fortunately, Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka arrived just in the nick of time to rescue Inosuke and vanquish Spider Father.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 34-37
• Anime debut: Episodes 17-18

Following the Final Selection arc, Tanjiro Kamado, having teamed up with Zenitsu, encountered an unexpected adversary. After successfully defeating Kyogai, a former member of the 12 Kizuki, Tanjiro emerged to find a boar-masked young man assaulting Zenitsu and threatening Nezuko's box. Fueled by rage, Tanjiro swiftly intervened, delivering a powerful punch that resonated with bone-cracking force, incapacitating the aggressor. Attempting to diffuse the situation, Tanjiro then tried to calm down the assailant.

Refusing to yield, the boar-masked individual retaliated, prompting Tanjiro to respond with a resounding headbutt. The impact was so intense that it dislodged the mask, unveiling the surprisingly attractive face beneath. Perturbed by the attention, the newcomer, identifying himself as Inosuke Hashibira, challenged Tanjiro to continue the confrontation. However, Tanjiro opted to de-escalate the situation, and Inosuke, succumbing to the effects of the powerful headbutt, ultimately collapsed due to a concussion.

Detailed information:

• Manga debut: Chapters 25-27
• Anime debut: Episode 14