Summary

  • Nezuko can now walk in sunlight without burning, a crucial and surprising advancement going into the next arc of the story.
  • Her new skill makes her more vulnerable and attracts dangerous attention – especially from some of the more dangerous demons prevelant throughout the series.
  • Lord Muzan aims to steal Nezuko's power to become immortal and defy sunlight himself.

The final episode of Demon Slayer's Swordsmith Village Arc provided a truly shocking finale to the long-awaited third season. The conclusion offered a shocking reveal regarding one of the series' most prominent and important characters: Nezuko Kamado. The human girl turned demon underwent intense character development and mental and physical growth throughout this past season, and this pivotal moment proves her all-around advancement.

During the final battle between Tanjiro and the horrifying demon Hantengu, Tanjiro had to make the incredibly difficult choice to leave Nezuko exposed to the sunlight and continue pursuing his enemy who planned to kill a group of humans. As a demon, he was sure his sister would be burnt alive in the light. However, when he returned from defeating Hantengu with a powerful attack using Hinokami Kagura, he was shocked to find the demon alive. Not only did Nezuko survive the sun's rays, she was able to talk freely, something she had previously lost her ability to do, only communicating through sounds.

Nezuko Conquered Sunlight At The End Of Season Three

She now possesses the ability to walk outside during the daytime without being burnt by the sun's rays

Nezuko smiling and saying Good Morning in the Demon Slayer Hashira Training arc official trailer by Crunchyroll.

Nezuko's sunlight immunity not only saved her life, it will also prove very handy in future battles, allowing her to spend less time hiding in the darkness and more time showing off her talents in battles and engaging with the other characters. Her strength has steadily increased over the last few seasons, and this shocking achievement is a phenomenal indicator of her willpower and all she has learned. Although she is indeed a demon herself, she has fought numerous strong demons, including Susamaru, Rui, and Daki, giving her a chance to hone her demon abilities and use them for good.

While it is true that Nezuko is on an upward trajectory, this new development of sunlight resistance may be a curse as well as a blessing. Being able to walk outside in the day makes her vulnerable to outside threats, since she will no longer receive the protection of the wooden box she previously spent most of her time in. Although she is becoming a more experienced fighter, she is not advanced enough to handle more menacing threats on her own, like Upper Rank demons Kokushibo, Akaza, and Doma, or even some of the enemies her brother, Tanjiro, has faced.

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Nezuko's New Ability Is Unique, But Puts Her In Danger

A rare power like hers will certainly attract attention and envy from other dangerous demons

Nezuko has only had a handful of chances to practice her fighting; she must train more intensely to achieve the necessary level of progress to take on higher-ranked demons. Another disadvantage she possesses is the fact that she must sleep to recover from damage taken during a fight. In past battles, after receiving a few overwhelming hits, Nezuko was forced to retreat into the shelter of darkness and sleep to replenish her energy levels. An advanced Upper Rank opponent would wear the weaker demon out quickly, and she'd be forced to hide and recover before she could finish the fight.

Obviously, the worst danger Nezuko now faces is the formidable Demon King, Lord Muzan. News that she has conquered the sun has spread to Muzan and other demons, enticing their curiosity. The Demon King is already scheming to steal her ability for himself by consuming her. Since no other demon has been known to resist sunlight, this is a unique achievement for Nezuko, but it puts her at risk, since jealous demons will see her as a target they can overpower and defeat, in order to take her ability to allow them to kill and eat humans during the daytime.

Lord Muzan Plans To Kill and Eat Nezuko, Stealing Her Power

The Demon King has been unsuccessful in previous attempts to conquer the sun

Demon Slayer's Muzan Kibutsuji with his hair pulled back, in front of a red background.

Muzan has been formulating a plan to triumph over the one element holding him back: sunlight. He has been searching desperately for the Blue Spider Lily because that plant, or the stolen powers of another sunlight-resistant demon, would enable him to develop the ability to walk in the sun as well as become immortal, making him impossible to kill. Tanjiro and the Demon Slayers have been fighting to stop Muzan and the Upper Rank demons he rules over, but if he is able to conquer sunlight too, killing him may suddenly become impossible for them to achieve, putting all of humanity at risk.

Nezuko's new talent may be more of a hazard than fans realize. Muzan has already discovered she has unlocked this ability and is pursuing her with greater fervor. The Demon Slayers and Hashira are accomplished, but may not be able to fight back an onslaught of Upper Rank demons if caught off guard, and Nezuko cannot handle these threats alone either. This makes the Hashira Training in season 4 even more consequential, because it is crucial that everyone becomes strong enough to protect Nezuko. It is not a matter of if Muzan will attack, but when, so the Demon Slayers must take precautions.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba - Nezuko protects Tanjirou

Although Nezuko's triumph over the sun does put her in an unprotected position, it does come with some benefits as well. She is now able to exercise and hone her skills during the daytime and is more independent and self-sufficient, allowing Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayers more time to work on their own techniques instead. It is still yet to be seen how the colossal battle between the Demon Slayers and Muzan will turn out in the Demon Slayer anime, but Nezuko's character development and efforts will likely be what either makes or breaks the Demon Slayers' victory.

Watch on Crunchyroll

Demon Slayer
Directors
Haruo Sotozaki
Writers
Ufotable
Franchise(s)
Demon Slayer

Cast

  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Zach Aguilar
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Abby Trott
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Aleks Le
  • Headshot Of Bryce Papenbrook In The Funimation Films presents the North American premiere of 'My Hero Academia
    Bryce Papenbrook
Seasons
3
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll
Creator(s)
Ufotable