Demon Slayer’s Hashira Training Arc is off to an incredible start, marking the series’ fourth anime season. In this arc, the powerful and esteemed Hashira are training the younger Demon Slayers in anticipation of an attack from the most evil demon of all, Lord Muzan. Since Nezuko has recently conquered the sun, there is unfortunately now a target on her back and Muzan is sure to strike at any moment, making this training even more necessary.

Episode two of Hashira Training explored the backstory of Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira. As the most reserved and isolated Hashira, little was known about Giyu’s upbringing and journey to becoming a Demon Slayer. He refused to participate in the Hashira Training at all initially, but with much coaxing from Tanjiro, was eventually convinced to take part and share his stern but motivating wisdom with the younger demon slayers.

However, one of the most surprising aspects of the episode, aptly entitled “Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka’s Pain,” was the appearance of a face that will seem familiar to avid Demon Slayer fans.

Sabito First Appeared in Season One, Helping Tanjiro Prepare For the Final Selection

Although He Was Merely a Spirit, He Still Gave Tanjiro the Training he Desperately Needed

Sabito, who first showed up as a spirit in season one during Tanjiro’s Final Selection, surprisingly received even more screentime in this most recent season, as a significant aspect of Giyu’s past trauma. His backstory is also quite devastating, as Sabito’s life was cut short far too soon by a demon. He trained diligently under Sakonji Urokodashi, who later trained Tanjiro, during his childhood after being taken in as an orphan. However, the poor boy never passed his Final Selection and was murdered by the Hand Demon, leaving his ghost to roam Mount Sagiri, the place where he passed on, forever.

Although he was no longer living, Sabito was instrumental in helping Tanjiro become strong enough to take on the Final Selection. After months of training, Tanjiro cut through the signature mask Sabito wears, as well as the boulder he had been trying to slice, which marked a turning point in his development as a Demon Slayer and proved that he was finally capable of taking on the Final Selection alone. When Tanjiro passed the challenge, laying the Hand Demon to rest in the process, he set Sabito’s soul free, and he was finally able to achieve peace, no longer eternally tied to Mount Sagiri.

Sabito’s Death Destroyed Giyu, Causing Him to Become Isolated

The Water Hashira Never Recovered From the Guilt of Losing His Friend, Until Tanjiro Came Around

Most fans of Demon Slayer assumed that was the last they would see of Sabito, so it was a true shock to see the hero once more in season four, as part of Giyu’s flashbacks. Urokodaki trained Giyu alongside Sabito in preparation for their Final Selection. In the process, the two built a deeply encouraging and mutually beneficial friendship with each other, making Sabito’s death an incredibly earth-shattering loss for Giyu that he cannot seem to move on from to this day. Although Giyu went on to become a Demon Slayer and even a Hashira after Sabito’s passing, he never forgave himself.

Tanjiro eventually convinced Giyu to open up, explaining that he should keep moving forward and not wallow in pity and despair, because Sabito would have wanted him to continue fighting. No stranger to loss himself, Tanjiro also watched his mentor, Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, die for his sake, as well as being unable to prevent the murders of everyone in his family except Nezuko, who was cursed to become a demon. Tanjiro and Giyu both share in this experience of guilt and wish they could’ve done more to save their loved ones, giving them some unexpected common ground.

Giyu Keeps Sabito’s Legacy Alive in Many Ways

He Wears a Similar Kimono and Practices the Same Breathing Style They Learned Together

Giyu surrendered to the younger Demon Slayer’s pleas and joined the Hashira Training, seeming to take on a new, somewhat more optimistic outlook and vowing to keep Sabito’s legacy alive by passing down his knowledge to younger generations. It was truly inspirational to see how deeply Sabito affected both of these experienced Demon Slayers, proving his impact survives long after his untimely demise. It would have been incredible to see Sabito in his prime as an older Demon Slayer or even perhaps a Hashira, because even in his youth, he was already confirmed to be the second-strongest student Urokodashi ever trained.

Giyu carries his friend’s legacy with him in a number of ways. The kimono he wears daily is a tribute to both his sister, Tsutako, and his friend, Sabito, who both unfortunately perished at the hands of demons. One half is red, and one half is green and yellow, to pay homage to these beloved figures in his life who gave their lives to help protect him and humanity. He also uses one of the strongest breathing forms, Water Breathing, which is the same technique Sabito utilized, showing another interesting and meaningful link between the two fellow Demon Slayers.

Sabito’s Postive Impact on Giyu and Tanjiro is Long-Lasting and Significant

His Sacrifice Allowed These Two Demon Slayers to Grow Into Talented Heroes

Although he only appears for a few brief scenes, Sabito is one of Demon Slayer’s most important heroes. His selfless sacrifice saved Giyu and his encouraging words impacted him, helping him become the powerful Water Hashira he is today. Sabito also aided Tanjiro in a desperate situation, giving the young Demon Slayer the tools to go up against the terrifying Hand Demon and succeed, even though the demon had ended the lives of thirteen others previously. Without Sabito’s efforts and bravery, Tanjiro and Giyu might have died years ago, never having the opportunity to become some of the best fighters in Demon Slayer.