Demon slayers in Demon Slayer are often accompanied by kasugai crows, which play the role of enhanced messenger hawks. However, Inosuke Hashibira's crow, named Dongurimaru, is an intriguing exception. Unlike the other crows, Dongurimaru is rarely seen, leading some fans to fear that he has already been eaten by Inosuke.
According to Demon Slayer lore, Inosuke received a kasugai crow upon joining the demon slayer corps, just like his peers. However, Inosuke's relationship with Dongurimaru is quite troubled. Inosuke has tried to kill and eat the crow on several occasions, resulting in Dongurimaru avoiding it and rarely being seen. As a result, Inosuke does not take direct orders from his crow and relies on Tanjiro's crow, named Matsuemon Tennoji, for information on the demons' location.
While most kasugai crows in Demon Slayer have different personalities and varying relationships with their partners, Dongurimaru and Inosuke have a unique dynamic. Dongurimaru fears being eaten by Inosuke and therefore avoids any interaction with him. This contrasts with Inosuke's skill in survival and his ability to bond with animals, making it ironic that he is unable to form a connection with his own crow.
The presence of talking animals as messengers is a common trend in several shonen anime series. For example, in Bleach, Soul Reapers use Black Hell Butterflies to transmit messages, while in One Piece, characters make use of transponder snails. However, Demon Slayer's kasugai crows stand out for their distinct personalities and the unique relationships they develop with their owners.
While the mystery surrounding Inosuke's crow has sparked speculation and uncertainty among fans, its conspicuous absence adds an intriguing layer to Inosuke's impulsive and instinctual personality. It's clear that Inosuke doesn't hesitate to break the rules and act on impulse, which is evidenced by Dongurimaru's fear. The fate of Inosuke's crow and his relationship with Inosuke remain open questions, leaving fans curious about what the future holds for both characters and the story as a whole.
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