In Demon Slayer Season 3 Episode 8, Muichiro Tokito finally awakened his demon slayer mark. Not only did he become stronger, but he also became faster than ever. But how do demon slayer marks work, and what causes them to emerge?
Demon Slayer is one of the most beloved shounen anime, with a massive following. This is why a lot of viewers have high expectations for Ufotable's animation in every episode of the Swordsmith Village Arc.
Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga.
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What Awakens the Demon Slayer Marks?
The demon slayer mark has appeared on some of the most accomplished and skilled demon slayers in history. It is a heavenly gift from the gods above to assist the demon slayers in stopping Muzan and his evil ambitions.
The demon slayer mark appears when the demon slayer is in a near-death situation or is going through a traumatic encounter.
It does not appear magically, as certain criteria must be met by demon slayers in order for it to awaken.
Back in the day, however, things were different. Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the father of all breathing techniques, started it all. He was born with the demon slayer mark, making him a one-of-a-kind case.
And, thanks to Yoriichi, the other Sengoku-era demon slayers were able to activate their demon slayer marks.
It was fairly prevalent back then, and the demon slayers never thought about keeping track of the birthmark-like skin irregularities that appeared on their bodies.
Fast forward into the future, and the demon slayer marks had become rare.
No one can simply awaken it because a demon slayer cannot have it unless they come into contact with individuals who have previously possessed the mark.
In addition, the demon slayers should have a feverish-high temperature of over 39°C, or 102.2°F, with a heart rate of 200 bpm, which is a very deadly condition.
The slayers' determination to survive is the ultimate key to activating the demon slayer mark.
If they don't have it, they won't be able to awaken the demon slayer mark and will perish in the most terrible conditions.
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What Does the Demon Slayer Mark Do?
The demon slayer mark functions as a powerup, boost, or buff for demon slayers. It strengthens and enhances their skills and abilities to a completely different level, far superior to those of normal humans.
By awakening the demon slayer mark, the demon slayers can also enhance their physical capabilities and resistance to injuries.
This is evident during Tanjiro’s fight in the Entertainment District Arc and Muichiro’s showdown with Gyokko in the Swordsmith Village Arc.
They can also see inside other people's bodies and follow their blood flow, breathing, muscle contractions, and other bodily functions, giving rise to the term "transparent world."
Furthermore, demon slayers can view everything in slow motion, which speeds up their reflexes during the most intense battles.
Also, demon slayers can sometimes dye their Nichirin blades a vivid red color by clashing their swords with other marked slayers or grasping their swords with tremendous strength.
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Who Has Demon Slayer Marks?
Here are the Demon Slayer characters who have demon slayer marks:
- Tanjuro Kamado: His demon slayer mark is burn-like in appearance, and it appeared on the left side of his forehead.
- Tanjiro Kamado: He has a flame-like demon slayer mark that appears on the left side of his forehead. He has a very special demon slayer mark that increases in size and number.
- Muichiro Tokito: He has a cloud-like demon slayer mark that appears on both sides of his cheeks and on the left side of his forehead.
- Mitsuri Kanroji: She has a butterfly-like demon slayer mark that appears on her left clavicle.
- Giyu Tomioka: He has a water stream-like demon slayer mark that appears on the left side of his cheek.
- Gyomei Himejima: He has a ground fissure-like demon slayer mark that appears on both of his forearms.
- Sanemi Shinazugawa: He has a windmill-like demon slayer mark that appears on his right cheek.
- Obanai Iguro: He has a serpent-like demon slayer mark that appears on his right shoulders and pectoral area reaching down to his forearms.
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni: He has a flame-like demon slayer mark that appears on the left side of his forehead.
- Michikatsu Tsugikuni: He has a flame-like demon slayer mark that appears on the left side of his forehead and the bottom of his right cheek, reaching down to his neck.
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What Is the Curse of the Demon Slayer Mark?
Once the mark is awakened, the demon slayer cannot live past the age of 25, although there are a few exceptions, such as Yoriichi, Michikatsu, and Gyomei's cases.
Yoriichi lived past the age of 80, while Michikatsu abandoned the demon slayers in order to obtain an eternal demon body.
Gyomei, on the other hand, awakened the demon slayer mark at the age of 27. However, he died immediately after awakening it.
The reason behind this is due to the demon slayers giving up a significant portion of their life span to use the benefits of the demon slayer mark.
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