Master of the Mansion

The twenty-second episode brings Tanjiro before the Demon Slayer Corps' strongest swordsmen at their headquarters. Bound in a stone garden, he meets the colorful personalities of the Hashira, who debate whether he and Nezuko should be executed for breaking the rule against harboring a demon. Sanemi Shinazugawa torments Nezuko to expose her nature, and the blind master Kagaya Ubuyashiki appears to reveal he has already sanctioned the siblings, then drops the news that Tanjiro has encountered Muzan Kibutsuji.

The trial begins

The Hashira introduce themselves through their distinct temperaments, from Rengoku's loud certainty to Tengen's flair and Mitsuri's reluctance to harm a child. Shinobu invites Tanjiro to explain himself, and he recounts how a demon attacked his family and turned Nezuko, who has eaten no one in two years.

Sanemi's provocation

Sanemi arrives carrying Nezuko's box and stabs her to prove a demon's true colors. When Giyu announces the master's approach, Sanemi's swing goes wide and Tanjiro headbutts him.

The master's word

Kagaya Ubuyashiki arrives and reveals he has already approved the siblings' situation. He has an aide read a letter from Sakonji Urokodaki pledging that Sakonji, Tanjiro, and Giyu will commit seppuku should Nezuko ever harm a person. The master then discloses that Tanjiro met Muzan, and a defiant Sanemi slashes his own arm, drips blood onto Nezuko's box, and opens it as she emerges salivating.

This installment adapts chapters 45 through 47 and takes its name from chapter 46. The second eyecatcher reproduces an extra sketch from Volume 6.