“In many shonen anime series, it’s often evident from the beginning who the main characters have feelings for and who the protagonist cares about the most.
However, things take a different turn in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Tanjiro Kamado, the main character, briefly encounters his eventual love interest early in the series, but she doesn’t reappear until much later, during a pivotal battle.
As the story unfolds, Tanjiro’s feelings start to grow, and he finds himself drawn to Kanao Tsuyuri. Their budding romance is a heartwarming aspect of the series.”
The First Time Tanjiro and Kanao Met
Tanjiro is a simple and humble guy who used to live in the countryside with his family. After his sister Nezuko was turned into a demon, he dedicated himself to learning how to fight so he could join the Demon Slayer Corps and find a way to cure her.
During the Final Selection to become a Demon Slayer, Tanjiro and Kanao didn’t talk or interact. Kanao seemed distant and quiet.
Their paths crossed again at Mount Natagumo, where Kanao and Tanjiro had a conflict. Tanjiro was trying to protect Nezuko from harm, and things got heated, leading to Kanao incapacitating Tanjiro.
Tanjiro was taken to the Butterfly House to recover, where he spotted Kanao in the garden. He remembered her as the person who passed the Final Selection but didn’t realize that she was the one who had clashed with him earlier.
The Start of Tanjiro and Kanao’s Feelings for Each Other
Later on during their training, Tanjiro initially struggles to outperform Kanao in various tasks because her skills are superior. However, with determination and adaptation, Tanjiro manages to catch up and surpass her.
In one game where the goal is to drench your opponent with a stinky tea, Tanjiro takes a compassionate approach. Instead of pouring the smelly tea on Kanao, he places the cup on his head, unable to bring himself to spoil Kanao’s day.
As they bid farewell following their recovery, Tanjiro encourages Kanao to stay positive and keep an open heart. A warm smile graces Tanjiro’s face as he says his goodbyes.
In a heartwarming moment, Kanao is seen touching her chest and blushing slightly, and she accidentally falls forward when Kiyo calls her from behind.
Hints in an extra chapter following the Functional Recovery Training Arc suggest Kanao might have developed romantic feelings for Tanjiro.
–Story Spoilers from the Manga–
As the story unfolds, Kanao’s character develops, and she displays more emotion and assertiveness. This transformation becomes particularly evident when Tanjiro is brought to the Butterfly House to recover after the intense battle in the Entertainment District.
Upon learning that Tanjiro has regained consciousness, Kanao’s emotions overflow. She accidentally drops a vase, tears well up in her eyes as she expresses her relief and happiness at Tanjiro’s awakening.
Later, as the other mansion’s residents become enthusiastic about visiting Tanjiro, Kanao tries to maintain order. However, when Tanjiro falls asleep again, Kanao’s frustration mounts, leading her to raise her voice and scold everyone for their noisy behavior.
During the Final Battle Against Muzan
During the intense battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, Kanao was the only member of the Demon Slayer Corps who remained conscious and tried her best to keep fighting.
As Muzan prepared to deliver a fatal blow, Tanjiro stepped in and temporarily stopped Muzan’s attack. He rescued Kanao, and her awakening brought tears to her eyes. She repeatedly called out Tanjiro’s name, and he apologized for his tardiness.
Later, when Tanjiro transformed into a demon, Kanao wept upon seeing Nezuko’s efforts to calm her sister. Kanao used the powerful Flower Breathing Final Form: Equinoctial Vermilion Eye technique. She created an opportunity to administer the drug to Tanjiro, even though it posed a risk to her safety. This act demonstrated just how deeply she cared for them.
Happy Ending of Tanjiro-Kanao
After Tanjiro successfully returned to his human form, Kanao cried tears of joy and relief upon seeing him safely back as a human. The two shared tearful smiles as they lay facing each other.
As time passed, Kanao and Tanjiro decided to get married and start a family together. Eventually, they became proud great-grandparents to two children named Kanata Kamado and Sumihiko Kamado.
