Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

Episode 9 Details

• Available On: HiDive
• Public Release Date: May 26, 2025
• Director(s): Shinya Kawabe
• Writer(s): Deko Akao

Episode 9 Recap (With Spoilers)

Well, That Wasn’t Fair: Akitsu, Jinya

Despite Akitsu’s talents using tsukumogami figurines into minions, Jinya’s abilities overpower him. Naturally, Akitsu is upset by this loss, but they make peace, considering he wasn’t hired to kill Jinya and only fought him out of a need to defend himself. Also, Akitsu explains that the way to cure Natsu would be by matching the hairpin he gave her with Jinya’s Kogai. This is alongside explaining who he is and how he came to learn and use tsukumongami when he decides to be a demon slayer over a merchant.

A Healing Conversation: Natsu, Jinya

Thankfully, that works, and while Natsu is embarrassed by the way she acted, since she has full memories of it, she did get to experience a healing conversation with Jinya. He reveals in him failing Suzune, Natsu calling him big brother reminded him of his failure and broken promise.

Yet, with Natsu pushing away these feelings of being undeserving, it seems Jinya may not see having family, never mind sisters, as a weakness or vulnerability but as a gift—one he is likely to still keep private, but a gift nonetheless.

Welcome to 2009: Jinya, Miyaka

After abandoning modern times for nearly eight episodes, we’re firmly in 2009, and it is for more than a moment. Jinya visits the shrine erected in his name, meets Miyaka, the current Miko or Itsukihime, and we learn he is in her class at school for reasons that are currently hard to fathom.

New Cast and Characters

Miyaka (Yang Gongfeina)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Miyaka is the current Itsukihime of the Jinta shrine and a young woman in school with Jinya.

Review and Commentary

Highlights

Feeling Like We Might Have Finally Closed A Chapter [82/100]

With Jinya showing signs that he has reconciled with his father, having that tough conversation with Natsu regarding how he feels like a failure of a brother, especially towards Suzune, I want to say we may have seen him finally close a chapter of his life. Add in him openly saying he is a demon, acknowledging he will always be hunted, yet also being told those like Akitsu will likely see him in a similar fashion to Ofuu, as one of the good ones, I want to believe that did something for him as well.

I say that because, for a lot of the Jinya types who have been through immense trauma, they present the idea that their life has to be dedicated to atoning since they are bad, they failed, and I think Akitsu, a stranger, refuting all Jinya has internalized, that meant something. Add in Natsu and that conversation of painting the idea that his life’s purpose isn’t about becoming strong but finding a place where his feelings can call home? I think that stripped his need to be a stoic and unfeeling being and to let himself embrace the humanity he still has, even as he pursues protecting people from powerful demons like him.

On The Fence

The Question Of What’s To Come [74/100]

2009 is a very different vibe from what we’ve been experiencing in the 1800s, and just like in the first episode, there is the question of how Sword Of The Demon Hunter will transition. Never mind, why make such a huge leap and not work its way up to a year close to modern times?

But, perhaps the real worry here is that Miyaka comes off like any girl you’d see in an anime and doesn’t present anything that makes her stand out. Also, we’re so overdue for a Suzune appearance that the whole idea that she would bring great destruction, as that demon from episode 1 said, seems like a lie. Making it so, there is a question of what the end game is here? With no build towards Suzune reappearing, beyond Jinya healing his old wounds, what’s the end goal, and how long do we have to wait until we see it roll out?

Overall

Our Overall Rating [78/100]

This episode of Sword of the Demon Hunter feels like a turning point — especially for Jinya. His honesty with Natsu, the past episode’s implied reconciliation with his father, and Akitsu offering a different perspective than maybe what Jinya has seen himself as suggest real growth and a long-overdue sense of healing. To me, this is rare for a character like Jinya to be told he isn’t broken or condemned so early in a show, and the impact of that validation gives the episode weight.

However, the transition to 2009 introduces more uncertainty than excitement for what’s to come. The time jump feels jarring, especially without a gradual build or a clear reason for the leap. Add on, Miyaka hasn’t made a strong first impression, and Suzune — once hinted to be crucial — feels all but forgotten. So while Jinya’s arc may be rounding out, the larger narrative still feels adrift, raising questions about where this is all heading and how long it will take to get there.

Additional Links

• Check out our page for this series, featuring more recaps, reviews, and articles.
• Visit our main page TV Shows we’ve covered.