7 Characters Who Could Have Awakened the Demon Slayer Mark

The Demon Slayer Mark holds great significance in the animanga series. It made its debut in the ‘Entertainment District’ arc, when Tanjiro Kamado successfully activated it while battling against Daki and Gyutaro. Throughout the series, only a select few characters were able to activate this powerful mark.

To trigger the Mark, an individual must endure a life-threatening event while elevating their heart rate to 200 beats per minute and raising their body temperature above 32 degrees Celsius. Additionally, it is crucial to make contact with someone who has already activated the Mark, as it has a resonant impact.

Given these conditions, there are several characters who would have been able to activate the Demon Slayer Mark had certain circumstances been altered.

This article includes significant spoilers from the manga chapters.

Kyojuro Rengoku and 6 Other Characters Who Could Have Unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark

Kyojuro Rengoku

Kyojuro Rengoku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Kyojuro Rengoku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite his immense talent as a swordsman, Kyojuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira, tragically lost his life during the battle against Akaza. He was known to be just as skilled as Giyu Tomioka and Obanai Iguro. However, he was left to face Akaza alone after already fighting a Lower Moon demon.

Despite no longer being alive, he ensured that no lives would be lost and if he were present at this point in the story, he would have activated the Demon Slayer Mark. Being stronger than Mitsuri, he would have been able to fulfill the necessary requirements to activate the Mark.

Shinobu Kocho

Shinobu Kocho as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Shinobu Kocho as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

The Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, possessed a unique skill in crafting poison that could effortlessly eliminate demons. While she may not have had the physical strength to decapitate a demon, she compensated for it with her unparalleled understanding of demon anatomy. In place of power, she utilized her quickness and agility to her advantage.

During her battle with Doma, the Upper Moon 2 demon, she made the ultimate sacrifice by allowing him to consume her. She had ample poison within her to weaken him. Had she not been forced to give up her life, it is highly likely that she would have been able to unlock the Demon Slayer Mark. As a skilled Hashira, she possessed exceptional combat abilities and thus had the potential to achieve the Mark.

Kanae Kocho

Kanae Kocho as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Kanae Kocho as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Little is known about Kanae Kocho, other than her role as the Flower Hashira. This prestigious title is reserved for only a few individuals, indicating that she possessed exceptional skills on the battlefield.

Kanae’s life was tragically cut short, and Doma was to blame for her death. It would have been nearly impossible for any Hashira to defeat an Upper Moon 2 demon alone. However, had Kanae encountered someone bearing the Demon Slayer Mark, she may have been able to unlock the Mark herself.

Sabito

Sabito as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Sabito as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Sabito, one of Sakonji Urokodaki’s students, showed promise in becoming the Water Hashira. He and Giyu Tomioka trained together, with Sabito displaying superior swordsmanship skills. Despite his young age, he was able to successfully fight and nearly defeat multiple demons in the Final Selection.

Despite his incredible potential as a Demon Slayer, Sabito was tragically killed by the Hand Demon during the selection process. His untimely death prevented him from reaching his full potential as the Water Hashira and developing the powerful Demon Slayer Mark. Sabito’s potential was often overlooked, but it was on par with that of Muichiro Tokito.

Right Uzui

Tengen Uzui as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Tengen Uzui as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

The previous Sound Hashira was compelled to step down from the Demon Slayer Corps following his battle with Daki and Gyutaro, as he sustained a severe injury to one of his limbs. However, he would have been able to activate his Mark if he had not been forced to lower his heart rate.

Gyutaro’s Blood Demon Art allowed him to use his own blood as a poison against his opponents. Tengen was aware that he was in the presence of a demon who possessed the Mark, and if he continued to fight under such circumstances, he could potentially awaken his own Demon Slayer Mark when faced with another Upper Moon demon in the future. This is the reason behind his decision to take action against Gyutaro, as the poison circulating within Gyutaro’s body posed a threat to Tengen’s own safety.

Shinjuro Rengoku

Shinjuro Rengoku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Shinjuro Rengoku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite being the Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku’s life took a drastic turn after the death of his wife. He turned to alcohol and became abusive towards his family. As a swordsman, he possessed immense explosive power and speed, but his personal struggles hindered him from fully utilizing his skills.

It is undeniable that he possessed the necessary physical abilities to obtain the Mark. The only missing requirement was to encounter someone who had already acquired the Demon Slayer Mark. Had he crossed paths with someone like Tanjiro, who had activated the Mark, Shinjuro could have unlocked it as well.

Saxon Urokodaki

Sakonji Urokodaki as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)
Sakonji Urokodaki as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Despite no longer holding the title of Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki remained highly esteemed and known for his exceptional swordsmanship and technical abilities. This was evident in the skills he passed down to his students. Even without his former title, Sakonji would have still been recognized for his physical prowess.

The Water Breathing Technique relies on both strength and flexibility to perform attacks that imitate the fluidity and force of water. Similar to Shinjuro, he could have also achieved mastery of the Mark if he had encountered someone who possessed it.

Many of the characters throughout the series had the potential to activate the Mark. With slight alterations to their circumstances, their destinies could have been altered and they may have been able to harness the incredible powers of the Demon Slayer Mark.

Keep an eye out for further updates on anime and manga news as we continue through 2024.

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