Demon Slayer: Did Genya become Gyomei Himejima’s Tsugoku? Explained

In Demon Slayer: Kimetu no Yaiba, a Tsugoku is considered a proficient combatant who has shown excellence in honing their respective Breathing Style and has developed good leadership qualities. In Japanese, the precise meaning of the term Tsugoku is “successor.” More or less, the Tsugoku position acts as a wild card for the Hashira/Pillar position, which can only be obtained by a select few who have impressed the current Hashira.

Genya, the younger brother of the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, is one of the most underrated characters in Demon Slayer. Despite his lack of aptitude and talent in Breathing Styles, he somehow managed to be trained under the Stone Hashira: Gyomei Himejima, the strongest Pillar in the corps. Being a disobedient and ill-tempered individual, Genya doesn’t cut to be a Tsugoku, but Gyomei still takes him under his tutelage.

Disclaimer: This article contains crucial anime and manga spoilers for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

---

Genya has one of the praise-worthy character developments in Demon Slayer

In the original manga of Koyoharu Gotouge, the term “Tsugoku” was first referenced in chapter 48, volume 6, where the Kakushi takes the permission of Shinobu Kocho’s Tsugoku, Kanao Tsuyuri to enter Butterfly Mansion. The protagonist of the series, Tanjiro Kamado, is the only Demon Slayer who was acknowledged worthy of being a Tsugoku by many Pillars, including Kyojuro Rengoku and Tengen Uzui.

Genya Shinazugawa is one of the most unique Demon Slayers who managed to train under Gyomei Himejima's leadership. In the official data book of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, it has been revealed that Gyomei Himejima took Genya Shinajugawa as his stepson. Since the latter couldn’t use Breathing Styles, the former didn’t make him his Tsugoku. However, he still trained him regardless.

To compensate for Genya’s inability, Gyomei taught him Repetitive Action, an alternative technique used to reach the state of Total Concentration Breathing by opening all five senses.

Repetitive Action can only be used by raising the concentration level by remembering a moment of intense anger and pain, which Genya managed to learn in little to no time. Gyomei acts like a father figure to Genya and is very fond of him. Despite the latter’s reckless attitude, the former considers him a good kid.

The second Fanbook of Demon Slayer revealed that after Genya went out of control after eating a demon, Gyomei saved him. From then onwards, the former became a true disciple of the latter and followed him without defying his rules.

Although Genya is prone to throw fits by shouting “kya-kya” (a commonly used Japanese phrase used to express sudden physical pain) during his stressful training, Gyomei doesn’t get irritated. Instead, he simply watched over him by standing far away, giving him a moment to stand on his feet. Initially, Genya didn’t manage to become a Tsugoku, but in time, he developed a liking for the position.

In the Swordsmith Village arc, Genya became more cooperative after the battle with the Fourth Upper Moon Demon, Hantengu. While defeating the demon, Genya dropped his impertinence and worked alongside Tanjiro Kamado, Mitsuri Kanroji, and Nezuko Kamado.

Apart from fulfilling his duties as a Demon Slayer, Genya awaits the day when he will make peace with his brother to reconcile the brotherly bond they had in their childhood. Genya is still ashamed of how he insulted his brother, who made a tough call by killing their demonized mother.