Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba continues to enjoy popularity even after the serialization ended. With the airing of the Entertainment District Arc approaching, its popularity is sure to rise once again, but did you know that there are also spin-off works of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba? One is Rengoku Zero Volume, which depicts Rengoku Kyojuro's time as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps and was distributed as an admissions bonus when the Mugen Train Arc was released. The other is a Demon Slayer Gaiden that depicts Rengoku Kyojuro and Kanroji Mitsuri as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, as well as the mission that Tomioka Giyuu undertook after saving Tanjiro and the others, and their journey to defeat the Twelve Kizuki in order to become a Pillar. Rengoku Zero Volume was written by Koyoharu Gotouge, but the spin-off work is a complete spin-off written by Hirano Ryoji.
"Rengoku Zero Volume"
A special one-shot story depicting Kyojuro Rengoku's time as a corps member
This work was featured in the special gift given to moviegoers when the film Mugen Train Arc was released. While no longer available, this episode is featured in the official Demon Slayer fan book, Demon Slayer Corps Travelogue Vol. 2. It describes Kyojuro Rengoku's first mission and deepens his knowledge of the world.
The Thoughts of His Father, Rengoku Shinjyuro
"Neither you nor Senjūrō have much talent. Don't dream of such silly things. The Flame Pillar will end with me. You will never become the Flame Pillar." The story begins with these harsh words from his father, Rengoku Shinjūrō. Unable to understand Rengoku Shinjūrō's true intentions, Kyojurō is troubled. He exchanges several words with his younger brother, Senjūrō, before setting off on his first mission. His parting words reminded Kyojuro of the exchange he had with the child he had saved during the selection process, and he secretly thought to himself that Makijuro was on the verge of death. Kyojuro sensed that Makijuro's coldness was due to his not wanting them to die.
First Mission, and Determination
When Kyojuro arrived, he found nine corps members and five children had been killed by a demon. The demon's ruthless tactics involved the victims being unable to move as they pleased due to the disturbing sound of the flute, and thus allowing the dogs to devour them. However, Kyojuro noticed the spell from the slain soldier's finger signs, ruptured his eardrum, avoided the spell, and cut off the demon's neck. He was heartfelt grateful to the soldiers who tried to leave something behind for others even as their lives came to an end, and with the determination to become like them, he took the lone surviving child with him and completed his first mission. [itemlink post_id="109326"]
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Gaiden"
A complete spin-off featuring Giyu Tomioka and Kyojuro Rengoku
This is a side story about the Pillars, drawn by Ryoji Hirano under the supervision of original author Koyoharu Gotouge. The Giyu Tomioka Gaiden and Kyojuro Rengoku Gaiden were both published in Weekly Shonen Jump as stand-alone stories in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This chapter covers events that occurred shortly after Giyu Tomioka met the Kamado siblings. It also explores how Kyojuro Rengoku became a Hashira, and reading it alongside his first mission will deepen your understanding of the character.
"Giyu Tomioka Gaiden" Synopsis ①
After receiving a message that several fishermen have been eaten by demons in the snowy mountains of the north, Giyu heads to a northern post town. He tries to talk to a girl named Yae who is trying to avenge her family who was killed by a man-eating bear, but because he is not good at talking, he is not taken seriously and is instead tied up as a suspicious person. Just when it seems he will be taken away, Kocho Shinobu, who is in town on vacation, comes to his rescue. However, Giyuu refuses and shows his stubbornness by trying to handle the situation himself. The matter is left unresolved when Yae collapses, and the two end up caring for her.
"Tomioka Giyuu Gaiden" Synopsis ②
After waking up, Giyuu manages to talk to Yae, but she stubbornly insists it was a bear. Giyuu suspects she's hiding something, but Yae refuses to speak up and heads off alone into the snowy mountains at night. Giyuu and Shinobu follow her into the snowy mountains. What exactly is the true identity of the man-eating bear that attacked Yae's family?
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"Rengoku Kyojuro Gaiden" Synopsis ①
The story centers on Rengoku Kyojuro, who has achieved Rank A, and Kanroji Mitsuri, who has just joined the Demon Slayer Corps. The two are depicted as master and disciple, devoting themselves to training. One day during training, a Hashira meeting is called. At the time, Rengoku's father, Rengoku Makijuro, was still the Flame Hashira, but he had already become depressed, leaving the Flame Hashira position vacant. Kyojuro, who attended instead, was tasked with defeating the Twelve Kizuki near the Imperial Capital in order to become a Pillar.
"Rengoku Kyojuro Gaiden" Synopsis ②
Kyōjuro and his friends arrived in the Imperial Capital. As if waiting for them, an explosion erupted throughout the capital. Mitsuri tried to go to the rescue, but was shot by an unknown assailant. Kyojuro quickly closed the distance and slashed at the gunman. The gunman's true identity was Lower Moon Two, Hairō. One would think that there is some kind of connection between Peirou and Kyojuro... but it turns out that this is their first meeting. While Mitsuri and the others head off to defuse bombs planted throughout the imperial capital, Kyojuro confronts Peirou alone. The outcome of their battle and the defusal of the bombs planted throughout the imperial capital will be a mystery.
Summary
This concludes the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba spin-off manga. Fans of Giyu Tomioka and Kyojuro Rengoku should definitely pick up this volume and read it. The Rengoku Kyojuro spin-off also depicts the exploits of Mitsuri Kanroji, who appears only a few times in the anime, making it a must-read for fans of her. Thank you for reading this far!
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