Demon Slayer is a phenomenal show with a loyal and eager fanbase. The show follows the adventures of one Demon Slayer, namely Tanjiro.
But:
What is the structure of the Demon Slayer corps as a whole?
The Rank Order
Think of the Demon Slayer Corps as a military organization that fights demons.
Well:
Every military organization operates under a hierarchy system. This is an easy way of showing superiority and seniority.
So:
What are the Demon Slayer ranks in order?
Well:
There are ten ranks in the Demon Slayer core. From lowest to highest, we have…
- Mizunoto
- Mizunoe
- Kanoto
- Kanoe
- Tsuchinoto
- Tsuchinoe
- Hinoto
- Hinoe
- Kinoto
- Kinoe
The Final Selection
Now, we understand the basic structure of the Demon Slayer Corp, but there is still a looming question.
Which is:
How does one get into the Demon Slayer Corp?
Well:
Anyone can become a Demon Slayer. But, a prospective applicant must first pass the final selection.
Now:
This is no ordinary interview process. It’s not as simple as walking up with a resume and hoping for a good offer.
You see:
The final selection is a grueling survival trial. All applicants must survive on a demon-infested mountain for seven days! It is a test that could cost you your life.
As such:
Many applicants spend years training to be ready for the final selection.
Now:
Why would anyone want to go through that?
Well:
Every Demon Salyer is different. Drive and ambition vary from candidate to candidate. It also pays generously, depending on your rank.
Ascending the Ranks
Demon Slayers can be promoted, like in any other military organization.
First:
A new applicant must survive the trial. Once they do this, they are given a standard uniform and allowed to choose the ore for their sword.
Also:
A new Demon Slayer starts at the Mizunoto Rank. They are also allowed to choose a special talking bird for communication. This is how most Demon Slayers receive their missions.
Now:
Demon Slaying is a dangerous line of work. Demon Slayers put their lives on the line with every mission.
Thankfully:
The pay is generous. Mizunoto ranked Demon Slayers earn 200,000 yen, and the pay increases as they rise through the ranks.
We know:
Demon Slayers are promoted by completing missions. Promotions are based on merit, like in any other organization. Hashiras, the highest ranked, are paid as much as they want.
Now:
Promotions happen passively. Demon Slayers can check their rank using the Wisteria Flower Engraving. They simply say the password, and it reveals their position.
We see:
This method does not alert you when you have risen in rank. Tanjiro and his allies were surprised that they had risen to the Kanoe rank at the beginning of Season 2.
The Hashiras
Kinoe is the highest achievable rank through normal promotion.
But:
There is a realm beyond Kinoe that only a select few may enter. The Hashiras are the mightiest fighters within the Demon Slayer Corp.
Now:
It is not easy to become a Hashira. Firstly, only Kinoe-ranked Demon Slayers can become Hashira’s.
But:
How does a Demon Slayer become a Hashira?
Well:
A Kinoe-ranked Demon slayer must kill either 50 demons or one of the 12 Demon Moons to become a Hashira.
However…
This is easier said than done. It might even seem impossible to some. And that is why other Demon Slayers respect the Hashiras.
We know:
One of the perks of being a Hashira is choosing how much you get paid. The Hashiras can also decide what region they prefer to monitor.
Conclusion
The ranking system in Demon Slayer is easy to understand. It also allows us to track the main character’s growth.
Tanjiro is far from the strongest in the current Anime. He has a long way to go, but he continues to evolve. And hopefully, he gets there one day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Technically, all the Kinoe-Ranked Demon slayers are the highest ranked.
Nezuko is an Upper-Rank Demon.
The ranks are:
Mizunoto
Mizunoe
Kanoto
Kanoe
Tsuchinoto
Tsuchinoe
Hinoto
Hinoe
Kinoto
Kinoe
The Hashiras are Kinoe-ranked demon slayers that have either killed 50 demons or one of the 12 Demon Moons. So yes, they are technically the highest ranked.