With a multitude of wonderful characters, from demon slayers like Tanjiro and Zenitsu to Hashira like Mitsuri and Muichiro, there are so many people that truly summarize exactly what it means to be a hero in Demon Slayer, through their actions and not just words. The series' main character, Tanjiro Kamado, embodies these principles of heroism well, transforming from an average human boy to a courageous demon slayer in an effort to save his younger sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon against her will.

Tanjiro is respectable and one of anime's best protagonists indeed, but I actually believe there is a character who sures him when it comes to bravery, valor, and overall heroism. This character I hold in such high regard is Kyojuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira. He may be a somewhat unexpected choice for the spot of Demon Slayer's ultimate hero, since his time in the series was not very long and other characters killed more demons during their careers than he did, but in my mind, one pivotal fight was what forever solidified Kyojuro Rengoku's status as Demon Slayer's most commendable hero.

Rengoku and Akaza’s Final Fight is the Best in the Series

Rengoku Refused To Let Anyone Else Get Involved, Bearing the Full Weight of Akaza’s Attacks Like a Valiant Hero

Years after the fact, Rengoku and the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza’s, final fight in the Mugen Train arc sticks in my head as the best in the series. This fight was the climax of Demon Slayer's second season, pitting the former Flame Hashira against the strongest demon to make an appearance in the story at this point (other than Lord Muzan). With Enmu defeated, Akaza was the last hurdle for the demon slayers to cross. Just when they believed the battle was over, Akaza stormed onto the scene and engaged the exhausted former Flame Hashira in the fight of his life.

Although Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko were present, Rengoku took the lead in this altercation, realizing his comrades were worn out and injured from the prior clash with Enmu. This is just one occurrence of Rengoku sticking up for those around him and putting his own life on the line, rather than allowing someone else's to be threatened. Rengoku showed off four different forms of his Flame Breathing, even managing to slice off the demon's arm. The encounter raged on for quite a while, as Tanjiro looked on in awe, unable to even focus because both parties moved so quickly, they were undetectable.

Even Demons Recognized Rengoku’s Power, Proof of His Amazing Skill

Rengoku Had Opportunities To Save His Life by Accepting Akaza’s Offer To Become a Demon, but He Did Not Waver

Rengoku fought to the point of near collapse, after already taking down Enmu just moments prior and exerting almost all of his energy during that challenge. Not once did the smile leave Rengoku's face or the determination leave his eyes, as his heroic persistence carried him further than the physical limitations of his body could normally allow him to go. Even Akaza the demon was moved by Rengoku's efforts, pleading with the Hashira to the demons instead and put his talents and headstrongness to a better use. Although Rengoku honorably refused, the fact Akaza asked a human to him proves Rengoku is gifted.

At any point, Rengoku could have accepted the tempting offer Akaza kept making and spare his own life, but his morals would not let him stoop so low. In my opinion, Rengoku's commitment to fighting evil, even when it would have been easier and more beneficial to him to begrudgingly give in to Akaza's pleas as a way to save himself, is another facet of his heroic personality I greatly ire. After a final flashback in Rengoku's mind, in which he said his goodbyes to his beloved mother, Ruka Rengoku, he began to breathe his last, pushed beyond his body's limits.

Rengoku’s Noble Sacrifice Cemented His Status as the Greatest Hero

Someone Who Is Able To Smile Reassuringly to Others as They Face Their Death Is Worthy of Being Called Demon Slayer’s Hero

Even as he lay dying when Akaza fled to the forest to shield himself from the sun, Rengoku did not despair. Tanjiro called after Akaza angrily, insisting that Rengoku won the battle, not him, because Rengoku was committed enough to not give up and flee like Akaza and careful not to cause unnecessary harm to others. I believe Tanjiro's words are correct, and although Rengoku did not survive this clash, he won in the end by sticking to his heroic code of honor and forever symbolizing what it means to bear the title "hero," or more specificially in Demon Slayer, the rank "Hashira."

I will never forget the way Rengoku fought until his body gave out to protect Tanjiro and his friends, who could have easily been killed by such an accomplished demon as Akaza. Rengoku's last actions were truly selfless, as he was only thinking of how to keep humanity and his loved ones safe, not his own well-being. Rengoku's sacrifice was a tremendous loss that every Hashira and demon slayer mourned deeply, and it's one of the only scenes that brings me to tears every single time. Rengoku's death exemplifies what heroes truly stand for: protecting others, as an example for those who follow after him.

Tanjiro carries Rengoku's sword guard with him for a reason: Rengoku is a hero Tanjiro hopes to emulate and never wants to forget. Rengoku's mother always told him, "it is the obligation of those born strong to defend the weak," and Rengoku's final fight put this lesson into clear action. Even though many other characters in Demon Slayer made incredible sacrifices, such as Shinobu avenging her sisters, for example, Rengoku's altruism, strong morals, unshakable resolve, and ability to laugh and smile during such dire circumstances as his own death will always stick with me and earn him the title of Demon Slayer's best hero.