Shinobu Kochō

History of Shinobu Kochō

Shinobu Kochō is one of the most recognizable members of the Extermination Corps. She holds the title of Insect Pillar and is known for her calm demeanor, sharp intelligence, and unique combat style. Past and origin Shinobu lived peacefully with her older sister, Kanae Kochō, in a loving family. However, her life changed completely when a demon attacked their home, murdering her parents before their eyes. When all seemed lost, both sisters were saved by a Demon Slayer, and that day they decided to dedicate their lives to fighting these creatures so that no one else would suffer like them. Both trained intensively, and over time, Kanae became the Pillar (Hashira). Shinobu, younger and physically weaker, followed her, developing a fighting style adapted to her physical limitations. The loss of Kanae One of the most traumatic events in Shinobu's life was the murder of her sister Kanae at the hands of the demon Doma, one of the Twelve Kizuki and the Second Upper Moon. On her deathbed, Kanae asked Shinobu to live without hatred and to continue smiling, even in dark times. From then on, Shinobu adopted a constant, almost disturbing smile at times, which hid her deep resentment towards demons.

Physical

Shinobu is a short, fair-skinned girl with red lipstick, short black hair with purple extensions at the tips, which is wavy and has bangs parted at the height of her head and two long sideburns on her ears. Her eyes are special, having a purple coloration with a composite appearance similar to those of insects since they have no pupils. Shinobu keeps her hair combed at the back of her head in a flat yakai-maki bun, held in place with a white, turquoise, and light purple butterfly ornament. Shinobu is quite short in height.

Outfit

She wears the standard Hunter uniform which consists of a straight-lined, purple-dyed black jacket with black hakama pants tucked into a butterfly-patterned kyahan cloth around her legs and purple zori sandals. She also wears a grey haori with a butterfly wing pattern on it, which fades into a turquoise and pink color on the sleeves; said haori belonged to her late sister Kanae. When she was younger, her hairstyle was shorter, with a single long sideburn on each ear and she wore a white haori and did not wear lipstick.

Personality

At first glance, Shinobu Kochō appears to be a kind, sweet, and polite person. She speaks softly and maintains a constant smile, even in dangerous or tense situations. However, this calm image is a mask that hides deep pain and resentment. External kindness and constant smile Shinobu presents herself with a cordial and serene demeanor. She is very respectful in her manner of speaking, even when addressing demons or her companions. This kindness is partly a promise to her deceased sister, Kanae, who wished that Shinobu not be consumed by hatred. Contained hatred and inner darkness Beneath her smile, Shinobu harbors a deep hatred for demons. Her sweet-spoken manner often hides sarcasm or subtle threats. She doesn't believe in the redemption of demons, though she tries to maintain her composure. This contradiction between her appearance and her inner emotions makes her a very complex character. Smart and strategic Shinobu is one of the most intelligent members of the Hunter Corps. She's an expert in medicine, poisons, and biology, which she applies to both combat and treating the wounded. Her strategy in confronting Doma (poisoning herself for months) demonstrates her capacity for sacrifice and long-term thinking. Sarcastic and defiant He has a tendency to provoke his enemies with sarcastic comments. Although he speaks in a calm voice, his words are sharp. This attitude can disconcert demons, who don't expect such harshness behind his gentle appearance. Caring and empathetic with humans Although she suffers internally, Shinobu shows deep care for humans. She is a protective figure, especially for Kanao Tsuyuri, whom she treats like a sister. As a doctor, she demonstrates patience and dedication, and is responsible for caring for and rehabilitating many injured hunters.

Development as a Pillar

Shinobu is aware that, unlike other Pillars, she lacks the strength to decapitate a demon, which is necessary to defeat them. Therefore, she uses her vast intelligence and medical knowledge to develop a unique combat style: the "Insect Breathing Style," an offshoot of the "Water Style." Her weapon was a modified sword, thinner than a normal katana, designed to inject a poison made from wisteria flowers, one of the few things that can kill demons.

Katana

Her Nichirin katana has a custom design, having a butterfly-shaped guard, and the cutting edge missing from its blade because it lacks the strength necessary to sever the heads of demons. However, the sword is designed to inject poison made from wisteria flowers, which compensates for its lack of physical strength.

Shinobu's Relations with the Pillars

Kanao Tsuyuri (apprentice and “adopted sister”) Although it is not a Pillar, it is key. Relationship: Shinobu took care of her and trained her as her little sister. Giyu Tomioka (Water Pillar) Relationship: Tense but interesting. She often teases or provokes him, calling him “antisocial.” Although she criticizes him, she respects him as a hunter. Some theories and additional material suggest that there was a mutual trust developing. Kyojuro Rengoku (Pillar of Flame) Relationship: Friendly and respectful. Although not much direct interaction is shown, they share similar values ​​and mutual admiration as loyal pillars of duty. Sanemi Shinazugawa (Wind Pillar) Relationship: Neutral, with possible friction. Sanemi is impulsive and violent, the opposite of Shinobu. They respect each other in combat, but they don't share many scenes. Gyomei Himejima (Rock Pillar) Relationship: Deep respect. Shinobu admires her strength and serenity. Although they speak little, their spiritual connection is evident. Tengen Uzui (Pillar of Sound) Relationship: Cordial, somewhat mocking. Shinobu calls him eccentric, but they both understand the value of style and doing things “their way.” Mitsuri Kanroji (Pillar of Love) Relationship: Friendly. They both share a feminine, positive energy. Shinobu seems to enjoy each other's company. Muichiro Tokito (Pillar of Mist) Relationship: Professional and distant. Shinobu seems to treat him like a distracted child, but respects him as a warrior. Muichiro, in his confusion, doesn't have much interaction with her. Kanae Kochō (former Flower Pillar – Older Sister) Relationship: Very close and deep. Kanae was her role model. Her death at the hands of Doma marked Shinobu forever. Despite this, Shinobu tries to follow her last wish: to live without hatred. Influence: The sweetness that Shinobu shows is partly an imitation of Kanae's character.