Demon Slayer: Evaluating the Strength of Hantengu, Upper Rank 4

Essential Insights

Hantengu, known as the Upper Rank 4 demon, can create clones that embody different emotions, each wielding its own unique Blood Demon Art.
Zohakuten, a fusion of Hantengu’s clones, possesses all their abilities and has the power to manipulate wood, presenting a significant challenge to his foes.
Urami, summoned as a last-ditch effort, becomes a massive embodiment of resentment, paving the way for a climactic duel between strategy and brute force.

Warning: The content below contains spoilers for the Demon Slayer manga. Stream Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll.

In the thrilling third season of Demon Slayer, titled “Swordsmith Village Arc,”viewers are introduced to Hantengu, the formidable Upper Rank 4 demon. As one of Muzan Kibutsuji’s most powerful warriors, Hantengu poses a significant threat, necessitating the combined efforts of Tanjiro, Nezuko, Genya, and the Love Hashira Kanroji to defeat him.

Hantengu’s backstory reveals a once derelict human who engaged in crime without guilt. His tactics included manipulating others for sympathy, often concocting ludicrous justifications for his actions. Ultimately, his facade crumbled, leading to his imprisonment. This is where Muzan found him, transforming him into a demon and enabling his escape to exact revenge on those who wronged him. Over two centuries, Hantengu honed his skills, ultimately earning his fearsome title.

“Since the day I was born, I’ve never lied… not even once! I’m a good-natured weakling! I deserve pity, but no one has any sympathy for me.”– Hantengu, in self-denial.

Defensive Tactics: Hantengu’s Clones

The Emotional Clones of Hantengu

At first glance, Hantengu appears frail and unassuming, but this belies his sinister defensive capabilities. Decapitating him initially seems effective, only for two younger clones to emerge from his severed head and body. If defeated, even more clones will sprout, leading to a total of four distinct manifestations of Hantengu.

Each clone embodies a specific emotion, utilizing unique Blood Demon Arts:

Sekido (Anger): The volatile member, harnessing electricity through his Khakkhara staff to unleash lightning strikes on opponents.
Karaku (Pleasure): The relaxed fighter, summoning powerful gusts of wind with his oversized Uchiwa fan, capable of significant destruction.
Aizetsu (Sorrow): The strategist, often analyzing battlefield scenarios while using his Yari spear to launch beam-like projectiles.
Urogi (Joy): A frenetic presence, half-man and half-bird, whose sonic screams turn into debilitating shockwaves targeting his foes.

While the defeat of these clones halts further reinforcements, the only way to truly end Hantengu’s threat is to locate and decapitate his main body, which possesses the unique ability to evade capture by shrinking.

Emergence of Additional Clones When Cornered

Zohakuten: The Embodiment of Hantengu’s Hatred

Should the four emotional clones prove insufficient, Sekido can merge with his brethren to create Zohakuten, a powerful representation of Hantengu’s hatred. Zohakuten can wield all previously mentioned Blood Demon Arts, and additionally, command wooden structures, including massive wooden dragons to assault adversaries. Throughout the Swordsmith Village Arc, this transformation amplifies his threat level exponentially.

It is crucial to remember that defeating Zohakuten does not equate to extinguishing the Hantengu threat. Thus, seekers of victory must also locate the minuscule, evasive form of Hantengu himself.

Urami: The Manifestation of Hantengu’s Resentment

Distinct from the other clones, Urami is summoned by the main entity Hantengu as a last resort, emerging as a towering figure imbued with wrathful resentment. Contrary to Hantengu’s cowardly nature, Urami exhibits aggression towards those who pursue him, convinced of his innocence. He likely retains the abilities of Hantengu’s emotional variants but is mainly seen utilizing Urogi’s sonic attack.

For audiences eager to dive deeper into the world of Demon Slayer, the series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll as well as Netflix. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming season, featuring the much-anticipated Infinity Castle Arc.

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