The Twelve Kizuki and the Upper Moons
Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the demon race, created the Twelve Kizuki to serve as his personal army of elite demons. They are divided into two categories: the Lower Moons and the Upper Moons. While the Lower Moons have been mostly eliminated over the course of the series, the Upper Moons remain as the most formidable threats to the Demon Slayers.
The Upper Moons are ranked from one to six, with Upper Moon One being the most powerful. These demons possess extraordinary strength, regenerative abilities, and unique powers that make them nearly invincible.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the Upper Moons:
Upper Moon – 6 Daki and Gyutaro
The sibling duo Daki and Gyutaro make their debut in the Entertainment District Arc (season 2) of Demon Slayer. As a pair, they are ruthless and sadistic, causing destruction and chaos wherever they go.
- Daki is a skilled fighter, using her sash-like clothing to manipulate her surroundings and trap her opponents. Her combat style is based on agility and deception.
- Gyutaro, who is introduced later, reveals the true extent of their power. With a combination of immense strength and his sadistic nature, he serves as a perfect foil for the Demon Slayers. Together, they challenge Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, and Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu in a brutal battle.
Their story arc explores themes of family loyalty, tragedy, and the brutal reality of life as demons.
Upper Moon 5 – Gyokko
Gyokko is one of the most eccentric and bizarre demons in the series. He is obsessed with the concept of “art,” which he defines in his twisted manner. His appearance is grotesque, with multiple heads and eyes sprouting from his body. Gyokko views himself as an artist, with a narcissistic obsession for creating grotesque “art” through the bodies of his victims.
- Gyokko is a temperamental demon who attacks anyone who questions his art. He possesses unique abilities, such as controlling water-based techniques that he uses to manipulate his environment.
- In his battle against Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, Gyokko proves to be a dangerous opponent capable of nearly killing the young Hashira.
Upper Moon 4 – Hantengu
Hantengu is a demon fueled by intense emotions such as anger, hatred, and fear. His ability allows him to manifest separate, smaller personalities, each representing a different emotion. This makes him one of the more unpredictable and challenging foes.
- Hantengu’s primary ability is to create clones of himself based on the emotions he feels. These emotions vary in size and power, giving him a diverse set of combat abilities.
- His cowardice and manipulative nature make him a difficult opponent, as he uses his emotional state to grow stronger. Despite his weakness in personality, Hantengu’s powers make him a formidable adversary for the Demon Slayers.
Upper Moon 3 – Akaza
Akaza is widely regarded as one of the most popular and feared demons in Demon Slayer. Known for his extraordinary combat abilities and sharp intellect, Akaza is a relentless fighter who admires strength above all else.
- He is responsible for the death of Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, during the Mugen Train Arc. Akaza’s fighting style revolves around his martial arts prowess, using his enhanced physical strength to overwhelm his opponents.
- Akaza’s “Darwinian” worldview leads him to see the weak as undeserving of life, believing that only the strong should thrive. He offers those he defeats the chance to become demons, believing this will grant them immortality and unmatched strength.
- Akaza’s internal struggles, memories of his human past, and his eventual suicide after realizing his lost humanity provide a deep, emotional layer to his character.
Upper Moon 2 – Douma
Douma is one of the most charismatic yet terrifying demons in the series. With a calm, polite demeanor, he hides a sadistic nature beneath a facade of kindness. Douma is also known for his intelligence, as he is an adept strategist who manipulates others to achieve his goals.
- Douma is responsible for the death of Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, and he plays a significant role in the backstory of Inosuke Hashira.
- He feeds exclusively on women, and his cruel nature is revealed when he manipulates and devours them without hesitation. Douma’s cold and calculating behavior sets him apart from the more emotional Upper Moons.
Upper Moon 1 – Kokushibo
Kokushibo stands as the most powerful of the Upper Moons. Unlike the others, Kokushibo is a swordsman who wields a katana, making him one of the few demons to use combat techniques similar to the Demon Slayers. He is also a former human and the older brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the greatest swordsman in history.
- Kokushibo is a master of the Moon Breathing technique, a derivative of the Sun Breathing style. His battle against multiple Hashira, including Tokito, Sanemi, and Gyomei, is one of the most intense and monumental confrontations in Demon Slayer.
- Kokushibo’s loyalty to Muzan Kibutsuji and his pride in his strength make him a dangerous and calculating adversary. His combat abilities and centuries of experience make him a nearly unbeatable opponent.
The Upper Moons’ Legacy
The Upper Moons are some of the most complex and formidable characters in Demon Slayer, with each demon possessing unique traits and abilities. Their tragic backstories, twisted desires, and loyal service to Muzan Kibutsuji add depth to their personalities, making them more than just antagonists.
These demons play a pivotal role in shaping the conflict within the series, providing formidable challenges for Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the Hashira. As Demon Slayer continues to gain popularity and develop its narrative, the Upper Moons remain central figures in the fight between the Demon Slayers and the demons themselves.
Want to dive deeper into the dark world of the Upper Moons? Explore their stories and powers in more detail! Read the full article and discover all the thrilling details.
