It’s the first Hashira that Tanjiro is able to spend 1-on-1 time with. But when does Tanjiro meet Rengoku?
Tanjiro is able to meet Rengoku on the Mugen Train. Their meeting takes place in chapter #54 and episode #2 of the Mugen Train anime arc.
He’s interested in meeting Rengoku to learn more about the flame-using Hinokami Kagura technique.
Tanjiro meets Rengoku on the Mugen Train
In chapter #54, Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu approach the Mugen Train. They’ve been told to ride the train in search of a demon, and Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, will be meeting them onboard.
Tanjiro is especially interested in meeting Rengoku. Ever since unlocking the use of his flame move, the Hinokami Kagura, Tanjiro has wanted to meet the Flame Hashira and ask questions about it. Tanjiro’s rank in the Demon Slayer Corps is much lower than Rengoku’s rank.
The boys hop on to the train after hiding their swords. Zenitsu explains that the Demon Slayer Corps aren’t officially recognized by the government, so they can’t go showing off their weapons so blatantly.
Tanjiro says that Rengoku had wild hair and a distinct smell, so he is close approaching as they walk through the train’s seating areas. The boys hear “Delicious!” shouted over and over again, noticing Rengoku eating a bento box in the front row of their traincar.
There’s a tiny flash forward in time to Tanjiro and Rengoku sitting together.
Rengoku says this is the first time he’s ever heard of Hinokami Kagura. Despite that, Rengoku says it’s great that Tanjiro’s father was able to apply the technique to fighting. He goes on to explain the history of flame breathing.
He says that throughout the ages, flame and water swordsmen have existed. The basic types of breathing are flame, water, wind, stone, and thunder. The other types of breathing branch out from those, such as mist being derived from wind.
So that’s the answer. Tanjiro is able to meet Rengoku on the Mugen Train. Their meeting takes place in chapter #54 and episode #2 of the Mugen Train anime arc.