The Hashira are the nine strongest Demon Slayers of their generations. Each Hashira has a unique style of breathing and different techniques associated with it. They're the highest-ranking members of the Demon Slayer Corps. These nine people are the lifeblood of the Corps. They are tasked with handling the most dangerous situations that no one else in the organization can.

RELATED: Demon Slayer: Every Hashira, Ranked According to Strength

Though only a few of the elusive Hashira have made notable appearances in Demon Slayer, fans are already fascinated by their eccentric nature and abilities. Eventually, almost every Hashira works with Tanjiro and the gang later on in the series.

10 The Number Nine Is Significant

The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

For the Hashira, the number nine is significant. There are nine members throughout each generation; this number was chosen by Gotouge strategically. In Japanese, the word "Hashira," meaning "pillar" in English, has nine strokes. In Japanese, the word is spelled " 柱" and it takes precisely nine strokes of a pen to write it.

Coincidentally, the number nine symbolizes the pinnacle of knowledge, experience, and wisdom in numerology. Since the Hashira represent the nine strongest members of the entire Demon Slayer Corps, it's an interesting coincidence that the number nine can hold such significance to the story.

9 The Hashira Have The Most Interesting Appearances In The Organization

Shinobu from Demon Slayer

Though Koyoharu Gotouge is an expert in character design, it seems as though he put extra effort into amplifying the appearances of each Hashira. Much like how each Hashira has a unique personality that sets them apart from the rest, it's the same for their appearances. The appearances of the Hashira reflect both their abilities and their personalities.

RELATED: Demon Slayer: The Hashira, Ranked By Fighting Style

Rengoku, for example, comes from a lineage of Flame Hashira. Each family member has hair that resembles a lion's mane in the fiery colors of yellow and red. Obanai's appearance reflects his abilities; his mouth was cut from the corners to reach his ears so that he would resemble a snake — however, he keeps this injury hidden under the large bandage covering his face. He also wears his white snake around his neck.

8 Each Hashira Is Eccentric & Unique

Kyojuro Rengoku Hashira Demon Slayer

Since there are nine members of the Hashira, unique personalities are expected. However, the Hashira are known for just how unique each one is. They all have individual personality quirks that set them apart from the rest.

For example, Tengen Uzui is known for his flamboyance and how he needs everything to be "flashy," just like he is. Kyojuro Rengoku is remembered for his bombastic, excitable nature. Muichiro Tokito is recognizable by his forgetfulness and utmost impassivity — fitting traits for the Mist Hashira.

7 Only The Best Can Become A Hashira

Tengen Uzui the Sound Hashira from Demon Slayer looking off.

Demon Slayers must prove themselves to be the strongest if they dream of becoming a Hashira. There are only two ways to become a Hashira. One method states that a Demon Slayer must kill at least 50 demons, or they must kill a member of Muzan's Twelve Kizuki once they reach the Kinoe rank. Of course, the other method is to be a Tsugoku. Contrary to what one may believe, being a Tsugoku isn't just about having good connections.

For a Hashira to consider someone their Tsugoku, they must prove their strength and skills as a Demon Slayer. Someone can become a Tsugoku by being sought out by one of the current Demon Slayers or applying. Both methods require training for a long time, ranging from 2 to 5 years.

6 They Are Responsible About Scouting A Tsugoku

The Hashira from Demon Slayer

Many of the strongest shonen heroes don't think about the reality that they won't be around forever. The Hashira, however, embrace this fact and seek out a worthy Tsugoku to take their place. The Tsugoku will take over as the new Hashira if the one that they serve becomes incapacitated or retires.

Though Demon Slayers can also apply to be a Tsugoku, many Hashira opt to scout them out independently. The Hashira are responsible for carrying on the legacy throughout generations, so they want to be sure that the one they choose as a successor is just as serious about the cause.

5 Each Hashira Has Unique Abilities

Obanai the Serpent Hashira from Demon Slayer.

Each of the nine Hashira has a distinctive Breathing Style, each with a respective set of swordsman techniques to put it into practice. The only two types of Breathing Styles found across each era of Hashira are Flame Breathing and Water Breathing. However, this opens the door for multiple unique Breathing Styles across generations.

RELATED: Demon Slayer: 5 Reasons Why Tengen Uzui Is The Stronger Hashira (& 5 It's Rengoku)

The Flame Hashira for the current generation was Rengoku. The Water Hashira for the current generation is Giyu Tomioka. However, a few Breathing Styles may seem unconventional. For example, Shinobu Kocho uses Insect Breathing to inject an opponent with fatal venom. Obanai Iguro, on the other hand, practices Serpent Breathing. He can manipulate his sword to slither like a serpent.

4 They've Never Faltered In Their Roles Throughout Several Generations

Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Pillar Hashira, praying as tears run over his cheeks

The Hashira are the nine strongest Demon Slayers in their respective generations. They have been around for ages, fighting the war against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Twelve Kizuki. Throughout generations, the resolve of the Hashira has never wavered. Each Hashira is dedicated to the responsibilities that comes with their role.

The Hashira's role is further cemented by implementing the Hashira training that they conduct for the lower rank Demon Slayers. Not only are the Hashira working in the best interest of the nine members, but they serve as a pillar of discipline and strength for the entire generation

3 The Hashira Are Not All Equally Strong

Demon Slayer's Hashira sitting in front of their Master and his family

It would have been an easy way out if Gotouge wrote all of the Hashira to be just as strong as the last. However, this would be unrealistic. The Hashira understand the hierarchy among the nine regarding who is weaker or stronger. Though there's no official ranking, there are certainly implications about where each one stands. From the official statistics released, a few things can be estimated.

RELATED: Demon Slayer: 10 Most Controversial Moments, Ranked

Tengen, Sanemi, Rengoku, and Himejima seem to be the strongest Hashira. This is based on their rankings in arm wrestling and their running speeds. Meanwhile, Obanai, Mitsuri, Muichiro, and Shinobu seem to be the weakest. Of course, being weak amongst the Hashira still means they're much stronger than the average Demon Slayer.

2 Each Hashira Leads By Example

Giyu points his sword at Tanjiro

Though all of the Hashira become a mentor to Tanjiro and the rest of the gang at some point in Demon Slayer, they lead the entire organization by setting solid examples for everyone else to aspire to. As seen with the Hashira Training, these nine Hashira want to help the lower-rank Demon Slayers become stronger and lead by example.

Even when each Hashira personally mentors Tanjiro and his friends, there's always an important lesson they leave the younger Demon Slayers with. For example, Rengoku's last words to Tanjiro were encouraging. He told him to "set his heart ablaze" and never stop looking ahead because time won't stop for him, nor will it grieve alongside him.

1 They Realize Their Weaknesses

Tengen Uzui decides he will flashily accept a hero's welcome in Demon Slayer

In shonen anime, it's common for the strongest characters to appear as though they don't have any weaknesses — much less recognize their own shortcomings. If they do, it's quickly resolved and they become stronger instantly. Even though they have impressive powers, they're still human at the end of the day.

The Hashira, however, are aware of their weaknesses. They have realistic expectations of what to expect when going up against an Upper-Rank demon. Even the leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, was amazed after the defeat of Gyutaro and Daki because not a single Upper-Rank had been killed in a century.