yes, lore accurate Obanai is Top 3...

Obanai Iguro is one of the most underrated Hashira in Demon Slayer, especially for anime-only viewers who haven’t seen his full manga feats. Despite lacking screen time, the manga reveals Obanai as a top-tier Hashira with speed, flexibility, and combat IQ that place him firmly in top-three discussions. His tragic backstory explains his low self-worth and motivation, but also highlights why his resolve and discipline are so extreme compared to other Hashira. Obanai consistently scales above Mitsuri Kanroji, who herself outperformed marked Tanjiro and pressured Upper Moon level threats with sheer speed. During the Infinity Castle and Muzan fights, Obanai demonstrates elite reaction speed, unpredictable Serpent Breathing techniques, poison resistance, and clutch defensive feats that save multiple Hashira. He briefly accesses the Demon Slayer Mark, Red Blade, and even the See-Through World, massively boosting his lethality despite being heavily poisoned. Obanai’s feats against Muzan—performed largely in base form—outshine most Hashira in both quality and quantity. Overall, when manga evidence is considered, Obanai Iguro is undeniably one of the strongest Hashira and deserves far more recognition in Demon Slayer power rankings. Gyomei vs Akaza, Giyu vs Obanai, Giyu vs Akaza, Akaza vs Rengoku, Demon Slayer Infinity Castle