Kaigaku is a character from the wildly popular anime series Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), and while he doesn’t appear as frequently as some others, his impact on the story is significant. At first glance, Kaigaku comes across as a confident and dedicated member of the Demon Slayer Corps—someone who genuinely cared for his comrades and even saw them as family. He was passionate about his role and wasn’t afraid to put himself on the line, which made his eventual fall all the more tragic.

But as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Kaigaku harbored deep-seated resentment, particularly toward Tanjiro Kamado, the series’ main protagonist. Despite both being students under the former Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki, it was Tanjiro who earned the master’s favor. This decision left Kaigaku feeling overlooked and envious, emotions that slowly ate away at him over time. While Tanjiro remained humble and focused on protecting others, Kaigaku grew increasingly bitter, fixating on recognition and personal glory rather than duty or camaraderie.

Eventually, this jealousy consumed him entirely. Unable to cope with what he perceived as unfair treatment, Kaigaku made the fateful choice to abandon the Demon Slayer Corps and become a demon. That transformation marked a turning point—not just in his life, but in how viewers perceive him. Once a loyal comrade, Kaigaku now stands as one of the series’ more complex antagonists. His actions pose a real threat to the very people he once called brothers and sisters, making his betrayal all the more painful.

In many ways, Kaigaku serves as a cautionary tale. His downfall illustrates how unchecked envy and an obsession with success can lead someone down a dark path. It’s not that Kaigaku lacked talent—he had skill, charisma, and the potential to be a true hero. But instead of using those gifts selflessly, he allowed pride and insecurity to take over. The result? A tragic arc where ambition overrides integrity, and personal validation becomes more important than loyalty or morality.

Looking deeper into his psychology, there’s a strong possibility that Kaigaku fits the ESFP personality type—Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving. This makes sense when you consider how he thrives in social settings, enjoys showing off his abilities, and seems to live in the moment. Kaigaku appears energetic and expressive, drawing attention wherever he goes. However, that same impulsiveness may have contributed to his poor decisions. Rather than reflecting on his feelings or seeking constructive outlets for his frustration, he acted on emotion, chasing power without considering the consequences.

Moreover, from an Enneagram perspective, Kaigaku strongly aligns with Type 3: The Achiever. This personality type is defined by a drive to succeed, to be admired, and to stand out from the crowd. For Kaigaku, being the best wasn’t just a goal—it became an obsession. He couldn’t accept being second to Tanjiro, not because Tanjiro did anything wrong, but because Kaigaku equated worth with achievement. Recognition mattered more than relationships, and status outweighed sincerity.

You can see this in the way Kaigaku presents himself—charismatic, polished, always aware of how he’s perceived. He hides his vulnerabilities behind a mask of confidence, often coming off as arrogant or dismissive. Yet beneath that surface lies insecurity, a fear of failure, and a desperate need for validation. Unfortunately, rather than confront these inner struggles, Kaigaku chooses the easier path: power through darkness. By becoming a demon, he gains strength quickly, bypassing the hard work and discipline that true growth requires.

It’s worth noting that personality types like ESFP or Enneagram 3 aren’t meant to label or limit characters—or people—but they do offer insight into motivations and behaviors. In Kaigaku’s case, these frameworks help explain why he reacted the way he did. His desire to be seen, to be celebrated, ultimately blinds him to what really matters: connection, honor, and selflessness.

So, while Kaigaku may not be a hero in the traditional sense, his presence adds depth and emotional weight to Demon Slayer. He’s not purely evil; he’s flawed, human in his desires, and tragically misguided. And that complexity makes him memorable. Whether you view him as a warning or a lost opportunity, one thing is certain—Kaigaku leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Kaigaku from Demon Slayer embodies the dangers of letting ambition overshadow empathy. Driven by a need for recognition and haunted by jealousy, Kaigaku’s journey reflects the pitfalls of the Achiever mindset when taken too far. His ESFP-like energy and outgoing charm only deepen the tragedy of his fall. All in all, Kaigaku remains a compelling figure—a reminder that even those with great potential can lose their way if they chase glory at any cost.