Demon Slayer: What If Another Hashira Was Sent on the Mugen Train?
The Mugen Train arc is one of the most iconic moments in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, mainly because of Kyojuro Rengoku’s sacrifice.
But what if a different Hashira had been sent instead?
In this article, we explore a hypothetical scenario where each Hashira replaces Rengoku on the Mugen Train, analyzing how events would change against Enmu and Akaza, and whether Tanjiro and the others would survive.
Uzui Tengen on the Mugen Train
Would he get along with Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu?
Tengen would immediately establish dominance, calling himself a god and demanding absolute obedience.
Inosuke would love his flashy attitude, Tanjiro would remain respectful, and Zenitsu… would be terrified.
The first demon encounter
Tengen would instantly detect and eliminate the demon in a flamboyant and over-the-top way, impressing everyone.
Enmu’s dream technique
Tengen’s dream would revolve around being the flashiest man alive. He would quickly detect the intruder and prevent his spiritual core from being destroyed.
Protect passengers or hunt Enmu?
Like Rengoku, Tengen would prioritize the passengers, leaving Tanjiro and Inosuke to deal with Enmu.
Akaza’s arrival
Tengen would intercept Akaza’s attack aimed at Tanjiro and engage him directly.
Outcome:
Tengen would fight valiantly but would eventually fall. He lacks the endurance to stall Akaza until sunrise.
Obanai Iguro on the Mugen Train
Team dynamics
Obanai would be cold and openly hostile, especially toward Tanjiro.
Enmu and the dream world
His dream would involve Mitsuri. He would quickly notice the intruder and protect his spiritual core.
Strategy shift
Unlike Rengoku, Obanai might leave passenger protection to the others and eliminate Enmu himself.
Akaza fight
Obanai would order Tanjiro to stay back and face Akaza alone.
Outcome:
Stronger than Rengoku and aided by Kaburamaru, Obanai could protect Tanjiro and force Akaza to retreat — and survive.
Muichiro Tokito on the Mugen Train
First impressions
Muichiro would seem distracted and distant, barely engaging with the group.
Dream scenario
His dream would involve his family. He would stop the intruder instinctively.
Against Enmu
Muichiro would efficiently defeat Enmu alone.
Akaza confrontation
He would face Akaza without hesitation.
Outcome:
Given his feats against Upper Moons, Muichiro could push Akaza into retreat and survive.
Giyu Tomioka on the Mugen Train
Relationship with Tanjiro
Giyu already knows Tanjiro, leading to a calmer and more cooperative dynamic.
Enmu’s defeat
Giyu would protect the passengers while Tanjiro and Inosuke handle Enmu.
Akaza battle
Silent and focused, Giyu would refuse Akaza’s offer without a word.
Outcome:
Giyu would protect Tanjiro and force Akaza to retreat, but would likely die from his injuries.
Sanemi Shinazugawa on the Mugen Train
Team tension
Sanemi would be aggressive, especially toward Tanjiro. Zenitsu would be terrified.
Dream world
His dream would involve his family, and he would violently stop the intruder.
Enmu strategy
Sanemi would defeat Enmu himself, leaving protection to the others.
Akaza showdown
He would take Akaza head-on.
Outcome:
As the second-strongest Hashira, Sanemi would survive and force Akaza to retreat.
Gyomei Himejima on the Mugen Train
Presence
The group would find Gyomei praying — and yes, somehow fitting in the train.
Enmu and Akaza
Gyomei would annihilate Enmu effortlessly and then confront Akaza.
Outcome:
With superior strength and long-range weapons, Gyomei would dominate the fight and survive.
Shinobu Kocho on the Mugen Train
Team chemistry
Already familiar with the group, Shinobu would cooperate smoothly.
Akaza’s reaction
Akaza would hesitate due to his rule against killing women.
Outcome:
Shinobu would survive, but her poison would be ineffective. Tanjiro and the others would be in serious danger.
Mitsuri Kanroji on the Mugen Train
Group dynamics
Everyone would get along — Zenitsu especially.
Dream world
Her spiritual core would be so gentle it might not even be destroyed.
Akaza fight
Akaza would avoid killing Mitsuri.
Outcome:
Mitsuri would survive, but Tanjiro and the others would likely die.
Final Verdict: Who Changes the Timeline the Most?
- Best outcome: Gyomei, Sanemi, Muichiro
- Mixed outcome: Obanai, Giyu
- Worst outcome for Tanjiro: Shinobu, Mitsuri, Tengen
Rengoku’s role was tragically perfect — but some Hashira could have changed everything.