Daida & Bojji
So,
to be honest, at first I was a little disappointed when it seemed like they might be going down a “becomes a nicer person because they experience pain” type of schtick with Daida.
But. Then episode 11 happened. Holy heck.
Oh my actual god, I legitimately did not expect this show to go this hard, to hit this nail so directly on the head.
Um, CW, for literal eugenics.
So, basically.. um.. what this strongly implies... is... Daida was ok with his brother being assassinated... probably... because... he thought death would be mercy for his brother. That’s what I’m getting from this whole development.
This... is not exactly what I expected, but wow. Wow. This show is not holding anything back. Nada. They’re going all in.
Daida was simultaneously jealous of, yet also pitied his brother, and he faced pressure from all directions to be not just his brother’s guardian, but to be a strong king to protect the weak... the latter he seems to be beginning to internalize only now?
The idea that his brother has a stronger will to be able to go on living is a seed likely planted for later (usually I’d be concerned about this idea becoming problematic, but given the show’s track record so far, especially in how ableism is focused on much more than the disability itself, I’m not too worried.)
Nonetheless, to sum it all up, it’s clear that his feelings towards his brother are complex, nuanced, and changing.
We know he cared enough for his brother to reflect and begin feeling guilty once he realized his mistakes in the mindrealm or whatever it is he’s stuck in...
Yet not everything is explained yet. There’s still a little ambiguity, we don’t know explicitly what his thoughts are on all the ideas he was confronted with during that walk through town. Many seeds were planted, and of/c the story may have a few twists & surprises in-store.
In-fact most of the clues we got way back in episode 1 and 2 have yet to be outright confirmed or expanded on. There’s evidently much, much more to come in the ways of development and flashbacks, likely being saved for later in the story.
For starters, right from the beginning it was evident that
Daida knew Bojji could lip-read.
That one scene when he tried to challenge Bojji? Pay close attention. Although directly addressing Domas, he also had his body and head turned subtly towards Bojji the whole time, even made prolonged eye contact, ensuring Bojji could understand what he’s saying.
Further, he was also completely unsurprised when Bojji responded affirmatively to “I won’t go easy on you brother,” even seemed to expect a response.
Right from the beginning It was clear these two were very close at one point.
Not-to-mention
The story’s avoided confirming whether or not Daida knows Sign Language
The only reason he had to ask what Domas signed one time is his back was pointedly turned to Daida at the time, Daida couldn’t see. Perhaps they’re saving the reveal for an emotional moment?
Nonetheless I am on board af with the hilariously obvious foreshadowing to a future struggle where Daida, despite expecting, even being literally raised to protect his brother, ultimately being the one saved by Bojji.
Yes Daida, your stubborn ass is gonna need to accept help from ur disabled brother.
This is awesome, y’all have no idea. Main reason I liked Kimetsu No Yaiba is I got to laugh at all the times the obliviously stubborn “I must protect my sister!” Tanjirro would be saved by said sister, but for this sort of plot to be intentional? Holding absolutely nothing back in worldbuilding the ablest society, and in setting up the dramatic context for the characters? hell yes.