Swordsmith Village Arc

The Swordsmith Village Arc is the ninth main storyline of the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga, spanning Chapter 98 through Chapter 127 and adapted across Episodes 45 to 55 of the anime. Its events touch the Infinity Castle and the Butterfly Mansion before settling in the Swordsmith Village, placing the arc between the Entertainment District Arc and the Hashira Training Arc.

The arc pushes the threat level higher by pitting the heroes against two members of the Twelve Kizuki at once, and it deepens key mysteries surrounding Tanjiro's heritage and his Breathing style.

Tanjiro travels to the concealed settlement where the Corps' weapons are made and must account to Hotaru Haganezuka, the smith responsible for his blade, for the severe damage it has taken. While he waits for the repairs, enemies begin to converge on the village.

The Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, moves to confront the attacking demons, but the situation quickly outstrips a single pillar. He needs support from Tanjiro and from Genya Shinazugawa, another slayer present in the village, to stand any chance against the invaders.

The defenders face two upper-rank demons, Gyokko and Hantengu. The danger is compounded by Hantengu's ability to divide himself into several distinct bodies and to recover from wounds almost instantly, forcing the slayers to find a way to overcome an enemy who seems to multiply faster than they can cut him down. Flashbacks during the arc also illuminate the connection between Tanjiro and a swordsman of the distant past.

The village survives the assault, but only through the combined effort of Muichiro, Tanjiro, Genya and other defenders, with the smiths themselves placed in grave danger. The arc strengthens its young slayers significantly and reveals new dimensions of Tanjiro's lineage and abilities.

By its conclusion, the events of the arc set up the intensive Hashira Training Arc that follows, as the Corps prepares for the larger confrontation looming with Muzan and his strongest demons.