Popular characters have always been strong and reliable, but Zenitsu is a bit of an unusual character - unreliable but also a reassuring ally. He's usually pathetic and always whining, but once the battle begins he becomes a completely different person... What exactly is the appeal of Zenitsu as a character? We'll explore that appeal!
Zenitsu is usually a coward and useless.
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Normally, Zenitsu is a coward and extremely unreliable! He's quick to cry and go crazy (lol). He often loses his temper in extreme fear... When he's facing an enemy in his sane state, he faints from fear and finally enters combat mode.
Even with a cool expression, what you're saying can be pathetic...
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
"Wait! Can you hold on for a moment?" Zenitsu yelled at Tanjiro with a straight face. Wondering what was wrong with him as they approached their destination, it seemed he was so scared he couldn't move... He literally sat down in the middle of the road, hugging his knees.
Zenitsu's hair used to be black, not blonde.
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu's blonde hair is now his trademark, but it's not something he was born with, nor is it dyed. In fact, as a child, his grandfather's training became too harsh, so he ran away and climbed a tree, where he was struck by lightning. Fortunately, he survived, but for some reason, his hair turned golden from that moment on. It's a color that perfectly suits the Thunder Breathing technique...
Not a crow, but a sparrow!? Zenitsu's partner!
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Each member of the Demon Slayer Corps has a crow that they use to communicate information. This crow can speak and obtain various information, but for some reason, Zenitsu is accompanied by a sparrow instead of a crow. Of course, it doesn't speak, only chirps. However, it seems to be able to do things like deliver a letter.
Zenitsu can only use the first form of Thunder Breathing!
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Each breathing technique used by the Demon Slayer Corps has a variety of techniques. Tanjiro's Water Breathing technique only goes up to the 10th form (Tomioka's only goes up to the 11th). Of course, there are several Thunder Breathing techniques, but Zenitsu was only able to learn the first form of the Thunder Breathing technique. However, he has honed that one technique to perfection, allowing him to unleash several techniques based on the first form.
Zenitsu the Lightning-Speed One: He's a Whole New Person When He Loses Consciousness
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu's true power is revealed after he loses consciousness from fear. While unconscious, Zenitsu shows his true colors and uses the Thunder Breathing Technique, First Form. His speed is truly lightning fast. The technique is an Iaido technique that makes use of his speed, and he is even able to perform six or eight consecutive strikes. When he does this, he unleashes such power and speed that a thunderous roar is heard all around, giving the illusion of lightning striking.
Zenitsu puts his life on the line for Nezuko
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu may be a wimp, but he has a weakness for cute girls. Even when he appears before Nezuko, even though she's unconscious, he utters some cool lines. He was motivated when Shinobu held his hand, but he also seems to have special feelings for Nezuko, as he tries to give her flowers as a gift. Perhaps he and Tanjiro will become stepbrothers in the future!?
Zenitsu loses his temper when Nezuko calls him "Inosuke"
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu runs up to Nezuko in joy after she overcomes Taiyo and is able to speak, albeit brokenly. However, the words he hears are, "Welcome back, Inosuke." In fact, Inosuke had visited Nezuko earlier and helped her remember his name. Zenitsu was so frustrated he clenched his fists and bled from his mouth. His words were just too scary (lol).
Zenitsu ranked 29th in the official popularity poll!
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu has been a huge star. He appears frequently and is a bit of a wimp, but he's also considered a beloved character. However, when you look at the results of Jump's official popularity poll, he's ranked a staggering 29th with just 44 votes! ...That's because, in fact, this is a popularity poll for The Promised Neverland. Zenitsu's unexpected ranking even made him mutter, "Why am I here?" (lol)
What are the real rankings?
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
While his 29th place ranking was surprising, he actually received 4,299 votes in the official Demon Slayer popularity poll, placing him in a respectable second place behind Tanjiro! However, unlike the other characters, his expression seems clouded. Looking closely, the words "Tanjiro, you're so unfair and jealous" are written on the back of his hand... The other characters write words of gratitude, but perhaps he was aiming for first place.
He's conscious, yet still cool!? What's wrong, Zenitsu?!
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Normally, Zenitsu is a wimp who would likely faint if his head started bleeding, but at this point, he seems determined, saying, "I absolutely have to do it." Zenitsu, who is always a reliable companion during battle, usually has his eyes closed because he's unconscious, but it was a rare moment to see him looking so strong with his eyes open.
It's not just his face! Zenitsu's well-trained physique!
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Zenitsu expressed his firm resolve with a serious expression. Unlike Inosuke, he's always clothed, so I didn't notice, but his back was so well-trained it was hard to imagine him as the usual Zenitsu. That helpless face and those muscular back muscles...is this really the reverse gap moe thing?
Did Zenitsu have a senior apprentice?
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Before Zenitsu joined the Demon Slayer Corps, there was someone who would criticize him for always whining during his training. Judging from his words, this person's true identity was likely Zenitsu's senior disciple. Unlike Zenitsu, he has a more combative personality, and his abilities are likely superior to Zenitsu's at this point.
Reunion with his senior disciple. But his senior disciple...
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
He reunites with his senior disciple after a long time. His eyes bore the words Upper Rank Six. It seems that somewhere along the line, Zenitsu joined the Demon Slayer Corps, and his senior disciple became a demon. Zenitsu likely decided with that serious expression after learning this information that this was what he had to do, but the upcoming battle will be a must-see to see if he can match up to his newly-appointed senior, the Upper Rank Six.
He can do it if he tries! Zenitsu's Charms at a Glance
Source: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
So far, we've introduced Zenitsu's charms. What do you think? Zenitsu is a pathetic guy who usually just cries, but when it comes to fighting he's reliable. Which Zenitsu do you prefer?
