KNY Fanbook: What Each Hashira Thinks of the Others

Ever wondered what goes on inside the heads of the Demon Slayer Corps’ most elite warriors when they look at each other? The Hashira, nine supremely skilled individuals, aren’t just colleagues united against a common enemy; they’re a complex web of personalities, histories, and emotions. Figuring out ‘what hashira think of each other’ can feel like piecing together a puzzle, with fragments scattered across manga chapters, anime episodes, and official guidebooks. It’s easy to get lost in fan theories versus canon facts, especially when trying to understand the subtle dynamics between characters like the aloof Giyu and the abrasive Sanemi, or the cheerful Mitsuri and the critical Obanai.

The Demon Slayer Hashira hold diverse opinions of one another, ranging from deep respect and admiration (often towards Gyomei and Kyojuro) to friendly teasing (Shinobu towards Giyu), intense rivalry (Sanemi and Giyu), and budding romance (Obanai and Mitsuri), all shaped by their unique personalities and shared battles.

This deep dive relies heavily on information confirmed in Koyoharu Gotōge’s original manga and official supplementary materials like fanbooks and light novels, ensuring we stick to the canon facts. We’ll unpack the intricate relationships, rivalries, friendships, and quiet acknowledgments that define this powerful group. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the respect, friction, and camaraderie that binds the Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Key Facts:
* Official Fanbooks are Crucial: Much of the detailed insight into the Hashira’s specific thoughts on each other comes directly from official Kimetsu no Yaiba fanbooks, considered canon supplementary material. ➋
* Universal Respect for Rengoku: Kyojuro Rengoku is uniquely positioned, with fanbook entries showing he holds positive views of all fellow Hashira, and they, in turn, universally respect or like him. ➊ ➎
* Gyomei: The Respected Sage: Gyomei Himejima is widely acknowledged, even by notoriously critical Hashira like Sanemi and Obanai, as the strongest among them, commanding immense respect. ➋
* Giyu’s Complex Social Standing: While often teased (especially by Shinobu) for his perceived aloofness, fanbooks reveal Giyu Tomioka actually enjoys the company of other Hashira and feels happy when they talk to him. ➋ ➍
* Sanemi’s Hidden Depths: Despite his aggressive demeanor, Sanemi Shinazugawa holds deep respect for Gyomei, harbored affection for Kanae Kocho (Shinobu’s sister), and has surprisingly decent relationships with most Pillars, according to fanbook details. ➋ ➍

How Do the Demon Slayer Hashira Perceive Each Other?

The Demon Slayer Hashira exhibit complex relationships shaped by individual personalities, shared trauma, and intense battles. Dynamics range from deep respect and friendship to rivalry and occasional friction, often detailed in official fanbooks and supplementary materials. Their interactions aren’t just about coordinating attacks; they’re influenced by years of fighting side-by-side, personal losses, and the immense pressure of their roles. Understanding these dynamics requires looking beyond surface interactions seen in the main story.

The Hashira are a diverse group, each bringing a unique personality and fighting style. You have the stoic Giyu, the passionate Rengoku, the sharp-tongued Shinobu, the flamboyant Tengen, the gentle Mitsuri, the aloof Muichiro, the wise Gyomei, the critical Obanai, and the volatile Sanemi. These distinct traits inevitably lead to a spectrum of relationships. Some pairings mesh well, forming bonds of friendship or mutual respect, while others clash, creating tension and rivalry.

Furthermore, their shared experiences as the Demon Slayer Corps’ elite fighters forge a unique, albeit sometimes strained, camaraderie. They’ve all faced unimaginable horrors and losses, creating an unspoken understanding. Yet, the high stakes and constant danger also breed intensity, sometimes manifesting as friction or disagreement on strategy and conduct. The official fanbooks delve deeper, offering glimpses into their inner thoughts and clarifying perceptions that might be ambiguous in the manga alone.

What Do the Hashira Think of Each Other According to Canon?

Based on canon sources like the manga and fanbooks, Hashira opinions vary widely. For instance, Sanemi respects Gyomei’s strength but clashes with Giyu’s reserved nature, while Shinobu often teases Giyu but secretly values their connection. Getting into the specifics requires examining each Pillar’s perspective, primarily drawn from official supplementary materials which explicitly state their impressions.

These impressions aren’t always openly expressed in the main storyline but are revealed through character profiles, relationship charts, and short commentaries in these official books. They provide invaluable context to the interactions we see on screen or in the manga panels. Let’s break down what the canon says about each Hashira’s views on their peers.

Sanemi Shinazugawa’s (Wind Hashira) Impressions

Sanemi Shinazugawa deeply respects Gyomei, held affection for Kanae Kocho, and often clashes with Giyu Tomioka due to personality differences. He respects Kyojuro’s spirit but finds him overwhelming. Sanemi’s abrasive personality often masks his true feelings, which are detailed more clearly in supplementary materials.

• Gyomei Himejima: Deep respect for his strength and character. Views him as the pinnacle of the Demon Slayer Corps.
• Giyu Tomioka: Dislikes his quiet, seemingly aloof nature. Finds him irritating and hard to read, leading to frequent clashes.
• Shinobu Kocho: A complex relationship. While he likely respects her skills, his past affection for her older sister, Kanae, adds layers. He might find her teasing nature towards Giyu annoying.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Respects his unwavering spirit and strength but likely finds his constant high energy a bit much.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Probably views her as somewhat naive or overly cheerful but likely acknowledges her unique strength.
• Muichiro Tokito: May see him as distant or strange, but likely respects his prodigious talent.
• Obanai Iguro: Shares a mutual respect, likely bonding over their harsh worldviews and dedication to slaying demons. They seem to understand each other’s intensity.
• Tengen Uzui: Likely respects his combat prowess and former shinobi background but might find his flamboyance excessive.
• Kanae Kocho (Former Flower Hashira): Held deep affection and respect for her, confirmed in fanbooks and light novels. Gyomei noted Sanemi “seemed to like Kanae.” ➍

Giyu Tomioka’s (Water Hashira) Perspective

Giyu Tomioka, the reserved Water Hashira, admires Kyojuro’s charisma and respects Gyomei’s wisdom. He finds Sanemi challenging but feels comfortable talking with Shinobu despite her teasing about his isolation. Giyu’s social awkwardness and self-perceived inadequacy (stemming from survivor’s guilt over Sabito) heavily influence his interactions. Fanbooks reveal he doesn’t dislike the others as much as his demeanor might suggest. ➋

• Gyomei Himejima: Holds immense respect for his strength, wisdom, and leadership.
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Finds him aggressive and difficult to interact with. There’s clear friction between them.
• Shinobu Kocho: Despite her constant teasing about him having no friends, fanbooks state Giyu actually feels happy and comfortable talking with Shinobu. ➍ He likely appreciates her company more than he lets on.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Admires his bright personality, unwavering optimism, and strength. Fanbooks mention Giyu finds him easy to talk to. ➎ (Implied from Rengoku’s perspective)
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Likely views her kindly, perhaps appreciating her warmth, though maybe finding her overt enthusiasm a bit overwhelming.
• Muichiro Tokito: Probably sees him as quiet and distant, perhaps finding some common ground in their reserved natures, though Muichiro is more detached.
• Obanai Iguro: Views Obanai critically, noting his harshness. Fanbooks state Giyu thinks Obanai’s way of speaking is “spiteful.” ➋
• Tengen Uzui: Respects his abilities as a Hashira and former shinobi.

Shinobu Kocho’s (Insect Hashira) Views

Shinobu Kocho maintains cordial relations with most Hashira, deeply idolizing her late sister Kanae. She enjoys teasing Giyu Tomioka, shares a warm friendship with Mitsuri Kanroji, and respects Gyomei’s strength. Shinobu often hides her true feelings behind a cheerful facade, a trait developed after her sister’s death.

• Gyomei Himejima: Deep respect for his strength and position as the de facto leader.
• Giyu Tomioka: Frequently teases him about being disliked and isolated, but fan comments and Gyomei’s perspective suggest a deeper, perhaps caring, dynamic underneath. She might be trying to provoke a reaction or connect in her own way. ➋
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Likely maintains a professional relationship, though his past connection with her sister Kanae might add complexity.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Respects his power and positive attitude. Finds his loud voice noticeable.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Shares a close and genuine friendship. They often chat and confide in each other. Shinobu seems to genuinely enjoy Mitsuri’s company.
• Muichiro Tokito: Probably views him as capable but perhaps a bit spacey or hard to connect with personally.
• Obanai Iguro: Maintains a professional distance, likely aware of his critical nature and his affection for Mitsuri.
• Tengen Uzui: Professional respect, though she hilariously threatened him when he tried to forcibly take Aoi and Naho for the Entertainment District mission. ➋
• Kanae Kocho (Former Flower Hashira): Idolized her gentle older sister and was deeply affected by her death, shaping her personality and motivations.

Kyojuro Rengoku’s (Flame Hashira) Thoughts

Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, holds positive views of all his fellow Pillars. He is universally respected for his unwavering optimism, dedication, and ability to inspire, having no negative relationships within the group. Rengoku’s defining trait is his passionate spirit and ability to see the good in others. Fanbook entries confirm that he is liked or respected by every other Hashira. ➊ ➋ ➎

He appreciates the dedication and unique strengths of each member. He speaks highly of their potential and encourages them. His interactions are consistently positive and motivating, reflecting his inherent nature. Even Hashira with difficult personalities, like Sanemi and Obanai, acknowledge Rengoku’s spirit and strength. His ability to connect positively with everyone underscores his remarkable character.

Mitsuri Kanroji’s (Love Hashira) Feelings

Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, generally thinks well of everyone, admiring their strengths. She shares a close friendship with Shinobu Kocho and harbors romantic feelings for Obanai Iguro, finding most Hashira cool or kind. Mitsuri’s perspective is often filtered through her own kind and emotional nature; she tends to focus on the positive aspects of her colleagues.

• Gyomei Himejima: Admires his strength and gentle nature despite his intimidating appearance. Finds him kind.
• Giyu Tomioka: Thinks he’s cool but perhaps a bit lonely. Seems to like him.
• Shinobu Kocho: Her best friend among the Hashira. They share secrets, meals, and girl talk. She values Shinobu’s companionship greatly.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Her former mentor. Holds immense respect and admiration for him, seeing him as incredibly cool and inspiring.
• Muichiro Tokito: Finds him cute and impressive for his young age and skill.
• Obanai Iguro: Has deep romantic feelings for him. She appreciates his kindness towards her (giving her socks) and enjoys his company, though she seems initially unaware of the depth of his feelings.
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Finds him scary but cool. Respects his strength but is intimidated by his intensity.
• Tengen Uzui: Thinks he’s cool and flashy. Admires his confidence and strength.

Muichiro Tokito’s (Mist Hashira) Opinions

Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, initially appears indifferent due to his detached nature and amnesia. However, he develops respect for fellow Hashira like Gyomei Himejima and acknowledges the strength of others over time. Before regaining his memories, his view is largely observational and unemotional. Fanbooks humorously note he compares Hashira to animals in his head. ➋

• Gyomei Himejima: Develops deep respect for him, looking up to his strength and wisdom, especially after Gyomei helps him during training.
• Giyu Tomioka: Notably, the only Hashira Muichiro doesn’t compare to an animal in the fanbook, perhaps indicating a different kind of perception, maybe recognizing a shared quietness.
• Shinobu Kocho: Likely views her professionally, acknowledging her skills in medicine and poison.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Acknowledges his strength and spirit. Might see him as a “loud owl” or similar bird based on fanbook animal comparisons.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Views her kindly after she shows him affection. Might compare her to a fluffy, slightly ditzy animal.
• Obanai Iguro: Acknowledges his skill. Might see him as a “shifty snake” (appropriately).
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Recognizes his raw power and aggression. Might compare him to a “wolf” or “angry dog.”
• Tengen Uzui: Sees him as flashy and strong. Might compare him to a “peacock” or “baboon.”

Gyomei Himejima’s (Stone Hashira) Assessments

Gyomei Himejima, recognized as the strongest Hashira, holds others in high regard, often seeing their potential. He respects Sanemi’s drive despite his roughness and is viewed as a wise, calming presence by his peers. Gyomei possesses deep empathy and insight into others’ characters.

• Giyu Tomioka: Understands his quietness isn’t necessarily arrogance. He notes Giyu seems happy when talking to Shinobu, showing perceptive observation. ➍
• Shinobu Kocho: Respects her intelligence and dedication, likely understanding the pain motivating her.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Holds high respect for his spirit and strength. Likely sees him as a pillar of positive energy.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Views her kindly, recognizing her good heart and unique abilities.
• Muichiro Tokito: Sees his potential and helps guide him, particularly during the Hashira Training arc.
• Obanai Iguro: Recognizes his skills and dedication, understanding his harsh exterior might stem from his past. He also perceptively notes Obanai’s feelings for Mitsuri. ➋
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Sees past the aggression to the underlying potential and strength. He notes Sanemi’s potential affection for Kanae, showcasing his insight. ➋ ➍
• Tengen Uzui: Respects his abilities and flamboyant confidence.

Obanai Iguro’s (Serpent Hashira) Judgements

Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, is often critical, particularly towards Giyu Tomioka’s distance. He holds deep affection for Mitsuri Kanroji and shares mutual respect with Sanemi Shinazugawa as fellow fighters. Obanai’s harsh past influences his strict and often judgemental view of others, with Mitsuri being a significant exception.

• Gyomei Himejima: Respects his overwhelming strength and acknowledges him as the strongest.
• Giyu Tomioka: Highly critical of his reserved nature and perceived distance from the group. Finds him untrustworthy initially, especially regarding Tanjiro and Nezuko.
• Shinobu Kocho: Maintains a professional relationship, likely respecting her intellect but perhaps finding her cheerful facade grating at times.
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Respects his strength and dedication. Seems to view him positively.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Deeply cares for her and holds her in the highest regard. He is protective and thinks kindly of her, seeing her as a source of light.
• Muichiro Tokito: Acknowledges his talent but likely views him as too detached initially.
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Shares a mutual understanding and respect. They seem to bond over their shared intensity and cynical outlooks.
• Tengen Uzui: Criticizes his flamboyance but respects his skills, especially after the Entertainment District arc.

Tengen Uzui’s (Sound Hashira) Take

Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, holds a flamboyant confidence but respects genuine strength and spirit, particularly admiring Kyojuro Rengoku. He sees potential in younger Hashira and maintains professional regard for others. Tengen’s perspective is filtered through his own “flashy” standards, but he isn’t blind to true substance.

• Gyomei Himejima: Acknowledges his superior strength with respect.
• Giyu Tomioka: Likely finds him unflashy and perhaps boring, but respects his skill level.
• Shinobu Kocho: Professional respect, though he likely finds her sharp tongue amusing or irritating depending on the context (like her intervention during his attempt to recruit helpers). ➋
• Kyojuro Rengoku: Holds immense respect and admiration for his spirit and power. Views him as incredibly charismatic and strong. Fanbooks suggest he found Rengoku “flashy” in a good way.
• Mitsuri Kanroji: Likely views her kindly but perhaps sees her as less “flashy” in combat style compared to himself or Rengoku.
• Muichiro Tokito: Recognizes his prodigious talent despite his youth and aloofness.
• Obanai Iguro: Respects his skill but likely finds his personality dour and unflashy.
• Sanemi Shinazugawa: Respects his power and aggression but might clash with his lack of “flashiness.”

What Key Dynamics Emerge from the Hashira’s Interactions?

Key dynamics among Hashira include the respectful rivalry between Sanemi and Giyu, the close friendship between Shinobu and Mitsuri, Obanai’s protective affection for Mitsuri, and the universal respect commanded by Gyomei and Kyojuro. Analyzing these interactions reveals recurring patterns of rivalry, friendship, respect hierarchies, and mentorship that define the group’s internal world.

These dynamics aren’t static; they evolve based on shared experiences, particularly the intense battles fought together. Understanding these core relationships provides deeper insight into the Hashira as individuals and as a collective fighting force. They highlight how personality clashes, shared goals, and mutual admiration shape their interactions.

Rivalries and Friction Points

The most prominent friction exists between Sanemi Shinazugawa and Giyu Tomioka. Sanemi’s aggressive, outspoken nature clashes starkly with Giyu’s quiet stoicism. Sanemi often interprets Giyu’s silence as arrogance or disinterest, leading to verbal sparring and tension. Obanai Iguro also frequently directs criticism towards Giyu, similarly disapproving of his perceived aloofness and failure to conform to group dynamics, particularly during the initial Hashira meeting concerning Tanjiro and Nezuko. These tensions highlight the difficulties posed by drastically different personalities operating under extreme pressure.

Friendships and Close Bonds

Warm friendships provide a counterbalance to the internal friction. The most notable is between Shinobu Kocho and Mitsuri Kanroji. They are often seen chatting, sharing meals, and confiding in one another, offering mutual support in the harsh world they inhabit. Mitsuri’s affection brightens Shinobu’s often guarded demeanor, while Shinobu provides a steady presence for the more openly emotional Mitsuri. Another significant bond is the one-sided, deeply protective affection Obanai Iguro holds for Mitsuri Kanroji. While Mitsuri enjoys his company, Obanai’s feelings run much deeper, influencing many of his actions and judgments. There’s also a clear camaraderie and mutual respect between Sanemi and Obanai, rooted in their shared intensity and dedication.

Hierarchy of Respect

An informal hierarchy based on perceived strength and character exists among the Hashira. Gyomei Himejima sits firmly at the top, universally acknowledged by all, including Sanemi and Obanai, as the strongest Pillar. His wisdom and calming presence also command deep respect. Kyojuro Rengoku is similarly held in high esteem, admired for his incredible spirit, unwavering optimism, and combat prowess. His ability to inspire and connect positively with everyone places him in a unique position of universal likeability. Respect is also afforded based on skill and experience, though personality often colors these perceptions.

What Do Official Fanbooks Reveal About Hashira Opinions?

Official Demon Slayer fanbooks provide deeper insights, confirming details like Sanemi’s potential crush on Kanae Kocho, Shinobu’s hidden feelings behind teasing Giyu, and clarifying specific opinions each Hashira holds privately. These supplementary materials are considered canon and offer valuable context that often isn’t explicit in the manga or anime. They act as official confirmation for many nuanced relationship details.

Some key revelations often cited from fanbooks include:

• Sanemi’s feelings for Kanae: Gyomei’s observation that Sanemi “seemed to like Kanae” gives canonical weight to this relationship dynamic. ➍
• Giyu’s true feelings about interaction: Confirmation that Giyu enjoys talking with other Hashira and feels happy when Shinobu engages with him, contradicting the purely isolated image his exterior might project. ➋ ➍
• Muichiro’s animal comparisons: The humorous detail that Muichiro mentally compares his fellow Hashira to various animals (except Giyu). ➋
• Gyomei the Shipper: Gyomei’s perceptive notes hinting at potential romantic feelings between Giyu/Shinobu, Obanai/Mitsuri, and Sanemi/Kanae. ➋
• Universal love for Rengoku: Explicit statements confirming that every Hashira either likes or respects Kyojuro. ➊

These details, directly from official sources, enrich our understanding of the characters and their intricate interpersonal web.

FAQs About What the Hashira Think of Each Other

What does Mitsuri think of the other Hashira?

Mitsuri Kanroji generally holds positive views of her fellow Hashira, admiring their strengths and unique qualities. She’s close friends with Shinobu, deeply respects her former mentor Rengoku, harbors romantic feelings for Obanai, is slightly intimidated but impressed by Sanemi, and finds Gyomei kind and Muichiro cute.

What does Muichiro think of the other Hashira?

Initially detached due to amnesia, Muichiro Tokito develops respect over time, particularly for Gyomei. Fanbooks reveal he humorously compares most Hashira to animals (like Sanemi to a wolf, Obanai to a snake) but notably doesn’t do this for Giyu. He comes to acknowledge the strengths of his peers.

What does Tengen think of the other Hashira?

Tengen Uzui respects strength and “flashiness,” holding particular admiration for Kyojuro Rengoku. He acknowledges Gyomei’s superior power, respects Sanemi’s and Obanai’s skills despite their lack of flamboyance, likely finds Giyu unflashy, and recognizes Muichiro’s talent.

What does Gyomei think of the other Hashira?

Gyomei Himejima holds his fellow Hashira in high regard, possessing deep empathy and insight into their characters. He sees Sanemi’s potential beneath his aggression, understands Giyu’s quietness, notes Obanai’s feelings for Mitsuri, respects Shinobu’s dedication, and acts as a mentor figure, particularly towards Muichiro.

What does Giyu think of the other Hashira?

Giyu Tomioka respects Gyomei’s wisdom and admires Rengoku’s charisma, finding him easy to talk to. He clashes with Sanemi’s aggression and is critical of Obanai’s spitefulness, but fanbooks reveal he feels comfortable talking with Shinobu despite her teasing.

What does Sanemi think of the other Hashira?

Sanemi Shinazugawa deeply respects Gyomei’s strength and shares mutual respect with Obanai. He dislikes Giyu’s reserved nature, respected Rengoku’s spirit (if finding him overwhelming), held affection for Kanae Kocho, and likely views others based on their perceived strength and grit.

Who is the least favorite or least liked Hashira among fans or other Hashira?

Among the Hashira themselves, Giyu Tomioka often faces the most friction due to his perceived aloofness, particularly from Sanemi and Obanai. Fan popularity varies widely, but Giyu is actually a massive fan favorite, often ranking #1 or #2 in official polls, highlighting the difference between in-universe dynamics and audience perception. ➌

How do the Hashira view Giyu Tomioka’s isolation?

Most Hashira seem to perceive Giyu’s isolation as a choice or a personality trait, often misinterpreting his quietness. Shinobu teases him about it, while Sanemi and Obanai view it negatively. Fanbooks suggest Giyu doesn’t want to be isolated, indicating a misunderstanding by his peers.

What do the Hashira think of Tanjiro Kamado?

Initial opinions were overwhelmingly negative due to Nezuko being a demon. However, after witnessing Tanjiro’s character, determination, and Nezuko’s refusal to harm humans, opinions shift. Rengoku, Tengen, Mitsuri, Muichiro, and Gyomei grow to respect and support him. Shinobu shows empathy early on. Sanemi and Obanai remain highly skeptical for the longest time.

Are Sanemi and Obanai friends?

Sanemi and Obanai share a strong mutual respect and understanding, often appearing as allies. Their similar intensity, harsh worldviews, and dedication create a bond. While “friendship” might be a strong word given their personalities, they have a clear camaraderie and likely consider each other trusted comrades.

What does Sanemi think of Shinobu?

Sanemi’s view of Shinobu is likely complex, colored by his deep respect and affection for her late sister, Kanae. He probably respects Shinobu’s skills as a Hashira and her intelligence but might find her teasing nature (especially towards Giyu) irritating or frivolous compared to Kanae’s gentleness.

What does Giyu think of Rengoku?

Giyu Tomioka holds Kyojuro Rengoku in high regard, admiring his strength, spirit, and charismatic personality. Supplementary materials suggest Giyu found Rengoku easy to talk to, indicating genuine respect and positive feelings towards the Flame Hashira.

Summary: Understanding the Hashira’s Interpersonal World

The relationships between the Demon Slayer Hashira are far from simple. Beneath the surface of a unified fighting force lies a dynamic network of respect, rivalry, friendship, and complex understanding shaped by individual trauma, personality, and the crucible of constant battle. From the universal admiration for Gyomei and Rengoku to the pointed friction between Sanemi and Giyu, and the quieter bonds like Shinobu and Mitsuri’s friendship or Obanai’s devotion, each interaction adds depth to these powerful warriors.

Official sources like fanbooks reveal crucial details, confirming Sanemi’s softer side regarding Kanae, Giyu’s hidden desire for connection, and Gyomei’s insightful observations. Understanding what the Hashira think of each other isn’t just about listing opinions; it’s about appreciating the human complexity within these extraordinary individuals who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.

What are your favorite Hashira interactions or relationship dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!