Demon Slayer season 3 episode 10 review: The Love Hashira

Just when you thought the Swordsmith Village Arc of Demon Slayer couldn’t get any more intense, the drama escalates in a dramatic crescendo with the arrival of season 3, episode 10, lovingly titled “Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji”.

We find ourselves on the edge of our seats as Mitsuri Kanroji joins forces with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya against the formidable Upper Four ranked demon, Zohakuten. And let’s be real, Zohakuten is a nightmare. Wielding his blood art, he summons a multi-headed wooden dragon that has Nezuko and Genya trapped, and Tanjiro teetering on the brink of disaster.

But as every anime fan knows, all isn’t lost until the final credits roll. Mitsuri, typically shrugged off as mere fan service due to her charming appearance, emerges as the game-changer, her entrance altering the direction of the battle. She’s a whirlwind of swift action and whip-like swordplay, with the animation studio, Ufotable, beautifully highlighting her formidable combat skills. It’s not hard to see why she is a Hashira, especially when she takes on one of Zohakuten’s fiercest attacks.

The brilliance of this episode is how it expertly intersperses Mitsuri’s past with her present fight. We learn that her superhuman strength, though advantageous on the battlefield, was a deterrent in her personal life, causing potential suitors to flee. Yet, Mitsuri finds pride in her powers, leading her to the welcoming arms of the Demon Slayer Corps, who cherish her for the very qualities others dismissed.

This episode fine-tunes the pacing that previously dogged the Swordsmith Village Arc. With the flashback sequences woven seamlessly into the narrative, we see how Mitsuri’s past fuels her current determination, making her fight all the more awe-inspiring. As she holds the frontline against Zohakuten, her internal monologue adds depth to her character and her unwavering resolve.

In the thick of the action, Mitsuri assumes the role of the team’s bulwark, fending off Zohakuten to give Tanjiro a shot at finding and eliminating Upper Four’s real demon form. Genya takes this moment to reveal his shocking ability to consume demons to boost his power, a grotesque twist that turns him into an unlikely cannibal. This newly found prowess gives Tanjiro the chance to harness Nezuko’s blood demon art, further enhancing his power to face the looming threat. The teamwork, coupled with Genya’s unexpected shift from lone wolf to team player, adds a warm touch to this fierce battle.

This victory would remain a dream, if not for Mitsuri’s fortitude and her selfless determination to protect others. Her ability to keep Zohakuten at bay is the only hope the demon slayers have of saving the Swordsmith Village. The riveting fight sequence between Mitsuri and Zohakuten, intertwined with a compelling backstory, only amplifies the viewing pleasure.

“The Love Hashira” expertly brings Mitsuri into the spotlight without distracting from the enthralling battle underway. With one episode left in the Swordsmith Village Arc, hopes are high for Tanjiro and the others to save the day.

So, buckle up for the last bit of this wild ride. The latest episode is now available on Crunchyroll with the final episode launching this Sunday, 6/18 and it’s confirmed to be 70 minutes long.

For those who prefer English dubs, you’re in luck! The English version of Demon Slayer Season 3 has started airing on Crunchyroll too.

Happy watching!