Why Insect Breathing is the Weakest in Demon Slayer

Summary

Insect Breathing relies on poison and lacks powerful attacks, making it the weakest swordsmanship style.
Over-reliance on toxins and defensive vulnerabilities expose Shinobu Kocho to direct attacks by demons.
Insect Breathing, two levels removed from Sun Breathing, has few techniques and lacks refinement compared to other styles.

In the world of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba,” demons and humans are locked in an ongoing conflict, with demon slayers standing as the primary defense against the former. Engaging in combat with demons is no trivial matter and presents significant risks to one’s life. Amidst this harsh struggle, one of humanity’s greatest advantages could be the diverse swordsmanship techniques, known as breathing styles, which demand a demon slayer reach their physical peak to unlock abilities effective against demons.

Among various swordsmanship techniques developed since the Sengoku period, Insect Breathing stands out as one of the most distinctive. While it may be useful in specific situations, it remains the least powerful style overall. Yet, why is this so? Let’s delve into its history and unravel its vulnerabilities.

What is Insect Breathing?

Shinobu’s Swordsmanship Style is Unlike Any Other

Breathing: Insect Breathing
Creator: Shinobu Kocho
Anime Debut: Episode 20
Manga Debut: Chapter 41

I’ve had the privilege of mastering a remarkable fighting style all my own – Insect Breathing. This technique, exclusive to me, Shinobu Kocho, draws inspiration from the agile movements and lethal stings of insects. Being on the smaller side and lacking brute strength, this art form has been meticulously tailored to capitalize on my strengths. It’s all about delivering swift, venom-infused strikes that leave opponents reeling.

Unlike other martial arts styles, Insect Breathing is not defined by flashy moves or grandiose displays. Instead, it operates with a methodical precision, often catching demons off guard with intense, agonizing pain that swiftly leads to their demise. This isn’t about showmanship; it’s about striking with the subtlety and stealth of an insect, leaving my enemies no chance for escape.

Previously, I thought that the path of eternal joy stretched out infinitely before me. But when it shattered, I understood for the first time that true joy is fragile, like a thin layer of glass. Even as we found salvation, there are others whose happiness remains untouched. Thus, I felt compelled to grow stronger and shield them from harm.

Shinobu wields a unique Stinger Nichirin Katana designed by Tecchin Tecchikawahara, featuring a sharp needle-like blade. The scabbard of this sword has been tailored to serve as a mixer for potent wisteria toxins, enabling Shinobu to discreetly target multiple enemies with deadly poison. On the other hand, while Insect Breathing swordsmanship may seem terrifying to demons, its inherent weaknesses outweigh its strengths, making it the least powerful style in the martial arts world.

Insect Breathing Has Many Flaws

Under optimal situations, I’ve witnessed Insect Breathing perform flawlessly, but it can cause quite a stir among the Twelve Kizuki. However, in actual combat scenarios, perfect conditions are seldom met. The intricacies of Shinobu’s swordsmanship style reveal its flaws all too easily. This is why Insect Breathing is frequently characterized as the weakest swordsmanship technique ever devised.

Over-reliance on Poison

Previously stated, Shinobu Kocho employs venoms derived from wisteria plants to offset her weakness in physical power. This strategy enables her to leverage her agility and speed to deliver lethal doses of poison to demons. Every combat technique that Insect Hashira refines is geared towards poisoning the opposition. When engaged in battle, Shinobu Kocho has no choice but to depend on her poisons to eliminate demons.

Predictability in Shinobu’s fighting style can be fatal when facing intelligent demons, as they quickly grasp her usual tactics. Her swordplay has several defensive weaknesses, making her susceptible to direct assaults. In combination, foreseeable attacks and weak defense don’t instill much trust. Over time, over-relying on poison becomes a risky move that exposes Kocho to danger and significantly restricts her adaptability against higher-ranking demons.

Lack of Powerful Attacks

A troubling aspect of insect respiration is their limited ability for strong counterattacks. Given Shinobu’s petite physique and insufficient physical might, she struggles to overpower her adversaries. As a result, her distinctive breathing technique mirrors these constraints when it was developed.

When you commit to overcoming that demon, see it through. When you choose victory, claim it. Victory, no matter the price. Didn’t you make that vow to Kanao and I?

From my vantage point, Shinobu’s Insect Technique seems designed to leverage her other abilities, which unfortunately means she lacks the capability for delivering heavy-hitting attacks. Although it serves her well against lesser demons, it proves insufficient against formidable ones, as prolonged battles with high-ranking demons are simply not advisable due to their overwhelming power.

Developed From Another Derived Breathing Style

From the onset, Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s creation of Sun Breathing served as a blueprint for the development of various swordsmanship techniques. Over the years, generations of demon slayers have crafted unique breathing styles tailored to cater to diverse fighting styles and combat scenarios.

In a time long past, a masterful Demon Slayer crafted Water Breathing, an offshoot of the formidable Sun Breathing. Fast forward, Water Breathing served as the foundation for the creation of Flower Breathing. Remarkably, this unique swordsmanship technique was once wielded by none other than Kanae, Shinobu’s esteemed elder sister. However, when it came to Shinobu, she chose not to walk in her sister’s footsteps. Instead, she forged her own path and brought Insect Breathing into existence.

Insect-style breathing, unlike other forms of swordsmanship, is distinct because it’s not directly linked to Yoriichi’s breath technique. Typically, techniques stemming from this original style are more potent than those that have evolved further away. Consequently, the Insect style feels rather weak or insignificant compared to others.

Few Known Techniques

Many breathing techniques have been developed and perfected over centuries by skilled demon slayers, making them adaptable and providing a good balance between attack and defense. However, Insect Breathing being a relatively recent development, it hasn’t had as much time to be refined, currently boasting only four known techniques – the least among all breathing styles.

Pull yourself together. I won’t allow you to cry. Stand up.

A swordsman who battles demons heavily depends on the distinctive moves of their sword-fighting technique to succeed. However, since Insect Style has only a few techniques, it can be quite predictable, reducing the element of surprise. Additionally, its lack of polish limits the user’s choices significantly. When confronted by a strong adversary, these obvious weaknesses become a constricting noose that tightens as the fight progresses, leaving the user feeling overpowered and bewildered.

2025-03-11 19:11