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In theDemon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaibauniverse, demons are in an endless war with humanity, while demon slayers serve as their first line of defense. Fighting demons is no child’s play and comes with obvious threats to life. In the cruel battle, perhaps humanity’s biggest blessing is different swordsmanship styles, a.k.a breathing styles, that push a demon slayer to their physical limits to give them access to techniques that work on demons.
Amongthe many breathing stylesthat have been invented since the Sengoku era, Insect breathing is one of the most unique. Although it can be effective in some circumstances, it is still the weakest swordsmanship style. But why is it the way it is? Let’s understand its origins and decode its frailties.
What is Insect Breathing?
Shinobu’s Swordsmanship Style is Unlike Any Other
Created and used only by Shinobu Kocho, Insect Breathing is a unique swordsmanship style that is inspired by the movements of insects and their deadly stings. Since Shinobu is short and not physically strong enough to decapitate a demon, it has been optimized to take advantage of her strengths and relies on swift poison-laced attacks to overwhelm the enemy. Unlike other swordsmanship styles, it is not flashy but instead works slowly, often surprising demons with excruciating pain that quickly results in death.
I once believed that the road of happiness continued forever and ever into the distance. When it was destroyed, I realized for the first time that happiness lies atop a thin sheet of glass. And just as we were saved, there are those whose happiness hasn’t yet been destroyed. So I wanted to get stronger and protect them.
Shinobu uses acustomized Stinger Nichirin Katanawith a needle-like tip forged by Tecchin Tecchikawahara. Even the sword’s sheath is modified in a manner that it can be used as a toxin mixer and lets Shinobu inject multiple targets with dangerous wisteria-based poisons surreptitiously. In theory, Insect breathing sounds like a nightmare for demons, and although it does have its strengths, its glaring flaws make it the weakest swordsmanship style in existence.
Insect Breathing Has Many Flaws
Insect Breathing under optimum circumstancesworks like a charm and can seriously trouble a few members of the Twelve Kizuki. But in real-world scenarios, ideal conditions are rare, and Shinobu’s swordsmanship style has far too many weaknesses to not get exposed. Here’s why Insect Breathing is often described as the weakest swordsmanship style to have ever been created.
Over-reliance on Poison
As mentioned earlier, Shinobu Kocho uses wisteria-based toxins to compensate for her lack of physical strength, as it allows her to bank on her agility and speed to inject demons with fatal doses of poison. Every single technique thusdeveloped by Insect Hashirais honed towards injecting poison into the enemy. Once Kocho fights, she has no option but to rely on her toxins to kill demons.
The lack of surprise element can be deadly against intelligent demons once they figure out Shinobu’s modus operandi. Her swordsmanship style also has several defensive vulnerabilities that open her up to direct attacks. Together, predictable attacks and poor defense do not inspire much confidence. Eventually, over-reliance on poison becomes a dangerous gamble that puts Kocho in harm’s way and severely limits her ability to adjustagainst high-ranking demons.
Lack of Powerful Attacks
Another concerning issue with Insect breathing is the lack of powerful offensive moves. Because of Shinobu’s small frame and lack of physical strength, she does not have enough power to overwhelm her enemies. So when shecreated her unique breathing style, it reflected her limitations.
Once you decide to defeat a demon, defeat it. Once you decide to win, win. Win, whatever the cost. You made that promise with Kanao and me, didn’t you?
Shinobu’s Insect Breathing tries to capitalize on her other strengths and thus leaves her with no means to deliver powerful attacks. While it does not hurt her much against weak demons, high-ranking demons are too overpowering to be allowed to be engaged in prolonged battles.
Developed From Another Derived Breathing Style
Ever sinceYoriichi Tsugikuni created Sun breathing, it has been used as a model to invent new swordsmanship styles. Over time, demon slayers of different generations have created diverse breathing styles that are suited for different types of fighters.
At some point in the past, a demon slayer created Water breathing, a direct derivative of Sun breathing. Sometime later, Water breathing was usedto invent Flower breathing. The swordsmanship style was used by Shinobu’s older sister, Kanae. When it came it Shinobu herself, she decided to create her own swordsmanship style instead of following in the footsteps of her sister, and Insect breathing was born.
Insect breathing is unique as it is the only swordsmanship style that is two levels removed from Sun Breathing. Usually, swordsmanship styles derived directly fromYoriichi’s breathing style tend to be more powerfulthan those that are further removed. It’s no surprise then that Insect breathing feels so underwhelming and underpowered.
Few Known Techniques
Most breathing styles have existed for centuries and have been refined by generations of demon slayers. Therefore, they tend to be quite versatile and well-balanced, offering users a solid blend of offense and defense. Unfortunately, Insect breathing being quite new lacks refinement. It has only four known techniques, the least among all breathing styles.
Pull yourself together. I won’t allow you to cry. Stand up.
A demon slayer relies heavily onthe unique range of techniques offered by their swordsmanship style to thrive against demons. Since Insect breathing has so few forms, it becomes quite predictable, taking away the element of surprise. Furthermore, the lack of refinement also hurts the user, who has very few options. When faced with a powerful enemy, these glaring flaws become a noose around the user’s neck, that slowly tightens as the battle drags on, leaving them completely overwhelmed and clueless.
