The Origin: Sun Breathing and Yoriichi Tsugikuni
All Breathing Styles trace back to Sun Breathing, the original technique created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the strongest Demon Slayer in history. Sun Breathing consists of twelve forms that channel the power of the sun, the only natural force capable of destroying demons permanently.
Yoriichi was so overwhelmingly powerful that Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King himself, feared him above all others. The tragedy of Yoriichi is that his technique was too perfect for others to replicate, forcing subsequent generations to develop derivative styles suited to their individual strengths.
The Core Five: Water, Flame, Wind, Stone, Thunder
These five styles represent the primary branches derived from Sun Breathing. Water Breathing, practiced by Tanjiro initially and mastered by Giyu Tomioka, emphasizes fluidity and adaptability. Flame Breathing, the Rengoku family legacy, prioritizes overwhelming offensive power.
Wind Breathing, used by Sanemi Shinazugawa, is aggressive and unpredictable. Stone Breathing, Gyomei Himejima's style, combines immense physical strength with defensive techniques. Thunder Breathing, Zenitsu's specialty, focuses on explosive speed. Each style reflects not just combat technique but the personality of its practitioners.
Derivative Styles: Sound, Mist, Love, Serpent, Insect
The derivative styles emerged when practitioners could not master the core five and adapted them to their unique abilities. Sound Breathing (Tengen Uzui) incorporates rhythm and explosive force. Mist Breathing (Muichiro Tokito) uses disorienting movements. Love Breathing (Mitsuri Kanroji) leverages her unique muscular density.
Insect Breathing, developed by Shinobu Kocho, is perhaps the most creative adaptation. Unable to generate the strength to decapitate demons, Shinobu developed a style focused on stabbing that delivers lethal wisteria poison. This innovation demonstrates that limitations can drive creativity.
Ranking by Combat Effectiveness
Sun Breathing stands alone at the top, being the only style capable of replicating the sun's destructive effect on demons. Below it, Stone Breathing's raw power and Flame Breathing's offensive dominance compete for second place.
Water Breathing ranks highly for versatility, being effective in virtually any situation. Thunder Breathing's speed makes it devastating in single strikes but limited in sustained combat. The derivative styles, while creative, generally lack the raw effectiveness of the core five against Upper Moon-level threats.
Tanjiro's Unique Position: Water to Sun
Tanjiro's journey from Water Breathing to rediscovering Sun Breathing, renamed Hinokami Kagura in his family, mirrors the story's thematic progression from survival to legacy. He begins using Water Breathing because it suits his gentle nature but transitions to Sun Breathing as he accepts his role in the fight against Muzan.
Tanjiro is the only Demon Slayer to effectively use two breathing styles, combining Water's adaptability with Sun's destructive power. This versatility makes him the ideal protagonist for a story about inherited will and personal growth.