Who almost killed Muzan?

In Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), Muzan Kibutsuji, the leader of the demons, is the ultimate antagonist, and the entire story revolves around the Demon Slayer Corps’ mission to defeat him. However, despite his overwhelming power and immortality, there were several moments during the series where Muzan came close to being killed by the very warriors who fought against him.

One of the most significant moments in the series occurs during the final battle in the Infinity Castle arc, where Muzan is pushed to his limits and nearly defeated. The warriors who come the closest to killing him are a combination of the Hashira (Pillars) of the Demon Slayer Corps, and Tanjiro Kamado, the main protagonist, who plays a key role in the confrontation. But there’s one person whose actions stand out in almost sealing Muzan’s fate — Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni: The Demon Slayer Who Almost Killed Muzan

Yoriichi Tsugikuni is arguably the strongest swordsman and the most skilled warrior in the Demon Slayer universe. His story is told through flashbacks and lore, but it’s clear that he was the one who nearly killed Muzan. Yoriichi was the creator of the Breathing Styles, including the Sun Breathing, which is the most powerful technique in the series and Muzan’s ultimate weakness.

Yoriichi’s First Encounter with Muzan

Yoriichi Tsugikuni was born more than 400 years before the events of Demon Slayer. He was a natural genius with a deep understanding of the sword and combat techniques. When he faced Muzan Kibutsuji for the first time, Yoriichi was able to injure him severely, a feat that very few have been able to accomplish.

In their first encounter, Yoriichi was able to wound Muzan deeply despite Muzan’s immortality, and he forced him to retreat. This is significant because Muzan, who was capable of regenerating and recovering from even the most fatal blows, was unable to recover from the strike that Yoriichi delivered. However, Muzan survived the attack and fled, realizing that he could never truly be safe while Yoriichi was alive.

The Final Blow That Could Have Ended Muzan

While Muzan survived the battle with Yoriichi, the older, more experienced warrior left a lasting mark on him. In the present-day battle of Demon Slayer, Muzan’s vulnerabilities are exploited by the Demon Slayer Corps in ways that directly tie back to Yoriichi’s actions.

In the final battle of the manga, Tanjiro Kamado and his comrades, including Kanao Tsuyuri, Giyu Tomioka, and The Hashira, all band together to take down Muzan once and for all. The culmination of their efforts and strategies leads to a point where Muzan is on the verge of death, but it is Tanjiro who plays a key role in this.

Tanjiro, who has inherited Yoriichi’s technique, uses the Sun Breathing technique and its forms, which are the only known methods capable of severely injuring Muzan. During this fight, Tanjiro lands a decisive blow, cutting Muzan’s head off. However, Muzan’s regenerative powers are so strong that he continues to fight back.

It’s only through the combined efforts of the Demon Slayer Corps, the intervention of the Hashira, and Tanjiro’s use of the Sun Breathing that Muzan’s regeneration is finally overwhelmed, and he is killed once and for all.

The Role of the Hashira and Tanjiro

While Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the one who nearly killed Muzan centuries ago, in the final battle, the Hashira played crucial roles in subduing Muzan’s power. They were able to weaken him, allowing Tanjiro’s Sun Breathing techniques to penetrate Muzan’s defenses. Kanao Tsuyuri also used a special drug to slow down Muzan’s healing ability, which allowed the others to strike at key moments.

Tanjiro’s inherited abilities—particularly the Sun Breathing—and the strength of the other Demon Slayers are what ultimately bring about Muzan’s death, but the foundational weakness of Muzan was established centuries ago by Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Yoriichi’s Impact on Muzan’s Demise

The fight between Yoriichi and Muzan set the stage for the final battle centuries later. Muzan’s ability to survive multiple centuries without being killed was due to his manipulation of the other demons and his constant evasion of death. However, Yoriichi’s victory over him—although not fatal—was enough to keep Muzan in a vulnerable position, eventually leading to his downfall at the hands of Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps.

Conclusion: Who Almost Killed Muzan?

Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the first and most powerful Demon Slayer, came the closest to killing Muzan Kibutsuji centuries ago. His ability to wound Muzan deeply and force him to retreat changed the course of history. However, Muzan's true demise only occurs when Tanjiro Kamado, using the Sun Breathing techniques passed down from Yoriichi, and the Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps work together to finally defeat the immortal demon.

Muzan’s death, though a long time coming, was made possible because of the sacrifices and strength of generations of warriors, starting with Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who nearly ended Muzan’s reign centuries ago.