Unlocking Tanjiro's Power: The Secret Behind His Two Breathing Styles!

Summary

Tanjiro learned Water Breathing first, then unlocked Sun Breathing later in the series.
Tanjiro blends both Breathing Styles to enhance attack power and stamina.
Sun Breathing suits Tanjiro better; he may rely on it exclusively as he refines it further.

In the captivating world of “Demon Slayer,” Mastering Breathing Techniques is essential for sword-wielding warriors. These fundamental methods cater to distinct fighting styles and physical attributes, making each character unique. Often, mighty figures like the Hashiras specialize in a single Breathing Style. However, our protagonist, Tanjiro, astonishes us by utilizing not one but two distinct Breathing Styles. What makes him exceptional?

Initially, when Tanjiro began his training, he mastered Water Breathing. As the story of Demon Slayer progressed, he additionally acquired Sun Breathing. Over time, he started using both techniques judiciously and even combined them at certain points. Is it the use of two Breathing Styles that enhances Tanjiro’s strength or are there potential drawbacks associated with this practice?

Understanding Breathing Styles

The fundamental method used by Demon Slayers to boost their movement, skills, and power is called Breathing Styles. Among these techniques, Sun Breathing stands out as the initial and indispensable style. This unique approach was devised by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a man known as the strongest Demon Slayer of all time. All subsequent Breathing Styles were derived from Sun Breathing.

There are five fundamental breathing styles:

Water Breathing: Swift and flexible style that adapts like water to various enemies.
Flame Breathing: Powerful singular strikes that burn enemies.
Wind Breathing: Powerful attacks that promote rotational movements and use air to create wind slashes
Stone Breathing: Unique style that is both offensive and defensive. It doesn’t depend on katanas and instead uses a flail and an ax.
Thunder Breathing: Extremely fast strikes that use a quick-draw technique. It relies on strong footwork.

Among the five primary techniques employed by numerous Demon Slayers, it’s crucial to note that these ‘breathing styles’ play a significant role. As such, some slayers have adapted and refined them into more tailored versions that align with their individual needs and combat styles.

Noteworthy is the fact that Hashiras such as Tokito and Shinobu have developed unique fighting styles all their own. Tokito employs Mist Breathing, a technique that allows him to hide his movements and create confusion among his foes. On the other hand, Shinobu utilizes Insect Breathing, a style that leverages rapid stabbing to compensate for her lesser physical strength.

How Tanjiro Learned Two Breathing Styles

Water Breathing

In the first episode, Tanjiro met Giyu, the Water Pillar. This interaction then led him to Sakonji Urokodaki, a former Water Pillar, who both trained and imparted the Water Breathing technique to Tanjiro. Notably, Water Breathing is the most frequently used Breathing Style throughout the series.

Tanjiro’s fighting style proved flexible enough for him to take on and adjust to multiple foes. He managed to quickly dispatch powerful demons such as Kyogai, yet showed compassion in defeating demons like the Spider Mother with a merciful end.

Sun Breathing

In Episode 19, during a fierce battle against Rui, Tanjiro found himself on the brink of death. This precarious situation triggered memories of his childhood, specifically his father’s mesmerizing kagura dance. Remarkably, even with a weakened body, Tanjiro’s father could perform this dance for an entire night. This recollection gave Tanjiro the strength to execute the Hinokami Kagura for the very first time.

It turned out that the method was called Sun Breathing. However, due to being exclusively shared among the Kamado family members, this powerful technique became lost over time.

Why Tanjiro Relies on Two Breathing Styles

Limited by Strength

As I delved deeper into my adventure, the dance of the Fire God, Hinokami Kagura, which my father had taught me as a ceremonial ritual, transformed into an indispensable fighting technique. Initially, I honed my Water Breathing skills to vanquish my foes. However, as the challenges intensified and stronger enemies emerged, I found myself relying on the powerful moves I’d learned from Hinokami Kagura.

He became more adept at wielding Hinokami Kagura, boosting his power and agility. However, due to inexperience, he couldn’t consistently depend on it because the technique took a heavy toll on his physical condition initially.

Blending the Techniques

Over the course of time, Tanjiro’s strength increased significantly, allowing him to effectively employ Sun Breathing in combat. During his battle against Gyutaro and Daki, he skillfully utilized diverse forms of Sun Breathing. However, prolonged fighting left him incapable of fully utilizing Sun Breathing.

Instead, he combined the two approaches to develop a swift and potent attack that wasn’t overly taxing on his physical condition.

“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

In the progression of the series, it’s evident that Tanjiro prefers and excels more with Sun Breathing. As time passes, we notice he uses this technique more often. Given his growth during the Hashira Training Arc, it won’t come as a shock if Tanjiro eventually becomes proficient solely with Sun Breathing, further honing and relying on it for his fights.

The story of Demon Slayer is about to reach its climax, where Tanjiro will confront Muzan directly. The Sun Breathing technique, which nearly claimed Muzan’s life in the past, will be instrumental for Tanjiro in this decisive battle.

Demon Slayer is available to watch on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

2025-03-08 05:15

Unlocking Tanjiro’s Power: The Secret Behind His Two Breathing Styles!