WARNING: The following contains massive spoilers for the Demon Slayer Manga’s final arc.
Article Summary
- Innovative drug development weakened Muzan systematically.
- A hybrid drug enabled the Corps to extend the culmination of the battle with Muzan.
- Formulations by Tamayo and Shinobu immobilized Muzan, preventing his escape.
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Kibutsuji Muzan stands as a formidable antagonist in the Demon Slayer saga. As the first demon to ever exist, he has endured for over a millennium, granting him immense power and unparalleled regenerative abilities. However, his resilience is not without limitation. Time is of the essence for the Demon Slayer Corps, which must strike quickly, as Muzan has the ability to decompose toxic substances within his body. So, what is the critical role of the drug that ultimately brought about Muzan’s defeat?
The Development of the Drug That Killed Muzan
Two Unlikely Forces Unite Against the Demon King
Collaborations between Tamayo, Yushiro, and Shinobu led to the creation of the drugs pivotal in Muzan’s downfall. Initially hesitant, Tamayo’s enthusiasm ignited upon discovering a potential cure that could revert demons to human form, making her partnership with the Demon Slayer Corps invaluable.
While Shinobu harbored a genuine hatred towards demons, she acknowledged Tamayo’s expertise as a researcher. This mutual respect culminated in the production of a highly effective multi-layered drug, instilling fear in Muzan as it rendered him vulnerable.
How the Drug Systematically Weakened Muzan
Activation of the Drugs Provided the Corps with Essential Time
| Arc | Sunrise Countdown |
|---|---|
| Chapters | 184 – 205 |
The groundbreaking pharmaceutical agent administered to Muzan was the result of years of thorough research. This drug was engineered to impede his rapid regeneration, a key characteristic that underpinned Muzan’s overwhelming strength and formidable Blood Demon Art.
First Effect
The drug’s initial stage aimed to restore demons to human form. Drawing insights from Nezuko’s blood, Tamayo crafted a remedy that could revert demonic transformations. Anticipating Muzan’s ability to break down substances, Shinobu proposed a layered hybrid approach, a decision that diverted Muzan’s attention as he attempted to assess the effect’s singular nature.
- Tamayo’s acquisition of blood samples from high-ranking demons enabled her to innovate the Anti-Blood Demon Coagulant.
- The successful development of the demonization cure coincided with the Swordsmith Village arc.
Second Effect
Muzan, despite his age, was still at the height of his powers during the clash. To counteract this, Shinobu indicated the necessity of an aging effect incorporated into the drug. Together with Tamayo, they succeeded in developing a mixture that accelerated Muzan’s aging dramatically—by 50 years per minute.
After five hours, the aging component significantly drained Muzan’s vitality, emotionally and physically wearing him down, culminating in a rapid graying of his hair. This persistent decline in stamina was pivotal; as he became fatigued, he lost the capability to eliminate Tanjiro. The attack on his cellular structure gave the Hashira invaluable openings, revealing Muzan’s past wounds inflicted by Yoriichi.
Third Effect
Within the critical moments of dawn, Muzan faced the additional consequences of the drug. Being well-acquainted with Muzan’s vulnerabilities, Tamayo anticipated that, when cornered, he would attempt to split himself to escape. This third phase of the drug effectively hindered his necessary self-splitting, rendering him incapable of evading capture.
Fourth Effect
As the third drug began to take its toll, the fourth would intensify the assault on Muzan’s cells. Upon attempting an escape, he immediately exhibited signs of distress, coughing blood due to cellular breakdown.
The cumulative effects of the drugs not only aged him but also tore down his physical form, making it impossible for him to move freely. This debilitating process created openings for the Hashira, Inosuke, and Zenitsu, who, although weary from previous fights, capitalized on his weakened state. In a final act of desperation, Muzan encased himself in a protective layer of flesh, regressing to a defenseless state. His plan to absorb Tanjiro and transfer his consciousness ultimately fell short.
The drug’s orchestration represented one of many critical strategies necessary to subdue Muzan. The Demon Slayer Corps understood the paramount importance of an advantage in this fateful battle. Without the implementation of these disruptors, Muzan would likely have claimed total victory. Instead, the systematic weakening of his powers allowed the Corps to prolong the fight until the dawn, culminating in Muzan’s inevitable demise—a fate he had always dreaded.
Demon Slayer is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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