Summary
In Koyoharu Gotouge’sDemon Slayer, the titularDemon Slayer Corpsare the protectors of humanitywho hunt and kill the dangerous creatures of the night who are trying to feast on the innocent. But this important mission is far from easy, as it’s important to know how to wield a blade, how to use their respective breathing styles and how to approach this audacious way of life.
Tanjiro,Nezuko,Zenitsu,Inosukeand many other young demon slayers were fortunate enough to have been mentored by some of the most respectable and experienced people in Japan who, with their wisdom and skills, managed to train them to become powerful warriors like themselves. And these are the best mentors that can be found in the entire series.
9Gyomei Himejima
A Body Hard As A Rock, But A Soft Heart
The Stone Hashira,Gyomei Himejima, is someone who immediately commands respect.But behind his impressive appearance, he’s actually a kind soul. In the past, he actually cared for a bunch of orphans, and became a father figure for all of them. Even after their tragic demise, he kept his noble demeanor when he became part of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Gyomei was in charge of body training during the Hashira Training Arc, and he proved to be a wise yet tough teacher who managed to strengthen the physique of many demon slayers, at least those who didn’t quit midway. Gyomei’s personality and skills left a mark on Tanjiro and his friends, despite the brevity of their mentorship under him.
8Giyu Tomioka
Tanjiro’s First Role Model
If it wasn’t forGiyu Tomioka, the entire story ofDemon Slayerwouldn’t have happened. The Water Hashira arrived to the Kamado household just in time, and was so impressed by Tanjiro’s desire to protect his demon sister that he immediately recognized that he would be a good fit for the Demon Slayer Corps.
Giyu not only taught Tanjiro what it truly meant to become a demon slayer, but he also went against the organization’s code and protected a demon just because he believed in the Kamado siblings. Giyu and Tanjiro had a lot in common, and this was perfectly demonstrated when the protagonist had the opportunity to fight alongside his mentor during the Infinity Castle Arc.
7Lady Tamayo
Showed Humanity That Not All Demons Are Evil
Tamayois an outlier in the world ofDemon Slayer, as she’s one of the rare instances of a demon who managed to fight her urges and not eat innocent humans. She’s also a skilled doctor who taught everything she knows to her own assistant and fellow demon,Yushiro.
And, as if being Yushiro’s mentor wasn’t enough,Tamayo’s actions were also extremely influential on Tanjiro and especially onNezuko. She was a mother figure who showed her that demons could co-exist alongside normal people, and that they could live a semiregular life. With Tamayo’s guidance, Tanjiro was able to continue his adventure to find a cure for Nezuko.
6Kyojuro Rengoku
His Interaction With The Main Trio Was Brief, Yet He Left A Huge Mark On Them
Kyojuro Rengokuis undoubtedly one of the most tragic characters in the series. When Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke met up with him during the Mugen Train Arc, the Flame Hashira’s light-hearted personality and impressive strength made them admire him almost instantly. And Rengoku was even kind enough to take them under his wing.
But sadly, Rengoku would meet his demise just a few hours later, when he fought and lost againstAkaza. But death wasn’t enough to stop his immovable will, as Rengoku used his final minutes on earth to guide Tanjiro and his friends one last time. The teachings of the Flame Hashira would go on to influence the main trio for the rest of their lives. Rengoku was also responsible for mentoringMitsuri Kanroji, who would later go on to become the Love Hashira.
5Jigoro Kuwajima
The Master Of Thunder Breathing
As a former Thunder Hashira,Jigoro Kuwajimawas very knowledgeable about the art of Thunder Breathing, which he tried to teach Zenitsu when he took the youngster under his wing. But he was not easy to deal with, as he was whiny, cowardly and lazy, but Jigoro was patient and wise enough to instruct him anyway.
Zenitsu may have mastered just one form of Thunder Breathing, but he did it so efficiently that he managed to defeat some really powerful opponents with it. Something that he would’ve never achieved if it wasn’t for Jigoro’s devotion. He never gave up on his student.
4Shinobu Kocho
Kanao’s Mentor And The Owner Of The Butterfly Mansion
The Insect Hashira,Shinobu Kocho, is highly revered within the Demon Slayer Corps. Alongside the other inhabitants of herButterfly Mansion, she provides other hunters with a safe place where they can rest, heal themselves and train, something of extreme importance for the organization. She also has no problem with helping them with their harsh training.
Behind her cheerful personality, Shinobu is actually a strict mentorwho’s always eager to protect others. She was even responsible for raisingKanao Tsuyuri, who would later become her own apprentice. Kanao not only became a strong warrior herself, but Shinobu never stopped inspiring and protecting her, even during her final moments.
3Sakonji Urokodaki
Tanjiro and Giyu’s Respectable Teacher
Tanjiro Kamado’s career as a demon slayer would’ve gotten nowhere if he wasn’t able to learn some sort of Breathing Style, and he was fortunate enough to be trained by the one and only,Sakonji Urokodaki,a former Water Hashira who also trained Giyu Tomioka. So this was the perfect opportunity for Tanjiro.
Urokodaki might’ve been strict and vigilant, and some of his teaching methods were unconventional, but he truly cared for Tanjiro and saw a lot of potential in him. When the day of the Final Selection arrived, the Young Kamado was already a strong swordsman thanks to Urokodaki’s teaching. Not to mention that he also cared for Nezuko as well, by slowly implanting suggestive thoughts about protecting humans in her while she was sleeping for months.
2Tengen Uzui
A Reluctant, Yet Efficient, Mentor
WhenTengen Uzuimet the main trio, he was just looking for someone to help him out on a mission, and he was hesitant to take them under his wing like Rengoku did. After all, the Sound Hashira was an over-the-top and eccentric person, and he didn’t seem to be fit to mentor a new generation of demon slayers. But the dire circumstances of the Entertainment District Arc forced Tengen to fight alongside Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke, and guide them through their intense battle however he could, to the point that he even compared himself to Rengoku.
Tengen even inspired Tanjiro enough to awaken hisDemon Slayer Mark, which was no small feat. The Sound Hashira retired after his tough battle against the Upper Moon Six. He could’ve easily spent the rest of his life resting alongside his three wives, yet he was honorable enough to go back to the organization and help with the training of many demon slayers, in preparation for their final battle againstMuzan.
1Kagaya Ubuyashiki
The Leader Of The Demon Slayer Corps And The Hashira’s True Mentor
Being a mentor is not just about helping others train their physical strength, but also about influencing their lives and guiding them along the correct path. This is exactly the case ofKagaya Ubuyashiki, someone who saved the lives of many people in theDemon Slayerseries, both figuratively, and also literally, since he founded the Demon Slayer Corps.
Despite being struck with a debilitating disease, Ubuyashiki never stopped being a wise, kind and compassionate figure who always wanted to help others. He accepted to spare Nezuko - even though she was a demon - and he’s pretty much responsible for saving the lives of all the Hashira. The strongest warriors in all of Japan respect Ubuyashiki and would gladly follow him anywhere. This is enough proof of how influential and charismatic he truly was, which culminated in Ubuyashiki’s honorable sacrifice. But even after his death,his wife, his kids, the Hashira and the entire Demon Slayer Corpswould continue carrying on his legacy.
