Who is the least liked Hashira?

In the Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) universe, the Hashira (Pillars) are some of the most powerful and respected figures within the Demon Slayer Corps. Each Hashira is a master of their respective Breathing Style and plays a significant role in the battle against demons. While most of the Hashira are admired for their strength, courage, and dedication, some have garnered mixed feelings from fans due to their personalities, actions, or beliefs.

Among all the Hashira, one stands out as being the least liked by both the Demon Slayer characters and the fans alike: Kanao Tsuyuri. While Kanao is undeniably strong, her detachment and reluctance to open up emotionally have contributed to her being perceived as the least favorable character among the Pillars.

Who is Kanao Tsuyuri?

Before we delve into why Kanao Tsuyuri is often viewed as the least liked Hashira, it's important to understand who she is. Kanao is the Flower Hashira and one of the most skilled fighters in the Demon Slayer Corps. She is known for her proficiency in the Flower Breathing Style, which she inherited from her mentor, Shinobu Kocho, the previous Flower Hashira. Kanao is also one of the Tsuyuri family’s top fighters, having been adopted by the Demon Slayer Corps after a tragic childhood that involved abuse and a life of hardship.

Despite her incredible abilities, Kanao is often portrayed as cold, stoic, and emotionally detached. Her primary motivation comes from following orders and carrying out missions, but she struggles to make decisions based on her own desires. This emotional detachment stems from her upbringing, where she was forced to abandon her emotions as a means of surviving. This emotional isolation has been a significant factor in making Kanao a divisive character among fans.

Why is Kanao the Least Liked Hashira?

While Kanao’s struggles and trauma are understandable, several aspects of her character have contributed to her being unfavored compared to other Hashira. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Her Emotional Detachment

One of the most significant reasons Kanao is less liked by fans is her detachment from others. Throughout much of the series, Kanao is depicted as cold and aloof, which makes it hard for viewers to connect with her on an emotional level. Unlike other Hashira, who have more open and personal interactions with their fellow Demon Slayers, Kanao is mostly silent, reserved, and reluctant to engage in conversations.

Her emotional detachment often creates a sense of distance between her and the other characters, which can make her seem more robotic than human. This detachment can be frustrating for fans who appreciate seeing the emotional growth of the characters, especially considering that Tanjiro Kamado and others struggle with their own emotional challenges but eventually open up to others.

2. Her Reluctance to Act on Her Own Desires

Another reason for Kanao’s unpopularity is her passivity in decision-making. She was raised in an environment where she was taught to follow orders and suppress her own desires. As a result, Kanao often hesitates to make choices for herself and relies heavily on others to guide her. This is particularly evident in her relationship with Tanjiro, where Kanao has difficulty expressing her feelings and remains hesitant to show affection, despite the growing bond between them.

Kanao’s reluctance to act on her own desires, whether it’s regarding her emotions or choices, can be frustrating for fans who want to see a more proactive character. Fans may wish to see her take charge of her own destiny rather than being bound by a past of trauma and silence.

3. Her Struggles with Expressing Emotions

While many characters in Demon Slayer experience personal struggles and trauma, Kanao’s inability to express emotions sets her apart from the other Hashira. Unlike Rengoku Kyojuro, Mitsuri Kanroji, or Shinobu Kocho, who openly express their feelings and connect with others on an emotional level, Kanao remains emotionally stunted. Her struggle with opening up is a major obstacle in her character development.

In fact, Kanao’s emotional barrier becomes most apparent in her relationship with Tanjiro, who initially tries to reach out to her and encourage her to express herself. However, her inability to do so makes her appear distant and unapproachable, which may lead to a disconnect between Kanao and fans.

4. Her Early Appearance and Backstory

Kanao's introduction into the story was not as impactful as the other Hashira. Her backstory, while tragic, is not as fully explored compared to some of the other Pillars. Fans had to piece together Kanao’s motivations through small snippets of information, and she didn’t have the same emotional moments of growth as other Hashira, like Shinobu or Giyu Tomioka, which might have helped humanize her more.

Her initial quietness and lack of emotional engagement left fans struggling to understand her motivations and why they should care about her arc as much as others.

Kanao's Redemption and Character Growth

Despite being the least liked Hashira, Kanao does experience significant growth by the end of the series. One of her most important moments of change comes when she starts making decisions for herself and allowing herself to acknowledge her emotions. This growth is influenced by her interactions with Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayers, who help her open up.

Additionally, Kanao’s bravery in battle, especially during the final confrontation with the demons, proves that she is more than just her emotional detachment. She demonstrates incredible strength and selflessness, showing that even someone who struggles with their emotions can rise above and act for the greater good.

Conclusion: Kanao Tsuyuri's Complex Character

In conclusion, Kanao Tsuyuri is a character who is often seen as the least liked Hashira due to her emotional detachment, reluctance to express herself, and early lack of character development. However, it’s important to recognize that Kanao’s story is one of emotional growth and personal healing. As the series progresses, Kanao’s character becomes more relatable and understandable, and her journey toward emotional openness makes her a more complex and compelling figure.

Ultimately, while she may have been the least favored Hashira at one point, her evolution proves that even the most distant and reserved characters can experience growth and transformation, making her one of the more interesting and multi-layered characters in Demon Slayer.