Chapter 27

## Inosuke Hashibira

**Inosuke Hashibira** (嘴 (はし) 平 (びら) 伊 (い) 之 (の) 助 (すけ) , *Hashibira Inosuke*?) is the twenty-seventh chapter of Koyoharu Gotoge's Kimetsu no Yaiba.

## Summary

Tanjiro and Zenitsu note the drastic contrast between the unknown Demon Slayer's face and muscular physique. The former states he has no issue with his face and does not want to attack further, but the stranger demands he headbutt him again to his liking. He declares his names is Inosuke Hashibira, though when Tanjiro asks for how it is spelled, Inosuke does not know. Suddenly, he faints and falls over backwards from the impact with Tanjiro's forehead. Though Zenitsu becomes worried he is dead, Tanjiro surmises it is because he suffered a concussion from receiving a strong headbutt, with Zenitsu noting that his head is not even bruised.

Inosuke wakes up some time later and loudly jumps up wanting to fight, scaring Zenitsu. He catches sight of the group and Tanjiro explains they’re burying the dead, requesting for Inosuke to help out. He is unenthusiastic about the work and demands he fight him instead. Somewhat dismayed, Tanjiro humorously provokes him by replying that he had probably felt too much pain to aid in such an exhausting task, telling him to rest and leave the burden to the more capable people. An enraged Inosuke takes on the challenge, quickening the pace of the burial.

As they descend the mountain, Zenitsu tries to force Shoichi to come with him, believing him to be strong and capable enough to protect him. Tanjiro pushes him off the reluctant child and reprimands him while his Kasugai Crow gives Kiyoshi an small bag containing wisteria, meant to prevent any other attacks from demons hungry for his marechi. The Demon Slayers bid farewell to the trio of siblings and continue with their mission.

As Tanjiro's crow leads the trio, Tanjiro strikes up a conversation with Inosuke and asks about his past growing up on a mountain. The latter reveals his lack of a direct family and explains his only enjoyment involves battles over strength, describing how he encountered and fought Demon Slayers who entered Mount Fujikasane that later told him about demons and Final Selection, which eventually led to him attending it despite not receiving instruction from a cultivator. When he claims he will defeat Tanjiro, the latter tries to properly introduce himself as "*Tanjiro Kamado*" which Inosuke butchers into "*Gonpachiro Kamaboko*".

As night falls, the three Demon Slayers find themselves before a house with a Wisteria crest painted on its door, with the Kasugai crow telling them they can rest. An old lady comes out and greets the trio, leading them into the house. Zenitsu and Inosuke are immediately rude to her, with Inosuke poking her hair and Zenitsu calling her a “ghost” for her speed in meal and bed preparation. Tanjiro’s crow explains how the house is run by a family who was protected from an attack by the Demon Slayers. Since then, they have provided food and shelter in their home for Demon Slayers without need for payment, identified by the Wisteria crest on their houses.

A doctor is summoned to assess the trio's injuries and he notes that all of them have broken ribs. Later as the three eat, Tanjiro and Zenitsu are disgusted by Inosuke's lack of manners; he then tries to irritate Tanjiro by taking from his bowl but is unsuccessful when he is met by his kindness instead. As they prepare to rest, Zenitsu takes the time to ask Tanjiro on why he carries a demon. Stunned by Zenitsu knowing, he calls him a good person. Somewhat flattered, he hears as Tanjiro notes how he smelled good and strong, though Zenitsu still takes issue with Tanjiro forcing him to leave Shoichi.

Suddenly, Nezuko's box in the corner begins to move, frightening Zenitsu into hysterics. As the door open, Zenitsu panics even further and begs for protection. Nezuko exits and stands up, causing Zenitsu to become speechless at seeing her appearance. Tanjiro tries to introduce her as his sister but Zenitsu instead admonishes him for carrying a cute girl with him throughout all the suffering he had been forced to endure. He yells that the Demon Slayers is not something joined and taken lightly and attempts to punish Tanjiro.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Inosuke Hashibira
* Zenitsu Agatsuma
* Kiyoshi
* Teruko
* Shoichi
* Tanjiro Kamado
* Kasugai Crows
* Hisa
* Nezuko Kamado

## Events

* The masked Demon Slayer is revealed as Inosuke Hashibira, a brash and confrontational boy.
* The Demon Slayers leave the mansion and farewell the children.
* The Demon Slayers arrive at a Wisteria-crested household for rest and recovery.