Why Does Obanai Like Mitsuri? Unraveling the Love Story of Demon Slayer’s Serpent and Love Hashira
The world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is rife with intense battles, heartbreaking backstories, and, occasionally, glimmers of hope and affection. Among the most compelling and subtly developed relationships is the one between Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, and Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. Their connection, though not explicitly romanticized until the final arcs, leaves many fans pondering: why does Obanai like Mitsuri? This article delves into the nuances of their relationship, exploring the reasons behind Obanai’s deep affection for Mitsuri and the factors that make their bond so poignant.
Obanai Iguro: A Hashira Scarred by the Past
To understand why Obanai likes Mitsuri, it’s crucial to first examine Obanai’s own history. Obanai’s past is shrouded in darkness and trauma. Born into a clan that worshipped a snake demon, he was imprisoned and forced to provide the demon with human sacrifices. This horrific experience deeply scarred him, both physically and emotionally. He bears the physical mark of his ordeal in the form of his distinctive heterochromia and the scars around his mouth, which were cut to resemble a snake’s mouth to appease the demon. These experiences instilled in him a profound sense of self-loathing and a belief that he was unworthy of love or happiness. This background is fundamental to understanding why Obanai likes Mitsuri.
The Weight of Unworthiness
Obanai’s past trauma shapes his personality, making him reserved, critical, and often harsh. He carries a heavy burden of guilt and believes he must atone for the sins of his clan. This sense of unworthiness makes it difficult for him to accept positive emotions or believe he deserves happiness. It’s important to know this when understanding why Obanai likes Mitsuri, because it’s a monumental feat for him to even consider himself worthy of her affection.
Mitsuri Kanroji: The Embodiment of Love and Kindness
In stark contrast to Obanai’s dark past, Mitsuri Kanroji is a beacon of light and positivity. Her exceptional strength and unique physique led her to feel ostracized and pressured to conform to societal expectations. However, instead of succumbing to bitterness, she chose to embrace her individuality and channel her strength into becoming a Demon Slayer. Her unwavering kindness, empathy, and genuine love for others are the cornerstones of her personality.
A Heart Overflowing with Affection
Mitsuri’s Love Breathing style reflects her personality. It is graceful, fluid, and centered around the concept of love. She approaches every situation with compassion and sees the good in everyone, even those who struggle to see it in themselves. This inherent goodness is a key factor in why Obanai likes Mitsuri. She is the antithesis of everything he has experienced.
The Spark: Why Obanai Likes Mitsuri
So, why does Obanai like Mitsuri? The answer lies in the profound contrast between their personalities and the transformative effect Mitsuri has on Obanai. Several factors contribute to his affection:
- Mitsuri’s Unconditional Acceptance: Mitsuri sees beyond Obanai’s scars and harsh exterior. She recognizes his strength, his dedication to protecting humanity, and the pain he carries within. She accepts him for who he is, flaws and all, without judgment. This unconditional acceptance is something Obanai has never experienced before, making it incredibly powerful. It helps explain why Obanai likes Mitsuri so much.
- Her Radiance and Positivity: Mitsuri’s infectious positivity and unwavering optimism are a balm to Obanai’s wounded soul. Her presence brings light into his darkness, offering him a glimpse of hope and happiness he never thought possible. The impact of this positivity is a major reason why Obanai likes Mitsuri.
- Her Strength and Independence: Obanai respects Mitsuri’s strength and independence as a fellow Hashira. He admires her dedication to her duty and her unwavering resolve in the face of danger. He doesn’t see her as someone who needs protecting but as an equal, a comrade, and a source of inspiration. He respects her strength, which is another aspect of why Obanai likes Mitsuri.
- A Shared Sense of Isolation: Despite their contrasting personalities, both Obanai and Mitsuri have experienced a sense of isolation and being different. This shared experience creates a bond between them, allowing them to understand each other on a deeper level. This understanding is a crucial element in why Obanai likes Mitsuri.
A Love Forged in Battle and Sacrifice
The true depth of Obanai’s feelings for Mitsuri is revealed during the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. He fights alongside her, risking his life to protect her. In his final moments, he confesses his love for her and expresses his hope that they can be together in their next lives, free from the burdens of their pasts. This confession underscores the profound impact Mitsuri has had on his life. His willingness to reveal his feelings, despite his inherent reservations, demonstrates the strength of his love and provides a definitive answer to the question: why does Obanai like Mitsuri?
A Promise of Rebirth
Obanai’s final wish is that he can be worthy of Mitsuri in their next lives, a sentiment that highlights his deep-seated insecurities and his unwavering love for her. He desires to be reborn into a world where he is free from the sins of his past and can truly deserve her affection. This poignant moment encapsulates the essence of their relationship and solidifies the reasons why Obanai likes Mitsuri.
The Significance of Their Relationship
The relationship between Obanai and Mitsuri is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the power of love to heal and transform even the most wounded souls. It also highlights the importance of acceptance, understanding, and empathy in building meaningful connections. [See also: Demon Slayer Characters Ranked by Strength]. Their love story, though tragic, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the Demon Slayer world.
A Testament to Human Connection
Their bond is a testament to the power of human connection and the ability of love to transcend even the most difficult circumstances. It shows that even those who feel unworthy of love can find solace and happiness in the arms of someone who sees their true worth. The enduring popularity of this pairing in the Demon Slayer fandom underscores the emotional resonance of their story and the powerful message it conveys about the transformative power of love. Understanding this power explains why Obanai likes Mitsuri, and why Obanai likes Mitsuri is a question that resonates with so many fans.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Obanai and Mitsuri
In conclusion, the question of why does Obanai like Mitsuri is answered by examining their individual histories, their contrasting personalities, and the transformative impact they have on each other’s lives. Mitsuri’s unwavering kindness, acceptance, and positivity provide a beacon of hope for Obanai, allowing him to overcome his self-loathing and embrace the possibility of love. Their relationship, though tragically cut short, remains one of the most compelling and emotionally resonant aspects of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The love between Obanai and Mitsuri proves that even in the darkest of times, love can bloom, offering a glimmer of hope and the promise of a brighter future. The core reason why Obanai likes Mitsuri is because she offers him a chance at redemption and happiness he never thought possible.
