Cultivator

* Anime
* Manga

A **Cultivator** (育 (いく) 手 (しゅ) , *Iku shu*?) is a (former) skilled Demon Slayer who play a vital role in nurturing individuals to become Demon Slayers.

## Overview

Young individuals across the country aspiring to become Demon Slayers are introduced to specific Cultivators tailored to the individual's unique strengths. For instance, Gyomei Himejima introduced the Kocho sisters, Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho, to different Cultivators based on their respective body sizes. Similarly, Masachika Kumeno connected Sanemi Shinazugawa to a Wind Breathing Cultivator, while Giyu Tomioka sent Tanjiro Kamado off to former Water Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki due to their shared heightened sense of smell.

Cultivators instruct and mentor disciples in the art of swordsmanship. Each Cultivator follows their own unique training methods, specializing in a specific Breathing Style and imparting a variety of techniques. A fundamental aspect of the training involves mastering the Total Concentration Breathing. As there are no set rules, the teachings vary significantly among instructors. During training, disciples are provided by the Cultivator with a temporary Nichirin Sword. Once a Cultivator deems their disciple ready, they grant permission for them to participate in the Final Selection. Surviving the grueling selection process earns them acceptance into the Demon Slayer Corps, where they receive their own Nichirin Sword, uniform, and a Kasugai Crows as their messenger.

Cultivators are scarce in number and scattered throughout various locations. Most of them has a background as skilled Demon Slayers who have retired for various reasons, including due to old age. After retirement, they dedicate themselves to cultivating and training worthy successors. It is worth noting that Cultivators who were former Hashira, the elite members of the Demon Slayer Corps, tend to have disciples with exceptional swordsmanship skills. Given the perilous nature of the Hashira's duties, the number of retired Hashira who become Cultivators is incredibly small, making it rare to receive guidance from a former pillar.

Cultivators often develop a deep bond with their disciples, akin to a parental relationship, as demonstrated by Sakonji who views them as his own children. They invest not only their expertise but also their care and affection into shaping the next generation of Demon Slayers. However, this close connection comes with a sense of responsibility. In the rare event that a disciple is killed while being trained under a Cultivator, or takes an act of betrayal and turns against the Corps, the Cultivator will be held accountable. This joint responsibility is exemplified by the case of former Thunder Hashira Jigoro Kuwajima, who chose to perform seppuku as an act of atonement, after his disciple Kaigaku defected to the enemy and became a demon. Additionally, Urokodaki held himself responsible for the deaths of Sabito, Makomo and his 9 other former disciples to the point where his grief prevented them from passing on to the afterlife. Such instances emphasize the profound sense of duty and honor that Cultivators uphold in their role as mentors.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *Kimetsu no Yaiba: One-Winged Butterfly*.
2. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 168.
3. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 1.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 4.
5. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 8.
6. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 34.
7. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Anime: Episode 5.
8. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 144.
9. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 6.
10. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Chapter 7.
11. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Manga: Volume 7, (Extra Pages).
12. ↑ *Kimetsu no Yaiba* Extra: *Kyojuro Rengoku's Story: Part 2*.