PG Proposal: Kagaya Ubuyashiki from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2024)

Hey, y'all! And welcome to another PG proposal! And this time, I'll be featuring another character from a popular manga/anime series. And he may be one of the last possible candidates for PG. And this may be a controversial proposal, but I will say with full confidence that he has a shot at being PG.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce: Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

What's the Work?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a dark fantasy action manga/anime series written and created by Koyoharu Gotouge. The manga started around 2016, concluding in the year of 2020. It eventually received an anime adaption by Ufotable in 2019, with Ufotable planning to do a movie trilogy for the series' finale.

The story resolves around a young boy by the name of Tanjiro Kamado, who lost his entire family to a demon, with his younger sister Nezuko being the only survivor, but she becomes a demon. Afterwards, the two would go on to join the Demon Slayer Corps to hunt down the demon responsible for their family's murder and causing Nezuko's demonic transformation, with demon revealed to be the Demon King known as Muzan Kibutsuji. Accompanying them on their journey is two fellow slayers: the cowardly but loyal Zenitsu Agatsuma and the hot-blooded and arrogant Inosuke Hashibira, while embarking on certain locations of Japan while accompanied by elite members of the corps known as the Hashira.

Who is Kagaya Ubuyashiki? What has he done?

Kagaya Ubuyashiki is the 97th leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, as well as the 95th head of the Ubuyashiki Clan, serving as one of the Big Goods of the entire series (alongside Lady Tamayo).

Past

Kagaya Ubuyashiki was born as a male member of the Ubuyashiki Clan. Like the other unfortunate male members of the clan, he was cursed by a strange illness that slowly afflicted his entire bloody, mainly due to their relation with the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji. The boy suffered an immense tragedy, due to losing the majority of his family: His father committed suicide at the age of nineteen due to not being able to carry the weight of the swordsmen dying or be hurt under his command. His younger brothers Senri and Akito were killed, due to Senri burning down the mansion, forcing Akito to join him. Their mother try to save the two, but she sadly perished in the flames, leaving Kagaya as the sole survivor.

At the age of 13, he first met Amane, who was specifically assigned by a priest to be his caretaker and his wife in order to take care of his medical needs. Kagaya agreed to the choice, but only under the condition that she cared for him on her own free will. Eventually, at the age of 14, he would meet a blind monk by the name of Gyomei Himejima, who was imprisoned for the deaths of eight children under his care. Having realized that the monk was innocent and that the deaths were the result of a demon's attack, he intervened and prevented his execution. He also gave comfort to the monk, stating that he was not a murderer. This caused Gyomei to join the corps as the Stone Hashira, as well as being Kagaya's trusted confidant. Sometime later, he would meet a ninja by the name of Tengen Uzui, alongside his wives Hinatsuru, Makio and Suma, who left a clan of ninjas, due to Tengen being disgusted with his father and brother's ruthless methods. The young Kagaya praised Tengen for his decision, citing the great difficulty the young man must have endured to leave everything behind and accept a new direction in life. Touched by his words, Tengen expressed gratitude and became intensely loyal to Kagaya, later becoming the Sound Hashira.

Eventually at the age of 15, he would become the father of the Ubuyashiki quintuplets: Hinaki & Nichika (eldest twin sisters), Kiriya (the only son), and Kanata & Kuina (younger twin sisters). As time passes on, the corps would gain new Hashira members who became immensely loyal to Kagaya: Giyu Tomioka (The Water Hashira) and Kanae Kocho (The Flower Hashira). Then, he would later meet Sanemi Shinazugawa, the newly appointed Wind Hashira after slaying down the Lower Moon One Demon Ubume. Shinazugawa harshly insulted Kagaya for commanding the slayers to die while having an unconcerned smile, and even accused him of being a weak leader, much to the anger of both Gyomei and Tengen. After allowing Shinazugawa to finish his rant, Kagaya apologized to him, much to the shock of the wrathful Hashira. He explained to Sanemi that due to his condition, he cannot even swing a blade ten times without his blood pressure becoming dangerous, and if he wanted to become strong, he would but cannot. He apologizes to Sanemi for making him do what is difficult, and even admits that he's nothing more but a pawn in the fight against the demons as well.

Additionally, he explains that he is not above anyone; the Demon Slayers simple treats him with respect but he does not have to if he wants to. He also apologizes for summoning him soon after the death of his partner Masachika Kumeno. Sanemi, shocked by Kagaya remembering his fallen friend, was told by Kanae that he memorizes the names and faces of every single Demon Slayer under his command, much to Sanemi's shock. The leader then gives him Masachika's will to read, causing him to tear up. Since seeing his genuine dedication to the Demon Slayer Corps, Sanemi has also become extremely loyal to Kagaya.

He would later meet Mitsuri Kanroji, a young demon slayer who was ostracized for her abnormal strength and unusual traits. He would speak with the young girl, telling her that her strength was a beloved gift from the gods and anyone who spoke ill of her was merely envious. Mitsuri, touched by Kagaya's words, cried immensely and thanked the master for his kind words. She would later become the Love Hashira, thanks to the teachings of her mentor Kyojuro Rengoku. Kyojuro would also become the new Flame Hashira, following his father Shinjiro's reassignment, and he proved his worth as the new Flame Hashira after defeating Lower Rank Two Hairo of the Twelve Kizuki. He later gain three more additional Hashiras: Shinobu Kocho (the Insect Hashira and Kanae's successor following her death), Obanai Iguro (the Serpent Hashira), and Muichiro Tokito (the Mist Hashira).

The Final Selection & Mount Natagumo Arcs

Following the Final Selection, Kagaya is informed that there were a total of five survivors. Satisfied that the number of his "children" has increased, he wonders what kind of demon slayers they would eventually become. Sometime later on, during the mission to Mount Natagumo, he is informed by a Kasugi crow of the massacre that has occured. Believing it to be the work of a member of the Twelve Kizuki, he sends both Tomioka and Shinobu to the mountain to save the survivors and eliminate the demon.

The Rehabilitation Training Arc

During the Hashira Trial of Tanjiro and Nezuko, Kagaya appears with his eldest daughters by his side, for their semi-annual meeting and comments on the lovely weather, leading the Hashira to quickly bow before him, with Sanemi extending his greetings to his master. Sanemi then proceeds to questions him on the circ*mstances regarding Tanjiro but to the Hashira's surprise, Kagaya has accepted Tanjiro's situation and wishes for them to accept it as well. While Mitsuri quickly agrees and Muichiro is neutral on the topic, Sanemi, Iguro, Gyomei, and Rengoku disagree due to the nature of demons, while Giyu and Shinobu remains quiet on the topic. With their answers, Kagaya proceeds to inform them about a letter from the former Water Hashira and Giyu's mentor Sakonji Urokodaki, writing that he fully believes Nezuko will not harm any humans and can resist her urge to harm them, and if that failed, he, alongside Giyu and Tanjiro, will commit seppuku should it ever happen.

Sanemi and Rengoku still disagreed and claim that it cannot be proven Nezuko won't attack but Kagaya points out that it is also unsure if she would, and citing the fact that three people are putting their lives on the line, he asks them to provide a stronger argument. Additionally, he adds that Tanjiro has met the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji in the past and has had demons sent to kill him. Though the Hashira realizes how important he is, Sanemi (Due to his strong hatred of demons) attempts to prove Nezuko's demonic nature by stabbing her and taunting the demon with his own blood. He apologizes to Kagaya for his rude intrusion and enters the headquarters to open her box. When Nezuko proves herself capable of resisting his blood, Kagaya, due to his blindness, questions what has happened, to which he is informed that by his eldest daughters Nezuko turned away from Sanemi.

Believing this to be indisputable proof, Kagaya is pleased and addresses Tanjiro, who notes the floating feeling he experiences hearing his voice. Kagaya informs him that there will be those who would not accept her sister and tells him to prove his worth by killing a member of Twelve Kizuki. Tanjiro, feeling elated by his acceptance and insipration by his words, vows to kill Muzan, though the Master humorously implores him to start small with a Kizuki demon. He then addresses Sanemi and Obanai, gently asking them not to torment those younger than themselves, which they begrudgingly acknowledge. With Tanjiro's trial now finishes, Shinobu takes custody of him and Nezuko to live in her estate. Kakushi bow before Kagaya and the Hashira and quickly take the siblings away. However, before Kagaya can continue speaking, he is interrupted when Tanjiro runs back and tries to headbutt Sanemi for stabbing Nezuko, asking for Kagaya's permission. He is quickly knocked down by Muichiro (not liking the disrespect Tanjiro was presenting) flinging pebbles and taken away again, but before the boy leaves his presence, Kagaya asks for Tanjiro to give Miss Tamayo his regards, surprising him and heavily implying that he's aware of Tanjiro's alliance with the demon.

After the trial, at night, Kagaya has a meeting with the Hashira, with all being anger at the growing threat of the demons and noted the declining skill in the newer recruits of the demon slayers, though Gyomei points out that since only people who know about demons become Demon Slayers, they cannot bolster their numbers easily. When Kyojuro noted that Tanjiro has encountered a Twelve Kizuki early into his career, Kagaya mentions that Lower Five's drastic actions on the mountain would mean that Muzan was no where near, due to always creating an distraction. While disappointed in demons becoming more dangerous than ever before, Kagaya expressed his faith in each of the Hashira, deeming them the strongest since feudal times and looking forward to his "childrens'" success. Later after the meeting, while alone in his quarters, Kagaya vowed that they'll defeat Muzan without fail.

The Mugen Train & Entertainment District Arcs

Sometime later, Kagaya sent Kyojuro on a mission to the Mugen Train, being informed of a demon causing the disappearance of forty passengers, as well as a series of brutal attacks on a village that are believed to be related to the disappearances. Kagaya also takes the time to visit the burial of the slayers who have fallen in battle, being accompanied by Amane, who worries about his declining health. Kagaya wonders how long he must cease the visits and heavily believes that those who have die during their war against the demons deserve their justice. He also remarks that no matter how many lives are taken or beaten down, the human heart will always prevail and people will always stand up and fight back. He is later informed that Kyojuro sadly falls in battle, by the hands of Upper Three Akaza of the Twelve Kizuki, but succeeded in protecting all of the 200 passengers. Kagaya is pleased to learn that Kyojuro succeeded in his mission and praises the fallen Flame Hashira. He states that he is not saddened by his demise, because he too will soon join Kyojuro and the rest of the fallen Demon Slayers in the afterlife.

Four months later, Kagaya's health began to deteriorate and worsen badly. However, much to his joy, he is inform by a Kasugi crow that Tengen, alongside Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke has defeated the Upper Six demons of the Twelve Kizuki Gyutaro and Daki. Kagaya is overjoyed and praises all of the five slayers for their deed. Despite coughing violently, which worried Amane, Kagaya is too joyful as he stated an Upper Rank of the Kizuki Demons has never been defeated in over a hundred years, and grabbing his wife's hand, he believes that the defeat of Upper Six is an omen for the coming future changing in their favour.

He remarks that the consequences of such a death will spread far and in time, and vows that they will finally eliminate Muzan once and for all. His coughing suddenly begins to worsen and Amane orders their children to fetch his medicine, as they worriedly call out to their dying father.

The Swordsmith Village Arc

While he doesn't appear much in this arc, he often appears during Muichiro's flashbacks, remembering moments with him and his wife. In one flashback, he calmly tells a confused Muichiro (who was traumatized by the death of his twin brother Yuichiro that he suppressed his memories) that his survival is paramount and should he survive, his lost memories will come back too, telling him to not miss the opportunity, as even trivial events can trigger them to come back. Remembering this caused Muichiro to save Hotaru and Kozo from Upper Rank Five Gyokko and his demon creations. After killing the Upper Rank Five demon, Muichiro recalls a past meeting he had with Kagaya, who gentle asked him to ease his rigid perception of his surroundings. He tells the Mist Hashira that once he finds his true self, he can become unstoppable. Muichiro acknowledged his master's words as his boiling rage was enough to defeat the Upper Five demon.

The Hashira Training Arc

After some day has passed, Kagaya's health has suddenly gotten worse that he can no longer move due to his illness deteriorating his entire body, having bandages around his face and arms in order to slow down his illness, but it was clear that he would soon die of his illness. And so, he relies on his wife to take over for him, informing the Hashira of Nezuko conquering the sun and the Demon Slayer Mark, which would be a critical technique in their fight against Muzan, the remaining Twelve Kizuki, and the demons. He also makes a request to Tanjiro to convince and comfort Tomioka (who refused to participate in the Hashira Training) since he was unable to do it himself due to his illness. He also began making preparations for appropriate measures before the final battle against Muzan. In one special moment, when Amane was taking care of him, he gave his thanks to his wife for staying by his side, which leaves Amane to break down in tears.

Outside of the walls of the Ubuyashiki Estate at night, Kagaya senses the entrance gates opening for an infiltrator slowly approaching far away in the direction whilst in his deteriorated condition. His wife, Amane held his hand and continued to remain in place to comfort him as she glared towards the sudden sounds of footsteps with determination when Kagaya turned his head towards the direction of the garden's bridge despite having bandages over his eyes and heavily decayed skin, hearing the mysterious figure's footsteps proceeding to heavily grow closer. The clear mist then began to disperse from the ominous shadow as he stopped in his tracks at the back entrance of the Estate; revealing the visitor confronting him to be none other than the demon king Muzan Kibutsuji himself, standing confidently in front of Kagaya after he welcomes him to his abode. Kagaya correctly guesses and welcomes the demon king, while Muzan cruelly remarks on how hideous Kagaya looks.

Muzan responds with his disappointment in Kagaya, seeing the head of the family that has thwarted him for so long in a deplorable state; he makes emphasis on his unsightly looks and his corpse-like scent. Kagaya acknowledges his state, sitting up (while coughing up blood) and explains that six months ago, his doctor had given him only a few days left to live. Yet, he has continued to survive; even his doctor at a loss for words, and it is all because of his sole unwavering desire to defeat him. In response, Muzan only tells him his fleeting dream will end when he kills him. Kagaya then explains that unbeknownst to him, they both come from the same bloodline, though he would not know it being born over a thousand years ago. Muzan disregards this and asks about its importance, and the dying leader explains that his family was cursed for giving birth to a monster like him. Male children born to the Ubuyashiki family would die soon after birth, and as the clan faced extinction, a priest had advised them; because a demon was born out of their bloodline, only by committing themselves to hunting him down can they survive. The Ubuyashikis also began to marry the daughters of priests, and although it has made their children less likely to die early, it still remains that no one in his clan has lived past the age of 30.

Unimpressed and lacking remorse, Muzan mocks his family's history as nonsense that makes him want to gag, wondering if his illness has reached his brain. He even goes far to claims he has never faced divine retribution for his killing of thousands of humans, and that throughout his long life, he has never seen the gods or Buddha intervene. To this, Kagaya acknowledges the demon's way of perceiving things but adds that he too has his own way of thinking, before asking Muzan about what he has been dreaming of for the last thousand years. The demon doesn't respond and instead notes the odd feeling he is experiencing. Despite now confronting the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, an eyesore and nuisance to him, he surprisingly does not feel any hatred in him. To his right side, he notices the elder Ubuyashiki daughters continue to act almost blissfully unaware of his presence, playing with a kamifūsen and singing to each other. He experiences an odd sense of familiarity and relief, that he calls a "revolting feeling". and he looks around to realize only four humans are present at the mansion, with no bodyguards present, something clearly concerns him.

Kagaya then proceeds to claim that he knows what's on Muzan's mind and offers to answer the question; he answers that Muzan dreams of eternity, to become immortal. Muzan acknowledges his response and adds that he will achieve his dream when he gets his hands on Nezuko, only for Kagaya to boldly remark that his dream will not come true. Muzan believes that he is very confident in hiding Nezuko and tells Kagaya that unlike him, he will have all the time in the world to look. Kagaya continues by stating that he is misunderstood because he knows what true eternity is: it is the will and feelings of people, and only it can exist forever. Muzan disregards this idea as rubbish and claims his words sicken him, but Kagaya continues by explaining that for the last thousand years, the Demon Slayer Corps has never been eradicated. Even with the countless deaths of its members, it still remains; the corps itself is the very proof of what he has just brushed aside being truly immortal.

Humanity's refusal to forgive those who senselessly take the lives of those they love like Muzan is an eternal feeling, and Kagaya believes that no one for the last thousand years has ever forgiven Muzan for his vile atrocities. Kagaya even states that Muzan has stepped on the tiger's tail and provoked the dragon's wrath countless times; they have remained asleep until now and their gaze is transfixed on Muzan, determined to never let him escape. He also mentions that his own death bears little importance to the slayer corps before he then surmises that the reason Muzan cannot understand human feelings and bonds is because when he dies, all demons will be wiped out as a result. This final taunt enrages Muzan into silence, causing the Oyakata to realize that his assumption is correct, proven further when the demon demands he cease from talking any further. He accepts and thanks Muzan for listening, but he also mentions that while he is not important, he was fortune enough to be loved by the Hashira; thus, his death will only motivate their determination further to eliminate Muzan once and for all. Having heard enough, Muzan lengthens his nails into claws to kill him and asks the Corps leader if he is done talking. Never imagining he would be listening for so long, Kagaya thanks the demon king for his time, angering him further.

However, before Muzan could kill him, the entire Ubuyashiki Mansion blows up, killing Kagaya, Amane, and their elder daughters, while severally injuring Muzan. Muzan, in a severely injured state, winces in agony and angrily curses Kagaya, finally realizing that he was laying an extreme trap that he never thought Kagaya was capable of. He even recalls the man's last moments being his face curved into a Buddha-like smile as he killed himself in an explosion, all while taking his wife and two daughters with him. He even acknowledged that Kagaya has laid out more plans for the demon king, as he senses the arrival of the Hashira. He is proven correct when Muzan realizes too late that the glowing red orbs he saw were a Blood Demon Art of Flesh Seeds as they burst into giant red thorns, piercing into Muzan and branching further inside his body, completely immobilizing him. Wondering who the Blood Demon Art's owner is, he brushes aside his confusion and begins to absorb them to free himself, only to then be stabbed by something in the stomach. He looks down and sees that it is Tamayo herself, who had hidden herself with talismans to hide her presence. Tamayo then reveals what he absorbed in her fist was a drug that would turn demons into humans again.

Then, as Tamayo districts Muzan, she quickly calls out for Himejima's assistance. Muzan, unable to move, hears a whirling sound ringing through air; revealing the Stone Hashira who was also hidden by the talismans charging towards the demon king and sending his massive spike towards Muzan's head, pulverizing it completely. It was revealed that Gyomei was the only Hashira who knew of Kagaya's plan and became a part of it. He also remarks on Kagaya's correct assumption that Muzan cannot be killed by decapitation and so, the only way they can kill him is by sunlight, which meant they must endure a drawn-out battle until sunrise.

In the end, Kagaya's entire plan came off as a huge success; The Hashira were united and Muzan was gravely weaken thanks to him and Tamayo's drug. Unfortunately, despite the plan, Muzan came up with a counter-plan: Transporting the entire slayer corps into the Infinity Castle so the Twelve Kizuki and the demons can eliminate them. However, he failed to realize that the slayer corps will not back down easily as thanks to the Hashira Training and Kagaya's sacrifice, they have a better fighting chance.

Corrupting Factors

To say Kagaya has corrupting factors when the guy is literally presented as one of the most noble and kindest man alive is just laughable. The man literally memorizes EVERY SLAYERS' faces, names, and backgrounds. Have you ever seen a leader go that far to remember every man? The guy shows himself to be a noble leader who cares for the well-being of others and makes sure to ensure to remember those who die during the battle against the demon kind. And not to mention that the guy doesn't place himself higher than anyone else. He views himself as a sacrificial pawn too, and even stated that he isn't really important. Does that really sound like the words of a manipulator?

Now there's regarding the Final Selection, a place that is infested with demons who can kill potential demon slayers. However, this isn't exactly corrupting because of three reasons. One: They make sure the demons are trapped inside the mountains with wisteria, ensuring that they don't ever escape. Two: The demons they have are gravely weak, and the only amount of people they could kill is 2-3 people. This makes them a bit more easier to kill. And three: The candidates are fully aware of the risk they are taking. They are becoming demon slayers so they know that they have to fight to stay alive. Not to mention they are given time to train before they even join the Final Selection.

Secondly, his strictness with his family. Which is honestly the dumbest thing I have heard of. Yes, Kagaya can be strict with his family, but he isn't being strict out of malicious intent. He has good intentions since they're literally in a war with Muzan and the demons, so he's simply trying to prepare them in case something happens to him. And even with his strictness, Kagaya clearly loves his family. (And do keep in mind, we literally have PG parents who are strict with their children, but mainly because of good intentions and even with their strictness, they do clearly love their children).

Thirdly, his hatred towards Muzan Kibutsuji. While his hatred towards the man would seem extreme given his sacrificial act, this is not really a corrupting factor but more of a justified feeling, similar to the likes of Tanjiro, since Muzan is a cruel and monstrous being who has trample over many innocent lives for thousand of years, and does so without any sign of remorse and regret. Not to mention that he cursed the Ubuyashiki Clan, something that doesn't bother him in the slightest. So all and all, Kagaya's hatred towards Muzan is completely justified. And even then, Kagaya still kept his composure even while hiding his hatred towards him.

And finally, one I feel like people will make a fuss about: His marriage to Amane. It is revealed that he was 13-14 years old and Amane was selected by a priest to be his wife to care for his medical needs. He would later become parent of Ubuyashiki quintuplets at the age of 15. So yeah, I know how weird and strange it is (Believe me, it was gravely strange), but I do need to make something clear: This was something that had to be done no matter how weird it is, because keep in mind, the male members of the Ubuyashiki Clan were cursed by Muzan to die at a very young age. Kagaya was close to his death bed of 23, and he stated that no male members of his clan got to the age of 30 because of Muzan's curse on his clan. So strange as it may be, this was a bit necessary because keep in mind that if the Ubuyashiki Clan were wiped out, Muzan and his demons would've won the war between the corps and the demons. Not to mention that Kagaya is heavily matured and wise (far more than any senior man really) that he only agree to married to Amane on the condition that she cares for him on her own free will. So yeah, as strange as it is, this can't really count as corrupting.

And also no, he did not force Amane and his two elder daughters to join him in his suicide plan. The three of them were already aware of Kagaya's suicidal plan and they choose to join him willingly, refusing to let him die alone.

So with all that said, no. I can hardly find anything corrupting about this guy. He's a kind and noble man, whose only concern is to end the demon race to save both his family and the corps. Yes, he use an extreme plan to weaken Muzan but that was incredibly necessary if they wanted to defeat Muzan once for all.

Admirable Standards

Yeah no joke, the admirable standards are high as hell. This is a series where we witness human demon slayers fighting off evil and man-eating demons, and the slayers possess unique abilities to fight them off.

For starters, here our current PG characters: Tanjiro Kamado (Who has fought many powerful demons (including Muzan, Akaza, and Hantengu) and gave sympathy towards tragic ones like Rui, Gyutaro, and Daki), Nezuko Kamado (who protected her brother numerous times, fought against Daki and Hantengu, and even sacrificed her life to save the swordsmiths from Hantengu), Kyojuro Rengoku (who defeated Hairo and protect the citizens from his rampage, defeated the Slasher Demon preventing him from murdering more innocent humans, and protected the Mugen Train from Emmu and Akaza, dying in the process), Mitsuri Kanronji (who protected the Swordsmith Village and hold off Zohakuten), Gyomei Himejima (Who protected a young girl from a demon (Despite not having a breathing style at that time), saved the Kocho sisters, and play a role in defeating Kokushibo and Muzan), and Yoriichi Tsugikuni (The creator of the Breathing Styles and the man who nearly killed Muzan Kibutsuji).

So where does Kagaya stand out the most? Well, firstly, he's the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, who has guided the Corps in battling against the demons. His leadership and wisdom helps the corps stay strong, and not to mention that his clever mind managed to hide their main HQ from Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki for a very long time (something Kokushibo praises him for). The man does everything he can in his power to help the Corps and ensure the defeat of Muzan and his kind. But there were also personal times where Kagaya helped several people, thanks to his actions and wisdom. For example:

• Gyomei Himejima, whom Kagaya saved when he was imprisoned after being mistaken as a murderer by a traumatized Sayo, who was the only survivor of Gyomei's Orphange. He also gave reassurance to Gyomei, telling the gentle giant that he was not a murderer, which caused Gyomei to shed tears of joy by the master's words. This led to Gyomei being a member of the Hashira, as well as Kagaya's confidant.

• Tengen Uzui, as Kagaya reflected Tengen and his wives on the difficult path they had chosen. That the shinobi had all rejected the ideologies instilled in them in order to be Demon Slayers, and Kagaya could only question how hard it must be for them. Yet in the face of all this, they persist and continue to protect innocent lives, to which Kagaya warmly thanks Tengen and calls him a "remarkable child." This led to Tengen being willing to always be ready to lay down his life for him.

• Sanemi Shinazugawa, whom Sanemi in the beginning resented Kagaya, mainly because at how he could smile as the leader responsible for numerous deaths and had assumed that he was just letting Demon Slayers die while he was sitting in the safety of the Hashira to protect, saying that his life wasn't the top priority, insulting him in the process (in front of the other Hashira no less, who clearly did not take the insult well). Kagaya responded by gently apologizing and telling him on how his body can't be able to do combat, and tells Sanemi to treat him however he wishes, as he is only respected because the others do so out of good intentions, and reminds him to focus on his duty as a Hashira as his only wish. Afterwards, he also gave Sanemi the letter of his late friend Masachika. This led to Sanemi growing proper respect towards him, as well as his undying loyalty.

• Mitsuri Kanroji, whom he reassured that her abnormal strength and unique physical features were a gift from the gods, and those who spoke ill of her are jealous of her strength, which touched Mitsuri as she bowed and cried in relief as she was accepted by Kagaya and the Corps for who she is.

• Muichiro Tokito, who Kagaya lectures on how he cannot stay rigid with his perception of the world before claiming that he can become stronger once he finds his true, unshakeable self. This play a role in Muichiro reclaiming more of his original personality which made him more stronger.

• and lastly, Giyu Tomioka. Although it was Tanjiro who got Giyu to rejoin the Hashira Training, it was ultimately thanks to Kagaya requesting this of him, since due to his illness, he couldn't be able to comfort Giyu himself. If not for Kagaya, Giyu would not only refuse the Hashira Training, but he would leave his role as the Water Hashira.

Then there is his act of sparing Tanjiro and Nezuko, despite the latter being a demon. He even refused to treat Nezuko badly and made sure that the Hashiras bring no harm to her (especially in the case of Sanemi, who is strongly prejudiced towards demons) and treats her well just like he does to everyone else. Hell, he even praises her alongside the others in the Entertainment District Arc when he hears about the defeat of the Upper Six Kizuki Demons. It's also revealed that part of the reason why Kyojuro became the new Flame Hashira and replaced his alcoholic father was because of Kagaya, as he was the one who tasked Kyojuro to protect Tokyo from Hairo, making him indirectly responsible.

But his biggest crowning achievement is during the final half of the series. Knowing full well Muzan will be hunting down Nezuko to absorb her to conquer the sun, not only did he have the Hashira told about mysterious Demon Slayer Marks (which would help the Hashira fight better against the Upper Ranks and Muzan) but he also staged an entire plan to weaken Muzan enough so the corps can kill him once and for all. To that end, he recruited Tamayo to their cause and had her and Shinobu work together to create a humanizing drug and an anti-Kibutsuji concoction, both of which would play a major role in weakening the Demon King. To make sure the plan works, he decided to use himself as a bait, where he would use an explosion to damage Muzan enough while ensnaring him in a trap. The only one he told about the suicidal plan was Gyomei, since Gyomei is more mature and understands Kagaya's decision. And much to Gyomei's delight, Kagaya's plan was a success; not only was the demon king weakened, but he also united the entire Hashira in an attempt to battle Muzan til sunrise arrives.

This is honestly his biggest goodness deed he has ever done. If not for his strategy, not only would Muzan be weaken, but thanks to recruiting Tamayo and getting her to work together with Shinobu, they create a drug that would be strong enough to weaken Muzan further, allowing the corps to get a fighting chance against the Demon King. Not only that, but his sacrifice motivates the entirety of the Corps, including the Hashira, to fight and destroy Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki once and for all.

It also helps that when it comes to resources, Kagaya possesses less resources than the others. While he is the leader of the corps, he doesn't exactly possess a powerful breathing style like Tanjiro and the Hashira possess, nor demonic abilities like Nezuko, Tamayo, and to some extent Genya (given that he eats demons). The only unique abilities he has is his genius-level intellect, his "Foresight" which allows him to make correct predictions on what will happen, and a soothing voice that would put others at ease, which even included Muzan Kibutsuji himself. Because of this, I feel like he ultimately stands out in a series like this.

Final Verdict

A big yes to the wise and noble leader of the corps, who help brought an end to the demon race once and for all.