Genya Shinazugawa is one of the most prominent characters in the Desa Penempa Pedang arc in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Despite joining the Demon Slayer Corps with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Kanao, Genya is rarely exposed and is not familiar with his four companions. However, in the Desa Penempa Pedang arc, fans will get to know this character better. So, who is Genya Shinazugawa in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba? Let’s find out.
1. Genya Can’t Use Breathing Technique
One distinctive thing about Genya is that he cannot use the Breathing Technique that other Demon Slayers can utilize. This technique involves a specific breathing pattern that increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is used in conjunction with a Nichirin sword to kill demons. Genya, on the other hand, tends to use a gun instead of a sword, which is why he practices a different technique called Aksi Berulang, taught by Gyomei Himejima, to enhance his physical abilities.
2. His Strength Comes from Eating Different Demons
Other Demon Slayers have specific skills and abilities that they acquire from their demonic counterparts. Genya, however, gets his strength from eating the flesh of various demons. The stronger the demon he eats, the stronger he becomes. However, this strength is only temporary, and eventually, he returns to being human. His fighting style always depends on the strength of the demon whose flesh he consumed, along with his intelligence and wit.
3. His Personality Changes Over Time
Depending on when fans watch the anime or read the manga, their perception of Genya as a character may differ. When he first joins the Demon Slayer Corps with Tanjiro and Zenitsu, he is a rough and tough character with a truck driver’s language. He has a singular thought of killing demons and is not warm, friendly, or relatable. Initially, he refuses to talk to Tanjiro until they fight Hantegu together. After that, he starts to soften up and earn some respect.
4. Adopted Son of Gyomei Himejima
Gyomei Himejima, considered one of the most powerful Demon Slayers with the ability to defeat many other strong anime characters, adopted Genya as his son. He wanted to train him to become his Tsuguko, but it was not possible due to Genya’s inability to use the Breathing Technique. This is why Gyomei taught him a different technique to help compensate. Although their relationship was not evident at first, their connection grew stronger over time, offering Genya the skills to succeed in the Demon Slayer Corps.
5. Unique Use of Meat Pistol
Genya’s inability to use the Breathing Technique was a disadvantage until he developed his Meat Pistol. It allowed him to detach and launch his own cells and incorporate them into his pistol material. The pistol resembles the Kokushibo sword with its unique appearance, and the number of eyes on its barrel helps improve its accuracy. Genya became dependent on his meat pistol rather than a sword but still managed to provide excellent support during fights.
Conclusion
Genya Shinazugawa is a crucial but not often highlighted character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. His unique techniques, abilities, and fighting style make him different from other Demon Slayers. Despite his rough exterior, his relationship with Gyomei Himejima and his development as a character make him an essential part of the anime and manga’s story.
