Sword of the Demon Hunter – Kijin Gentosho [Season 1 Episode 2]

Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho – Episode 2 Review

“The Demon’s Daughter” – A Twist of Fate and Forgiveness

Introduction
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho has quickly become one of the most talked-about fantasy anime of the season, blending historical Edo-era aesthetics with supernatural time-traveling demons. Episode 2, titled “The Demon’s Daughter,” picks up right where the prologue left off, diving deeper into Jinta’s (now Jinya) journey as he navigates a world where demons and humans collide in unexpected ways.

Fans have been buzzing about this episode, praising its emotional depth and unexpected twists while also critiquing its pacing and character development. Let’s break it down.

Plot Recap & Initial Impressions

After the explosive events of Episode 1, Jinya arrives in Sugaya, where he meets Zenji, a clerk, and his adoptive daughter, Natsu. Things take a dark turn when a demon claiming to be Natsu’s mother appears, leading to a revelation that shakes Jinya to his core.

What makes this episode stand out is its exploration of forgiveness and the blurred lines between humans and demons. The twist—revealing that the demon was Jinya’s mother and Zenji his father—caught many viewers off guard. Some fans, like HOOfan_1 on MyAnimeList, admitted they didn’t see it coming, while others felt the flashback spoiled the surprise.

One user noted:
“The twist wasn’t really shocking, but at least it wasn’t predictable… aside from the quick flashback kind of spoiling it.”

Themes & Emotional Impact

This episode tackles heavy themes like parental abandonment, guilt, and redemption. Jinya’s father, Zenji, isn’t the villain he initially seems to be—instead, he’s a grieving man trying to protect his daughter. The moral ambiguity here is refreshing, as it avoids painting demons or humans as purely evil.

However, not everyone was sold on the execution. Some fans felt the emotional beats fell flat. One critic pointed out:
“Moments that should’ve been filled with rage and agony were quite lacking… the MC definitely felt much more collected than he should’ve been.”

Another fan disagreed, arguing that the episode’s restraint made the emotional payoff stronger:
“It tackled the topic of ‘forgiveness’ in a way that felt raw and real, especially with the OG father involved.”

Character Development & Pacing

Jinya’s growth is subtle but noticeable. He’s no longer the impulsive guardian from Episode 1; instead, he’s grappling with his identity and purpose. Natsu, meanwhile, serves as a mirror to Jinya’s own struggles—both are children caught between two worlds.

That said, some viewers found the pacing uneven. The episode spends a lot of time setting up the twist but rushes through the resolution. One fan joked:
“I’m getting the feeling this might turn into a ‘monster of the week’ show… but then they dropped the family bomb.”

Others appreciated the slower build, arguing that it allowed the characters to breathe.

Visuals & Soundtrack

The animation remains stunning, with lush backgrounds and fluid action sequences. The demon designs are particularly creepy, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The soundtrack, though understated, enhances the emotional weight of key scenes.

Fan Reactions & Theories

The MyAnimeList discussions are buzzing with theories. Some fans speculate that Natsu might have hidden demonic traits, while others think Zenji’s backstory will tie into the larger plot. One user even joked:
“What do you want to bet the girl at the soba shop is the demon? Maybe she’s jealous of married women or something.”

The post-credits scene also sparked debate. While Episode 1 hinted at a modern-day setting, Episode 2 doubled down on the Edo period, leaving fans guessing about the show’s direction.

Final Verdict

“The Demon’s Daughter” is a strong follow-up to the premiere, balancing action, emotion, and mystery. While it stumbles in pacing and emotional intensity, its themes of forgiveness and identity make it a standout.

As one fan perfectly summed it up:
“I wouldn’t say it fixed the issues of the first episode, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

If you’re into dark fantasy with a twist of family drama, this episode is a must-watch.

Rating: 8/10

What did you think of Episode 2? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Sources: MyAnimeList discussions, JustWatch, and fan reviews.