Demon Slayer: Who is Yoriichi Tsugikuni?

In the world of Demon Slayer, characters are defined by their strength, resolve, and will to protect humanity. One name keeps recurring: Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Even with limited screentime, he made his presence known to all. His legacy shapes the very foundation of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Yoriichi invented the Sun Breathing Technique. This style gave rise to other breathing techniques, including Water, Flame, Wind, Thunder, and Stone Breathing. While each of these styles had its strengths, only Sun Breathing was considered the superior style.

Born into the Tsugikuni clan 500 years before the current timeline, during the Sengoku period, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the younger twin of Michikatsu Tsugikuni. As a child, he was born with the Demon Slayer mark. This mark was a blessing as it granted immense powers; it was as if Yoriichi was destined to become the strongest Demon Hunter in the world.

During the Sengoku period, being born a twin was, unfortunately, frowned upon, and having a large birthmark led his father to believe he was unlucky. Yoriichi’s father wanted to abandon him as a baby, but his mother intervened and begged for his life. Consequently, when he reached the age of ten, it was decided that he would be sent to a temple to become a monk.

As a child, Yoriichi was quiet, seemingly slow to speak, and emotionally detached. People thought he was deaf and mentally challenged. However, this was far from the truth. Yoriichi is simply a highly perceptive child. At a young age, he also showed to be skillful at combat as he managed to defeat an adult swordsman with ease when he first picked up a blade.

This was the first moment when it was revealed that he was a gifted child whose journey began with being the best swordsman in Demon Slayer. Because he was a gifted soul, he invented the Sun Breathing technique. Due to its difficulty, it was hard for others to master. Even his own brother Michikatsu could not master it.

His life changed when his brother went behind his back to Muzan and sacrificed his humanity to become a demon. He was driven by jealousy and an inferiority complex and wanted to get back at Yoriichi. This betrayal broke Yoriichi’s heart. He never stopped loving his brother, but he never forgave him either.

Yoriichi later married a girl called Uta, and they were expecting their first child as she was pregnant. He promised to bring a midwife and left the house. Unfortunately, he lost track of time because, on his way, he decided to help an old man; therefore, he planned to get the midwife the next day.

When he returned home, to his horror, his wife and his unborn child were killed by a demon. After he grieved for ten days straight, he picked up his blade and sought revenge against the demon who brought him this misfortune.

Eventually in his journey, Yoriichi encounters Muzan, the antagonist of the series and the one responsible for transforming humans into demons. During their battle, Yoriichi’s Sun Breathing techniques were so overwhelming that Muzan could not keep up despite his power and regenerative abilities.

It was said that anyone with a Demon Slayer mark would not live past the age of 25. Yoriichi was the only one who broke past that curse and was the only exception to live till his old age. During his final days, he has his last battle with his brother.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni nearly managed to defeat Michikatsu in a single strike, but just the moment before launching the attack, he died due to natural causes. Yoriichi’s death was seen as the end of an era, but his legacy inspired generations to come in Demon Slayer.

Yoriichi’s Legacy in Demon Slayer

Though he passed away centuries before the events of Demon Slayer, Yoriichi’s legacy lives on. His will was carried through his sword, his teachings, and the need to protect humanity from demons.

Tanjiro’s father, Tanjuro Kamado, practiced a ritualistic dance known as the Hinokami Kagura. Unknowingly, this dance was passed down through generations of their family. Later on, it is revealed to be a form of Yoriichi’s Sun Breathing Technique.

A mechanical doll was made, modeled after Yoriichi himself. It contains six arms to mimic his movements to help swordsmen train. It was invented by the swordsmith family, which had encountered Yoriichi and wanted to preserve his techniques. Even as a machine, it was immensely powerful and difficult to beat in training.

Trending

In conclusion, Yoriichi is seen as a superhuman figure who was the key figure in the history of Demon Slayer. His life is a testament to other characters who also want to protect the world from the grasp of demons and work hard towards making this goal a reality. Furthermore, with his unmatched swordsmanship, the creation of Sun Breathing, and his role in nearly defeating Muzan, Yoriichi laid the groundwork for the victory that would come centuries later.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback