Sword of the Demon Hunter, also known as Kijin Gentōshō, is a historical fantasy anime series that premiered on March 31, 2025. The series is based on a popular Japanese novel and manga series by Moto’o Nakanishi and Tamaki, licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. It delves into a century-spanning journey, blending supernatural action with emotional depth as its protagonist, Jinta, a demon hunter, travels through time from the Edo period to the Heisei period.
Episode 15, titled “Night Tale of the Demon Sword Flying Blade,” aired on July 22, 2025, and marks the beginning of a new arc for the series. This episode picks up on the political unrest brewing in Edo following the end of the Sakoku decree, hinting at larger conflicts to come.
The Cursed Blade: Yatomori Kaneomi
The narrative of Episode 15 heavily revolves around a mysterious and cursed sword known as “Yatomori Kaneomi.” The episode opens with a samurai named Sugino, a retainer to Lord Yasuhide, receiving a new katana from the renowned Tamagawa sword shop as a reward for his work. However, the sword’s origins are shrouded in mystery and quickly reveal a sinister influence.
Jinya, alongside Naotsugu, becomes aware of the so-called “demon sword” made in Kadono and decides to investigate its shady origins. Their search leads them to Lord Yasuhide’s estate, only to discover that Sugino has murdered his wife in cold blood and fled. The protagonists suspect the cursed sword may be responsible for his madness and crime.
Political Intrigue and Yasuhide’s Proposal
As Jinya and Naotsugu investigate, they are summoned by Lord Yasuhide, who surprisingly reveals his knowledge of Jinya’s identity as a demon. Yasuhide, unhappy with the open borders and encroaching foreign influence, attempts to recruit Jinya into his service to establish a resistance and protect the Tokugawa regime. He even reveals that he already has a demon subordinate named Tsuchiura.
Jinya, however, refuses Yasuhide’s offer, citing his lack of motivation and unwillingness to compromise his personal code, an exchange that highlights the episode’s themes of duty versus self-determination. This refusal, while polite, sets a clear boundary for Jinya, emphasizing his desire to remain a masterless warrior.
The Hunt for Sugino and the Demon’s Influence
Despite declining Yasuhide’s recruitment, Jinya gains a lead on Sugino’s possible location – a restaurant frequented by loyalist faction leaders. Their investigation into the restaurant, named Tomin, draws them into the murky world of political conspiracies and assassination plots. The cursed sword, now confirmed as having demon blood infused by a blacksmith married to a demon, is believed to have driven Sugino to madness and murder.
The climax of the episode sees Jinya confronting Sugino as he attempts to assassinate a leader of the loyalist faction. Although Sugino’s demon sword allows him to unleash air slashes, Jinya is able to overcome this ability. The battle emphasizes that the true curse of the blade isn’t just its power, but the darkness it awakens within its wielder. The fight is notable for Jinya’s unique “kill with the hilt” move, showcasing his demon strength against a human foe.
Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications
“Night Tale of the Demon Sword Flying Blade” serves to establish future plot points and shift the dynamic between humans and demons. While the political tensions within Edo are introduced, their full purpose is hinted to unfold in subsequent episodes. The episode concludes with Naotsugu being inspired by Jinya, deciding to live his life with a stricter code. This episode highlights the series’ strength in combining historical intrigue, supernatural elements, and deep philosophical questions about loyalty, power, and the darkness within the human heart.
