Demon Slayer season 4 has shown significant growth across its characters, both major and minor. It’s not just Tanjiro’s development that’s being highlighted, but also those characters whose roles initially seemed forgettable due to their brevity.
Ufotable, especially, has taken these smaller roles and expanded them into something more substantial. Muichiro Tokito is the latest example after Tengen Uzui.
Using filler material for character growth is a challenge Ufotable has taken head-on in adapting short story arcs into full-fledged episodes without dragging the series.
Episode three, based on a page and a half, and the fourth, with just an extra page, highlight Ufotable’s ability to head deeper. They’ve taken this opportunity to flesh out characters like Tokito, who undergo significant growth throughout the series.
Initially depicted as a stoic figure with a single-minded purpose, Tokito’s character evolves drastically through original anime sequences. Despite his young age, his maturity surpasses his peers, making him stand out among the Hashira.
His growth, marked by the recovery of his memories and his ability to live freely despite his limitations, is portrayed symbolically through the use of paper planes.
Ufotable’s careful handling of Tokito’s arc underscores his human side, showing him smiling, laughing, and his adolescence. His journey is portrayed with empathy, portraying him not just as a powerful warrior but as a flawed and relatable individual learning to find his way.
