Similar to its previous seasons, ufotable is back with the premiere of the first episode of the Hashira Training Arc from the upcoming latest season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Dubbed “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training”, this movie compiled and aired the final 2 episodes of the Swordsmith Village Arc before continuing to the Hashira Training Arc.

Since the first hour is merely a recap of the final 2 episodes from the previous season, I won’t talk much about it. However, note that we will discuss spoilers.

To start, the first episode of the Hashira Training Arc adapts chapters 128 – 130 from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge. As always, expect some superb animation work from ufotable, the studio that is known for impressive special effects visual works, and cinematic shots. This is especially showcased with the action-packed debut of Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, and Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira against some poor unfortunate demons witnessing some mesmerizing stunts, especially when they used their respective Breathing Styles. This is also the very first time the Hashira encounters the Infinity Castle, which they would explore more later in the season.

Since Tanjiro has just gone through an intense battle, he would need time to recuperate. There aren’t a lot of action sequences in the first episode aside from the aforementioned Hashira members doing their duties. Of course, this is only the first episode, and as typical of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, expect plenty of exciting battles. Manga readers could attest to that.

Zenitsu and Inosuke also made their grand return and were as lively as ever, shouting constantly at each other. A salute to their voice actors, Hiro Shimono and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, as always, bringing these characters to life with their passionate voice acting. By the end of the Swordsmith Village Arc, Nezuko did start to speak again and her conversations led to some hilarious moments. 

As the title suggests, this arc would see the Demon Slayers undergo training from the Hashira, including the trio. With Muzan already aware of the existence of Nezuko being able to stay under the sun without problems, certainly, he and the demons of the Upper Rank will not stand still. Honestly, can’t wait to see our favorite trio and the conflict that happened within the Hashira and their journey to get their own Demon Slayer mark.

The opening song for this new season will surely get you fiery hype. This new song is titled “Mugen”, by the famous Japanese rock band MY FIRST STORY in collaboration with HYDE of L’Arc-en-Ciel. 

Verdict 

Basically, ufotable never disappoints with animation, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is getting another new exciting season with some stellar music once again. If you are already a fan of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the upcoming season will get you excited and is worth the watch. Manga readers can attest to that.

 It’s truly a feat for the hardcore fans, though I would prefer to wait for the real premiere when the next seasonal anime starts, so I won’t need to wait even longer just to watch another episode.