New Demon Slayer release is set to unveil a Hashira level character

Demon Slayer has reached its peak with the beginning of its movie trilogy, which officially marked the adaptation of the Infinity Castle arc and the Sunrise Countdown finale. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 1 was released in 2025, and now, all that is left is to wait for the second movie to drop, which is anticipated for a release in 2027.

When it comes to the next movie, what we're most excited for is the continuation of the battle against Doma, which left off after the death of Insect Hashira Shinobu. In the upcoming battle, we will see the entrance of a new Hashira-level character, Kanao Tsuyuri. Kanao has mastered Flower Breathing, and she will finally get the chance to showcase her might against Doma in flashy style while revealing one of the strongest abilities of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Kanao Will Head Into Battle In Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 2 As A New Hashira Level Character

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 1: Akaza’s Return was released in July 2025 in Japan. The movie was extremely well received, and it went on to break Box Office records both in Japan and globally. The success of this movie can be attributed to the exciting battles that were showcased, in which Zenitsu defeated Kaigaku, and Tanjiro, with the help of Giyu, took down Akaza. Meanwhile, Shinobu fought Doma. Sadly, she died in this battle, but the fight must continue after the series returns. At the end of Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Part 1, we saw the entrance of Kanao, Shinobu's adoptive sister. This movie set her up to continue the battle in the upcoming movie from where her sister left off. In Infinity Castle Part 2, Kanao will now be joined by Inosuke, one of our beloved main characters, and they will both get their time to shine.

It must be said that Kanao's first major battle that we're all about to witness will officially showcase her true might as a character worthy of being called a Hashira-level fighter. When Kanao was adopted by the Kocho sisters, she was trained in the art of Flower Breathing by Kanae, the former Flower Hashira. Even after Kanae’s death, Kanao kept developing, and she was chosen as Shinobu's Tsuguko. As her Tsuguko, technically, after the former’s retirement or death, Kanao would have officially been chosen as a new Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Looking at her skills displayed in the Doma battle, we can definitely see why Kanao would have been chosen as the next Hashira. In this fight, she fought with all her might, and she was even able to kill him with the help of Inosuke and Shinobu’s poison. It must be noted that Doma himself stated in their battle that, skill-wise, Kanao was superior to Shinobu. Kanao is definitely a character that could even beat some of the Hashira in battle, including the likes of Shinobu and Tengen, and that is all without awakening her Demon Slayer Mark.

Kanao’s Upcoming Battle Against Doma Will Unleash The Full Potential of Flower Breathing

Kanao's biggest asset is her Flower Breathing, a swordsmanship style she learned directly from Kanae Kocho. Flower Breathing is derived from Water Breathing, which is in turn derived from Sun Breathing. Flower Breathing relies on speed, dexterity, and eyesight. Technically, until Infinity Castle Part 2, we had never seen Flower Breathing truly in action, and this will be fans' first true introduction to the swordsmanship style. So far, Flower Breathing has 7 forms, 5 of which we’ve already seen in action, and they are:

• Second Form: Honorable Shadow Plum
• Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagoromo
• Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility
• Sixth Form: Whirling Peach

Of course, we can forget its strongest form, which is its final form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye.

“Why did you say that? You were preparing to sacrifice your own life, so why would you worry about my vision? She was such a kind person, so precious! I wanted to protect her. I wanted to risk my life for her. I wanted to go home together. Flower Breathing Final Form: Equinoctal Vermillion Eye.” — Kanao in Demon Slayer Chapter 162

Kanao is now set to use the final form at the end of the Doma Battle. Vermillion Eye allows Kanao's eyesight to reach its max potential, concentrating all the blood flow into her eyes and letting her see the world in slow motion. Using this power, Kanao will be able to defeat Doma and finally land the final strike, which will behead the demon. With such a feat, Kanao would have definitely been promoted to the rank of Hashira, Tsuguko or not, among the organization. Sadly, after the battle against Muzan until sunrise, the Demon Slayers as a whole cease to exist, as there is no more need for the organization with Muzan’s death and Demons’ extinction. This is why Kanao and Tanjiro were never promoted to the rank of Hashira at the end of the story.

Kanao’s Hashira Level Skills Will Shine Against Muzan As Well

Kanao's biggest fight remains the Doma battle, which will show her finally avenge her sisters and make sure that their souls rest in peace after years of torment. Kanao's Hashira-level skills, however, will shine even after the death of Doma. While the Doma battle, which is part of Infinity Castle Part 2, will see her shine the most, fans will still see her return later on in the third and final movie, which will cover the Sunrise arc. In this arc, we'll get to see the final stand against Muzan, the King of Demons himself.

Muzan is far stronger than any of his Upper Ranks. Because of that, every remaining capable Demon Slayer will take up arms once more and fight against him in hopes of stalling him until the sun rises and ending him. The Hashira and Tanjiro take on the bulk of the burden, sustaining the heaviest injuries and losing lives. That said, Tanjiro's companions, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Kanao, will also make their entrance near the end of the battle to stall Muzan further. Kanao will not be instrumental in the victory, but every small contribution helped to defeat Muzan.

Kanao will especially shine after the Muzan battle, with Gotouge, the author, giving her one more moment to show her skill. This is because Kanao will be responsible for stopping Demon King Tanjiro, who is, in the moment, corrupted by Muzan's cells. As Nezuko holds on to Tanjiro and tries to speak sense into him, Kanao will save the day by injecting him with the final remaining Anti-Demon Drug given to her by Shinobu. To achieve this feat, she will use her Vermillion Eye once more and blind herself completely in the process. Without Kanao, the battle and invasion against the Demons would have undoubtedly failed. Doma would have survived, and Demon King Tanjiro would have been born, dooming humanity itself. This goes to show her true importance, and we absolutely cannot wait to see it all being brought to life in the next Demon Slayer releases.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 will be officially available to stream on Crunchyroll starting July 28, 2026.