In this article, we delve into the pasts, aspirations, and final moments of the Pillars in Demon Slayer. These Pillars fought for their families and friends, and it was their strong emotions that fueled their strength. Each of the Pillars was able to fulfill their personal aspirations before passing away, achieving a peaceful end.
Shinobu Kocho
Shinobu, the Insect Pillar, uses the Insect Breathing technique. She dies in the battle against Upper Rank Two, Doma, who was responsible for her sister’s death. However, she weakens Doma significantly with the massive amount of poison she had infused into her body, allowing her allies to defeat him. Shinobu’s fulfilled aspiration was to carry on her sister’s wish to befriend demons and to avenge her sister by defeating Doma.
Gyomei Himejima
Gyomei, the Stone Pillar, uses the Stone Breathing technique. He dies in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. Gyomei's aspiration was to reconcile with the children he once looked after. Due to a traumatic experience in his past where he felt betrayed by children, he found it hard to trust them. However, in his final moments, he learns the truth and is able to reconcile with them, bringing him peace.
Kyojuro Rengoku
Kyojuro, the Flame Pillar, uses the Flame Breathing technique. He dies in the battle against Upper Rank Three, Akaza. Kyojuro’s aspiration was to follow his mother’s teachings and protect the lives of the weak. His mother had taught him that those born with great power must use it for the benefit of others. In his final moments, he sees an apparition of his mother, who praises him, and he passes away with a peaceful expression.
Muichiro Tokito
Muichiro, the Mist Pillar, uses the Mist Breathing technique. He dies in the battle against Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. Muichiro's fulfilled aspiration was to regain the memories of his brother, Yuichiro, and find meaning in his own life. After losing his memories, Muichiro fought without a clear purpose, but during the battle with Kokushibo, he regained his memories and found a reason to fight. In his final moments, he reunites with his brother and expresses that he lived a fulfilling life.
Mitsuri Kanroji
Mitsuri, the Love Pillar, uses the Love Breathing technique. She dies in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. Mitsuri's fulfilled aspiration was to find a wonderful partner who would accept her for who she truly is. The Serpent Pillar, Obanai Iguro, was that person, as he accepted Mitsuri’s true self. In her final moments, they promise to be together in their next life, fulfilling her aspiration.
Obanai Iguro
Obanai, the Serpent Pillar, uses the Serpent Breathing technique. He dies in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. Obanai's fulfilled aspiration was to cleanse his "tainted" blood and confess his feelings to Mitsuri. Due to a traumatic childhood, Obanai believed his blood was impure. However, after the defeat of Muzan, he confesses his feelings to Mitsuri, and they promise to be together in their next life.
Sanemi Shinazugawa
Sanemi, the Wind Pillar, uses the Wind Breathing technique. He participated in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. Although he couldn’t fulfill his promise to protect his younger brother, Genya, he survives the battle, carrying Genya’s dying wish that Sanemi should live a happy life. This wish helps Sanemi avoid despair and motivates him to continue living despite the pain of losing his brother.
Giyu Tomioka
Giyu, the Water Pillar, uses the Water Breathing technique. He loses an arm during the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji but fights on. Giyu had struggled with survivor's guilt after his sister was killed by a demon, believing he should have died instead. However, his friend Sabito’s words about his sister's sacrifice motivated him to continue living. The fact that Sabito and Tsutako saved his life was a significant reason why Giyu fought to survive.
Tengen Uzui
Tengen, the Sound Pillar, uses the Sound Breathing technique. He successfully defeats Upper Rank Six, Gyutaro and Daki. Tengen chooses to retire after the battle to fulfill a promise he made to his three wives. Having once killed his own siblings due to his father's orders, Tengen prioritizes his wives above all else. One of his wives, Hinatsuru, suggests that they should live as ordinary humans after defeating the Upper Rank demons. Tengen honors this promise and retires from active duty after Muzan’s defeat.