Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is one of the most anticipated arcs in the entire series, and while Akaza’s story has already shaken the fanbase to its core, it was only the prelude. His tragic past, the powerful battle against the Hashira, and his heartbreaking end left fans in tears, but what comes next is something on an entirely different level.
Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One, is not just another demon to be defeated; he embodies centuries of jealousy, regret, and corruption. His story doesn’t simply expand the Infinity Castle arc; it redefines it.
The battle against Akaza was a masterclass in storytelling. On the surface, it was a fight against a seemingly unstoppable opponent whose martial artistry and regeneration made him a nightmare to face. But what elevated his character beyond a “monster of the week” was his layered humanity.
Fans were left debating his fate: did he truly go to hell, or was redemption possible? The ambiguity reflected Buddhist themes of karma and rebirth, giving his end a resonance beyond just “villain defeated.”
However, Akaza’s downfall was still a battle of fists and ideals, a personal war between his fractured humanity and his demonic instincts. But Kokushibo’s story goes far deeper, intertwining with the very roots of Demon Slayer history itself.
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga. Reader's discretion is advised.
The jealousy that defines Infinity Castle

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is not just a battleground of demons and slayers; it is the convergence of legacies. Akaza’s battle represented a man wrestling with the remnants of his humanity, but Kokushibo’s battle represents a war of ideologies across generations.
When the Hashira face Kokushibo, they are not merely fighting another Upper Moon. They are clashing against the corrupted shadow of Yoriichi, the greatest demon slayer who ever lived.
Kokushibo’s techniques, rooted in Moon Breathing (a derivative of Sun Breathing), serve as a cruel reflection of what he could have been had jealousy not consumed him. This makes his story a mirror to Tanjiro’s. Where Michikatsu allowed envy to guide his path, Tanjiro embraces admiration and respect.
Where Michikatsu rejected family, Tanjiro cherishes his bonds. The Infinity Castle arc is designed to contrast these worldviews, and Kokushibo embodies the tragic consequence of choosing resentment over love.
The emotional weight of Kokushibo’s battle in Demon Slayer Infinity Castle

One reason Kokushibo’s arc will redefine Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is the sheer scope of his final battle. Unlike Akaza, who fought with honor against a small group, Kokushibo’s fight is a war. He battles multiple Hashira simultaneously, pushing each of them to their absolute limits.
But the fight isn’t just physical, it’s layered with heartbreaking revelations. His demonic form, grotesque and unrecognizable, symbolizes the full corruption of his soul. Yet within his monstrous appearance, there are fleeting glimpses of the man he once was. His memories of Yoriichi, his regrets, and his buried humanity resurface.
Akaza’s ambiguous ending sparked debates among fans: was he damned or redeemed? With Kokushibo, the question becomes even more complicated. In this way, Kokushibo’s story redefines Demon Slayer Infinity Castle by transforming it from a tale of heroes versus monsters into a meditation on human weakness, envy, and redemption.
Final thoughts
Fans of Demon Slayer thoroughly enjoyed Part 1 of Demon Slayer Infinity Castle, and the movie has mostly received praise. The main event was the fight against Akaza, and Ufotable did such a good job that it felt like nothing could top that feeling in the hearts of the viewers. But there is a reason why his battle came before Kokushibo’s. We can see Akaza’s story are an entryway to the finale.
If Part 1 of the movie has created waves globally, fans can rest assured that when Kokushibo entered the battlefield field the stakes could have never been higher. And viewers will be left to sit on the edge of their seats. There is alleged news circulating that we will get more information about the next film around December 21, 2025. We have hope that Part 2 of the film will come to the cinema halls soon.