Demon Slayer: 8 Kanao Tsuyuri Moments That Fans Loved

Kanao Tsuyuri as seen in Demon Slayer
Kanao Tsuyuri as seen in Demon Slayer (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

Kanao Tsuyuri may not be the most outspoken figure in Demon Slayer, but her expedition from a traumatized, impassive girl to a fierce warrior has grasped many hearts. The adopted sister of Shinobu and Kanae Kocho carries a distinctive presence to the series with her superb fighting skills. Throughout the series, several moments underscore Kanao's character evolution and showcase why she's become such a cherished character in the series.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.


1. Kanao Learning Her Breathing Style

Kanao during the Final Selection Exam (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)
Kanao during the Final Selection Exam (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

A standout moment for Kanao in Demon Slayer was when she mastered the Flower Breathing technique solely through keen observation of Shinobu and Kanae, without any formal instruction. Unlike other Demon Slayers who received direct training, Kanao's marvelous observational skills enabled her to comprehend this complex technique purely through watching her sisters practice. It showcases her natural talent and keen eye for detail.

Even more remarkable is that she took the Final Selection exam in Demon Slayer without Shinobu and Kanae's permission. Highlighting her determination despite her seemingly passive nature.


2. Kanao Tsuyuri’s Coin Flip and Tanjiro’s Advice

Tanjiro helps Kanao overcome her decision-making (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)
Tanjiro helps Kanao overcome her decision-making (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

One of the most connected Demon Slayer moments comes when Tanjiro finds Kanao's habit of flipping a coin to make decisions. After knowing about her traumatic past and inability to judge for herself, Tanjiro borrows her coin and throws it, declaring that the result will define whether she'll listen to her own heart going forward.

When the coin lands on heads, Tanjiro reveals he would have kept flipping until it did. It showed his determination to help her break free from her psychological chains.


3. Kanao Pursuing Nezuko at Mount Natagumo

Nezuko and Kanao as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)
Nezuko and Kanao as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

During the Mount Natagumo arc, Kanao displays her exceptional combat abilities when she pursues Nezuko after knocking an injured Tanjiro unconscious. This moment is memorable as Kanao's growing confusion as Nezuko repeatedly dodges her attacks without fighting back.

The cutest chase scene underscores not only Kanao's incredible speed and precision but also plants the first seeds of suspicion about her black-and-white worldview. When she receives orders via crow to capture rather than kill Nezuko, her immediate compliance demonstrates her strict adherence to orders.


4. Kanao Standing Up to Tengen Uzui

Kanao tries to stop Tengen (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)
Kanao tries to stop Tengen (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

A significant moment in Kanao's growth occurs during the Entertainment District arc. She catches sight of the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, attempting to carry Aoi and Naho along with him against their will for his upcoming mission. Despite her fear of going against a Hashira and Shinobu's absence, Kanao remembers Tanjiro's advice to "follow her heart."

Summoning her courage, she reaches out and seizes Tengen’s outfit, boldly stepping up in an effort to rescue her companions. Though physically outmatched, this act of defiance represents a massive step forward for her in Demon Slayer.


5. Kanao Tsuyuri’s Emotional Reaction

Kanao is happy to see Tanjiro awake (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)
Kanao is happy to see Tanjiro awake (Image Source: Studio Ufotable)

After the intense battle in the Entertainment District arc, Demon Slayer fans witnessed a rare display of emotion from Kanao when she sees Tanjiro finally regaining consciousness after two months. The typically composed and reserved Kanao is so overcome with emotion that she drops the vase she's carrying upon seeing him awake. This is a small but significant gesture that speaks volumes about her growing emotional capacity.

Her weeping confession that she's "so glad" to see him awake indicates the depth of her concern and attachment. This heartfelt scene showcases Kanao’s growing emotional independence, revealing her capacity to act on her true feelings without relying on her coin to choose for her.


6. Kanao Confronting Doma After Shinobu’s Death

Kanao vs. Doma (Image Source: VIZ)
Kanao vs. Doma (Image Source: VIZ)

In one of Demon Slayer's most emotionally charged moments, Kanao encounters Upper Moon Two, Doma, following Shinobu's sacrifice. Her outrage upon seeing her sister figure's death changes the usually composed Kanao into a berserker seeking vengeance.

Here, Kanao's brutal honesty when she tells Doma he's "an empty shell" who has never experienced real emotions. Her pointed question—"Why were you even born?"—reveals how far she's come from the emotionless girl who once couldn't express herself at all.


7. Using Flower Breathing’s Final Form in Demon Slayer

Kanao activates her Final form (Image Source: VIZ)
Kanao activates her Final form (Image Source: VIZ)

During the climactic battle against Upper Moon Two Doma in the Infinity Castle arc, Kanao unveils her mastery of Flower Breathing. She executes her ultimate technique: Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye. This spectacular moment showcases her growth as a fighter who learned the breathing style simply by observing.

With Doma weakened by Shinobu's poison but still dangerous in Demon Slayer, Kanao's decision to use this powerful technique represents her resolve to finish what her sister started. Combined with Inosuke's improvised Beast Breathing: Sudden Throwing Strike, she successfully beheads the Upper Moon.


8. Kanao Finding Shinobu’s Hairpin and Finally Crying

Kanao sees her sisters after defeating Doma (Image Source: VIZ)
Kanao sees her sisters after defeating Doma (Image Source: VIZ)

After defeating Doma, Kanao searches the ground for Shinobu's butterfly hairpin while noticing that Kanae's has broken. This poignant scene recalls how she had been unable to cry when Kanae died.

Upon discovering Shinobu’s hairpin, Kanao breaks down in tears, questioning whether she truly appreciated her loved ones the way Kanae once urged her to. This deeply moving Demon Slayer moment completes her emotional journey when the spirits of both Kocho sisters appear to assure her that she did well.

In brief, Kanao Tsuyuri in Demon Slayer transforms from a broken child to a fierce warrior. Her growth touches fans deeply. She learns to make her own choices. She fights with incredible skill. She avenges her sisters with courage. Kanao proves that even the quietest characters can have the loudest impact.

Edited by Sugnik Mondal