Summary
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Breathing Styles are the fundamental techniques used by swordsmen inDemon Slayer. There are various Breathing Styles, each favoring different fighting styles and body types. Usually, we see strong characters like Hashiras master a single Breathing Style. But Tanjiro relies on two different Breathing Styles, Why?
When Tanjiro first started training, he learned Water Breathing. AsDemon Slayerwent on, he also picked up Sun Breathing. He started using both styles as he saw fit and even reached the point of using them together. Does the usage of two Breathing Styles make him stronger or are there any drawbacks?
Understanding Breathing Styles
Breathing Styles are the primary way for Demon Slayers to enhance their movement, techniques, and strength.Sun Breathingis the first and most essential Breathing Style. It was created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who is consideredthe strongest Demon Slayer ever. Every other Breathing Style branched out of Sun Breathing.
There are five fundamental breathing styles:
The five fundamental styles are widely used by various Demon Slayers, but since breathing styles are so essential, some have transformed them into newer forms that suit them better.
Notably, Hashiras like Tokito and Shinobu created styles exclusive to them. Tokito uses Mist Breathing, which helps him to conceal his movements and confuse the enemies. Shinobu uses Insect Breathing that relies on fast stabbingto make up for her lack of physical strength.
How Tanjiro Learned Two Breathing Styles
Water Breathing
In Episode 1, Tanjiro encountered Giyu, the Water Hashira. This led him to Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira, who trained Tanjiro and taught him Water Breathing. Water Breathing is the most commonly used Breathing Style in the series.
The versatility of the style allowed Tanjiro to fight and adapt to various enemies. Tanjiro was able to swiftly kill strong demons like Kyogai while alsogiving a gentle death to demonslike the Spider Mother.
Sun Breathing
In Episode 19, in a fight against Rui, Tanjiro was close to death, which made him recall his childhood. Tanjiro recalled his father’s kagura dance, which allowed him to dance for the whole night even with his frail body. This memory allowed Tanjiro to use the Hinokami Kagura for the first time.
The technique was laterrevealed to be Sun Breathing. Despite Sun Breathing’s strength, it was forgotten with time because it was only passed down to the members of the Kamado family.
Why Tanjiro Relies on Two Breathing Styles
Limited by Strength
Tanjiro was taught the Hinokami Kagura as a dancing ritual; his father did not intend him to use it as an offensive tool. He learned Water Breathing and used it to effectively defeat various enemies. But as his journey went on, stronger enemies started appearing which made him recall and rely on Hinokami Kagura.
His body was able to adapt to Hinokami Kagura much better, which gave himenhanced strength and speed. But his lack of experience initially made it impossible for him to always rely on Hinokami Kagura as it put a big toll on his body.
Blending the Techniques
As time went on, Tanjiro grew stronger, and was able to use Sun Breathing actively. In his fight against Gyutaro and Daki, he uses various forms of Sun Breathing efficiently. But fighting for a prolonged time made him unable to use Sun Breathing completely.
So instead, he blended the two techniques to create an attack that was still fast and powerful but didn’t put too much toll on his body.
“Blend the breathing techniques!
Use Water Breathing and the Hinokami Kagura in combination!
That’ll give me more attack power than I’d have with just Water Breathing,
and I’ll also be able to move longer than with just the Hinokami Kagura!”
- Tanjiro, Entertainment District Arc, Episode 9
Sun Breathing or Water Breathing
Sun Breathing is the stronger of the two and also suits Tanjiro’s body better. As the series goes on, we have seenTanjiro use Sun Breathing more frequently. The Hashira Training Arc has made him immensely stronger, so it won’t be surprising to see him rely only on Sun Breathing as he continues to refine it further.
Demon Slayer’s tale is about to enter its final phase. Tanjiro will finally face Muzan head on. Sun Breathing will be his biggest tool as it was created by the person who once almost killed Muzan.
