Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Season 1, Episode 20 - Pretend Family (2019)

The episode begins with Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado facing off against the powerful demon, Rui, who is a member of the Twelve Kizuki. Rui has just revealed his ability to manipulate threads, which he uses to ensnare Tanjiro and Nezuko. As Tanjiro struggles against the threads, he recalls the importance of family and his determination to protect Nezuko, which fuels his resolve to fight back.

Rui, who has a twisted view of family, attempts to convince Tanjiro to join him, offering a false sense of belonging. He expresses his desire for a family that he can control, showcasing his own tragic backstory. Tanjiro, however, firmly rejects Rui's offer, stating that true family cannot be formed through manipulation and violence. This rejection angers Rui, who intensifies his attack.

As the battle escalates, Tanjiro manages to break free from Rui's threads using his Water Breathing techniques. He employs the Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide, to counter Rui's attacks. The fight is intense, with Rui using his threads to create deadly traps and Tanjiro countering with his agility and skill. Nezuko, despite being injured, joins the fight, using her demon abilities to assist Tanjiro.

Rui, frustrated by Tanjiro's resilience, unleashes a barrage of threads that pierce through the air like deadly spears. Tanjiro, in a moment of desperation, recalls his training with Urokodaki and the lessons about the importance of his family. He channels this emotional strength into his next attack, using the Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux. This technique allows him to cut through Rui's threads and land a significant blow on the demon.

In a pivotal moment, Rui's true form is revealed as he becomes more monstrous, showcasing his full power. He attempts to ensnare Tanjiro once more, but Tanjiro's determination to protect Nezuko and avenge his family drives him to push through the pain. He uses the Water Breathing, Eleventh Form: Dead Calm, to create a moment of stillness, allowing him to anticipate Rui's movements.

As the fight reaches its climax, Tanjiro delivers a decisive blow, severing Rui's head. However, Rui's body begins to disintegrate, and he experiences a moment of clarity, reflecting on his own tragic existence and the family he lost. In his final moments, he expresses a desire for a true family, which contrasts sharply with his earlier actions.

After Rui's defeat, Tanjiro and Nezuko are left to process the aftermath of the battle. Tanjiro is emotionally drained, grappling with the loss of life and the weight of his responsibilities as a demon slayer. He reflects on the nature of family and the bonds that tie them together, feeling a deep sense of sorrow for Rui's tragic fate.

The episode concludes with Tanjiro and Nezuko standing together, reaffirming their bond as siblings. They are determined to continue their journey, seeking to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human and to protect others from the demons that threaten their world. The scene fades out, leaving a lingering sense of hope amidst the darkness they face.

In the ending of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," episode 20 titled "Pretend Family," Tanjiro Kamado faces off against the powerful demon, Kyogai. After a fierce battle, Tanjiro manages to defeat Kyogai, but not without experiencing deep emotional turmoil. The episode concludes with Tanjiro reflecting on the importance of family and the pain of loss, as he continues his journey to save his sister Nezuko and avenge his family.

As the episode unfolds, the scene opens with Tanjiro Kamado standing in the dimly lit, eerie confines of Kyogai's lair, a house that has been transformed into a nightmarish realm by the demon's blood demon art. The walls pulse and shift, creating a disorienting environment that reflects Kyogai's chaotic nature. Tanjiro, determined and resolute, grips his sword tightly, his breath steady despite the overwhelming fear that looms around him.

Kyogai, a demon with a tragic past, reveals his ability to manipulate the environment, creating a sense of dread as he attacks Tanjiro with his drum-like powers. Each beat of the drums alters the space, making it difficult for Tanjiro to navigate. The tension escalates as Tanjiro dodges and counters Kyogai's strikes, showcasing his agility and skill as a demon slayer. The emotional weight of the battle is palpable; Tanjiro fights not just for his own survival but for the memory of his family, who were brutally slaughtered by demons.

As the fight progresses, Tanjiro's internal struggle becomes evident. He recalls the warmth of his family and the love they shared, which fuels his determination to protect Nezuko, his sister who has been turned into a demon. This memory serves as a source of strength, pushing him to fight harder against Kyogai. The visuals shift between the intense battle and flashbacks of Tanjiro's family, emphasizing the stark contrast between his past happiness and the current horror he faces.

In a climactic moment, Tanjiro taps into his Water Breathing techniques, executing a series of powerful and fluid sword strikes. He channels his emotions into his attacks, culminating in a final, decisive blow that pierces Kyogai's neck. The demon's defeat is marked by a haunting expression of regret, as he reflects on his own lost humanity and the family he once had. As Kyogai falls, the atmosphere shifts from one of chaos to a somber stillness, highlighting the tragic nature of both the demon and the slayer.

With Kyogai defeated, Tanjiro stands amidst the remnants of the battle, breathing heavily, his heart heavy with the weight of loss. He takes a moment to reflect on the fragility of life and the bonds of family, understanding that even in victory, there is sorrow. The episode closes with Tanjiro looking towards the horizon, a symbol of his unwavering resolve to continue his journey, protect Nezuko, and seek justice for his family.

As the screen fades to black, viewers are left with a poignant reminder of the themes of family, loss, and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of despair. Tanjiro's journey is far from over, but his experiences in this battle have only strengthened his resolve to fight against the darkness that threatens to consume him and those he loves.

In the episode "Pretend Family" of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with the emotional aftermath of Tanjiro's confrontation with the demon, and the focus remains on the resolution of the story arc without any additional scenes or teasers following the credits. The episode wraps up the intense narrative, emphasizing the themes of family and loss, leaving viewers with a poignant sense of closure as it transitions into the next part of the series.

In episode 20, Tanjiro Kamado faces a powerful demon named Kyogai, who has the ability to manipulate the environment within his house. As Tanjiro battles Kyogai, he experiences the disorienting effects of the demon's Blood Demon Art, which causes the rooms to shift and change. Tanjiro's determination and unwavering resolve drive him to adapt to the chaotic surroundings, using his keen sense of smell to track the demon's movements and ultimately confront him.

Nezuko Kamado, Tanjiro's sister, shows a deep emotional response when she encounters the demon family that Kyogai has created. Despite being a demon herself, Nezuko feels compassion for the children who are being manipulated and used by Kyogai. Her protective instincts kick in, and she displays a fierce determination to defend Tanjiro and the innocent victims, showcasing her humanity and the bond she shares with her brother.

The 'pretend family' theme is central to episode 20, as it highlights the tragic backstory of Kyogai, the demon. He creates a false family within his house, reflecting his own loneliness and desire for connection. This theme resonates with Tanjiro, who values family above all else. The contrast between Kyogai's twisted version of family and Tanjiro's genuine love for his sister emphasizes the emotional stakes of the battle and the impact of loss and longing.

During the battle with Kyogai, Tanjiro's fighting style evolves significantly as he learns to adapt to the demon's unique abilities. Initially struggling with the disorienting changes in the environment, Tanjiro begins to utilize his Water Breathing techniques more effectively. He combines his agility and strategic thinking, allowing him to anticipate Kyogai's attacks and counter them with precision. This evolution showcases Tanjiro's growth as a fighter and his ability to overcome challenges through perseverance.

Family is a driving force behind Tanjiro's actions in episode 20. His memories of his deceased family and his protective instincts towards Nezuko fuel his determination to defeat Kyogai. Tanjiro's unwavering resolve to protect those he loves is evident as he fights against the demon, reflecting his belief that family bonds are worth fighting for. This motivation not only propels the narrative forward but also deepens the emotional impact of the episode.

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," particularly in episode 20 titled "Pretend Family," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence: The episode features intense battles between demon slayers and demons, showcasing graphic combat scenes that may be disturbing to younger audiences.

2. Blood and Gore: There are moments of bloodshed and injuries that are depicted in a stylized manner, which could be unsettling for some viewers.

3. Emotional Trauma: The episode explores themes of loss, grief, and the impact of trauma on characters, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong emotions.

4. Demon Depictions: The portrayal of demons includes grotesque transformations and unsettling appearances that might frighten younger viewers.

5. Family Dynamics: The episode delves into complex family relationships and the pain of losing loved ones, which could be emotionally heavy for sensitive individuals.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the series, which, while rich in storytelling and character development, may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly young children.