The following contains spoilers of Demon Slayer Swordsmith Village Arc Episode 3, "A Sword From Over 300 Years Ago," now streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Demon Slayer has never failed to offer its fanbase intense action and gut-wrenching drama. Its main characters, Nezuko and Tanjiro Kamado, almost never get a break. After defeating an Upper Moon demon with the help of Tengen Uzui and the gang, Tanjiro gets some leisure time as he gets the chance to visit the elusive Swordsmith Village, home to the swordsmiths who are responsible for forging the Demon Slayer Corps' Nichirin swords.
The Swordsmith Village is located in a remote and isolated area, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. Its elusive and hidden nature is to ensure the safety of the swordsmiths. Only a few know of its true location (though that may no longer be the case). Theoretically, it is the ideal spot for the hard-working member of the Demon Slayer Corps to get some downtime, but the events of episode 3 reveal that Tanjiro's relaxation time is over -- and the threat he is now facing may be the most ruthless yet.
The Unique Abilities of Upper Moon Demons
Tanjiro has been enjoying the luxuries that the Swordsmith Village can offer, indulging in its hot springs and food. Moreover, his visit means the opportunity to train with Yoriichi Type Zero, which is likely the rumored weapon that can make one stronger. As the young Demon Slayer is enjoying himself, two Upper Moon demons make their entrance. These latest adversaries boast some unique skills and abilities that will challenge Tanjiro's newly-acquired strength.
Gyokko, or Upper Moon Five, is able to teleport between containers (provided they are intact) and hide within them. In episode 3, he uses this ability to hide within a vase. Once his innocuous hiding spot lures unsuspecting villagers closer, he kills them mercilessly. He is therefore able to pick off individuals quietly and efficiently. This is a stark contrast to Hantengu, or Upper Moon Four, who takes a more direct approach, sneaking up on Tanjiro and Tokito as the two are conversing and engaging them in battle. Worryingly, though, Upper Moon Four has no qualms about getting its head chopped off. In fact, the more his head gets chopped off, the more he multiplies. It's the perfect way to sneak a force of multiple assailants into the village without being detected.
A Massacre May Be in Store for the Swordsmiths
Infiltration by the Upper Moons marks the beginning of yet another intense fight. As the demons reveal themselves, it becomes clear that their target is the swordsmiths. It is a smart, albeit ruthless, tactical decision: barring Genya, the peculiar Demon Slayer who uses guns, the Demon Slayer Corps all use weapons forged by the craftspeople who reside within the village. Civilians though they may be, the swordsmiths are a vital resource and, should the demons manage to eliminate them, the Demon Slayer Corps' fighting ability would be greatly reduced.
Furthermore, the village is a brilliant target because it largely relies on secrecy for protection. Since it is deeply secluded, the Demon Slayer Corps' forces in it are quite thin -- the Swordsmith Village's fate is basically hanging in the hands of Tanjiro and the few other Demon Slayers with him. Even though he has two Hashira with him, taking down Upper Moon Six required a joint operation between Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu and Tengen.
It is clear that this attack on a poorly-defended civillian village was designed to be both efficient and devastating, while the Upper Moons Four and Five have abilities that make them uniquely suited to this sort of mission. Sadly for Tanjiro, it means that his well-deserved break is over. Fortunately for fans, however, this latest development shows that Demon Slayer's Swordsmith Village Arc is gearing up to be another action-packed season.