By Lauren Tidmarsh
During training, all demon slayers focus on developing a new or existing Breathing Style. Here's how demons describe their fate with each technique.
The following contains spoilers for Demon Slayer, by Koyoharu Gotouge, available to read on Viz Media and streaming on Crunchyroll.
With every new Demon Slayer arc, one thing is always guaranteed-- an epic showdown between a Hashira and an overpowered demon. The "Mugen Train" arc saw Rengoku take on Upper Moon 3, Tengen defeated an Upper Moon 6 in the Entertainment District, and back in the first season, Giyu helped Tanjiro defeat Rui. With each demon's demise, a new Breathing Style was introduced, but how does each technique vary?
Information from The Demon Slaying Corp's Info Book, by Mangaka Koyoharu Gotouge, confirms that each technique feels different when used. A section of the book called "Interview with the Demons from Hell: Voices from Beyond the Sanzu River," shows a demon slayer named Gotou interviewing numerous demons on how it felt being slain by a certain breathing style. Conversations with familiar demons revealed the differences between each technique.
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Demon Slayer’s Water Breathing Is Gentle, While Wind Breathing Hurts
Water Breathing was the first style to be addressed, with the demons slain by the technique unanimous in its effects. Being slain with this technique is a forgiving death, and while it still hurts, the pain is very bearable. The infamous Hand Demon who took the lives of many of Urokodaki's students in the entrance exams, including the friends of the Water Hashira, stated that he didn't hate being killed by the technique as it was very swift. This is fitting of Giyu's personality, as he is introverted and soft-spoken, coming across as a very gentle person.
This clearly contrasts with the abrasive and outspoken Sanemi Shinazugawa. Demons slain by the Wind Hashira not only commented on the pain of the breathing technique but also the personality of the wielder. His opponents stated this style was painful, and seemed almost like overkill. The hatred toward demons that Sanemi harbored was clear in how he attacked, resulting in a merciless approach and agonizing death. RELATED: Demon Slayer: Zenitsu and Inosuke’s Fighting Styles Contrast Their Personalities
Kanae and Shinobu Kocho’s Styles Only Appear Similar
The Kocho sisters are the respective users of Insect and Flower Breathing, two styles that are assumed to be quite similar. Though, in reality, Insect Breathing is far more brutal. Kanae, the late Flower Hashira, was very kind-natured, and this was reflected in the technique. Being slain by this style is soft and gentle, with one demon going as far as to say it felt like going to heaven. Others recalled a pleasant smell in their final moments. Kanae was even equated to being similar to a celestial maiden.
Shinobu, however, is fueled by rage and vengeance. After Kanae was killed by an Upper Moon, the Insect Hashira chose to take revenge in a very brutal way. Instead of killing demons with the typical Nichirin sword, Shinobu deals the final blow with a poison she made herself. As a result, Insect Breathing is one of the most painful ways to be slain. Eventually, the slayer avenged her sister by killing Doma, who stated in his interview that he forgave Shinobu because she was beautiful. RELATED: Demon Slayer's Genya Shinazugawa Brings Exciting New Possibilities to the Combat System
Stone and Serpent Breathing Are Both Impressive, but Painful
The Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, looks the most terrifying of all the pillars. While he towers over his peers, he is the embodiment of a gentle giant. He is very sensitive and often cries in battle, which proves to be confusing to his opponents. When interviewed, demons including the Upper Moon 1 stated that the style was terrifying, making one demon wet himself. Others said they wanted to cry when faced with Stone Breathing but were too confused to do so after seeing Gyomei crying. Notably, the infamous Kokushibo compared the Hashira to the Benevolent Kings.
Like Stone Breathing, Obanai's Serpent Breathing was unexpected and impressive. Due to the snake-like nature of the technique, this Hashira is very flexible and moves in a slinky fashion. As a result, the demons interviewed stated that the serpent style was a strange way to be cut up, as Obanai's sword slithered through their wounds. While impressive, this technique is incredibly painful, with one demon wishing they had been killed by Flower Breathing instead. Supposedly, the Serpent Hashira's harsh words only made the death more painful. RELATED: Demon Slayer Voice Actors' Worlds Collide When Zenitsu Meets Zenitsu
Love Breathing is Romantic, and Sound Breathing is Respectable
The Love Hashira, Mitsuri, is the star of the current "Swordsmith Village" arc, so her technique is currently in the limelight. After training under Rengoku, the slayer developed Love Breathing, which is described by enemies as a bittersweet way to be slain. It made the hearts of demons flutter-- a thrilling feeling that made them feel as though they had fallen in love. Mitsuri's loving personality shines through her technique, as the interview revealed that she looked apologetic when dealing the final blow in battle. Thus, Love Breathing is undoubtedly one of the better styles to be killed by.
Like Mitsuri's style, Sound Breathing is also one of the more tolerable techniques. The Sound Hashira deals clean, swift, calm deaths, reflective of his previous Shinobi lifestyle. The familiar Daki and Gyutaro who shared the Upper Moon 6 title, commented more on Tengen's detailed movement than the pain of his technique. They stated he was a real ninja through and through and respected his approach, but still hated him for killing them. RELATED: Demon Slayer's Rengoku Spinoff Is Vital to Mitsuri's Swordsmith Village Arc
Rengoku and Muichiro’s Personalities Were Most Memorable
Out of all the Hashira, there were two whose personalities attracted more attention than their Breathing Style. Rengoku is remembered as cool, and some demons raved that they knew their death wouldn't be bad if they were killed by the Flame Hashira. However, the Upper Moon 3 did have something to say about the technique. He only fought Rengoku and wasn't killed by the Hashira, but Azaka felt Flame Breathing was renewing, bringing clarity to his mind. Other demons agreed with the Upper Moon's statements.
Like Rengoku, Muichiro has a reputation that proceeds him. However, instead of being insanely enthusiastic, the Mist Hashira's rudeness is pungent. None of the demons interviewed mentioned the feeling of Mist Breathing, so whether it's actually painful is unknown. Instead, the demons called Muichiro a brat who made them cry and tore their self-esteem to shreds. As the youngest Hashira, he is surprisingly the nastiest to encounter. Others are abrasive and unkind to demons, but it seems the Wind Hashira slays his opponents with harsh words more than his breathing style. RELATED: Demon Slayer Fans Are Divided Over the Anime Using CGI Animation
Sun Breathing Is the Most Dangerous Breathing Technique
-1.jpg "How It Feels to Be Slain By Each of Demon Slayer's Breathing Styles (7)")
Sun Breathing has only claimed the lives of two demons but is recognized among the enemy as the most terrifying technique. This breathing style mimics the sun so, due to demon biology, it is extremely effective against the enemy. As such, the most notable demon interviewed was killed by the technique. Muzan, the King of Demons, bluntly stated that being slain by Sun Breathing is very unpleasant. Behind him, the Upper Moon 4 Hantengu is sobbing, explaining that the style is terrifyingly painful. After being cut by a user of this technique, a demon's wounds don't regenerate as they usually would, making this breathing style even more formidable.
Each Demon Slayer breathing style feels different when used, and it's clear that this relates to the personality of the user. Serpent, Wind, and Insect Breathing are painful due to the Hashira's internal hatred, whereas Flame, Love, Water, Sound, and Flower Breathing are far more tolerable due to the kind nature of these slayers. Sun Breathing will always be the most dangerous and powerful style, and Muzan was right to be terrified of Tanjiro's potential.
FAQs
What is the most painful breathing style in Demon Slayer? ›
9 Flame Breathing — Ninth Form: Rengoku (Kyojuro Rengoku)
It's his buoyant and cheerful personality that made his demise at the hands of Akaza all the more painful to watch.
It is possible for a swordsman to use more than one Breathing Style technique at a time, allowing the user to take advantage of the advantageous aspects of both techniques. Tanjiro Kamado, for example, can use both the Water Breathing and Sun Breathing styles simultaneously.
What are the 4 main breathing styles in Demon Slayer? ›Water, Flame, Thunder, Stone, and Wind Breathing are not only the five most common forms of Breathing, but they are also the first five to follow after Sun Breathing was created.
What is the 2 most powerful breathing style in Demon Slayer? ›All the other Breath styles have been derived from Sun Breathing, and its creator was none other than the first Demon Slayer, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. The second rank goes to the Moon Breathing whose only known user is the 'Upper Rank 1' Kokushibo.
Who is the weakest Hashira? ›When it comes to pure strength, Shinobu Kocho is the weakest Hashira in Demon Slayer. She doesn't even have enough strength to decapitate a demon's head and she makes up for it by injecting poison into the demons.
Did Inosuke invent beast breathing? ›Beast Breathing, related to Wind Breathing, is a style developed by Inosuke. This style of breathing focuses on the unpredictability of animals, making the forms and overall fighting unpredictable and in the moment. Something that is crucial to Beast Breathing is utilizing the sense of touch.
What is Tanjiro's skill called? ›During the fight against Rui, in the face of absolute despair, Tanjiro pushes past his limits and unlocks a new form of breathing called the Hinokami Kagura. This style is facilitated by a special type of breathing and dance passed down to him by his father.
Can anyone learn sun breathing? ›8 Tanjiro Is The Only Living User
On the other hand, Sun Breathing can, presently, only be performed by Tanjiro Kamado. Though its techniques can be taught to others provided they have the guidance of a Kamado, there are no other known users who are currently alive.
Some proponents claim that the method helps people get to sleep in 1 minute. There is limited scientific research to support this method, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that this type of deep, rhythmic breathing is relaxing and may help ease people into sleep.
What is Moon breathing? ›What yogis refer to as Moon Breath or Chandra Bhedana involves breathing in through your left nostril only. The left side of your body is thought to be associated with the nervous system, and so Chandra Bhedana has been traditionally used to calm it down and promote sleep.
What is the 13th form of sun breathing? ›
Thirteenth Form of Sun Breathing in Demon Slayer
It involves a combination of all existing Sun breathing techniques — but performed in a consecutive manner. This technique's primary purpose is to slash all the twelve vital organs of a demon. Each form targets a specific organ. Tanjiro only used it once in the manga.
Fifth Form: Setting Sun Transformation
The Setting Sun Transformation is easily one of the most flamboyant Sun Breathing techniques around. The movement of this technique involves a backflip to build up momentum. Following this, the user delivers a powerful slash, using this momentum to great effect.
Apart from all the Five Main Breathing Techniques, Moon Breathing is also branched out of Sun Breathing. Kokushibo, Upper-Rank One, is the only Known user of this technique. Despite being inferior to Sun Breathing, it is stronger than other Breathing Techniques.
What breathing style does Yoriichi use? ›Yoriichi was a member of the Demon Slayer corps. He wore Hanafuda earrings like Tanjiro and is revered as the first breath user. He was the creator of the legendary Sun Breathing style, the style which other breathing forms originate from. Yoriichi is the younger of two twins who appeared weak after his birth.
How powerful is Moon breathing? ›Moon Breathing is the demonic form of the primal Sun Breathing in Demon Slayer anime and manga. Developed by Kokushibo, aka Michikatsu Tsugikuni, this is the second most powerful breathing technique in the series that no human can use. Moreover, it also has more forms than any other type of breathing.
Who is the rank 1 Hashira? ›1. Gyomei Himejima. Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, is the strongest Hashira in the Demon Slayer corps in terms of strength and swordsmanship. He is the only person who uses spiked flails and an axe instead of standard swords to kill demons.
Who is the fastest Hashira? ›Tengen Uzui
He is the fastest Hashira, and the second physically strongest. Obviously, then, Tengen Uzui is rather proud. He is demanding, fussy, boastful, and prone to selfishness. But he is also ultimately kind and caring, with great love for his three wives as well as the other Hashira.
1) Kyojuro Rengoku
Kyojuro Rangoku is the Flame Hashira that was loved by the entire fanbase. His enthusiasm and an unwavering sense of justice enabled him to become the man that he was. Unfortunately, Rengoku was killed by Akaza, the Upper Moon 3.
Kotoha was an ordinary human, without any special powers or abilities.
What breath did Zenitsu create? ›Thunder Breathing is one such technique that Zenitsu has used to great effect in the series. Of course, Zenitsu is only the master of the first form, but it goes without saying that the other techniques of Thunder Breathing will also be awe-inspiring to witness in Demon Slayer.
What are the 11 forms of beast breathing? ›
- 1 First Fang: Pierce. ...
- 2 Second Fang: Slice. ...
- 3 Third Fang: Devour. ...
- 4 Fourth Fang: Slice 'n' Dice. ...
- 5 Fifth Fang: Crazy Cutting. ...
- 6 Sixth Fang: Palisade Bite. ...
- 7 Seventh Form: Spatial Awareness. ...
- 8 Eighth Form: Explosive Rush.
11 First Form: Water Surface Slash
First Form: Water Surface Slash is a simple yet powerful move that can serve as a great opener in battle. The user puts all his power into a single concentrated slash that easily decapitates most lesser enemies.
Also tanjiro can create as many forms as he wants if he can get stronger. the 13th form is the combination of all 12 forms of the sun breathing -_- The user continously performs all twelve forms of the breath style in repetitive succession to increase the accuracy and agility of his movements.
Why is Tanjiro sword black? ›The black blade represents the Sun and is surrounded by prejudice and misconceptions, as historically every demon slayer who held it lived a short life. This could mean that Tanjirou is destined to break the pattern and set a new legend for black Nichirin blades in the Demon Slayer universe.
Who killed Yoriichi? ›Some of the characters who have faced Yoriichi and survived
This happened due to a treatment that had gone wrong. While he was being treated, Muzan killed the doctor because he was not able to observe any results. This turned him into one of the strongest beings that could defeat multiple Hashiras in one go.
Demon Slayer's season 3's latest episode has left fans on edge with Tanjiro's discovery of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's Type Zero sword.
Is Yoriichi father of Tanjiro? ›However, Tanjiro is not a descendant of Yoriichi Tsukiguni. Tanjiro is the descendant of someone who knew Yoriichi personally and was a good friend of his as well. Sumiyoshi was rescued by Yoriichi when a demon threatened his life. Since then Yoriichi often met him and they became close acquaintances.
What is the 478 rule? ›Close your mouth and quietly inhale through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of eight. Repeat the process three more times for a total of four breath cycles.
What is the 5 4 3 method? ›- 5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. ...
- 4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. ...
- 3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. ...
- 2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. ...
- 1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste.
The basic technique is to inhale for a count of 2-4 seconds and exhale for a count of 4-6 seconds. Find the combination that works for you, making sure to exhale longer than you inhale. Focus your attention on a specific object, image, sound or even your breath to free your mind from distractions.
Is Moon breathing real? ›
To breathe using the Yoga technique of 'Moon Breath' that consists of inhaling through only your left nostril. Sounds weird, but the left side of your body is thought to be associated with the nervous system, so this technique of breathing has long been used to calm and promote sleep.
Who has blood moon breathing? ›Since this Breathing style is personally created and self-taught by Jayson Ketsueki after living in the by himself in the wild and fighting for survival. It also seems to take inspirations from the crimson color of the moon he was born on.
Which breathing style is the strongest? ›Breath of the Sun
It's the oldest and most powerful breathing style that was used to develop the Flame, Water, Moon, Thunder, Stone, and Wind Breathing techniques that demon slayers use to this day. It mimics the intensity and versatility of the sun, lessening a demon's ability to regenerate.
Moon Breathing is the demonic form of the primal Sun Breathing in Demon Slayer anime and manga. Developed by Kokushibo, aka Michikatsu Tsugikuni, this is the second most powerful breathing technique in the series that no human can use. Moreover, it also has more forms than any other type of breathing.
What is moon breathing? ›What yogis refer to as Moon Breath or Chandra Bhedana involves breathing in through your left nostril only. The left side of your body is thought to be associated with the nervous system, and so Chandra Bhedana has been traditionally used to calm it down and promote sleep.