Does Nezuko Become Human?

If you’re a fan of anime, chances are you’ve either watched Demon Slayer, have it on your watchlist, or have been encouraged to watch it by fellow anime enthusiasts. Demon Slayer stands out as one of the most popular anime series of the past decade, offering a captivating blend of tragedy, comedy, horror, thriller, and action.

Renowned for its superbly choreographed fight scenes, character design, and plot, the series has gained immense popularity since its anime adaptation was announced. Thanks to Ufotable’s consistency, the adaptation showcases some of the finest battle sequences in contemporary anime.

The story primarily revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, an older brother on a quest to find a cure and restore his sister, Nezuko Kamado, to her human form after she is unexpectedly turned into a demon by Muzan. Nezuko, a sweet and beloved character, ranks as possibly the second most popular character in the series.

The central question remains: does Nezuko regain her humanity, and if so, what sacrifices will Tanjiro have to make to ensure it? Thus far, the series has not revealed the answer to this question. However, if you’ve delved into the manga, you’re already familiar with the outcome. For those eager for more but reluctant to dive into the manga, here’s what you’ve been waiting for.

Background

The Kamado family resided in the snowy mountains, where Tanjiro worked as a coal seller, descending to a nearby town for sales. Nezuko, his younger sister, assisted their mother in caring for their siblings. Tragedy struck the Kamado family when Tanjiro returned home to find them slaughtered, save for Nezuko, who had been transformed into a demon.

Despite Tanjiro’s efforts to seek medical help for Nezuko, she attacked him, revealing her altered state. During the confrontation, Giyuu, a Demon Slayer, aimed to kill Nezuko, but Tanjiro intervened, and Nezuko exhibited traces of her human self unexpectedly.

Recognizing Tanjiro’s need for guidance, Giyuu directed him to Urokodaki, a former Demon Slayer. Urokodaki educated Tanjiro about the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons, attributing the family’s massacre to a figure named Muzan. With Urokodaki’s assistance, Tanjiro embarked on the path to become a Demon Slayer, determined to restore Nezuko.

Meanwhile, Urokodaki cared for Nezuko and conditioned her to refrain from harming humans. As Tanjiro trained under Urokodaki’s guidance, the latter played a significant role in shaping Nezuko’s perception of humans, using photographs of her family to evoke feelings of kinship and affection towards them in her encounters with people.

Is it possible for Nezuko to turn human?

While humans can easily transform into demons, the reverse is not true. Muzan Kibutsuji, the first demon, possesses the unique ability to convert humans into demons. Demons, despite their ancient existence spanning ages if not millennia, are not easily eradicated.

They can only be killed by demon slayers, exposure to sunlight, or specific techniques; mere hunger is insufficient to end their existence.

Nezuko, however, defies conventional demon traits. Not only is she immune to sunlight, but she also possesses an awakened form that grants her superiority in combat against other demons. From the outset, Nezuko has distinguished herself among her kind. Demons, according to Giyuu, have a preference for consuming their own kindred as they find them more delectable.

Contrary to expectations, Nezuko’s actions surprise observers like Tanjiro, who witnesses her defending him instead of succumbing to her demonic instincts. The notion of demons reverting to human form is thus regarded as extraordinary and unprecedented.

During the Asakusa Arc, Tanjiro encounters two demons, Tamayo and Yushiro, who are exceptions to Muzan’s control. Tamayo, a knowledgeable doctor versed in both human and demonic anatomy, possesses the rare ability to convert humans into demons, albeit she only did so once to Yushiro while she herself was severely ill.

Tamayo has never encountered a demon reverting to human form, but she extends aid to Nezuko and begins researching a solution. She hopes Tanjiro will obtain blood from the 12 Kizuki, which could potentially assist in addressing this enigmatic problem.

Does Nezuko Become Human Again?

Nezuko’s journey back to humanity was a gradual process, unlike Tanjiro’s swift transformation. The pivotal moment occurred in Chapter 147 of the Infinity Castle Arc, when Urokodaki returned to Nezuko after administering Tanayo’s medication intended to revert her to human form.

However, Nezuko’s failure to properly consume the medicine resulted in her falling ill, prompting Urokodaki to care for her. It is later revealed in the manga that Nezuko eventually regains her humanity through Tamayo’s medicines.

Tamayo, a demon with a profound understanding of both humans and demons, dedicates her life to studying them. She possesses the rare ability to transform humans into demons, second only to Muzan. Utilizing the blood of the 12 strongest demons, known as the Kizuki, Tamayo prepares the medicine necessary for Nezuko’s transformation.

Throughout the series, Tanjiro combats and defeats the 12 strongest demons, collecting samples of their blood to provide to Tamayo. In Chapter 196 of the manga, Tamayo administers the medicine to Nezuko, initiating her journey back to humanity.

What happens after Nezuko takes the medicine? 

In Chapters 200 and 201, the gradual transformation of Nezuko back to human form becomes apparent. She begins to reclaim her memories from both her human and demon phases, gradually regaining her ability to think and even speak.