In the vibrant narrative of the Demon Slayer series, particularly during the Swordsmith Village arc, the character Gyokko emerged as one of the most noteworthy Upper-Rank Five demons within the Twelve Kizuki. Despite his initial promise and potential, many fans were left underwhelmed after witnessing his confrontation with Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira. Observers felt that the fight failed to fully leverage Gyokko’s abilities, leaving his character’s depth and capabilities largely unexplored.
Underutilization of Gyokko’s Character
Gyokko’s intense clash against Muichiro was memorable, yet despite dominating a significant portion of their encounter, his powers felt neglected. To the viewers’ disappointment, his immense capabilities remained dormant, primarily due to the terrestrial setting of their battle. Ultimately, it took Muichiro awakening his Demon Slayer mark to turn the tide and secure victory over Gyokko.
Notably, Gyokko’s unique abilities, particularly his Killer Fish Scales technique, would have flourished in an aquatic environment. A duel set beneath the waves could have showcased his strengths more effectively, especially given that many of his powers are derived from water. The land battle left audiences wishing for a more immersive display of his potential.
Moreover, Gyokko’s character development feels sparse in contrast to other Upper-Rank members of the Kizuki. While several demons received backstory glimpses that enhanced their arcs, Gyokko lacked any substantial character insights, resulting in a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with his persona.
Exploring Gyokko’s Abilities in the Demon Slayer Universe

As a formidable member of the Twelve Kizuki, Gyokko possessed immense power coupled with a distinctive Blood Demon Art. This ability allowed him to summon a variety of demonic entities, each exhibiting unique attack patterns and movements, particularly within the confines of his magical pots. Additionally, he possessed a stealthy second form that heightened his versatility in combat.
Similar to other demons, Gyokko featured regeneration and flesh manipulation, yet he also exhibited a unique molting ability. In critical circumstances, he could morph into a serpent-like creature, which augmented his mobility and overall combat capabilities.
Gyokko’s Blood Demon Art, known as Porcelain Vase Spells, granted him the power to craft intricate vases and teleport among them. These vases could also summon octopus tentacles and fish-like creatures, as well as unleash powerful jets of water, much like a cannon.
Concluding Thoughts on Gyokko’s Impact

In summary, Gyokko’s timid yet flamboyant demeanor as a jester-like demon was evident upon his introduction during the Swordsmith Village arc. Unfortunately, the lack of exploration of his backstory led to a hasty and somewhat unsatisfactory character development. Nonetheless, his battle left a lasting impression on fans, who found themselves yearning for more depth and dynamism.
With the much-anticipated Infinity Castle arc on the horizon, viewers are hopeful that upcoming narratives will provide a richer experience and allow more characters to showcase their true potential, contrasting Gyokko’s largely unrealized capabilities. As the final saga unfolds, anticipation builds for encounters between remaining Upper-Rank demons and the Hashira.