# Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 17
## The Swordsmith Village Arc
- Introduction to the Swordsmith Village
- Tanjiro and his allies arrive at the village
- Importance of the swordsmiths in maintaining Nichirin swords
- The village's hidden location and secrecy
- Villains Appear
- Upper Rank Six demon, Gyutaro, and his sister Daki
- Their roles within the Twelve Kizuki
- Daki’s disguise as a human and infiltration of the village
- Battles Begin
- Tanjiro vs. Daki
- Initial confrontation and discovery of her true identity
- Tanjiro’s use of Water Breathing techniques
- Challenges posed by Daki's Blood Demon Art
- Inosuke and Zenitsu Engage Enemies
- Inosuke fights lower-ranking demons
- Zenitsu faces off against another demon while protecting villagers
## Development of Characters
- Tanjiro Kamado
- Growth in combat skills and adaptability
- Emotional struggles with protecting others
- Insights into his past through flashbacks during battle
- Inosuke Hashibira
- Brute strength combined with strategic thinking
- His unique Beast Breathing style showcased
- Bonds with fellow demon slayers deepen
- Zenitsu Agatsuma
- Overcoming fear and self-doubt
- Mastery of Thunder Breathing First Form
- Moments of bravery amidst panic
- Supporting Characters
- Villagers’ resilience and support for the demon slayers
- Role of the swordsmiths in repairing and enhancing weapons
- Assistance from other demon slayers stationed nearby
## Themes Explored
- Sacrifice and Duty
- Demon slayers risking their lives for humanity
- Swordsmiths dedicating themselves to crafting powerful blades
- Villagers sacrificing comfort for safety
- Trust and Teamwork
- Collaboration between Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu
- Reliance on each other’s strengths in dire situations
- Building trust with new allies encountered in the village
- Humanity vs. Demons
- Moral dilemmas faced when fighting former humans turned demons
- Exploration of what it means to retain one’s humanity
- Reflection on the nature of evil and redemption
## Climactic Showdown
- Final Battle Against Gyutaro and Daki
- Coordination among Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu
- Use of combined breathing techniques to overpower the demons
- Revelation of Gyutaro’s backstory and motivations
- Aftermath
- Destruction caused by the battle
- Healing and recovery for injured characters
- Strengthened resolve to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji
## Foreshadowing Future Events
- Hints at upcoming challenges
- Remaining Upper Ranks preparing for retaliation
- Tanjiro’s growing connection to the mysterious Hinokami Kagura
- Potential alliances or betrayals within the Demon Slayer Corps