Why did Demon Slayer end so abruptly?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an anime and manga series that gained immense popularity worldwide. However, many fans were left wondering why the series ended so abruptly, particularly after the intense and action-packed final arc. The ending of both the anime and the manga has raised questions about pacing and the conclusion of key plotlines.

Here’s a breakdown of why the series may have felt rushed, and why it came to an end when it did.

1. The Manga’s Conclusion (Chapter 205)

The manga series, written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, officially ended with Chapter 205, marking the conclusion of the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. While the story wrapped up the major plot points—such as Tanjiro’s victory over Muzan, the Demon Slayer Corps' final victory, and the resolution of the characters’ arcs—the final chapters felt like they came quickly after such a long, climactic buildup.

• Pacing in the Final Arc: The final arc, where the battle against Muzan takes place, is intense and full of action. However, it felt fast-paced at times, with major fights resolved quickly, and not every character received a deep, individual resolution before the story concluded. Some fans felt that certain characters and plotlines were glossed over.

• The Epilogue: The manga also includes a short epilogue showing the characters in the future, after the battle with Muzan, but the time jump felt abrupt. Readers were given glimpses of the next generation of demon slayers, but there wasn’t much development on those characters. This sudden time skip left some fans feeling like the conclusion was somewhat rushed.

2. The Success of the Manga Led to Pressure

Demon Slayer’s rapid rise to fame through both its manga and anime adaptations brought huge commercial success. As the series became a global phenomenon, there was a lot of pressure on Gotouge to maintain the momentum and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. The manga's quick conclusion could have been influenced by the desire to end on a high note before the story became overly drawn out.

• Financial Factors: As the anime adaptation gained popularity, there was significant pressure to finish the manga quickly to capitalize on the anime's success. Gotouge may have felt the pressure to deliver a conclusion, both creatively and financially, which could have contributed to the quicker pacing in the final chapters.

3. Koyoharu Gotouge's Health and Creative Choices

Another factor that may have contributed to the abrupt ending of Demon Slayer is the impact of Koyoharu Gotouge's health. Manga creators often work under tight deadlines and intense pressure, leading to potential burnout. It’s possible that Gotouge, having reached the end of the story, decided it was time to wrap things up sooner rather than drag it out, in order to focus on their well-being.

Additionally, Gotouge may have made a creative decision to conclude the story in a way that felt appropriate and impactful, even if it meant ending it sooner than expected. The series had a clear central conflict, with Muzan as the main antagonist, and once he was defeated, the story had little left to explore.

4. The Anime's Adaptation and Potential Continuation

While the manga ended in 2020, the anime series continues to adapt the story. The final arc of Demon Slayer, known as the Mugen Train arc and Entertainment District arc, has been adapted into anime, with future arcs expected to follow. The anime's success has opened up potential for continued exploration of the world, even if the manga has concluded.

• Mugen Train and Entertainment District Arcs: Both of these arcs were adapted into movies and anime seasons. The anime continues to bring new life to the story, which may help smooth over the manga's abrupt ending.

• Future Arcs: While the manga concluded with Muzan’s death, there are additional chapters in the form of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Flower of Happiness, a spin-off that explores what happens after the main story.

5. The Need for Closure

Ultimately, the ending may have been the right choice to give the series closure. The story had run its course, and the arc of the main characters—especially Tanjiro and Nezuko—was complete. Keeping the story going could have diluted its impact or led to unnecessary plotlines. The conclusion allows for a satisfying end to Tanjiro’s journey, the defeat of Muzan, and the freedom from demon terror, even if some plotlines were left open or unresolved.

Conclusion

The seemingly abrupt ending of Demon Slayer was influenced by a mix of factors, including the pacing of the final arc, commercial pressures, Gotouge’s health, and creative decisions to wrap up the story. While the ending felt sudden for some fans, it provided closure to the main plotlines. The anime continues to bring new adaptations, and the Demon Slayer universe may expand even further in the future.