How Zenitsu went from being annoying to a Demon Slayer fan-favorite

Analyzing Zenitsu
Analyzing Zenitsu's character progression in Demon Slayer (Image credits: Ufotable)

Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the most beloved characters in Demon Slayer. While fans love his fighting style, he wasn’t particularly popular with the fanbase during the earlier parts of the series. Many netizens had expressed their resentment for this character, and rightfully so. He didn’t have the traits that fans would usually look for in a character of a Shonen series. That being said, his character progression has been amazing during his time in the Demon Slayer series.

When he was first introduced to fans, Zenitsu refused to fight. One would wonder how he even passed the Final Selection. Fans knew he had latent abilities, but they were hidden beneath a layer of cowardice and fear. This was one of the biggest reasons why fans found it difficult to relate to the character or like him at all. When he was present in the Tsuzumi Mansion, he quite literally hid behind a child when faced with a demon.

However, his skills would be on display the minute he lost consciousness due to fear. At that point, his body moved on its own, operating purely on instincts. He spent years developing these instincts under the guidance of Jigoro Kuwajima. He was the former Thunder Hashira and shared a special bond with Zenitsu in the anime series. Jigoro played a substantial role in developing Zenitsu’s character in Demon Slayer.

As the series progressed, Zenitsu seemed to get slightly better. The fear never went away, but he wouldn’t constantly scream and throw a tantrum. However, everything changed when he received a mysterious letter. This letter informed him of Jigoro Kuwajima’s death by Seppuku, which was done to atone for his sins. Jigoro took his own life because one of his students turned into a demon. This is when Zenitsu Agatsuma overcame his fear and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Zenitsu took on his former upperclassman, who turned into a demon. Not only was he conscious the entire time, but he also engaged in verbal jousting before their fight. It was clear that the demon hunter was consumed by rage, but he maintained his composure and made quick work of Kaigaku. He overcame his fears, avenged his former teacher, and went on to become an exceptional swordsman. Zenitsu also played his part in defeating the Demon King.


Zenitsu’s fate in Demon Slayer

Zenitsu as seen in the anime series (Image credits: Ufotable)
Zenitsu as seen in the anime series (Image credits: Ufotable)

Zenitsu Agatsuma went on to survive towards the end of the battle against Kibutsuji Muzan. The Demon Slayer Corps paid a hefty price for the freedom of humanity. However, Zenitsu managed to stay alive during this fight. He managed to take on an Upper Moon demon all by himself and emerge victorious. He had plenty of help navigating through the labyrinth, which was the Infinity Castle. He also defeated Kaigaku with a technique that he created.

Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do to bring back his former teacher. That being said, he avenged his master’s death and prevented further deaths from taking place. Towards the end of the manga series, Zenitsu could have been considered for the position of a Hashira. However, humanity’s triumph over the demon led to the disbanding of the Demon Slayer Corps.


Zenitsu Agatsuma went from being one of the most annoying characters to becoming a Demon fan-favorite. He was introduced as a cowardly person who relied on his instincts to keep him alive. By the end of the manga series, Zenitsu became an accomplished swordsman who took down enemies while remaining fully conscious. Furthermore, he avenged Jigoro’s death and killed the person responsible for the same. He is one of the most beloved characters in the series, and his character progression deserves credit.

Edited by Rohan Jagannath