Who killed Akaza in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga?
Beware, it contains spoilers! Akaza is one of the demons who made a strong impression on viewers of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, especially after the Mugen Train arc. Akaza is still alive at the end of the Mugen Train arc. Who ultimately kills Akaza in the story?
If you're curious, here's the sequence of events leading to Akaza's death in the manga version:
1. The opponents against Akaza are Tanjiro and Giyu.
In the Infinity Castle arc, Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka face off against Akaza. Initially, Akaza proves to be a formidable opponent. However, during the fight, Tanjiro gains the ability to see the See-Through World.
In chapter 152, when Akaza nearly strikes Giyu, Tanjiro manages to unexpectedly sever Akaza's hand without the demon's anticipation. Akaza notices that Tanjiro seems to have lost his fighting spirit in that chapter. Akaza's Compass Needle technique relies on sensing his enemy's fighting spirit, and the stronger the spirit, the easier it is for Akaza to anticipate their moves. But with Tanjiro's fighting spirit undetectable, Akaza becomes unable to anticipate Tanjiro's movements. In fact, there's a moment in chapter 152 where Akaza mistakenly believes that Tanjiro is dead, even though Giyu clearly sees Tanjiro standing behind Akaza.
This situation eventually leads to Tanjiro cutting Akaza's neck. As Akaza tries to protect himself, Giyu throws his sword at Akaza, causing the demon's head to fall.
2. Akaza plays a role in his own demise.
Despite having his head severed, Akaza's body continues to fight and counterattack in chapter 153. Akaza proves to be a nearly indestructible demon, as even without a head, a new one emerges from his neck. However, Akaza begins to recall his tragic past as Hakuji, his identity when he was still human. Chapters 154 and 155 delve into the sad flashbacks of Hakuji's life.
In chapter 156, Tanjiro attempts to attack Akaza but accidentally loses his grip on his sword. Consequently, Tanjiro resorts to punching Akaza. The punch triggers memories in Akaza, reminding him of his hatred for weak individuals, like the person who poisoned the well his fiancé and teacher used to drink from. Akaza also recalls how he used his fists to kill people, tarnished his teacher's Soryuu style, and disregarded his father's last words.
This leads Akaza to unleash a self-destructive technique. He briefly smiles at Tanjiro before his head shatters once again. Although Akaza's body continues to regenerate, Akaza himself instructs his body to stop regenerating, declaring that the fight is over and he has been defeated. In chapter 156, Akaza acknowledges his defeat since Tanjiro severed his neck in chapter 152.
After a brief interaction with the souls of his father, teacher, and fiancé, Akaza's body vanishes by the end of chapter 156.
3. So, who killed Akaza in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga?
The situation surrounding Akaza's death in the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga is indeed unique.
Tanjiro is the one who cuts Akaza's neck in chapter 152. Akaza later admits in chapter 156 that he had already lost at that moment.
Giyu then throws his sword at Akaza's head, causing the demon's head to fall. However, considering that Akaza manages to regenerate even after his neck is severed, it can be said that Akaza's death is ultimately caused by Akaza himself.
Starting from the way he damages his own body in chapter 156 to his request for his body to stop regenerating, it becomes clear that Akaza plays a significant role in his own demise. This is the situation regarding who killed Akaza in the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga.