The highly anticipated premiere of Sword of the Demon Hunter on March 31, 2025, marked the introduction of several key characters, including siblings Jinta and Suzune. This episode set the stage for their long-standing conflict, rooted in Suzune’s heritage as a part-demon, a revelation linked to the tragic death of their mother.
Following their mother’s demise, the siblings faced the wrath of their grief-stricken father, who held Suzune responsible for the family’s misfortune. In the wake of this hostility, Jinta and Suzune fled, ultimately finding refuge in the swordsmithing village of Kadono. However, a series of misunderstandings and external manipulation sowed seeds of mistrust, leading to a 170-year-long separation and pursuit between the siblings.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Sword of the Demon Hunter episode 1.
Episode Highlights: A Deep Dive
The episode opens with a haunting scene, showing Jinta witnessing their father abuse young Suzune, culminating in her confinement to an outhouse. Shortly afterward, a remorseful Jinta finds Suzune wandering alone in the rain, where she implores him to forget her and return to their father. Instead, they decide to escape together.
As their journey progresses, they encounter Motoharu, a wanderer who decides to guide them to a new life in Kadono village. Upon arrival, they are introduced to Motoharu’s daughter, Shirayuki, as they begin to build a new existence. Over time, Jinta learns about the weighty responsibilities carried by Motoharu and Shirayuki’s mother, Yokaze, who serves as the village’s Itsukihime and guardian against demonic threats.
Time advances, depicting Jinta’s ascent as a protector of the village while Shirayuki fulfills her duties as Itsukihime. The episode tragically reveals that Motoharu lost his life in battle while trying to defend the village, spurring Jinta to alert the village elders about recent demonic sightings.
Soon after, a conversation is sparked between Jinta and Shirayuki, where he struggles to balance his duty with his lingering feelings for her. Their bond deepens as they reminisce about their shared past, only to find Suzune, unchanged, asleep in Shirayuki’s quarters, raising questions about her mysterious condition.
The plot thickens as the village chief requests a meeting with the Itsukihime, surprising Jinta. Days later, Shirayuki sneaks out to spend time with Jinta, facilitated by Suzune, albeit with her own frustrations simmering beneath the surface.
In a pivotal moment, Shirayuki reveals she must marry Kiyomasa, the village chief’s son, as part of her responsibilities to ensure an heir. This revelation deeply affects Jinta, who realizes his outsider status precludes him from being with her. As both wrestle with their emotions, they express their love while grappling with their circumstances.
As tension escalates, demons attack the village, leading Jinta into a fierce battle where he ultimately prevails but at a great cost—an arm. The true target of the demon assault, however, is revealed to be Suzune. The demon manipulates Suzune’s emotions, showcasing distressing visions of Shirayuki and Kiyomasa, which culminate in Suzune feeling betrayed.
This manipulation triggers a transformation in Suzune, who evolves into a demonic form that signifies her fury. At this moment, Jinta, after being healed by the demon he fought, rushes to find Shirayuki. Tragically, he arrives just in time to witness Suzune take a lethal action against Shirayuki, who dies in Jinta’s arms.
Following this heartbreaking confrontation, Jinta and Suzune confront each other vocally, culminating in a fierce battle. Despite Jinta’s initial advantage, Suzune manages to elude capture, vowing to bring devastation to the world.
After the chaos, a now nearly immortal Jinta departs the village, with the village chief expressing his regret over the recent events and announcing plans to establish a shrine in Jinta’s honor, serving as a symbol of comfort during his upcoming ages-long journey.
The episode culminates with an intriguing glimpse into Jinta’s future, as he revisits the newly erected Jinta Shrine, poised to encounter the current Itsukihime.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, the inaugural episode of Sword of the Demon Hunter effectively lays the groundwork for a layered narrative filled with action, conflicts, and rich lore. The series promises to transition into a more nuanced storytelling approach in subsequent episodes, focusing on mystery and the intertwining of past and present. Fans can look forward to episode 2, which will debut on April 8, 2025, available for streaming on platforms like BiliBili and Ani-One Asia.