The Complete Guide to All 23 Demon Slayer Volumes
Why This Full Volume Guide Is Important
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has 23 amazing volumes, each full of emotional scenes, amazing fights, and character growth that has captivated millions of people around the world. This complete guide breaks down every major event, introduces key characters, and highlights the most memorable quotes from Tanjiro's journey, whether you want to collect the whole series or just want to know what happens in each volume before you buy it.
If you collect manga in Sri Lanka, knowing the whole story of Demon Slayer will help you understand why it became one of the best-selling manga of all time. Let's look at each volume and see what makes this series so special.
Volume 1: Cruelty (Chapters 1–7)
What Goes On
Tanjiro Kamado, a kind boy who sells charcoal to support his family in Taisho-era Japan, is the main character of the series. One day, he comes home to find that demons have killed his whole family. His younger sister Nezuko is the only one who lives, but she has become a demon.
Giyu Tomioka, a Demon Slayer, shows up and almost kills Nezuko. But Tanjiro's desperate efforts to protect his sister and Nezuko's humanity make Giyu think she's different. Giyu sends Tanjiro to Sakonji Urokodaki, his master, to learn how to be a Demon Slayer.
Important Times
- The horrible discovery of his family's murder
- Nezuko's change and her battle against her demon instincts
- Tanjiro's first meeting with a Demon Slayer
- Start of training with Urokodaki
Quote
"Since ancient times, happiness has never stayed. But as long as we're alive, we can do anything... That's what makes all the difference." - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 2: It Was You (Chapters 8–16)
What Happens
Tanjiro trains hard for two years with Urokodaki, learning Water Breathing techniques and improving his already amazing sense of smell. He has to cut through a huge boulder to finish his training, which seems impossible.
Two strange kids named Sabito and Makomo show up and help Tanjiro learn the skills he needs. Tanjiro finally breaks the boulder and then goes to Mount Fujikasane for the Final Selection. There, candidates for demon slayer must spend seven days in a forest full of demons.
Important Moments
- Learning how to breathe underwater
- Seeing Sabito and Makomo
- Getting through the Final Selection
- Getting his Nichirin sword
Quote
"I'm not going to give up! I will never give up! I'm going to save my sister no matter what!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 3: I'll Do It (Chapters 17–25)
What Happens
Tanjiro's first job is to go to a town where girls have been going missing. He meets Kazumi, whose fiancé was taken by a demon. Tanjiro meets a strong demon that can split into three bodies and move through swamp portals to get to the ground.
This book also introduces Muzan Kibutsuji, the first demon and the one who killed Tanjiro's family. Tanjiro smells him in Tokyo, which leads to their first tense meeting.
Important Events
- The first official mission to kill a demon
- Meeting the demon in the swamp
- Meeting Muzan Kibutsuji for the first time in Tokyo
- Knowing how big the demon threat really is
Quote
"No matter how many people you lose, you have to keep living. No matter how bad the blows are." - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 4: Strong Blade (Chapters 26–34)
What Happens
Tanjiro is given the job of looking into Tsuzumi Mansion, where strange drumbeats have been heard. He meets three demons inside, one of which is Kyogai, a former Lower Rank demon who can change the layout of rooms by beating his drums.
This book introduces Inosuke Hashibira, a boy with a wild boar mask who also made it through Final Selection. At first, Inosuke tries to fight Tanjiro, but later he becomes an unlikely ally.
Important Events
- Fight Kyogai and his Blood Demon Art, which is based on drums
- The first time meeting Inosuke
- Tanjiro is respectful of demons, even when they lose
- Showing the Dance of the Fire God (Hinokami Kagura)
Quote
"The strong should help and protect the weak. Then the weak will become strong, and they will help and protect those who are weaker than them." - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 5: To Hell (Chapters 35–43)
What Goes On
Tanjiro's group is sent to Mount Natagumo, where a whole group of demon slayers has stopped talking. There, they meet the Spider Family, demons who have made themselves into a sick family.
Rui, a member of the Twelve Kizuki (Lower Rank 5), is the strongest. The fights are very hard, and Tanjiro is pushed to his limits. This book also does a good job of introducing Zenitsu Agatsuma, a cowardly but very strong demon slayer who only fights when he is asleep.
Important Times
- Complete introduction to Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing
- Fight the Spider Family
- In a moment of desperation, Tanjiro unlocks Hinokami Kagura
- Giyu Tomioka shows up to save the day
Quote
"Feel the rage. The strong, pure rage of not being able to forgive will be what drives you to act." - Giyu Tomioka
Volume 6: Let's Go Our Separate Ways (Chapters 44–52)
What Goes On
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke go to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters after the Mount Natagumo mission. There, they meet the Hashira, who are the nine strongest demon slayers.
There is a lot of disagreement at the Hashira Training Meeting because most of the Hashira want to kill Nezuko. But the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, does accept Nezuko. Tanjiro and Nezuko have to prove themselves, so they have to go to rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion.
Important Times
- Meeting all nine Hashira
- Sanemi Shinazugawa's brutal test of Nezuko
- Shinobu Kocho and the Butterfly Mansion: An Introduction
- Starting rehabilitation training
Quote
"No one can break the bond between Nezuko and me!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 7: Fighting Up Close (Chapters 53–61)
What Goes On
Tanjiro goes through a lot of hard work at the Butterfly Mansion, including the painful and frustrating Total Concentration Breathing: Constant training. He has to learn how to keep up his breathing technique all the time, even when he sleeps.
Kanao Tsuyuri, Shinobu's adopted sister, helps with the training. Tanjiro also makes friends with the young girls who live in the mansion and learns more about Shinobu's sad past with her sister Kanae.
Important Times
- Mastering Total Concentration Breathing: Constant
- Finding out that Shinobu wants revenge
- Making friends at Butterfly Mansion
- Getting ready for the next missions
Quote
"Life is short. That's what makes it so valuable." - Shinobu Kocho
Volume 8: The Strength of the Weak (Chapters 62–70)
What Happens
Muzan Kibutsuji calls a meeting of the Lower Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki. He is unhappy with how weak they are after Rui's defeat, so he kills most of them. Enmu (Lower Rank 1) is the only one who lives because he is completely devoted to Muzan.
Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke get their next job: to get on the Mugen Train with Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, and look into the disappearance of more than 40 people.
Important Times
- Muzan's brutal killing of the Lower Ranks
- Getting to Know Kyojuro Rengoku
- Getting on the Mugen Train
- Enmu starts to control things
Quote
"Set your heart on fire! Go beyond what you think you can do!" - Kyojuro Rengoku
Volume 9: Operation: Entertainment District (Chapters 71–79)
What Happens
Enmu uses his Blood Demon Art to trap everyone on the Mugen Train in dreams. Tanjiro dreams of his family being alive, Zenitsu dreams of being with Nezuko, and Inosuke goes on a cave expedition. Rengoku wants his father to recognize him.
The group needs to get away from these carefully planned dreams that are meant to keep them trapped forever. Tanjiro knows he has to kill himself in the dream to wake up, which is a scary choice that requires him to be completely sure.
Important Times
- Everyone is stuck in beautiful but false dreams
- Tanjiro's hard choice to "die" in his dream
- Enmu says that the train is now his body
- A desperate fight to save 200 passengers
Quote
"I won't let anyone hurt you, Nezuko. I will never give up!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 10: People and Demons (Chapters 80–88)
What Happens
Tanjiro and Inosuke work together to kill Enmu, who has become one with the whole train. Akaza, an Upper Rank 3 demon, shows up just when it looks like victory is certain.
The fight between Rengoku and Akaza is famous. Rengoku fights with all his strength to protect the others, even though he is badly hurt. His death is one of the saddest parts of the series and deeply affects everyone who sees it.
Important Events
- Beating Enmu and saving the people on board
- The sudden appearance of Akaza
- The brave last fight of Rengoku
- Rengoku's last words to Tanjiro
- The emotional effects of losing a Hashira
Quote
"I will do my duty! No one here will die!" - Kyojuro Rengoku
Volume 11: Stop Whining and Get Tough (Chapters 89–97)
What Happens
Everyone is still feeling the effects of Rengoku's death. Tengen Uzui, the flashy Sound Hashira, forces Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke to join him on a mission in Yoshiwara's Entertainment District.
To get into the district's houses and find Tengen's three missing wives who were looking into demon activity, the boys have to dress up as women. The boys don't have the stealth or acting skills needed for the mission.
Important Times
- Dealing with Rengoku's death
- Meeting the showy Tengen Uzui
- Mission to infiltrate by crossdressing
- Finding out the secrets of the Entertainment District
Quote
"I'm the god of festivals! The most flamboyant Hashira!" - Tengen Uzui
Volume 12: Gathering of the Upper Ranks (Chapters 98–106)
What Happens
The team finds out that an Upper Rank demon has been hiding in the Entertainment District for years. Daki, who looks like a beautiful oiran, is actually Upper Rank 6. But she shares this position with her brother Gyutaro, who comes out of her body.
The fight is hopeless. Daki and Gyutaro's combined attacks are too much for the demon slayers to handle. The team is facing their most dangerous threat yet because Tengen is poisoned.
Important Moments
- The real Daki is shown
- Gyutaro comes out
- Tengen's wives were found to be alive
- Tanjiro using both water and fire breathing techniques
Quote
"Isn't life basically pain and hardship?" - Gyutaro
Volume 13: Changes (Chapters 107–115)
What Happens
The fight against Daki and Gyutaro reaches its peak. Nezuko wakes up her Blood Demon Art and uses explosive blood to help her fight. Even though he has been poisoned and lost an arm, Tengen fights with all his might.
The only way to kill Daki and Gyutaro is for all four demon slayers to work together to behead them at the same time. The sad story of the siblings' past is told, showing how poverty and cruelty turned them into demons.
Important Times
- Nezuko's Blood Demon Art comes to life
- Attack planned to cut off the heads of both demons
- The sad past of Daki and Gyutaro
- Tengen's retirement from being a Hashira
- Tanjiro gets the Demon Slayer Mark
Quote
"Don't worry about it. I'll be there for you until the end." - Gyutaro to Daki
Volume 14: The Mu of Muichiro (Chapters 116–124)
What Happens
After the fight in the Entertainment District, Muzan calls the Upper Ranks together for the first time in 113 years because he is angry about losing Upper Rank 6. We meet all the Upper Rank demons, such as Kokushibo (Upper 1), Doma (Upper 2), Akaza (Upper 3), Hantengu (Upper 4), and Gyokko (Upper 5).
Tanjiro gets a message saying that swordsmiths in the Swordsmith Village are being hunted. He goes there to have his sword fixed and meets Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, and Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira.
Important Moments
- The Upper Rank meeting shows the demon hierarchy
- Go to the secret Swordsmith Village
- Getting to know Muichiro and Mitsuri
- Demons from the Upper Rank attack the village
Quote
"Only the here and now exists. If you're not living in the moment, you're letting life pass you by!" - Muichiro Tokito
Volume 15: Daybreak and First Light (Chapters 125–133)
What Happens
Gyokko (Upper 5) and Hantengu (Upper 4) are attacking the Swordsmith Village. Muichiro fights Gyokko, and Tanjiro fights Hantengu, who can turn into four different demons based on emotions: Sekido (anger), Karaku (pleasure), Aizetsu (sorrow), and Urogi (joy).
Sanemi's younger brother, Genya Shinazugawa, joins the fight. Genya doesn't use breathing techniques like other demon slayers do. Instead, he eats demon flesh to get their powers for a short time.
Important Times
- Muichiro is stuck in Gyokko's water prison
- Hantengu's ability to split was shown
- Genya's special powers to eat demons
- Tanjiro and Nezuko work together
Quote
"I have nothing to say to you, except... please die." - Muichiro Tokito
Volume 16: Undying (Chapters 134–142)
What Goes On
The fight gets worse as Hantengu keeps changing into stronger forms. He has a very small true body that he always hides, which makes it almost impossible to kill him. At the same time, Nezuko's demon blood starts to act strangely when it's in the sun.
Muichiro gets his memories and personality back after being set free, and he becomes more caring. He beats Gyokko in a spectacular way, showing what a Hashira can really do.
Important Times
- Finding the real Hantengu body
- Muichiro's memories come back
- Muichiro beat Gyokko
- Nezuko's big change is about to happen
Quote
"I will protect them no matter what!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 17: Successors (Chapters 143–151)
What Happens
The Swordsmith Village arc reaches its peak. Tanjiro goes above and beyond to keep the swordsmiths safe. In a shocking turn of events, Nezuko defeats the sun and becomes the first demon ever to walk in the sun without getting burned.
This new information changes everything. Muzan knows that eating Nezuko would make him immune to sunlight, which would make him unstoppable. She is now his main target.
Important Times
- Tanjiro wakes up his Demon Slayer Mark
- Hantengu's last, desperate attacks
- Nezuko walks in the sun without getting hurt
- Muzan's main goal is now to catch Nezuko
- The blade of Tanjiro turns red
Quote
"Never give up. Even if it seems impossible, keep going!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 18: Awakening (Chapters 152–160)
What Goes On
The Hashira Training starts. All of the remaining demon slayers train hard under each Hashira to get ready for the final battle with Muzan, which is sure to happen. Tanjiro moves through each stage, starting with Tengen's basic stamina training and moving on to more advanced techniques.
We find out more about Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the first demon slayer and the person who came up with breathing techniques. The story looks into his ties to Tanjiro's family and the Hinokami Kagura.
Important Times
- The Hashira Training program starts
- Tanjiro's growth while with several Hashira
- The story of Yoriichi was told
- Demon slayers grow closer to each other
Quote
"The strong are here to protect the weak. Keep that in mind." - Gyomei Himejima
Volume 19: Fluttering Butterflies (Chapters 161–169)
What Happens
Muzan finds the Ubuyashiki mansion while he is still training. Kagaya kills himself and his family in an explosive trap that is meant to weaken Muzan. Tamayo, a demon doctor who is helping the Demon Slayers, comes out to face Muzan.
Muzan calls on the Infinity Castle, his dimensional fortress, to trap all the demon slayers inside. Everyone is spread out in the castle's changing rooms at the start of the last arc.
Important Moments
- Kagaya's brave act of giving up his life
- Muzan's attack on the headquarters
- The Demon Slayers are stuck in Infinity Castle
- Dividing up all the fighters
- Getting ready for the last battle
Quote
"We are all just flowers shaking in a storm." - Kagaya Ubuyashiki
Volume 20: The Way to Open a Steadfast Heart (Chapters 170–178)
What Goes On
Inside the Infinity Castle, demon slayers fight the last Upper Rank demons. Kanao Tsuyuri and Inosuke fight Doma, the demon who killed Shinobu Kocho's sister. Doma is in Upper Rank 2.
In a shocking turn of events, it is revealed that Shinobu let Doma take her life after poisoning her with wisteria, a deadly trap from beyond the grave. Kanao and Inosuke work together to get back at Doma for killing Shinobu and many other women.
Important Times
- Shinobu's sacrifice showed
- Kanao and Inosuke fight Doma
- Emotional fights that have to do with getting back at someone
- The loss of Upper Rank 2
Quote
"Don't cry. I told you to stop crying, didn't I? Everything will be fine." - Shinobu Kocho (in memory)
Volume 21: Old Memories (Chapters 179–187)
What Happens
Sanemi and Gyomei, the Wind and Stone Hashira, are up against Kokushibo, the most powerful demon under Muzan. Kokushibo is Yoriichi's twin brother, and his jealousy turned him into a demon.
The fight is terrible, and many people die. In the meantime, Zenitsu faces off against Kaigaku, his old boss who has turned into a demon. Zenitsu has to use the seventh form of Thunder Breathing that he made himself.
Important Moments
- The real identity of Kokushibo is shown
- Epic battle between Hashira and Upper Rank 1
- Zenitsu's fight with Kaigaku that made him cry
- Big sacrifices to beat Kokushibo
- Genya's sad end
Quote
"I have no regrets about the path I've taken as a warrior." - Gyomei Himejima
Volume 22: Fan Pillars (Chapters 188–196)
What Goes On
Finally, the demon slayers face Muzan Kibutsuji himself. In a last-ditch effort to keep Muzan fighting until dawn, all of the Hashira and demon slayers who are still alive join forces. Muzan shows off his terrifyingly strong powers and many attacks.
Tanjiro, Giyu, and the other fighters push themselves to their limits. The price is huge, and several Hashira have died. But they do have one advantage: dawn is coming, and sunlight is Muzan's only real weakness.
Important Times
- Full-on assault on Muzan Kibutsuji
- Tanjiro's growth throughout the series comes to an end
- The deaths of several Hashira
- A desperate race against time until dawn
- Tamayo's poison is making Muzan weaker
Quote
"I can get through anything! I will beat you, Muzan Kibutsuji!" - Tanjiro Kamado
Volume 23: Life Shining Across the Years (Chapters 197–205)
What Happens
The last book in the series brings the story to an emotional end. Muzan makes one last desperate attempt to turn Tanjiro into a demon so that he can carry on his legacy. Tanjiro briefly becomes the Demon King, but his friendships and Nezuko's humanity save him.
The epilogue jumps ahead to show the characters' descendants and reincarnations living peaceful lives in the present day. The cycle of demons is finally over, and the sacrifices of all the demon slayers have brought peace that will last.
Important Events
- Muzan's last loss at dawn
- Tanjiro's change and rescue
- Nezuko is finally back to being a person
- Heartbreaking deaths of characters we love
- Epilogue showing future generations living in peace
- The series' sad goodbye
Quote
"Life is short. That's what makes it so great." - Kagaya Ubuyashiki
The Whole Journey: Why Each of the 23 Volumes Is Important
Each volume of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba tells an epic story about family, sacrifice, and the strength that comes from being close to others. Every volume has important character development and world-building, from Tanjiro's humble beginnings as a charcoal seller to his final battle with the source of all demons.
What Makes the Series Unique
Emotional Depth: Demon Slayer is different from most action manga in that it shows sympathy for its villains and explains how they became demons in the first place.
Consistent Quality: Gotouge kept up the high level of art and story quality in all 23 volumes, with no filler or wasted chapters.
Character Growth: Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke all grow a lot, and so do the supporting characters.
Satisfying Ending: The series ends at just the right time, with all the big plot points wrapped up and emotional payoffs given.
Getting All 23 Volumes in Sri Lanka
If you collect manga in Sri Lanka, it's worth your time and money to buy the whole 23-volume Demon Slayer series. There are about 192 pages of content in each volume, which adds up to more than 4,400 pages of Tanjiro's journey.
There are many ways to read the series:
- Binge reading: For the most emotional impact, read all 23 volumes in order
- Reading by arc: Pick out certain arcs to read (Training, Mugen Train, Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, Infinity Castle)
- Character-focused: Watch how certain characters change over the course of the series
We have extensive manga collections available, including the complete Demon Slayer series for fans wanting to experience this masterpiece from start to finish.
Final Thoughts on All 23 Volumes
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba earned its place as one of the best-selling manga series in history. With over 150 million copies sold worldwide, it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends typical shonen manga.
Each of the 23 volumes contributes something essential:
- Volumes 1-7: Foundation and training
- Volumes 8-10: Mugen Train arc (one of the most emotionally powerful arcs in manga)
- Volumes 11-13: Entertainment District arc
- Volumes 14-17: Swordsmith Village arc
- Volumes 18-19: Hashira Training and preparation
- Volumes 19-23: Infinity Castle and final confrontation
Whether you're starting your collection or completing it, every volume is worth reading. The series respects its readers with tight plotting, beautiful art, and genuine emotional moments that resonate long after you've finished reading.
Start or continue your demon-slaying journey today with these incredible volumes that changed manga history!
Book Details
Title: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Volumes 1-23
Author: Koyoharu Gotouge
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC / Shueisha
Pages: Approximately 192 pages per volume
Binding: Paperback
Total Series Length: 23 volumes, 205 chapters
Publication Period: February 2016 - May 2020 (Japanese)
English Publication: July 2018 - July 2021