Is Genya a Demon in Demon Slayer? (2024)

Season 3 of the Demon Slayer anime, which adapts the "Swordsmith Village" arc, has recently concluded, and it's been an exhilarating ride for fans as they've witnessed the gripping events as two Upper Moons attack the village. This season has delivered not only some of the series' most intense battles but also unexpected revelations that have left viewers in a state of awe and curiosity. Among these surprises is the character of Genya Shinazugawa, whose presence and peculiarities have triggered a whirlwind of speculation and intrigue within the fanbase.

Genya's introduction to Demon Slayer is quite interesting. He has been quite discourteous toward Tanjiro, no matter how kind the latter has been. The show has also been planting seeds of mystery right from the beginning of the season. He has been shown to regenerate a broken tooth while also not consuming the food that is provided to him. However, these mysteries have light shed upon them during the fight against the Upper Moons. Genya showcases a unique fighting style that is more reminiscent of demons than that of Demon Slayers, leading to fans wondering whether the crass boy is actually one of Kibutsuji Muzan's kin.

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Genya's Demonic Fighting Style

Genya Shinazugawa's combat approach is notably distinct within the Demon Slayer Corps. Unlike his fellow Demon Slayers, who use their swordsmanship to deal with the demons, Genya manages to forge his own fighting style. This uniqueness stems from his background and personal experiences, crafting a method that makes up for his weaknesses and shortcomings. Instead of using Nichirin swords, Genya's primary weapon is a double-barreled shotgun capable of shooting Nichirin. In addition, he is also in possession of a Nichirin Wakizashi, which he uses once his opponent gets close to him.

But what makes Genya truly unique, as well as the main reason why he is doubted to be a demon, is his supernatural abilities. Akin to a demon, Genya exhibits regenerative ability, allowing him to heal even fatal injuries. He can also manifest sharp fangs strong enough to bite into demon flesh. In this form, Genya's strength and speed are also heightened, letting him go toe-to-toe even against average demons. But despite his regenerative abilities, Genya isn't invulnerable. He has limits. He can only regenerate so much of his injuries, and he also can't survive a decapitation, regardless if what beheaded him was a Nichirin weapon or not.

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The Reason Behind Genya's Supernatural Abilities

Despite exhibiting abilities similar to the demons of Demon Slayer, Genya remains human. The reason he can manifest supernatural abilities is his unique stomach and constitution. Even without his demonic fangs, Genya's strong jaws allow him to bite and tear off demon flesh. He also has unique digestive organs that can somehow process said flesh and bring out its supernatural abilities, turning him demon-like for a short period of time. While this only grants a temporary boost of power, it is enough to compensate for Genya's shortcomings as a Demon Slayer. In essence, he temporarily demonizes by consuming demon flesh.

Even though the Demon Slayer anime has only shown Genya to achieve increased strength and regeneration upon demonification, Genya's ability proves to have more capability later on in the manga. During the fight against Upper Moon One, Kokushibo, Genya manages to consume the demon's hair and a part of his flesh katana. Probably due to the thickness of Muzan's blood coursing through the Upper Moon's veins, consuming Kokushibo's cells further heightens Genya's supernatural abilities. His regeneration has become strong enough to easily reconnect his severed torso to his lower body. He also gets to hear Muzan's telepathic orders to Kokushibo, allowing him to relay them to the others.

The greatest effect of eating Kokushibo's cells, however, comes in the form of Blood Demon Art. Blood Demon Arts are basically blood powers that demons utilize to perform almost magical feats. The Blood Demon Art Genya has acquired is called Vampiric Trees. Similar to how Kokushibo turns his katana into part of his body, Genya can use his double-barreled shotgun to shoot out flesh bullets. The moment these bullets implant themselves into their target's body, they almost instantaneously grow into gigantic trees with roots implanted in the ground. These trees are strong enough to even hold back the likes of Kokushibo, albeit only temporarily. And as long as these bullets remain within the target's body, then Genya can repeatedly activate his Blood Demon Art.

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Genya Cannot Utilize Breathing Techniques

In the world of Demon Slayer, the mastery of breathing techniques is a fundamental element for Demon Slayers to effectively combat their supernatural foes. Breathing techniques allow Demon Slayers to tap into extraordinary strength, speed, and otherworldly powers. However, Genya stands apart as an exception to this rule. He, unfortunately, isn't capable of utilizing any of the numerous Breathing Styles. He can't achieve Total Concentration Breathing, which is needed to manifest the various Breathing Techniques. This leads to Genya seeking other means to fight against the demons and forcing him to continue consuming demon flesh for a temporary boost of power.

The reason behind Genya's persistence in being a competent Demon Slayer despite his lack of aptitude is rooted in his tragic backstory. Genya is actually the brother of Sanemi, the Wind Hashira. They belonged to a family of nine, but their scrupulous father was shortly murdered by an unknown assailant. Though impoverished, the eight of them were close to each other. Being the oldest among the siblings, Sanemi and Genya vow to protect their mother and siblings. But one night, when their mother didn't return home, Sanemi went out to look for her. Genya, on the other hand, stayed to protect their siblings.

When their mother eventually returned, she was no longer human. She was turned into a demon and attacked her own children. The only reason Genya survived was that Sanemi managed to tackle and stab her before she got to the young boy. Not knowing any better, Genya labeled Sanemi as a murderer, creating a rift between them. Genya then started striving to be a good Demon Slayer to hopefully reconnect with his brother.