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Pillars - Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)

The Pillars (sometimes referred to as Hashira) in the Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) series are the nine most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps. The term "hashira" itself also translates to pillar, often referring to the type of pole used to hold up or support a building or other structure—which is exactly what the Pillars do. Pillar members are those who hold up the Demon Slayer Corps. Within the Demon Slayer Corps, there are hundreds of members, but the Pillars are a special, elite group.

“Those below the Pillars may be killed at a frightening rate, but they are different. The Pillars are the ones who support the Demon Slayers.”
—Narration, Demon Slayer Chapter 45

The Demon Slayer Corps is an organization formed by the Ubuyashiki family sometime after Muzan Kibutsuji became a demon during the Heian period (794 to 1185). Muzan Kibutsuji is related to the Ubuyashiki family, so when he transformed into a demon, their family was cursed and many died of illness. The current head of the Ubuyashiki family went to a priest who told them they would have to kill the demon to be rid of the curse. The Ubuyashiki family then dedicated their lives to killing Muzan Kibutsuji and formed the Demon Slayer Corps. Although it is an organization with a very long history, it is not officially recognized by the government. Their missions are always carried out in secret, without the help of other organizations outside of the Corps.

To join the Demon Slayer Corps and become a Demon Slayer, a person must first pass the Final Selection. This test is used as an entrance exam, and there is a possibility that the candidate will die. During the selection, they must survive for seven days and seven nights on a mountain with hostile demons roaming around without help from anyone from the outside world. After surviving for seven days, they must then pay the price for the Demon Slayer uniform, have their bodies measured and their ranks engraved, and finally choose the ore that will be used to forge their Nichirin blade. The ore is then sent to the Hidden Blacksmith Village, where it takes approximately ten to fifteen days to complete. These special blades are forged using Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Crimson Ore, which are unique metals that have absorbed sunlight and are mined from the highest mountains closest to the sun. Nichirin blades are also called color-changing swords, as the blade's color changes depending on the owner. However, once the blade changes color, it will not change again, even if another person wields it. Finally, each member of the Demon Slayer Corps is given a Kasugai Crow, which is used for communication and signaling/exchanging information.

Known pillars

Giyu Tomioka : Water Pillar
Mitsuri Kanroji : Pillar of Love
Obanai Iguro : Serpent Pillar
Sanemi Shinazugawa : Pillar of Wind
Gyomei Himejima : Stone Pillar
Tengen Uzui : Sound Pillar
Kyojuro Rengoku : Pillar of Flame
Shinobu Kocho : Pillar of Insects
Muichiro Tokito : Pillar of Mist
Kanae Kocho: Ancient Flower Pillar
Shinjuro Rengoku: Ancient Pillar of Flame
Sakonji Urokodaki: ancient water pillar
Jigoro Kuwajima: Former Pillar of Thunder

Preview

Each of the Pillars possesses enough strength to single-handedly kill a Lower Moon Demon. They all greatly respect their leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki (often called "Oyakata-sama," or Master by the Pillars), the 97th leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, and kneel to greet him when he arrives at their meetings. The first Pillar to speak and greet him is entitled to be the spokesperson for the rest of the meeting. The Pillars and the Corps leader meet once every six months for a "Pillar Meeting," where they discuss various issues and their future paths.

Qualifications

There are two known methods to become a Pillar. A record of fifty demon kills is required, but killing one of the twelve demon moons fulfills the requirement. This type of endeavor requires nearly five years of training, though exceptionally talented individuals may achieve it in only about two years. For example, Muichiro Tokito became a Pillar only two months after taking up the sword.

All Pillars master their own breathing style, allowing them to each become a master swordsman capable of practicing Total Concentration Breathing all day and night, even while they sleep. This gives them the power, stamina, and reflexes necessary to fight powerful demons. Pillars are each assigned a specific area to patrol. Their patrols include gathering information on demons and improving their swordsmanship. It has been noted that demon slayers capable of using the Flame Breath and Water Breath—the primary breath techniques—have become Pillars in each era.

There is also the possibility of becoming a Tsuguko (Successor) like Kanao Tsuyuri . A Pillar has the right to choose anyone, without restriction on numbers, to become their successor. To be eligible to become a Tsuguko, however, the person must be talented enough to attract the attention of a Pillar. The Tsuguko will be personally trained by the Pillar, allowing them to gain more strength in hopes of becoming the next Pillar.