The ongoing fourth season of “Demon Slayer” adapts the ‘Hashira Training Arc’ from the manga, focusing on Tanjiro and the entire Demon Slayer Corps as they undergo rigorous training with the Hashiras. The Hashiras are also training to awaken their Demon Slayer marks in preparation for the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
Additionally, this arc delves into the rich backstories of key characters like Giyu Tomioka, Gyomei Himejima and Shinobu Kocho, offering audiences new perspectives and insights into their development and motivations. These revelations deepen the narrative and enhance our understanding of how these characters became who they are. Kanae Kocho is one such character.
Despite her limited screen time, Kocho’s influence is felt in the series through her sisters, Shinobu and Kanao. We catch glimpses of Kanae through the memories of Shinobu and Kanao in the first season of “Demon Slayer.” Additionally, though not officially confirmed, it is speculated that Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, had a crush on her.
Early Life and Background
Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho were born into a rich, loving family that had nothing to do with the Demon Slayer Corps. But their happiness was short-lived when demons attacked their home. Their parents tried to protect Kanae and Shinobu but were brutally killed in the altercation. The sisters were saved by the timely intervention of Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, who appeared just in time and saved the sisters. The sisters promised each other to join the Demon Slayer Corps and eradicate the demons who have been causing harm to innocent humans.
Personality and Relationships
Kanae was known for her gentle and kind personality. She maintained a calm and compassionate approach even towards demons. She dreamed of a world where humans and demons lived in harmony, unlike her sister Shinobu, who often displayed a sterner and more vengeful demeanor. She saved Tsuyuri by rescuing her from a life of abuse and slavery, giving her the name Kanao. Kanae’s nurturing influence helped shape Kanao into a strong and skilled Demon Slayer.
Kanae’s close relationship with Shinobu played a very important role in her life. Kanae was a role model and a guiding light for her younger sister, pushing Shinobu to become a Hashira despite her inability to sever a demon’s head due to her weak stature.
- Read More: Demon Slayer: Who is Kanae Kocho?
Powers and Abilities
Kanae Kocho was a formidable member of the Demon Slayer Corps. She was able to become a Hashira after her parents’ tragic death. To become a Hashira, one had to either slay a member of the Twelve Kizuki or kill at least 50 demons as a Kinoe-ranked Demon Slayer. Her combat skills and swordsmanship were top-notch, which can be proved by the fact that she could hold her ground against Doma, the Upper Rank two. She used Flower Breathing, a derivative of Water Breathing that focuses on graceful, fluid movements and precise strikes. Flower Breathing techniques emphasize agility, elegance, and lethal accuracy, making them highly effective in battle.
Known Techniques of Flower Breathing
- First Form: “Waltz of the Wisteria” – This technique involves a series of rapid, flowing slashes that create a beautiful yet deadly pattern, overwhelming the enemy with a barrage of attacks.
- Second Form: “Honourable Shadow Plum” – The second form focuses on defense, it allows the user to deflect incoming attacks with precise, minimal movements, conserving energy while maintaining a strong defense.
- Third Form: “Crimson Hanagoromo” – The third form is the combination of offense and defense, which enables the user to counterattack immediately after deflecting an enemy’s strike.
- Final Form: “Peach Flower Waltz” – The ultimate technique of Flower Breathing, it involves a rapid, spinning motion that generates a vortex of slashes, devastating the opponent and leaving no room for escape.
Kanae Kocho’s Death and Its Impact on the Story
Despite her formidable abilities and compassionate nature, Kanae Kocho’s life was tragically cut short by Doma, the upper-rank two demon of the Twelve Kizuki. During one of her missions, she encountered Doma, who was known for his deceptive charm and sadistic nature, making him one of the most dangerous demons. Doma’s overwhelming power and regenerative abilities proved too much for her. Despite her best efforts, Kanae was overpowered and sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation. Doma couldn’t finish her off because he was forced to flee due to the rising sun. Shinobu found her while she was taking her last breath and rushed to her aid. Kanae’s dying wish for Shinobu was to live a happy life and not be engulfed by revenge.
Kanae’s death profoundly affected Shinobu. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, her demeanor hardened, and she pushed herself to become stronger and more determined in her mission to eradicate demons. With her hard work and determination, she developed her unique fighting style and poison techniques and took on the role of the Insect Hashira. Her determination to exact revenge on Doma drove her to severely injure Doma during the Infinity Castle Arc, who later died at the hands of Kanao and Inosuke.
Kanao was also deeply affected by the death of her adoptive sister. Kanae’s kindness helped Kanao overcome her traumatic past and become a skilled and dedicated Demon Slayer, who later played a significant role in the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji.
While Kanae’s time in the series might have been brief, her impact on the storyline was profound.
