Who was the most hated Hashira?

In Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), the Hashira (Pillars) are the most elite members of the Demon Slayer Corps, each specializing in a different Breathing Technique. While most of the Hashira are well-respected and admired by fans, one particular Hashira stands out as a character who is often disliked, both by other characters and some fans: Kanao Tsuyuri's mentor, Shinobu Kocho.

Shinobu Kocho - The Most Hated Hashira (for a Time)

Although Shinobu Kocho is not hated by the majority of the fandom, she does receive a degree of criticism in the earlier parts of the series. Here are some reasons why:

1. Her Harsh Treatment of Nezuko: When Shinobu first meets Tanjiro and Nezuko, she is extremely suspicious and hostile toward Nezuko due to her being a demon, even though Nezuko is kind and well-behaved. Shinobu is known for her stern, untrusting stance towards demons and is initially unforgiving toward Nezuko despite Tanjiro’s plea for her to be accepted. This coldness and lack of understanding toward Nezuko's situation led to some fans disliking her at first.

2. Her High-Handedness and Cold Demeanor: Shinobu can come across as overly stern, cold, and even dismissive toward others. Her reserved nature and sometimes judgmental attitude make her appear unapproachable or even somewhat arrogant to those around her. This can be off-putting for fans who appreciate more relatable or warm characters.

3. Her Approach to Demon Slaying: Unlike the other Hashira who focus on combat and direct confrontation with demons, Shinobu specializes in a poison-based style of fighting, relying on her ingenuity rather than raw physical power. This unique approach to demon slaying often makes her seem distant or detached from the rest of the team, leading some to question her commitment to traditional demon-slaying methods.

4. Her Tragic Backstory and Behavior: Shinobu's tragic backstory involving the death of her sister, Kanae Kocho, has a deep impact on her behavior. Shinobu’s grief and trauma make her more cynical, leading to her harshness. While many fans sympathize with her tragic past, her cold treatment of those around her can lead to mixed reactions. Some people find it hard to connect with her at first, especially when compared to more emotionally open characters like Tanjiro.

Shinobu’s Redemption and Growth

Despite these early criticisms, Shinobu's character undergoes significant development throughout the series. As the story progresses, Shinobu’s relationship with Nezuko becomes much more understanding and accepting. She even comes to view Nezuko as a symbol of hope, which is a huge shift from her earlier stance.

Moreover, Shinobu’s unwavering determination to avenge her sister and protect others helps her become a more likable and respected character by the series' conclusion. Her intelligence, dedication, and care for her friends shine through more as the story unfolds, and she earns her place as a beloved member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Who Else Gets Disliked?

While Shinobu may be the most frequently criticized Hashira, it's worth noting that some viewers may also find Giyu Tomioka (the Water Hashira) difficult to warm up to at first due to his stoic, introverted personality. However, Giyu’s backstory and the kindness he shows Tanjiro and Nezuko over time endear him to fans.

Muzan Kibutsuji (the Demon King) is the primary antagonist, and while he's universally hated, he’s not a Hashira but rather the leader of the demons.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, Shinobu Kocho might have been one of the more divisive Hashira at the beginning of the series, but her character depth, tragic backstory, and eventual warmth won her the respect and affection of most fans. The Demon Slayer series often has characters who appear cold or harsh at first but reveal their humanity and vulnerability as their stories unfold, making them much more beloved over time.