Reader’s Question:
Hi there! I’m a 25-year-old who’s been really intrigued by Kaigaku in the Infinity Castle. If Kaigaku were to be a disciple of one of the Hashira, who do you think he would resemble the most? (Let’s exclude Gyomei, since their past relationship seems quite complicated.) This is just
a fun thought, so please no comments about how unlikely it is for Kaigaku to be anyone’s disciple. Personally, I would love to imagine him being trained rigorously by Sanemi.

Imagining Kaigaku as a Hashira Disciple: A Fun Thought Experiment

So, let’s dive into a delightful “what if” scenario in the world of Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), shall we? Recently, I came across a question that really got my brain gears turning. A fellow fan wondered, if Kaigaku were to be a disciple of one of the Hashira, who would he resemble the most? And honestly, it made me think about all sorts of possibilities and character dynamics. Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to paint a picture of Kaigaku. He’s a character who’s complex, right? A young demon with a whole mix of talent, ambition, and, well, let’s not beat around the bush—self-centeredness that often drives him down a dark path. So, who would be the perfect mentor for someone like him? I mean, we’re talking about a guy who’s got raw potential but also a lot of emotional baggage.

Why Sanemi? A Tough Love Approach

One of the most popular picks is Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira. I get it. Sanemi, with his tough love approach and fierce personality, would definitely whip Kaigaku into shape. Picture this: the two of them in a training ground, Sanemi pushing Kaigaku to his limits, probably barking orders like “Stop whining and get back up!” I think this dynamic would be fascinating to watch unfold. Sanemi’s brutal honesty and strength could either break Kaigaku down or help him realize his potential. The thing about Sanemi is that he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He would challenge Kaigaku’s self-centered tendencies and, in turn, force him to confront his flaws. Plus, Sanemi’s past is riddled with pain and loss, much like Kaigaku’s. This shared darkness could establish a bond of sorts, although it might be more of an intense, fiery relationship than a warm and cuddly one. Can you imagine the banter and the tension? Oh man, the drama would be off the charts!

Maybe Rengoku—A Different Kind of Fire

Now, let’s switch gears and talk about Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. There’s something about Rengoku’s warm-hearted nature that could potentially bring out the best in Kaigaku. I mean, if Kaigaku had Rengoku as a mentor, imagine him being surrounded by this fiery yet uplifting energy. Rengoku’s philosophy of “strong protect the weak” could challenge Kaigaku in a way that Sanemi’s approach wouldn’t. Rengoku would be there, probably offering praise and encouragement, coaxing Kaigaku to see beyond his own desires and understand the bigger picture. It’s like a buddy-cop movie where one is all tough and brooding, and the other is the sunny optimist. Can you even picture it? Kaigaku, desperately wanting validation, finally getting it from Rengoku, who sees his potential. I think it would lead to a much more positive transformation for Kaigaku. But would he react well to all that encouragement? I mean, if you’re used to only being pointed at your flaws, suddenly being praised could feel… kinda weird.

Inosuke’s Influence? A Wild Card

And I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of Kaigaku being trained by Inosuke. Can you imagine how chaotic that would be? It’d be like throwing a wild card into a game of chess. Inosuke is all about that primal, raw energy, and he’s not afraid to fight tooth and nail for what he wants. I could totally see him challenging Kaigaku in ways that would force him to step out of his comfort zone. But at the same time, Inosuke would probably just annoy the hell out of Kaigaku. I can just picture them in the forest, Inosuke yelling about his “beast breathing” while Kaigaku rolls his eyes, trying to focus. It would be a hilarious disaster, and who knows? Maybe amidst the chaos, Kaigaku would learn to let go of some of that self-obsession.

What about Shinobu? A Different Kind of Mentor

Then there’s Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira. Now, I know what you’re thinking—Shinobu has her own disciples, and it feels complicated. But hear me out! Shinobu has this unique approach to combat and life in general. She’s all about using intellect over brute strength, which could be a refreshing perspective for Kaigaku. It would be a more subtle form of mentorship, with Shinobu encouraging him to think outside the box. In a way, she could teach him that strength isn’t solely about overpowering others but also about strategy and cunning. Plus, her gentle yet fierce demeanor could serve as a good counterbalance to Kaigaku’s darker tendencies. But let’s be real here; would Kaigaku even be receptive to her lessons? I think he might struggle at first, given his more aggressive nature. But as time passes, I could see him appreciating her perspective and perhaps even developing a softer side.

A Conclusion with a Twist

At the end of the day, picking a Hashira for Kaigaku as a disciple is more than just about matching personalities. It’s about exploring how these dynamics could lead to growth, change, and maybe even redemption. Each Hashira offers a different flavor of mentorship that could challenge Kaigaku in unique ways. So, what do you think? Would Kaigaku fare better under the tough love of Sanemi, the encouraging fire of Rengoku, the chaotic energy of Inosuke, or the cunning intellect of Shinobu? Personally, I’d love to see him go through a blend of all these experiences. It would be a wild ride, and who knows? Maybe we’d get a glimpse of a Kaigaku that’s more than just a self-centered demon. It’s these “what if” scenarios that keep the fandom vibrant and alive, isn’t it? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Who do you think would be the perfect mentor for Kaigaku? Let’s keep the conversation going!