Reader’s Question:
I was rewatching Demon Slayer and it made me think: at the beginning of the Mugen Train arc, the bento shop owner promised to buy something if they came back, but then Rengoku died before they could return. So now that promise will never be fulfilled.

Reflecting on Promises and
Unfinished Business in Demon Slayer

Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts! Today, I wanted to dive into some thoughts that have been swirling around in my mind after rewatching the Mugen Train arc of Demon Slayer. You know, that part where Rengoku, our fiery hero, makes a promise to the bento shop owner? It got me thinking about promises, unfinished business, and how they resonate not just in fiction but in our own lives.

The Weight of Promises

When the bento shop owner says he’ll buy something if Rengoku and the gang return, it feels like a light-hearted moment, doesn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a good meal after a long journey? But then, the story takes a tragic turn. Rengoku’s untimely death means that promise goes unfulfilled. As I sat there, popcorn in hand, I found myself grappling with the weight of that unkept promise. It’s like when you plan a reunion with old friends and then life gets in the way—those moments can feel heavy, can’t they? Having traveled quite a bit myself, I can relate to the idea of promises left hanging. There’s something special about sharing a meal with someone after a long absence. It’s not just about the food; it’s about connection and the experiences we share. I remember a time I promised my friend I’d take her to this amazing café after we graduated. Sadly, life led us in different directions, and we never got that chance. It’s bittersweet, really.

Connecting Through Loss

So, what happens to that promise? Can it still hold meaning after the person who made it is gone? This is where things get interesting. In the comments I read, someone mentioned that Rengoku’s actions could still be communicated through his brother, Senjuro. I can’t help but agree! That familial bond in Demon Slayer is so strong. It’s like Rengoku’s spirit lives on through Senjuro, guiding him and perhaps even leading him back to that bento shop someday. I think about my own experiences and how we carry the memories of those we’ve lost. I recently visited a little bookstore that my late grandmother used to love, and it felt like she was right there with me, guiding my choices. Every book I picked up reminded me of her. In a way, her promise to instill a love of reading in me lives on through those moments.

Imagining Their Journey

Now let’s imagine. After the final battle, Rengoku and Senjuro set off on a journey together. Picture them walking along those peaceful countryside roads, the kind where time feels like it’s standing still. The air is fresh, and the chirping of birds fills the silence. They could stumble upon that bento shop again, maybe even reminisce about Rengoku’s promise. I mean, wouldn’t that be a touching reunion? There’s something heartwarming about the idea of closure, and what better way to honor a fallen hero than to fulfill a promise he made? It would tie up loose ends beautifully—almost like a poetic gesture. Isn’t it wild how we create narratives in our minds, imagining what could be? Sometimes, I catch myself daydreaming about past travels, wondering what it would be like to revisit those places with people I once shared them with. If only we could go back and check off those “to-do” lists from our adventures!

Lessons Learned

Ultimately, Demon Slayer isn’t just about slaying demons—it’s a story about connection, loss, and the things we leave behind. It teaches us that our promises, even if unfulfilled, hold weight and meaning. They become part of the fabric of our relationships. For me, it’s a reminder to cherish the connections I have and to prioritize those promises I still can keep. Life is unpredictable, and we never know when our last chance to share a meal or a moment might come. So, let’s keep making those promises, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to fulfill them. In the end, whether it’s traveling to new places, sharing meals, or simply holding onto memories, each moment counts. As we venture through this life, let’s make sure we’re not just leaving promises behind but also filling our journeys with meaning. Until next time, keep those promises close and your heart even closer! Happy watching and wondering! —