Tanjiro’s significant other is none other than Kanao Tsuyuri. The relationship between Tanjiro and Kanao is one of the most captivating aspects of the story. Initially, their first interaction was not exactly love at first sight, with Kanao attacking Tanjiro and attempting to kill his sister. However, as the story progressed, their relationship evolved and blossomed into one of the greatest dynamics in Demon Slayer. How, you may ask? Continue to read down below to know their full love story explained.
Kanao had a troubled childhood, marked by poverty and abuse. Her traumatic upbringing, including the loss of her siblings and punishment for showing emotion, broke her psychologically. Eventually, she was sold into slavery. Fortunately, Kanae and Shinobu rescued her, but even then, she was merely a shell of a person, unable to make decisions on her own. It wasn’t until Tanjiro entered her life that she was finally able to break free from her robotic state and began to develop as a character.
Tanjiro and Kanao’s First Interaction
Kanao and Tanjiro first met during the final selection exam, but they didn’t have much interaction. However, in the Natagumo Mountain Arc, their second encounter was a lot but far from romantic. Kanao attempted to capture Nezuko, who was running away, as she was a known demon. She almost killed Nezuko, but Tanjiro intervened to protect his sister, leading to Kanao kicking him in the head. Fortunately, the crows informed the demon slayers that they should capture Nezuko rather than kill her.
Tanjiro and Kanao in the Butterfly Mansion
In episode 23 of the series, at the butterfly mansion, Tanjiro saw Kanao as she was holding a butterfly. He stared at her and watched as she smiled at the butterfly while carried by a Kakushi. It was then explained to Tanjiro that Kanao was a Tsuguko, a highly skilled demon slayer who had been trained by a Hashira. Only the most talented and capable individuals were selected for this role, and Tanjiro was quite impressed by this information.
The Kakushi then asked if they could enter, to which she simply smiled vacantly and did not respond. Aoi then intervened and guided them away, but Tanjiro couldn’t help but stare back at Kanao, revealing his fascination with this quiet and mysterious girl.
Kanao Training Tanjiro
The girls at the butterfly estate assisted Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke with their training for five days. However, Kanao was too much for the trio to handle, and eventually, Zenitsu and Inosuke gave up, acknowledging that even though Kanao had joined the training at the same time as them, she was far ahead in terms of skill and ability. On the other hand, Tanjiro persevered and continued to train for ten consecutive days without giving up.
Tanjiro was curious as to why he was unable to defeat Kanao. Eventually, he realized the key factor that separated them was that while he did not use the technique of total concentration breathing continuously throughout the day, both the Hashiras and Kanao did. As a result of this, he started practicing total concentration breathing. Tanjiro was eventually able to defeat Kanao, and in a sweet moment, during the cup game, instead of splashing tea on her face, he simply placed a cup on top of her head.
Kanao Shows Tanjiro Her Coin
Later on, Tanjiro expresses gratitude towards Kanao, and she remains silent but with a gentle smile. She then pulls out a coin and flips it before speaking formally for the first time, stating, “I merely followed my teacher’s instructions… So you don’t have to thank me. Farewell.” This surprises Tanjiro. He becomes curious about the coin toss and asks Kanao about it. She then opens up and explains that the coin helps her make decisions when she doesn’t have any instructions.
Tanjiro asks Kanao some questions, to which she responds, “it doesn’t matter.” Tanjiro then disagrees and says there’s nothing in the world that doesn’t matter, borrowing a coin from her. Kanao, taken aback by Tanjiro’s words, gives him the coin. Tanjiro stands up and says the coin will decide whether or not Kanao listens to her heart. If it’s heads, she must follow her heart. Kanao, now fully awake, eagerly await the outcome. They both see its heads, and Tanjiro is overjoyed. He holds Kanao’s hand and tells Kanao, “Good luck! It’s the heart that drives people.”
Kanao was stunned as Tanjiro rushed away, saying goodbye. Now full of energy, Kanao yelled, “H-how did you make it come up heads?” Tanjiro replied, “Just by chance. If it was tails, I would’ve kept tossing it until it was heads,” with a cute smile. The words Tanjiro left with Kanao made her reflect on her life, and she held the coin close to her heart. However, Kiyo suddenly startled her, causing her to fall off the edge she was sitting on. This shows that Kanao’s newly awakened emotions flustered her and caught her off guard, not only from Kiyo but also from Tanjiro himself.
Fans of the Demon Slayer series started to ship Tanjiro and Kanao as a couple after this scene, as it was clear from their interactions how they felt about each other. Tanjiro’s persistent effort to get to know Kanao and the fact that he reignited her emotions made it evident that their relationship was headed in a romantic direction.
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SPOILER: Tanjiro and Kanao’s Relationship After the Entertainment District Arc
After the Entertainment District Arc in Chapter 99 of the manga, Tanjiro wakes up from a coma to find Kanao by the door. Relieved to see him awake, Kanao accidentally breaks a vase. She rushes to his side, expressing concern about his two-month-long coma. With tears in her eyes and a heartwarming smile, Kanao says, “I’m glad you’re awake.“
In the Infinity Castle Arc, Kanao embarks on a mission for revenge against Doma and uses a powerful technique called the “Vermillion Eyes.” However, this leads to her losing sight in her right eye.
This technique allows her to predict her opponent’s next moves by observing their muscle shifts, joint movements, and eye movements. Similarly, during Tanjiro’s battle with Muzan, he also loses sight of his right eye. Although it is unfortunate that they both lost vision in one eye, it further solidifies the idea that they were meant to be together.
Tanjiro Saves Kanao
During the final battle, Muzan defeated nearly everyone, including the strongest pillar, leaving Kanao as the only fighter remaining. Muzan approached her to deliver the final blow, but Tanjiro intervened and saved her using the legendary dance of the fire god breathing style.
Despite being half-mutated, Tanjiro didn’t seem to mind and apologized to Kanao for being late. He then instructed the Kakushi to take care of her.
Kanao Saves Tanjiro
Kanao also rescued Tanjiro when he became a powerful demon. She risked her life, including her vision, to save Tanjiro using an anti-demon drug made by Tamayo to save Tanjiro. Her actions, along with the words she spoke and the medicine she gave Tanjiro, were crucial in bringing him back to his humanity. Both characters have shown a willingness to put their lives on the line for each other and have saved each other on multiple occasions in various ways.
Kanao and Tanjiro in the End of the Demon Slayer Manga
In the aftermath of the battle, Tanjiro and Kanao were recovering from their injuries while lying on the ground. Unable to move, Tanjiro thinks to himself, “Kanao… I’m glad she’s alive.” They locked eyes, and both smiled through their tears, grateful to have saved each other in the end.
In Chapter 204, Tanjiro and Kanao have a touching moment after they’ve both recovered from their injuries. They are standing in front of a sakura tree, and Kanao explains that the first user of the flower breathing technique had planted the tree and named it Victory. She wanted to let the tree know that they had succeeded in their mission. Tanjiro is moved by Kanao’s kindness. He asks her about her eyes, to which she responds that she still has some sight left and that her wounds no longer hurt. Tanjiro expresses his concern, but Kanao assures him with a smile. The two continue to have a conversation under the beautiful sakura tree.
Chapter 205 of Demon Slayer reveals the future generations of Tanjiro and Kanao as Kanata Kamado and Sumihiko Kamado, both resembling their great-grandparents.
The story extends its ending to show a picture of Tanjiro and Kanao close and content with each other, together with their crows, and bonding happily. In the concluding panel, Tanjiro holds Nezuko’s hand with his left hand and Kanao’s hand with his right, symbolizing the importance of both women in his life.
Fans are delighted to see Kanao end up with Tanjiro, as they were meant for each other. Their relationship, which started off as rocky, evolved into one of the most heartwarming love stories in the series.
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