by MangaMoon

Demon Slayer - Akaza

Remember… when Tanjiro cuts off Akaza’s head, but his body keeps fighting? Tanjiro and Giyu are nearly exhausted. Akaza begins regenerating his head, driven by the demand to fight and grow stronger. Then memories interrupt that relentless will. His name was Hakuji. He had a sick father, a teacher named Keizo, and Koyuki—the woman he cared for and hoped to marry. He remembers the poisoned well and the people he failed to protect. He kept pursuing strength after forgetting whom he wanted to be strong for. Tanjiro’s punch recalls his first encounter with Keizo. Recognizing what he has made of his teacher’s martial art, Akaza turns his attack against himself and accepts defeat. His body still regenerates. Muzan’s influence urges him onward. Then Koyuki touches his face. She thanks him and tells him he has done enough. Hakuji breaks into tears, apologizes for failing to protect her, and embraces her. Before Tanjiro, the demon’s body crumbles into ash. Within that final reunion, Hakuji returns. Remembering cannot erase his crimes. But his last choice belongs to him: he rejects Muzan’s command and the strength that prolonged his existence while leaving him unable to remember why he once wanted to live.

Material: wood, paper and glass