The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.
Summary
- Shinobu Kocho’s deep-rooted hatred drives her to fight Upper Moon alone, revealing her personal loss and lifelong goal.
- Despite lacking strength and no Demon Slayer Mark, Shinobu relies on unique poison techniques against Doma.
- Shinobu may have a plan to tackle the overwhelming power difference against Doma, showcasing her intelligence and determination.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy is all set to pit some of the most talented swordsmen of the Taisho Era against Muzan’s strongest underlings. The highly anticipated battles will be a treat for the eyes and will likely push the boundaries of animation to deliver an unforgettable climax to the epic story.
The movies are going to adapt quite a few memorable fights, which will be critical for setting up the final showdown with Muzan. Among them, Shinobu’s confrontation with Doma will be unique for a number of reasons. Not only will it be driven by a deep-rooted hatred stemming from past events, but it will also reveal the haunting reality of fighting an Upper Moon alone.

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Shinobu & Doma: A Bitter One-Sided Rivalry
Kocho’s Hatred for Doma is Rooted in a Past Tragedy
Shinobu Kocho’s smile might trick viewers into believing she has found inner peace and has detached herself from the horrors of being a demon slayer. But nothing could be further from the truth. Although most people can’t tell, Shinobu is always angry that demons exist, and it’s her lifelong goal to exterminate them. Her hatred is rooted in personal loss, something most Hashira have unfortunately experienced.
How can you feel sorry for something that’s killed humans? I’ve never heard of anything so absurd. But if that was how my sister truly felt, then I must carry it on. If there’s a way not to kill these pitiful demons, I have to keep trying to come up with it. Without ever extinguishing the smile my sister said she loved.. ~ Shinobu to Tanjiro
When Kocho was just a few years old, her parents were brutally murdered in front of her by a demon. In their last moments, they tried their best to defend her and her sister, Kanae. While their sacrifice did not go in vain and the two siblings were rescued, life did not get any easier for Shinobu.
The Kocho sisters worked relentlessly to join the Demon Slayer Corps, and with years of hard work, managed to establish themselves as one of the best swordsmen of their generation. Once they became Hashira, life appeared to be falling into place, but things took a dark turn when Kanae accidentally ran into Doma.
The Upper Moon fatally injured her in the confrontation and escaped as the sun was about to rise. By the time Shinobu got to her sister, she was already taking her last breath. The two tragedies ended up shaping Insect Hashira’s hatred. But she was especially interested in finding Doma to avenge the death of Kanae, in spite of her warning not to do so. Unbeknownst to these developments, Doma lived his life as if nothing ever happened. For him, Kanae was just another human being whose life had no value.
Understanding Shinobu and Doma’s Powers Dynamics
Does the Insect Hashira Stand a Chance Against the Upper Rank Two?
Shinobu Kocho learned about Doma’s appearance from her sister’s testimony in her last moments. Over time, she spent countless hours crafting a unique strategy for the day the two finally crossed paths with one another. In the Infinity Castle arc, her wait finally comes to an end as the Upper Moon is tasked by Muzan to defend his lair.
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Shinobu’s fight with Doma is unique since she will be fighting the Upper Moon alone. Unfortunately, she has never manifested a Demon Slayer Mark before. Without any marked demon slayer close to her, it would be impossible for her to awaken one. This is a crucial strategic oversight because even a marked Hashira is unlikely to defeat an Upper Moon alone.
Without the Demon Slayer Mark, Shinobu will be forced to rely on her breathing style and her unique application of poison. Sadly, Insect Breathing is arguably the least refined swordsmanship style in existence. Its over-reliance on poison makes the user extremely vulnerable. What makes things even worse is the fact that Shinobu is not physically strong. Her short stature, coupled with the lack of an imposing strength, makes her an easy target for Doma.
Yes, I’m angry, Tanjiro. I’ve always been angry. My parents were killed. My older sister was killed. And all my Tsuguko except Kanao were killed. If demons hadn’t murdered those girls’ families, they’d be living happily with them right now. It really makes me furious. Shinobu Kocho
Fighting Doma alone does not make any logical sense. It almost seems like a suicide mission for Shinobu. But it would be a mistake to underestimate her. She is one of the most intelligent demon slayers of her generation, and having known about Doma for quite some time, it’s likely that she also understands that the power difference between them is overwhelming. Therefore, the Insect Hashira may have a plan to tackle the Upper Moon. It remains to be seen how successful she will be in executing it against someone of Doma’s caliber.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first installment is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 12, 2025.

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