Why is the Leader of the Demon Slayer Corps Blind?

Kagaya Ubuyashiki is not a typical leader in Demon Slayer. He doesn’t fight with a sword or roar commands. Instead, he speaks softly, moves slowly, and stays mostly out of battle. Yet, the strongest warriors in the Demon Slayer Corps bow their heads in his presence. His presence gives hope, even when the world is overrun by demons. But behind that peaceful aura lies a painful truth — a body being eaten away by a cruel family curse.

Kagaya lost his sight due to an ancient family curse that has plagued the Ubuyashiki lineage for more than a millennium. This curse comes from none other than Muzan Kibutsuji, the first demon in Demon Slayer. When he transformed into a demon, the consequences rippled beyond himself, casting a dark fate over the entire Ubuyashiki lineage.

Kagaya, being a direct descendant, carries this curse in his very flesh. The disease slowly covers his body with purple, scaly marks. It blinds him, weakens him, and eventually leads to an early death — no male in his family has ever lived past thirty. Female family members can only escape this fate through marriage and changing their surnames before age 13.

The curse marks first appeared on Kagaya's right eye during his teenage years. These purple, scale-like blemishes gradually spread across his face and body. By the time viewers meet him in Demon Slayer, the markings cover most of his head and have completely robbed him of his sight.

Most people thought it was just an illness. Yet, those who truly understood him recognized the truth. It was the long-standing affliction tied to the Ubuyashiki bloodline — a curse in Demon Slayer that no healer could treat, no medicine could cure. It was punishment for a sin his family never committed, the sin of being born from Muzan’s lineage.

The progression accelerates as Kagaya ages, eventually covering his entire body. The curse gives his skin a rotting appearance and forces him to remain bedridden. Despite his young age of 23, he appears much older due to the curse's devastating effects on his physical form.

The Burden of Responsibility in Demon Slayer

Even without sight, Kagaya’s influence and authority remain unwavering, proving that vision isn't a requirement for commanding respect. His remarkable extrasensory gifts more than make up for the absence of sight, allowing him to perceive the world in ways others cannot. This extrasensory perception permits him to detect the presence and strength of both humans and demons from significant distances. His calm voice and gentle manner motivate loyalty among the Hashira, who address him respectfully as "Oyakata-sama."

Understanding his limited lifespan, Kagaya works tirelessly to prepare the next generation in Demon Slayer. He personally remembers every Corps member and visits fallen warriors' graves daily when his condition permits. This dedication stems from his family's responsibility for unleashing demons upon the world.

The curse serves as constant motivation for Kagaya's mission against Muzan. His hatred for the demon king runs deep, fueled by centuries of family suffering. Despite his gentle exterior, he harbors intense bloodlust toward the creature responsible for his clan's torment.

As his eyesight fades and his condition worsens, Kagaya is forced to depend increasingly on the support and care of those around him. His wife, Amane, operates as his primary caregiver and talks on his behalf when necessary. He also drills his children to take over leadership duties someday, knowing his time is limited in Demon Slayer.

As his eyesight fades and his condition worsens, Kagaya is forced to depend increasingly on the support and care of those around him. Fully bedridden and covered in bandages, he can no longer directly lead the Corps. Even in his final moments, Kagaya's blindness becomes part of his ultimate strategy. His inability to see doesn't deter him from perceiving Muzan's approach to his mansion. He uses his gentle behavior and serene smile to conceal his true intentions, luring the demon king into a carefully devised trap.

In the end, Kagaya Ubuyashiki took the family curse and turned it into a mission in Demon Slayer. He accepted the consequence of a thousand years and utilized it to forge a new future. Even when his body yielded, his mind never wobbled. He sacrificed everything so others could be free, and in doing so, he became one of the most powerful and inspiring characters in the series.

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