The first few seasons of the hit anime Demon Slayer introduced viewers to the strength of two of the nine Hashira. The Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro, captured hearts during the Mugen Train film, and his fight with Upper-Moon Three, Akaza, became a memorable moment of the entire series. Season 2 introduced the Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, who amazed viewers with his flashy techniques.
After witnessing Uzui's abilities in Demon Slayer's "Entertainment District" arc, Rengoku's death leaves fans questioning whether he was stronger or weaker than his comrade. Uzui and Rengoku's strengths fall within different categories, but they both live up to the title of Hashira.
Rengoku's Sense of Duty Was His Greatest Strength
Kyojuro Rengoku adored his mother, who sadly passed away from illness when he was young. Before she died, she reminded her son that because he was strong, it was his duty to protect the weak. Rengoku respected his mother highly and firmly stuck to the morals she instilled in him at an early age. These morals reflect in his fighting; during Demon Slayer's "Mugen Train" arc, Rengoku promised he would not let a single passenger die at the hands of a demon. He stuck to this, which cost him his own life and ensured his fellow slayers and all the civilians survived the attack.
Rengoku's death greatly affected those around him. His enthusiasm and optimism led Tanjiro to train relentlessly to avenge him, while his death sparked a change in his alcoholic father. Although Rengoku detested demons, he still saw the potential Nezuko had, going as far as to accept her as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. While he only had a short amount of screen time, Rengoku left a long-lasting impact that continued to inspire Tanjiro and the other members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Rengoku's Unwavering Will Was His Greatest Weakness
While Rengoku's sense of duty is respectable, it can also be his major flaw. Since he believes it is his responsibility as someone strong to protect those weaker than him, he will make sure he does just that. Rengoku sees any mission through to the very end, even at the cost of his life. While his dedication can be viewed as admirable, it is also reckless.
During the final battle against Akaza, Rengoku refused to relent even though the demon overpowered him. Despite sustaining immense injuries, the Hashira remembered his promise to his late mother and remained determined to defeat the Upper-Moon Three. However, since Tanjiro was injured, Rengoku instructed the latter not to intervene in the fight even though he himself was injured. Since Rengoku remained dedicated to his morals, he was willing to sacrifice himself to uphold them.
Uzui's Greatest Asset Is His Shinobi Background
Although Uzui doesn't agree with all of his family's teachings, the skills he trained in are beneficial in battle. The Sound Hashira's speed is unmatched, which shows in his unique sword technique. Uzui kept up with Gyutaro despite being poisoned and missing a hand. His training as a shinobi also enhanced his senses allowing him to see and hear more acutely than the average swordsman. Uzui was able to fend off Gyutaro and Daki at the same time while managing to protect bystanders caught in between the fight.
Uzui's endurance and pain tolerance are also better than most in Demon Slayer. His years of training allowed him to fight as long as he did while poisoned and suffering extensive blood loss. As a shinobi, Uzui is a master of stealth. The skill allows him to not only gain intel but keeps him hidden from the common eye. Under normal circumstances, most people or lower-ranked demons wouldn't notice his presence.
Uzui's Greatest Weakness Is His Wives
Uzui's training and strengths make him a formidable Hashira, but his achilles heel would be his wives Hinatsuru, Makio and Suma. Seeing how his lineage's ideology of prioritizing the mission over all else tore his family apart, Uzui rejected it and instructed his wives or subordinates to put themselves and civilians first and himself last. During the "Entertainment District" arc, Uzui told Inosuke and Tanjiro to abandon the mission when Zenitsu was captured, and he is more concerned with his wives' safety than his own.
When any of Hinatsuru, Makio or Suma were in danger in battle, Uzui wouldn't hesitate to throw himself in harm's way to protect them. Since his wives can also be a weakness to get to Uzui himself, they can become easy targets. He grows almost reckless over their safety which causes him to get injured.
While Uzui and Rengoku have their skills and strengths, they are both dedicated demon slayers who've earned their titles of Hashira. They successfully project those around them at the expense of hurting themselves. Although it can be seen as a flaw to sacrifice oneself for the sake of others, Uzui and Rengoku inspire those around them and leave a lasting impact on Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps.