Everyshonen animehas that one side character that provides comedic relief, yet remains pivotal to the story. InDemon Slayer’s case, Zenitsu Agatsuma is that character, a lovable crybaby who fears conflict, yet will fight tooth and nail for true love.
Throughout the various arcs and character development episodes, we grow to learn that there’s a lot more to Zenitsu than meets the eye. It’s like a raw, unnatural power that’s boiling deep down inside, one that can only be awakened in an ironic twist — when Zenitsu is asleep.
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These ten episodes highlight the main timesZenitsuhad us laughing and sitting at the edge of our couches. He may not be everyone’s favorite, but Zenitsu surely knows how to tug at our heart strings and give us long-lasting memories at the same time.
10Demon Slayer Season 1, Episode 11
“Tsuzumi Mansion”
Zenitsu’s introduction to theDemon Slayerstory was pretty annoying, and I’m not sugar-coating it one bit. He was loud and irritating every time he opened up his mouth, and his attitude was akin to a small child that would cry if you took their candy away.
Yet, there was something there. When you considerDemon Slayeris set in a world full of powerful monsters that wish for nothing more than to tear flesh from bone, it’s reasonable to think not everyone is strong-willed. Zenitsu was that guy, at least at the beginning.
I have to include this episode on this list, simply because it’s our gateway into discovering the character and learning about what drives him. It also serves as an important reminder that no matter how bothersome someone can be, they do have the ability to evolve and adapt over time.
9Mugen Train Arc, Episode 3
“Should Have Been”
Another episode that plays more into the comedic side of Zenitsu’s character isShould Have Been, the third episode of the Mugen Train Arc. Unbeknownst to him, the dream he found himself in was no laughing matter.
While the episode mainly focuses on the trio of demon slayers and their struggles during their demon-induced comas, the first five minutes focus on Zenitsu. It appears that his biggest desire in life isn’t fame or fortune, but capturing the heart of Nezuko.
It’s no secret that Zenitsu is more of a lover rather than a fighter, and this episode reminds us all of what a perfect life looks like to him. Ironically, the dream takes place during a time when his life is at risk, but at least we get to see him skipping happily as Nezuko rests on his back.
8Hashira Training Arc, Episode 7
“Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima”
Another example of a character having a strong impression on its audience despite little screen time is Zenitsu’s appearance inStone Hashira Gyomei Himejima. The episode mostly features Tanjiro and Himejima’s backstory, but towards the ending of the episode, we get a look into how much Zenitsu has changed.
Sitting on the boulder he was tasked with moving,Zenitsu appears different, almost like he’s a completely different person. He’s not shouting out of pure emotion or chasing down Nezuko, but instead he’s as focused as we’ve ever seen him.
Zenitsu reveals he hasn’t moved the boulder, but that his mission is now clear to him. It’s very chilling to hear him sound so cold and collective, and his words are haunting enough that when Tanjiro turns back, he appears more worried about his friend than he was going into the conversation.
7Mugen Train Arc, Episode 5
“Move Forward!”
The Mugen Train Arc first gave us some moments of laughter, particularly with what Zenitsu thought was a perfect life. Fast-forward to two episodes later, and suddenly, we have Zenitsu when he’s at his best. Ironically, it’s still when he’s sleeping.
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Zenitsu’s biggest weakness is his own awareness. Whenever he has a moment to think of a situation, he panics and retreats. However, when he’s asleep, his mind is at rest, and his body moves almost the same as Goku’s does when he activates Ultra Instinct.
If you’re a Zenitsu fan, this episode had you jumping off your coach and pointing to the television to show why you stan this blonde-haired goof. When the going gets tough, Zenitsu reaches for the melatonin and suddenly becomes one of the toughest demon slayers around.
6Demon Slayer Season 1, Episode 13
“Something More Important Than Life”
SomethingDemon Slayerdoes beautifully is showcase that there are more ways to display strength than to flex your muscles. Being mentally tough is a fundamental component to being a good demon slayer, but Zenitsu is emotionally strong and comes with a set of admirable morals.
This was shown perfectly in season one’sSomething More Important Than Life, asZenitsu protects Nezukowith his own life. During Inosuke’s introduction to the story, he’s as belligerent and brutal as ever, and all he wants to do is fight Nezuko, who remains stashed away inside her box.
Knowing what the sun can do to Nezuko, never mind the fact that there’s a muscular maniac wearing a boar’s head looking for a fight, Zenitsu uses his body to protect her. He takes quite a beating in the process, but his tenacity and dedication to protecting Nezuko is enough to keep her alive until Tanjiro shows up.
5Demon Slayer Season 1, Episode 17
“You Must Master A Single Thing”
We finally got a look into Zenitsu’s past during the episode titledYou Must Master A Single Thing, and it was worth the wait. The then-dark-haired Zenitsu underwent some harsh training from his grandfather, but the work he put in meant something more than just becoming strong.
Zenitsu has to master something in his life, otherwise he’d be doomed as a demon slayer. Although Gramps wasn’t there to watch it all unfold, Zenitsu went from a character fainting from the site of the demon spider family, to a relentless demon slayer with tremendous power.
It’s in this episode that we learn Zenitsu becomes a formidable fighter when he loses consciousness. Despite being knocked out cold due to fear,Zenitsu is able to use lightning-quick speedand defeat the younger spider Brother, despite the poison in his body slowly taking over.
4Entertainment District Arc, Episode 5
“Things Are Gonna Get Real Flashy!!”
Once again, Zenitsu is at his best inThings Are Gonna Get Real Flashy, as he is fast asleep but fighting as hard as Inosuke is. Taking on Daki and her ribbons, Inosuke looks almost casual as he swings his sword around and deflects any attack away from him.
What really sets this episode apart is the fact that Zenitsu is doing all of this while wearing makeup and masquerading as a woman. Lest you forget, the Entertainment District Arc had a trio of demon slayers cosplaying as young females in an attempt to uncover a demon secret in the city.
Zenitsu has never looked as good while fighting demons as he did in this episode. Despite being trapped in the ribbon,Zenitsu manages to break freeand unleash all of his fury, pushing Daki back long enough for Tengen to show up and make the rescue.
3Entertainment District Arc, Episode 10
“Never Give Up”
Towards the end of the Entertainment District Arc, it can be argued that the episode titledNever Give Upbelongs on any list about how great a character looked. The stunning visuals are only second to the story that unfolds, and the many moments we get from it.
In this particular episode,Zenitsu makes a sacrificethat nobody saw coming, and had us all yelling at our televisions. As Tanjiro appeared to be caught up in a blast and at the brink of suffering significant damage, Zenitsu comes in clutch and pushes him out of harm’s way.
As satisfying as this moment was, we were immediately faced with the harsh reality that Zenitsu was taking Tanjiro’s place in the blast zone. While we didn’t need any reminder of how committed Zenitsu is to protecting his friends, this moment serves as confirmation that he is willing to do whatever it takes to save someone he loves.
2Entertainment District Arc, Episode 9
“Defeating an Upper Rank Demon”
As beautiful a moment as episode 10 was for Zenitsu, the previous episode, titledDefeating An Upper Rank Demon,was the perfect display of his swordsmanship. Paired together with Insouke, Zenitsu and his boar-headed friend were tasked with taking down Daki and severing her head from her body.
At the same time,Tanjiro and Gyutaro were concentrated on Gyutaro, as the brother-sister duo had to be decapitated at the same time. Perhaps it seems unfair to have to take down to demons simultaneously, given how powerful they were, but Zenitsu and friends didn’t have any time to complain.
What makes this episode special is how much Zenitsu takes a step forward from being passive to becoming a leader. At several points during their fight, Zenitsu appears to be leading the charge and giving Inosuke instructions, knowing how Inosuke acts on emotion. Our frail and cowardly friend has grown so much, hasn’t he?
1Demon Slayer Season 1, Episode 12
“The Boar Bears Its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps”
There’s no greater example of the two sides of the coin Zenitsu plays during most of his tenure inDemon Slayer. One moment, he’s the comedic relief that brings us to tears, and the other, he’s a God-like demon slayer that can take down any foe in a matter of seconds.
InThe Boar Bears Its Fans, Zenitsu Sleeps,Zenitsu offers both during a battlewith a lower-ranked demon. Tasked with protecting an innocent child, Zenitsu cracks under the pressure, and ends up passing out from fear. Zenitsu sleeping, surely knowing good will come of it, right?
I don’t think the child watching a scared demon slayer snoring away would turn into a savage, but that’s what happened. Zenitsu took his stance and in the blink of an eye, he was ten steps ahead and the demon’s head was flying in the air. Hopefully, we will see more of this in the conclusion of the series.
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