The following contains minor spoilers for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Chapter 122, "A Temporary State of Excitement" by Koyoharu Gotoge, now available in English via Viz Media.

Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village debuted in theaters on March 3, showing fans a long-awaited glimpse of the arc to come. While some were disappointed with the release containing a large amount of recap from the "Entertainment District" arc, the feature certainly did a great job introducing the latest storyline. New villains, demon slayers and Hashira hit the big screens, with the Swordsmith Village focusing on Mitsuri Kanroji.

The Love Hashira has taken the limelight from Tengen Uzui and, like her previous Hashira, will play a major role in Tanjiro's character development, although he isn't the only Kamado who might be touched by Mitsuri's influence. It's about time Nezuko connected with a strong female presence -- now could be her chance.

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Mitsuri and Nezuko Bonded in To the Swordsmith Village

The Demon Slayer manga shows Nezuko adores Hashira Mitsuri

The cinematic release featured the first episode of the "Swordsmith Village" arc, in which Nezuko and Tanjiro were formally introduced to Mitsuri. The group had met in passing when Tanjiro was put on trial by the nine Hashira for protecting a demon, thus breaking Demon Slayer Corps rules. However, of course, the siblings proved themselves trustworthy and were sent away to continue their journey.

Tanjiro and Nezuko's entrance to the Swordsmith Village was the first time Mitsuri had the chance to get to know the pair, and in no time, the two girls had formed an attachment. In particular, this episode highlighted what seems to be the beginning of an adorable bond between Mitsuri and Nezuko. The former is an older sister and, as such, treats Nezuko as a younger sister, resulting in one of the anime's sweetest moments to date.

At the dinner table, the pair interact like siblings, with Mitsuri tickling Nezuko when she walks up to her, releasing fits of giggles from the demon. This scene is extremely heartwarming, as Nezuko has always been the older sister to her younger siblings, so this is an entirely new feeling for her. While this scene clearly outlines the beginning of a positive connection between the pair, it also suggests how Mitsuri is becoming a role model to Nezuko.

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Nezuko Is Always Surrounded by Men

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Nezuko, and Tanjiro from Demon Slayer.

Since being transformed into her current demon state, Nezuko has almost solely been surrounded by men. She was cared for by Urokodaki while Tanjiro trained under him, travels alongside her brother, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, and has been mentored by Rengoku and Tengen alongside her brother and friends. This is not to say that her previous companions have been bad role models -- quite the opposite. However, as a strong woman herself, it will be beneficial for Nezuko to fight alongside someone more like her.

Even prior to her transformation, Nezuko was the oldest of her female siblings, and as such took on a very maternal role. As the Kamados were raised by a single mother, Nezuko took on a major share of the housework and childcare while her older brother worked. She has thus always been the one others look up to, and now Mitsuri introduces someone for her to idolize. While Tanjiro is brave, fearless and empathetic -- all the trademarks of an excellent role model -- Nezuko has always lacked a strong female presence. The Love Hashira's influence could therefore transform her character.

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Mitsuri and Nezuko Have a Lot in Common

Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, romantically swoons in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

It was only natural the pair would take to each other, as the list of similarities between them is extensive. They are both older sisters who care about protecting those around them as they would their own family. Moreover, Mitsuri and Nezuko are both very strong, powerful women, which is an insecurity that the Love Hashira has previously struggled to overcome.

Mitsuri has always struggled with being stronger than her female peers as, like many women, she believed she should be petite and rely on the strength of men. Being strong enough to fend for herself led to the Hashira being ridiculed and caused some serious issues with self-image and self-love. Considering their similarities, in time, Nezuko could well face this obstacle herself and have the same ideals ingrained into her. However, having a figure to idolize -- an unapologetically strong woman who embraces her kindness and femininity -- minimalizes the likelihood of similar struggles.

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The Pair Grew to Care for Each Other Throughout the Swordsmith Village Arc

Mitsuri Kanroji smiling and wide-eyed

While only the beginning of this arc has been animated, manga fans already know that, by the end of it, Nezuko admired Mitsuri. In Chapter 122, "A Temporary State of Excitement," Tanjiro, Genya and Nezuko are occupied fighting an Upper Moon. However, the powerful foe overwhelms the group, and Nezuko finds herself trapped watching Tanjiro get beaten by the demon. However, just as the situation seems dire, Mitsuri swoops in and scoops up Tanjiro while Nezuko watches in admiration. She then goes on to defeat and evade her opponent's attacks with ease.

Later in the battle, Mitsuri takes an attack to the face from the Upper Moon, sending her flying. Nezuko rushes to her aid, getting to the side of the Love Hashira before even Genya or Tanjiro can, despite the boys' relentless training. After their time together in the Swordsmith Village, Mitsuri and Nezuko form a bond based on mutual admiration -- one so strong that they will readily risk their lives for each other.

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Nezuko and Mitsuri Positively Influence Each Other

Nezuko sitting in the basket that Tanjiro wove her in Demon Slayer.

Mitsuri is like the older sister Nezuko never had, and she may have looked to her like that even if they met under circumstances in a world with no demons. Mitsuri's brightness allows Nezuko to relax and be playful for the first time since her transformation. Even as a mature, responsible older sister herself, Nezuko benefits from her elder's kind and calming nature.

Similarly, Mitsuri is open and herself around Nezuko. She joined the Demon Slayer Corps to try and find a place where she could belong and fully be herself, and around Nezuko, there's no pressure or self-reflective shame about her motives or for being less put-together than the other Pillars. The pair bounce off one another, and Mitsuri is the first of the Hashira who seems to have left a lasting impact on both Nezuko and Tanjiro.

Much more of Mitsuri will be revealed in Demon Slayer's highly anticipated Season 3, which will be officially released on April 9, 2023. Just a short glimpse into the Love Hashira's character has already shown how comfortable Nezuko is around her, and their bond will only strengthen over time.