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| Akaza |
Akaza is one of the antagonists in the manga and anime series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." He is a demon who holds the rank of Upper Moon Three among the Upper Moons, the group of the strongest demons under the command of Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon king. Akaza is known as a formidable demon who is ambitious and adores battle. He firmly believes in the natural law that dictates the weak should be eradicated, which is why he harbors a deep resentment towards the weak who cannot provide him satisfaction in battle.
As an Upper Moon demon, Akaza possesses a strong desire and determination to become the strongest, no matter the means. To achieve this ambition, he views other Upper Moon demons not as allies, but as rivals. Despite his intimidating and brutal appearance, Akaza actually upholds a knightly principle. No matter how ruthless he may seem, he will never kill or devour women, even if it means becoming stronger.
Speaking of his powers, Akaza has exceptional abilities common among other Upper Moon demons such as immense strength, a sturdy body, limitless stamina and regeneration, and incredibly high speed and reflexes. Additionally, he possesses a unique and outstanding trait not found in other demons: exceptional intelligence and sensory abilities, often manifested in the form of a compass needle.
Through his heightened sensory abilities, Akaza can sense the auras of both demons and humans, and he can gauge someone's strength or weakness just by looking at them. Not only that, through this ability, Akaza can sense what he calls the "Fighting Spirit," an aura emitted by someone during battle, which enables him to predict their movements and identify their weaknesses.
Moving on to his demon blood art abilities, Akaza possesses a technique known as "Hakaisha no Suiyoku" (Destruction Ruler's Water Wings), which allows him to create shockwave-like attacks. This ability is complemented by the Soryu (Twin Dragons) martial arts technique, which he learned while he was still human, enabling Akaza to fight effectively using only his bare hands.
Here are some of the combat techniques Akaza possesses:
- Rashin (Compass Needle):
Akaza activates his extra sensory ability, marked by the appearance of a compass beneath his feet.
- Kuchiki (Air Kick):
Akaza punches the empty air in front of him, creating shockwaves directed at his opponent.
- Ranshiki (Chaotic Style):
A technique where Akaza generates a sequence of shockwaves to repel or attack his opponent.
- Kiokusen (Demon Fox Spin):
An attacking technique using his legs. This technique involves several moves like Komurasaki (Small Purple), Wari Renge (Split Lotus), Gunto (Group of Swords), and Hiu Senrin (Flying Rain Wheel).
- Menyosen Yanagi (Cotton Snow Willow):
Akaza delivers a powerful strike to the ground, generating expanding shockwaves.
- Shaugi Ransanko (Soaring First Scattering Tiger):
In this final technique, Akaza can create numerous extremely powerful shockwaves in random directions.
With all these techniques and powers possessed by Akaza, it's no wonder he held his position as an Upper Moon demon for over 100 years.
.jpeg "Akaza") |
| Akaza |
However, who would have thought that about 130 years ago, Akaza was once a human named Hakuji. He was born and raised in a poverty-stricken area in the Edo region, facing many hardships. There, Hakuji lived with his father, who suffered from a chronic illness. As a loving child, eleven-year-old Hakuji had to work hard to care for and treat his ailing father. But due to lack of employment, he resorted to stealing in order to buy medicine for his father.
During his third arrest, Akaza was beaten by the officers and threatened by the judge, who stated that if he were to steal again, his hand would be forcibly severed as punishment. Faced with this threat, Akaza defiantly shouted that even if his hand was cut off, he still had his legs to steal with. As a result of his words, Akaza received even harsher beatings and lashes from the officers. Yet, despite enduring repeated lashings, he remained resilient and unrepentant. For him, his actions were the only way to heal his father.
After being released and returning home, Akaza was shocked to learn that his father had died by hanging himself. In his desperation, Akaza discovered a final letter from his father. The letter clearly expressed his father's wish not to burden Akaza, especially with stealing to treat his illness. The loss of his father and the burden of guilt plunged Akaza into sadness and despair. All the sacrifices he had made for his father seemed to have been in vain.
However, despair transformed into anger and hatred. Akaza became furious at those around him who had never helped him, especially as he recalled the mistreatment he had suffered. After his father's death, Akaza was expelled from the Edo region for being considered a criminal. His wounded pride led him to lash out at those he believed were responsible for his father's death.
But one day, while attacking a group of people, Akaza encountered Kenzo, the owner of a Sorry-style dojo. Kenzo saw potential in Akaza and invited him to stay at the dojo and care for his daughter, Koyuki, who was sick. Grateful for the offer, Akaza embarked on a new life at the dojo, caring for Koyuki and occasionally practicing martial arts with Kenzo. This life introduced Akaza to the competitive world of dojos from other martial art styles.
A significant change occurred in Akaza's life when Koyuki began to recover and train in martial arts alongside Akaza. Koyuki, who was once weak, grew stronger and happier. Akaza was inspired by Koyuki's unyielding spirit and determination. He learned that life doesn't always follow a straight path, and sometimes happiness comes from unexpected places. Despite the mistakes he had made in his life, Akaza felt that he might find new meaning by helping and protecting others.
However, fate took a turn and threatened the happiness Akaza had found. When a plague struck the region, Koyuki fell ill again, and there was no medicine that could save her. Desperation once again consumed Akaza, and he decided to consume a potion he believed could grant him healing abilities. He hoped that by obtaining healing powers, he could save Koyuki.
Unfortunately, the potion turned out to be a poison that transformed Akaza into a demon. He joined the Upper Moons and became involved in hunting humans, feeling that he had lost everything and had no reason to live anymore. Yet, his encounters with demon slayers, especially the Hashira, sparked a change within him. He realized that there were people willing to fight to protect human lives, even if it meant facing powerful demons.
.jpeg "Akaza vs Kyojuro") |
| Akaza vs Kyojuro |
Akaza's encounter with Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, marked a crucial turning point in his character's journey. Their intense battle prompted Akaza to reflect more deeply on the meaning of life and his own existence. Through the struggles and fights, Rengoku inspired Akaza to change his life's direction.
In the end, Akaza became embroiled in an epic battle against Tanjiro Kamado, a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, and Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. Although this battle tested all of Akaza's strength and abilities, he ultimately faced defeat. Before he died, he contemplated his life's journey and admitted that there was a beauty in human life that he, as a demon, could never understand. In his final moments, Akaza found peace and forgiveness within himself.
Akaza's story in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" portrays a complex character journey, from a human full of despair and hatred to a powerful demon who ultimately finds a new meaning in life. His profound emotional transformation, epic battles, and meaningful conclusion make Akaza one of the most impactful characters in the series.
