Genya Shinzugawa is put through the wringer in Demon Slayer, with plenty of grievous injuries happening even in the Swordsmith Village Arc alone. Despite being unable to use Breathing Styles like another member of the Demon Slayer Corps members, Genya can withstand enormous physical harm through grit and some surprising other talents.
However, recent events have made fans wonder what happens to Genya in Demon Slayer, especially after a particularly harrowing moment in the third season. Be warned, spoilers are ahead!
What Happened to Genya in Demon Slayer?
Introduced in the first season of Demon Slayer as a vicious, arrogant foil to Tanjiro, Genya steps up and becomes a more prominent figure in Demon Slayer Season 3 during the Swordsmith Village arc. During a battle with Hantengu of the Twelve Kizuki, Genya is practically torn to shreds but somehow manages to stay standing. Things get even stranger when Genya’s eyes take on the iconic gold-and-black color scheme of a demon’s, leaving uninformed viewers to wonder what’s going on with him.
To cut straight to the point, Yes, Genya survives to the end of the battle when Hazenoki and it’s all thanks to the fact that he’s a Demon-Eater. Demon-eaters are humans who can take on the trait of demons by eating their flesh, granting them enhanced strength and regenerative capabilities. Genya is also a master of Repetitive Action, a mental exercise that allows Demon Slayers to resist pain by repeating a mantra to themselves.
Related: Why do Tanjiro’s Eyes Bleed in Demon Slayer?
Through these abilities, Genya can withstand enormous physical harm and fight just as well as his comrades. While taking on the trait of Demons leaves Genya vulnerable to sunlight, he manages to avoid the sun’s rays long enough to survive until Hazenoki is defeated.
Unfortunately, while Genya manages to escape the battle with Hazenoki relatively unscathed, things don’t go well for him afterward. If it was not apparent already, this is your last spoiler warning!
[SPOILER] Does Genya Die in Demon Slayer?
If you may have guessed already, Genya doesn’t die in the Swordsmith Village Arc, but he does die later on in the series. He survives for quite a while until Chapter 179, where he tragically passes away after heroically helping take down Kokushibo, Upper-Rank One. Kokushibo, as a character, has a fascinating connection to the Demon Slayer lore that warrants a separate piece, one of the most essential characters in the entire series.
Genya does get a happy epilogue, however. Genya, along with other key Demon Slayer characters who fought against the demons, was reincarnated in the modern era, and he happens to be a policeman, as shown in the time skip in Chapter 205, the final chapter of the manga. Whether this will also be Genya’s fate in the anime remains to be seen.
