Akaza’s story is far from the typical antagonists shown in Demon Slayer. While the anime explores themes of humanity among acts of evil, Akaza’s past and moral values set him apart from other demons, especially within the Twelve Kizuki. With his deep sense of honor that persevered even after he became a demon, paired with his devastating backstory, Akaza has qualities that make him the only demon truly worthy of Tanjiro Kamado’s piety and empathy.

Akaza’s Unbreakable Code of Honor Sets Him Apart

During All His Time as a Demon, Akaza Never Once Killed or Devoured Women

Most demons shown in Demon Slayer don’t fight against their bloodlust but rather indulge in it. Akaza, on the other hand, has a unique moral code that prevents him from mindlessly devouring humans. He follows a personal code preventing him from consuming or killing any woman, a trait carried over from his human life. As a member of the Twelve Kizuki, where power and cruelty are seen as signs of strength, Akaza’s actions remain guided by an internal moral com.

Unlike many other demons, Akaza’s moral complexity shines through at the revelation. While he still craves and values strength, his refusal to harm women shows that his demonic nature has not completely overpowered his humanity. It raises questions surrounding whether Akaza is truly irredeemable or not. His restraint in battling women proves that, even as a demon, Akaza possesses a sense of self-discipline and honor, adding to his interesting complexity as a character.

Akaza is Complex and Has the Most Tragic Backstory

Akaza's Reason for Becoming a Demon Doesn’t Stem from a Desire for Power

One of the most gutting backstories in Demon Slayer belongs to Akaza, adding layers to his character and differentiating him further from any other demons shown in the narrative. Before he became a demon, Akaza was known as Hakuji, a young man who initially got by through dishonest means and suffered immense personal losses. Akaza stole to help his sickly father, leading to his arrest. This drove his father to suicide to prevent Akaza from straying down a bad path.

Later, Akaza was taken in by a martial arts master and trained in his dojo, where he also fell in love with the master's daughter. However, Akaza's life was destroyed again by the murder of his beloved fiancée and her father. After suffering the loss of the only family he had left, Akaza was driven into a bloodthirsty rage, killing all sixty-seven of the dojo responsible for their deaths.

When Muzan offered him the chance to become a demon, Akaza accepted, but not out of a desire for revenge. Rather, Akaza accepted because he lost his will to continue living. Akaza’s transformation into a demon stemmed from his overwhelming grief and desire to fill a void left by his loved ones. For many years, it sufficed as he forgot his memories as a human and the tragedies he endured.

Unlike Other Powerful Demons, Akaza Maintains Shreds of Humanity

Despite Being Upper Three in the Twelve Kizuki, Akaza Was Never Truly Evil

Despite being one of the most powerful and feared demons, Akaza is not driven by the same malice or evil intent that defines other demons in Demon Slayer. At his core, even if he doesn’t his life as a human, he shows empathy and displays a sense of honor that suggests that he was never truly evil. For example, according to Doma, women are better for demons to eat due to having more nutrients, yet even knowing this, Akaza still stands by his morals and refuses to take part. This display of principles proves Akaza retains shreds of humanity.

Akaza returns to being Hakuji before his end, despite Muzan urging him to continue fighting and gaining more strength. Instead, Akaza has a vision of his fiancée, and he re his human identity in his final moments. This reversal signifies that Akaza places more value on his humanity; in denying Muzan one final time, Akaza exemplifies that he is not as evil as other upper-rank .

Tanjiro is a unique shonen protagonist because he stubbornly refuses to hate his enemies, even when faced with their boundless cruelty. However, Akaza truly deserved this treatmenty, because how he breaks down in Koyuki’s arms in his final moments proves that he only wanted to live as a human with her, making him the demon most deserving of piety in Demon Slayer.