Anticipating the Adventure: What to Expect from Demon Slayer Season 4

Demon Slayer season 4 is set to release this May 12, 2024, on the popular anime streaming service - Crunchyroll. In anticipation of this release, many fans of the series have begun exploring possible theories to be featured in the show, delved into the character arcs more fully, and wondered where to catch the new episodes.

Other fans who have already read through the Demon Slayer manga know what to expect from this upcoming season. Whether you're a new Demon Slayer fan or have read every manga multiple times, the release of season 4 is expected to be the top Demon Slayer event of this year.

Let's discuss what could unfold in the upcoming season while we wait for the episodes to be released!

Season 4: Connection to "To the Hashira Training"

Many fans are excited for the new season to unravel, as it follows the manga series with the same name quite closely (with a few small tweaks). Because of this, it was easy to gather that the new season would focus on the To the Hashira Training arc, which appeared in chapters 128–136 in the manga. This was confirmed during the premiere of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training, a movie that offered viewers the opportunity to enjoy the final episode of season three and an hour-long introduction to the next season's storyline (the first episode of season 4).

In this season, Tanjiro journeys to see Himejima, the Stone Hashira, to train to become a Hashira himself, one of the most powerful and highest-ranking Demon Slayers. He finds the training demanding, yet he perseveres throughout the season as he works to earn Himejima's approval. This training is necessary, as Tanjiro is later pitted against more demons later in the season. In particular, Tanjiro goes up against Muzan, a demon lord who intends to find Nezuko and Ubuyashiki.

This is not the last season of Demon Slayer, as season 4 can't cover the Infinity Castle arc fully. However, the end of the season may include a small section of this arc as a method for transitioning into the next season.

Exploring the Swordsmith Village Arc

In Demon Slayer season 3, the story focuses on the Swordsmith Village arc, which follows Tanjiro as he travels to Swordsmith Village for a sword repair. During this stop, Tanjiro unexpectedly needs to battle two upper-rank demons that have the ability to clone their emotions. Eventually, Tanjiro and some of his comrades - Nezuko, Genya, Mitsuri, and Muichiro beat the two upper-ranking demons. During this season, new information about Nezuko comes to light. Nezuko, Tanjiro's sister who has been turned into a demon, has become exceptionally strong as she is no longer affected by the sunlight, the biggest weakness and threat to demons.

This exciting arc leads into season 4's arc, which focuses on Tanjiro meeting Himejima and training to gain even more power before another big battle.

Demon Slayer Season 4: Fan Theories

So, what do the fans think will occur in Demon Slayer season 4? Let's find out! Some fans theorize that this season will include fewer demon-hunting scenes. Because this season focuses on the Hashira training arc, fans believe Tanjiro and other Demon Slayers will spend most of the episodes on their training, learning where their limits are and propelling them through their limits with various challenges. Additionally, fans believe this season will prioritize an exploration of the war on demons.

 

Another major theory that has arisen this year centers on Kibutsuji Muzan, also known as Muzan the Demon King. In previous seasons, when demons were slain, it was noted that Muzan did not receive the power back from the slain demons. So, viewers have been speculating why, and a popular fan theory has emerged. Fans now believe the show/manga centers on Buddhist beliefs, which have been portrayed multiple times throughout the series.

 

In this case, fans believe the death of the demons is connected to Buddhist culture which notes bad actions must be accounted for via karma before one can be reincarnated. Because of this, the demons revert back into humans right before they die and are forced to see all the bad things they have done since turning into a demons. Thus, they are left to atone for their "sins" before they pass on. Since they are passing away as humans, their power is not sent back to Muzan.

Potential Plot Points Based on the Demon Slayer Manga

Some other events to look out for (based on what occurred in the manga) are as follows: there will be a request for an emergency Hashira meeting with all Hashira in attendance. This meeting will discuss Nezuko's newfound power, which allows her to be unaffected by the sun, in correlation with Muzan's plans. During this meeting, it is decided that Nezuko is an important aspect of thwarting Muzan, so she must be protected at all costs.

Another expected plot in the upcoming season is the awakening of Demon Slayer markings, which provide increased power to the Hashira. They understand the importance of removing anything that keeps their powers blocked, ensuring an advantage for future battles and the war on demons.

In the Demon Slayer manga, a former Demon Slayer Corps member makes an appearance, Tengen Uzui. Formerly retired, this demon slayer comes back to be a trainee of the Hashira, intentionally running them ragged with many laps to help them keep their stamina up.

Where to Watch Demon Slayer

Now that you're excited about season 4, it's time to explore where to watch Demon Slayer. As mentioned, this upcoming season will be available on Crunchyroll starting on May 12, 2024. Each new episode will appear on the streaming service each Sunday. Those with more patience (and without Crunchyroll subscriptions) can watch season 4 closer to the end of 2024 when it is released on Netflix. However, there is no official date for the Netflix release yet.

If you can't wait to learn more about season 4, you can read the manga to understand the storyline better. As mentioned, this show is known to stick fairly closely to the manga. Since all the manga chapters have already been released, there are no spoilers for Demon Slayer fans each season.

You can also prepare for Demon Slayer season 4 by rewatching previous seasons, which explore the different arcs, including the Final Selection arc, Mugen Train arc, Asakusa arc, Tsuzumi Mansion arc, and the Swordsmith Village arc. These previous anime series episodes cover essential character meetings, exciting demon battles, blood demon art powers, and more! Catch up on previous seasons of Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll and Netflix, where you can view the show in Japanese or English.

Bring Demon Slayer Home with Sugoi Mart!

Another way to tide you over before the new Demon Slayer Season 4 release is to check out the Sugoi Mart Demon Slayer Collection. This collection provides exciting entertainment and goodies - all revolving around Demon Slayer. You'll stay entertained with games, toys, gachapon, keychains, plushies, talking dolls, and more from Sugoi Mart until the new season is released!

Take this as a sign to head to Sugoi Mart to grab your Demon Slayer goodies and hang tight until season 4 comes out this year!