In Kimetsu no Yaiba , the fates of Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado take a crucial turn thanks to Giyu Tomioka, the Water Pillar, who decided to protect them despite the strict rules of the Demon Slayer Corps. But have you ever wondered what would have happened if another Pillar had been in their place? Would their story have been just as hopeful or would it have ended in tragedy?
Below, we explore some alternative scenarios that could have changed everything.
What would have become of them if they had been found by…?
Shinobu Kocho, Insect Pillar
Shinobu, with her sweet voice and constant smile, hides a deep resentment toward demons. Although her approach is pragmatic and scientific, her hatred could have been a major obstacle for Tanjiro and Nezuko.
Initially, Shinobu would likely have been curious about Nezuko as a unique phenomenon: a demon who doesn't attack humans. However, that curiosity might have led her to seek to study her rather than protect her.
Her more calculating and less emotional approach could have created tension with Tanjiro. In a positive scenario, Shinobu could have used her ingenuity to prove Nezuko's innocence to the rest of the Corps, as well as her scientific value. But in a worst-case scenario, she could have attempted to poison her "for the greater good," as part of her experiments.
From this perspective, the relationship between Tanjiro and Shinobu would have been much more conflicted, and Nezuko's fate could have been in danger from the beginning.
Kyojuro Rengoku, Pillar of Flame
With his energy and passionate nature, Rengoku could have been a father figure to Tanjiro and Nezuko from the start. His motto of protecting the innocent and his strong sense of duty make him a Pillar who would likely have defended the Kamado siblings.
Rengoku might have seen Tanjiro and Nezuko as a case worthy of exception. His willingness to protect them would have been evident, though he might have faced difficulties convincing the Corps' superiors.
It is also likely that Rengoku took on the role of mentor, helping Tanjiro improve his swordsmanship and offering emotional support.
In this way, the plot could have taken a direction more focused on Rengoku's ideals of justice and compassion, with a faster development of Tanjiro as a hunter.
Mitsuri Kanroji, Pillar of Love
With her compassionate heart and ability to empathize, Mitsuri would have been a natural ally for Tanjiro and Nezuko.
She would likely have felt tenderness toward Nezuko and admiration for Tanjiro's determination to protect her. Her instinct would have been to protect them from the beginning. And while she would have been a strong defender, her less assertive nature might have hampered her ability to influence the decisions of her superiors.
With Mitsuri, the story could have focused more on the importance of empathy and emotions, albeit with greater challenges in gaining the Corps' support.
Muichiro Tokito, Pillar of Mist
Muichiro's initial indifference to others could have made this encounter very unpredictable. At his most distant, Muichiro would likely have ignored Tanjiro and Nezuko or considered them irrelevant. So perhaps the initial approach could have been initiated by them.
As Muichiro recalled his own tragic past, he might have begun to empathize with Tanjiro's struggle to protect his only family. His more meaningful support might have come later, with a greater focus on the deep emotional impact, reinforcing the themes of memory and redemption.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, Pillar of the Wind
Sanemi, known for his deep hatred of demons, would have represented one of the greatest challenges for Tanjiro and Nezuko. His aggressiveness and distrust could have turned the encounter into a deadly showdown.
He would likely have tried to kill Nezuko on the spot, without giving any room for explanations, which would have forced Tanjiro to confront him to protect his sister.
Had Nezuko managed to demonstrate her self-control, Sanemi might have reconsidered his position, though this would have taken time and a great deal of evidence. Perhaps that self-control would have manifested itself in protecting Tanjiro, which would have sown doubt in Sanemi.
In this case, her relationship with Tanjiro would have been tense and violent, with a darker focus and filled with internal conflicts within the Corps. Additionally, it could have led to a greater focus on Nezuko and her own development, proving her innocence and demonstrating her worth beyond her status as a demon.
There are hundreds of possible situations and “universes”
Each Pillar has a unique personality that would have given a different spin to Tanjiro and Nezuko's story. From Shinobu's pragmatic sweetness to Rengoku's passionate justice to Sanemi's aggressiveness, these alternatives highlight the richness of Kimetsu no Yaiba 's world.
Do you agree with these interpretations?
The choice of Pillars was a bit personal and a bit random, so do you think another Pillar would have changed the story in a more interesting way?
In my case, I think the most interesting change to see would be with the Wind Pillar, Sanemi Shinazugawa, which is why I've presented this one to the end. And for you? I'd love to hear your opinions and theories!
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