Demon Slayer is hailed as one of the greatest shonen anime of modern times. With manga sales in the top ten, Demon Slayer is all set to put the genre on fire with its upcoming storylines. Even though some may argue that the anime takes inspiration from the likes of Hunter x Hunter, there’s no undermining the masterpiece this anime is. From compelling storylines to breathtaking animation, Demon Slayer outdid itself in every department, setting itself apart from most generic shonen series. Demon Slayer offers great world-building and lore that keeps the fan on edge after every episode.
The anime is about a fantasy world where demons and humans are mortal enemies and fight to stay on top of the food chain. Among all the chaos, a seemingly ordinary human family gets the short end of the stick as they’re slaughtered by the Demon King. Tanjiro suffers excruciating tragedy as he finds his family’s blood spilled for no reason, with only his sister Nezuko left with demon blood in her veins. The overabundance of demon blood in Nezuko renders her in a pseudo-demonic state where she can shift between her human and demon form without consuming human blood or flesh. Nezuko’s transformation and powers are different from the rest of the demon species. She has formidable powers, which have only become more lethal with her latest “Awakened” form.
The “Awakened” Form Is Nezuko’s Final Demon Transformation
Nezuko Kamado is Tanjiro’s younger sister and a crucial character in Demon Slayer. Her sole existence is a threat to both humans and demons because of the unpredictability of her demon powers. Even though she has miraculous control over her thirst, not many in the Demon Slayer Corps believe she should exist. Nonetheless, with Tanjiro’s help, Nezuko is allowed to accompany him and others to look for a cure. It’s implied that Nezuko’s transition into a demon was never fully completed, hence the space for her to turn back. However, Nezuko’s state allows her to transform and evolve gradually, and she does so in several instances during battles to protect Tanjiro and company.
As a receiver of the first progenitor’s blood, Nezuko is granted demon powers without remaining in the said state permanently. For some unexplainable reason, she developed unprecedented resistance to human blood and sunlight. However, it seems that most of her resistance stems from her strong sense of protecting Tanjiro. Her brother is mostly there to calm her down whenever she’s on the verge of losing control. What the audience has witnessed since season one is Nezuko’s dormant or “hybrid” transformation, where most of her humanity is activated. But in Season 2, Nezuko finally awoke to her true demonic form, the “Awakened” form. This form is considered the maximum level Nezuko can reach in her demon powers until now, when she goes into a “berserk” state, leaving all of her humanity in the process. Her Awakened form is different because the transformation is more complete, making it even more powerful and highly aggressive.
Nezuko’s Awakened Form’s Physical Attributes
In Nezuko’s advanced demon form, her physical body changes drastically, attaining the appearance of a young adult woman with a curvy body. Vine-like tattoos grow all over her body, with veins popping out wherever visible. Her front teeth also grow out while a single horn protrudes from one side of her forehead. Nezuko’s hair becomes fuller and longer, almost reaching to her legs, and she becomes extremely agile. Even though her “berserk” state is without most of her humanity, her composure is controlled and calm compared to the rest of the demons in a similar state. Nezuko’s transformation grants her immense physical strength that she was able to harm Daki by simply stomping on her limbs and dealing power blows that landed her miles away.
Awakened Form Powers & Abilities
Blood Demon Art
Like the Breathing Styles that Demon Slayers use to channel enhanced physical attributes, demons use Blood Demon Art as a form of a uniquely powerful ability that may differ from demon to demon. In Nezuko’s case, her Awakened form allows her to convert the blood that’s exited her body into pink flames. The flames harness such a power that they only harm other demons and objects related to them and spare humans. Nezuko’s Blood Demon Art allows her to hinder and eventually slow down the healing of any demon coming in contact with the flames like she did with Daki. Apart from the flame’s offensive properties, the crimson flames can also draw out poisons from bodies and grant Nichirin Swords a temporary boost by turning them red.
Sunlight Immunity
Demons can’t survive in the sunlight and will turn to dust when exposed to it. Nezuko wasn’t initially immune to the sun, and it's hard to pinpoint whether she gained this ability as a result of her Awakened form or a gradual adaption of her body. The audience witnessed this feat during Demon Slayer Season 3 while she was battling Hantengu. She could suddenly stay in the sun, and this put her on Muzan’s radar since no other demon could’ve done this. She received the title “The Chosen One” because of her immunity, but it seems like the origins of this ability are a bit ambiguous. At this point, it's safe to just put everything unexplainable on the “she’s special” trope.
Blood Control & Regenration
In her true demonic form, Nezuko has unmatched blood control and regeneration capabilities. She showed off her blood manipulation skills during her standoff with Daki when she commanded her severed limbs and head. It’s implied that Nezuko can control her blood’s viscosity, and through blood connection, she can control her body parts with great strength. Fans believed that her blood control powers in the Awakened state are at par with the Twelve Kizuki as not only can she reattach them, but she can simultaneously grow back her body. All demons possess healing abilities, but Nezuko’s regenerative abilities in her berserk state are far superior.
Nezuko’s role in Demon Slayer is crucial, but after finally turning back into a human, it’s difficult to anticipate what her position will be in upcoming battles. Even though she’s a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, Nezuko never loses her kind spirit and sincerity. It was because of her that Tanjiro was able to defeat Muzan.
