The Twelve Kizuki are the top demons in Demon Slayer. They serve Muzan and act as his elite army. You’ve seen them across the story — Rui on the mountain, Enmu on the train, Gyutaro and Daki in the district, and more in the Swordsmith Village. Now the fight has reached the Infinity Castle, and the Upper Ranks are stepping into the spotlight.
What the Twelve Kizuki Are
The Twelve Kizuki are the top twelve demons under Muzan. They are split into two groups. The Upper Ranks are the six strongest demons. The Lower Ranks are the weaker six. Their rank shows up in their eyes: Upper or Lower with a number.
The Upper Ranks stayed the same for more than one hundred years. The Lower Ranks kept dying and Muzan replaced them often. That shows the gap in power between the two groups.
The Upper Ranks
These are the strongest demons under Muzan. They stayed the same for over one hundred years.
- Kokushibo (Upper One)
Once a human slayer, Kokushibo is the twin of Yoriichi, the first Sun Breather. Jealous of his brother, he gave in to Muzan’s blood and became a demon. He fights with Moon Breathing, turning his blade into waves of sharp crescents. As Muzan’s top warrior, he is the most feared foe the Hashira have faced.
2. Doma (Upper Two)
Doma is a cult leader who lures people with charm and a fake smile. He fights with ice powers, shaping deadly frost into fans and blades. His blood demon art also spreads poison through his cold mist, which eats away at anyone who breathes it in. Behind his calm face is one of the most ruthless killers in Muzan’s army.
3. Akaza (Upper Three)
Akaza is a fighter who lives for combat and sees every battle as proof of strength. He blends martial arts with demon energy, landing strikes that crush bones with speed and power. One thing makes him stand out—he refuses to fight female opponents. This rule ties back to his human past and shows that even demons can carry broken pieces of who they once were.
4. Hantengu / Nakime (Upper Four)
Hantengu splits into many clones, each with a twist. Later, Nakime takes his place. She can shift the Infinity Castle with her biwa.
5. Gyokko (Upper Five)
A twisted artist. He hides in pots and summons monsters from water vases. He was killed by the mist hashira “Muichiro Tokito”.
6. Gyutaro and Daki (Upper Six, later Kaigaku)
A demon pair who fight together. Gyutaro uses poison sickles and Daki uses sharp obi sashes. After their death, Kaigaku takes the rank with his dark Thunder Breathing.
The Lower Ranks
The Lower Ranks are weaker, and Muzan killed most of them for failing him.
7. Enmu (Lower One)
Enmu is the main demon of the Mugen Train arc and the last Lower Moon Muzan spared. His Blood Demon Art lets him trap people in calm, dreamlike states before striking. He even fuses with the train itself, turning the entire ride into a deadly illusion. While not the strongest in combat, his twisted use of dreams makes him one of the series’ most haunting foes.
8. Rokuro (Lower Two)
Rokuro has little time in the spotlight, but his ambition stands out. He begs Muzan for more blood and power, hoping to climb higher in the ranks. Instead of reward, he’s killed on the spot. His end highlights Muzan’s ruthless grip on his army.
9. Wakuraba (Lower Three)
Wakuraba is known for his speed. When Muzan calls the Lower Moons together, he tries to run away but is killed right away. His short time shows how little Muzan cares for his own demons.
10. Mukago (Lower Four)
Mukago never fights in the story. At Muzan’s meeting, she admits she is scared of the Hashira. Muzan takes this as weakness and kills her instantly.
11. Rui (Lower Five)
Rui is the spider demon from Mount Natagumo. He forces weaker demons to act as his “family,” punishing them if they disobey. His threads are strong and sharp, making him a tough opponent for Tanjiro. Underneath his cruelty, he just wanted real bonds, which makes his story more sad than scary.
12. Kyogai (Former Lower Six)
Kyogai, the Drum Demon, once held a Lower Moon rank before Muzan cast him aside. He controls rooms by beating the drums in his body, shifting walls and floors to trap opponents. His attacks are strong, but what drives him most is his wish to be recognized.
Why the Kizuki Matter
The Kizuki are not just villains. They push Tanjiro and his friends to grow. They test the Hashira. They show what happens when human pain turns into demon rage. And now, with the Infinity Castle arc, the strongest of them are front and center.