Episode 1 of *Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba* Season 3 (the Swordsmith Village Arc) opens with a Kakushi—a member of the Demon Slayer Corps' cleanup crew—stumbling upon Tanjiro’s weary squad in the aftermath of their grueling battle against Gyutaro. At that very moment, the frail yet resolute Kagaya Ubuyashiki interprets the event as an ominous yet promising sign, noting that it marks the first time in over a century that an Upper Rank Demon has been slain. This seismic shift, he believes, heralds a turning point in their relentless quest to eradicate Muzan Kibutsuji, the scourge that has tarnished his family’s legacy for generations.
The scene swiftly transitions to the labyrinthine depths of Muzan’s lair—the Infinity Castle—where Akaza, the fearsome Upper Rank 3 Demon, is summoned. He is joined by the rest of the Upper Rank Demons, including the enigmatic Kokushibo, Upper Rank 1, and the charismatic yet cruel Doma, Upper Rank 2. This gathering marks the first time in a hundred years that all Upper Rank Demons have assembled under one roof, sending waves of unease through their ranks, particularly Hantengu, who fidgets nervously amidst the tension.
As the demons bicker and posture, Muzan himself materializes, his presence radiating a palpable fury. He lashes out at them for their failure, singling out Gyutaro’s demise and pointing out Daki’s role as his fatal weakness. His scathing rebuke escalates as he berates them for their inability to locate either Ubuyashiki or the elusive Blue Spider Lily—a key ingredient in his quest for immortality. To Muzan, change is anathema; it signifies decay, a concept he abhors with every fiber of his being.
Seizing the opportunity to curry favor, Gyokko, the scheming Upper Rank 5, offers up what he claims is valuable information. Muzan, however, is unimpressed by half-truths and unconfirmed leads. In a swift and brutal display of power, he decapitates Gyokko, his head rolling to a stop at the feet of his stunned comrades. Unfazed, Muzan then orders Hantengu to accompany Gyokko’s severed head—somehow still animate—to verify the information. With that, he vanishes, leaving behind a trail of dread and uncertainty.
Doma, ever the opportunist, attempts to insert himself into the mission, but his interference sparks a confrontation with Akaza. The two erupt into a violent clash, their blows echoing through the castle’s halls. To everyone’s shock, Kokushibo intervenes, his blade slicing through Akaza’s arm with lethal precision. He chastises Akaza for his constant infighting, advising him that if he seeks true power, he must ascend the ranks. Doma, ever the provocateur, taunts Akaza, pointing out his younger age and higher rank with a smirk.
Undeterred, Akaza vows that one day he will surpass Kokushibo, killing him to claim the coveted position of Upper Rank 1. Kokushibo, ever the stoic, simply wishes him luck before turning away. The demons disperse, leaving Doma behind, who sighs wearily before being escorted home by the Biwa demon, his laughter echoing hollowly in the empty halls.
The narrative then shifts to a poignant flashback, where a Demon Slayer bearing the same distinctive Hanafuda earrings as Tanjiro is seen conversing with his father, Sumiyoshi. As he cradles baby Tanjiro in his arms, Sumiyoshi expresses his profound gratitude for the Demon Slayer’s life-saving intervention, vowing to spread his name far and wide. The Demon Slayer, however, humbly dismisses the notion, stating that he is not as powerful as those who walk the same perilous path as him—a path that often leads to the same tragic end.
It turns out that what Tanjiro experiences is a memory that flickers through his mind in a dream, just before he finally awakens from a two-month slumber. Kanao discovers him conscious and is overjoyed to see him recovering after the grueling battle. At that very moment, Goto, a Kakushi who had initially tended to the boys upon their arrival at the Butterfly Estate, plans to present Tanjiro with some cake, hoping the aroma would gently rouse him from his rest. He can't help but admire how the demon slayers, though younger than himself, possess a strength that far surpasses his own.
As Goto steps inside, he is stunned to find Tanjiro awake and promptly calls everyone in. Even Aoi's eyes glisten with tears of relief. While they catch up on lost time, it is revealed that Zenitsu had awakened a day prior and was already dispatched on a mission, much to his chagrin. The Sound Hashira is in good health and has simply wandered off with his wives. Inosuke had nearly succumbed to his injuries, but Tanjiro points out that he's actually perched on the ceiling.
Everyone is taken aback to see Inosuke as he tumbles onto the bed, revealing that he actually woke up a week ago. The girls engage in a lively bicker with Inosuke until Kanao hushes them, allowing Tanjiro to drift back into sleep. He is also visited by Tamayo’s cat, who expresses its delight at seeing him alive and well.
Meanwhile, Goto, Inosuke, and Zenitsu are all dispatched on various missions, while Tanjiro undergoes his rehabilitation training. He is brimming with excitement at the prospect of his new sword, only to receive a letter from his swordsmith, Hotaru Haganezuka, stating that he will no longer craft swords for Tanjiro since he keeps breaking his previous ones. The girls encourage him to travel to the swordsmith village and persuade Hotaru in person, a suggestion that instantly lifts Tanjiro's spirits.
The swordsmith village is nestled in a top-secret location to thwart any potential demon attacks. Tanjiro is blindfolded and escorted by a series of different Kakushis at various checkpoints. Upon reaching the village, he loudly expresses his gratitude to the last Kakushi. Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, who is enjoying a soak in the local hot spring, overhears his words of appreciation and is thrilled to learn that someone new has arrived.
Tanjiro finds himself in a meeting with Tecchin Tecchikawahara, the village chief, who informs him with a grave expression that Hotaru has gone missing. Worried for his friend, Tanjiro's concern deepens when Tecchin lays the blame on Hotaru for crafting faulty swords, adding that if Hotaru fails to deliver, they might entrust Tanjiro with another swordsmith. As Tanjiro is escorted to the hot spring to recuperate, his thoughts remain preoccupied with hopes that Hotaru will not face severe repercussions.
Suddenly, Mitsuri bursts into the scene, enveloping Tanjiro in a tight hug and whining that someone has ignored her. With a gentle smile, Tanjiro reassures her by mentioning that dinner is nearly ready, effectively cheering her up and sending her off with a promise of a delicious meal. Upon arriving at the hot springs, Tanjiro spots Genya Shinazugawa, the very person who had snubbed Mitsuri. Hoping to forge a connection, Tanjiro mentions his brother Sanemi, but Genya, mirroring his brother's demeanor, resorts to violence and storms off, leaving Tanjiro battered and Nezuko peacefully floating in the water.
At dinner, Mitsuri and Tanjiro indulge in a hearty feast, their curiosity piqued by Genya's apparent estrangement from Sanemi. While Mitsuri playfully interacts with Nezuko, they speculate whether Genya will ever join them. Concerned for his well-being, they decide to bring him some food. Along the way, Tanjiro inquires about Mitsuri's motivations for joining the Demon Slayer Corps, instantly regretting his question when she reveals her desire to find a true love stronger than herself, which led her to the ranks of the Hashira.
Upon reaching Genya's room, they discover it's empty. A Kakushi approaches them, informing Mitsuri that her sword is ready and she can depart in the dead of night. Nezuko, who has grown fond of Mitsuri, clings to her, not wanting her to leave, while Tanjiro's worry intensifies.
Mitsuri imparts words of wisdom to the siblings, emphasizing that the best learning comes from firsthand experience and expressing her hope that they will fight valiantly. Her words inspire Tanjiro, who vows to find a way to defeat Muzan. Impressed, Mitsuri leans in and whispers to him about a secret weapon hidden in the village that he should seek out.
The next day, as Tanjiro trains, one of the forgers informs him that Hotaru's whereabouts remain unknown. While waiting for his swordsmith, Tanjiro resolves to search for the elusive secret weapon. His quest leads him to Muichiro, the Mist Hashira, engaged in a heated argument with a swordsmith over a key. The swordsmith adamantly refuses to hand it over. In the midst of this, Tanjiro catches sight of another individual adorned with Hanafuda earrings and realizes with a jolt that this is the same man from his dream.
In the epilogue, it is revealed that Inosuke had been perched on the ceiling for an entire day, attempting to rouse Tanjiro from his slumber. Touched by this revelation, Tanjiro expresses his gratitude, though Inosuke brushes it off with characteristic nonchalance.
