Demon Slayer: 5 Best Hashira vs Upper Moon Fights That Never Happened

Demon Slayer delivered some unforgettable Hashira battles, but the Upper Moons still left plenty of dream matchups on the table. The story carefully paired certain Hashira with demons who challenged their strengths, histories, or personalities, yet several other combinations could have been just as compelling.

Some would have created personal grudges, while others would have simply put two wildly different fighting styles against each other. From Giyu facing the demon responsible for Shinobu’s death to Rengoku confronting one of the most difficult Upper Moons to kill, these are five Hashira vs. Upper Moon fights that never happened.

1 Doma vs. Giyu Would Have Turned Shinobu’s Grief Into a Duel

Giyu never got the chance to face Doma, but the matchup would have carried an emotional weight unlike most of his battles. Doma killed Shinobu’s older sister, Kanae, before eventually killing Shinobu herself during the Infinity Castle battle.

Giyu was not especially close to Shinobu, but the two were fellow Hashira who understood each other’s reserved nature. Seeing Giyu arrive against Doma after Shinobu’s death could have created a quiet, personal confrontation, especially because Doma’s cheerful personality would clash badly with Giyu’s serious demeanor. It would have been a fascinating alternate path for both characters.

2 Akaza vs. Sanemi Would Have Been a Brutal Clash of Instincts

Sanemi and Akaza never crossed paths, but their personalities make this one of the easiest matchups to imagine. Akaza respects strong fighters and loves close combat, while Sanemi is aggressive, stubborn, and willing to throw himself into danger.

Sanemi’s Marechi blood could also have made the encounter even more dangerous, although it would not automatically give him an advantage over Akaza. More importantly, both fighters refuse to back down once a battle begins. After seeing Sanemi’s performance against Kokushibo, it is easy to imagine Akaza taking a genuine interest in him, making this a savage clash from the opening exchange.

3 Kokushibo vs. Obanai Would Have Tested Two Master Swordsmen

Obanai never fought Kokushibo, despite eventually becoming one of the Corps’ most formidable swordsmen. Kokushibo, meanwhile, spent centuries refining Moon Breathing and was once a Demon Slayer himself. That history makes the matchup especially interesting because Obanai’s Serpent Breathing relies on unusual sword angles and unpredictable attacks, while Kokushibo’s experience would make him difficult to surprise.

Obanai also awakened the Demon Slayer Mark and briefly accessed the Transparent World during the final battle with Muzan, showing how far he could push himself. A direct fight would have placed Obanai’s unorthodox technique against the ultimate veteran swordsman.

4 Gyokko vs. Tengen Would Have Been a Flashy, Fast, and Savage Fight

Tengen retired from active duty after the Entertainment District battle, so he never encountered Gyokko in the Swordsmith Village. Still, the Sound Hashira would have been a fascinating opponent for Upper Rank Five. Tengen fights with enormous dual Nichirin cleavers, explosives, and exceptional physical strength, while Gyokko relies on his bizarre pots, summoned fish, and Blood Demon Art.

Tengen’s shinobi background and experience fighting Gyutaro could also have made him better prepared for Gyokko’s strange attacks than most Hashira. The battle would have been loud, unpredictable, and perfectly suited to Tengen’s idea of a really flashy fight.

5 Hantengu vs. Rengoku Would Have Put Courage Against Fear in Battle

Rengoku never encountered Hantengu, whose cowardly personality and deceptive Blood Demon Art would have created a very different challenge for the Flame Hashira. Rengoku’s greatest strength was not simply his swordsmanship; it was his unwavering resolve, which made Hantengu’s desperate attempts to hide and survive an especially interesting contrast.

The problem is that Hantengu cannot be defeated simply by cutting down his visible emotional clones. Rengoku would have needed to identify and reach the tiny main body while dealing with the increasingly dangerous manifestations. It would have tested his instincts, patience, and courage in ways Akaza never did.

Would you have liked to see these battles in the series? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.