In the series of Demon Slayer, there are a number of breathing techniques and these breathing techniques are also the power system of this world. Demon Slayer breathing techniques revolve around most of the characters and are the only power that Demon Slayers have to beat the demon lord.
Demon Slayer is among the most popular anime and manga series and unlike other shonen anime, Demon Slayer offers a unique power system that is both complex as well as interesting. In the series there are many, I repeat myself, many breathing techniques, some are overpowered while some are downright bad. With so many Demon Slayer breathing styles, we often wonder which are the strongest Demon Slayer breathing techniques. Similar to every other Demon Slayer fan, we have also scratched our heads over this question, and in this blog post, we show you the strongest Demon Slayer breathing styles ranked from the strongest.
Sun Breathing
Also known as Hinokami Kagura, Sun breathing is the first-ever breathing technique in the Demon Slayer series. Created by the goat Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a legendary demon slayer, this breathing technique served as the foundation of all the other Demon Slayer breathing forms known in the series.
Although this is THE strongest breathing technique, only two characters were able to use this breathing technique one was Yoriichi himself while the other was Tanjiro. Speaking of Tanjiro, he never managed to master the Hinokami Kagura and was able to use it in very few scenarios. Also, the Hinokami Kagura was the first-ever technique that made the demon lord shiver in fear, giving an audience the idea of just how overpowered the breathing technique as well as Yoriichi Tsuhikuni was.
Moon Breathing
One of the closest branch techniques of the Sun breathing, this breathing technique was used by Kokushibo, the Upper Moon Rank One Demon. Kokushibo was also the most loyal and strongest demon of Muzan, and once, he was also the brother of Yoriichi. To give you an idea of just how strong the Moon breathing technique and Kokushibo were, he managed to hold his ground and overpower three demon slayers singlehandedly in a front-on battle.
Moon breathing technique involves crescent moon-shaped slashes that vary in size and intensity. These slashes provided Kokushibo with great offensive and defensive capability. Although as strong as the moon breathing technique was, only Kokushibo was able to perform it with his chaotic katana.
Stone Breathing
Wielded by the strongest demon slayer of the current date, Gyomei Himejima, aka the Stone Hashira. The stone breathing technique does not feature any trickery, it is all about raw power, and with Gyomei’s strength and his weapon, this technique ranks as one of the strongest Demon Slayer breathing techniques. The notable thing about this breathing technique and Gyomei would be that he was able to fight Muzan just after battling with Kokushibo.
Thunder Breathing
Thunder breathing is one of the strongest Demon Slayer breathing techniques as it has high versatility and power. Although none of the Hashira uses this breathing technique, we have seen its capability in the hands of Zenitsu. Also, I remind you that Zenitsu has only used the first form of this technique most of the time, and with the new technique he developed in Thunder breathing, he was able to slay the new upper moon six in an instant.
Flame Breathing
Similar to stone breathing, Flame breathing is another technique closely related to Sun breathing. While Flame breathing is one of the strongest Demon Slayer breathing techniques, it lacks versatility, as it is mainly focused on offense. We have seen the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku using this technique. This aggressive style fits perfectly with the flaming spirit of Rengoku to incinerate demons with explosive and fiery attacks.
Wind Breathing
Used by the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Wind breathing has some of the most highly aggressive attacks that are both rapid and unpredictable, just like a ferocious storm. The Wind breathing style was created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s students who were attempting to learn Sun breathing, but due to their lack of power, they were taught an alternated personalized breathing technique that focused on individualistic strength and weakness, this style later evolved into Wind breathing.
Mist Breathing
Among the most balanced Demon Slayer breathing techniques, Mist breathing is used by Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira. Muichiro was a descendant of Yoriichi, making him also related to the Upper Moon One, Kokushibo. Muichiro was considered a prodigy in the Demon Slayer series as he was the youngest Hashira they had ever seen in ages.
Aside from Muichiro, his breathing technique, Mist breathing allows him to cover the area in thick mist, creating blind spots on his opponents and taking advantage of them. Most, if not all, attacks in this breathing style involve obscuring the enemy’s vision/line of sight.
Water Breathing
Known for its fluidity and adaptability, the Water breathing is a versatile technique. The known users of this breathing technique are the Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyu, and Tanjiro Kamado. While Water breathing is a highly versatile technique, it lacks power when compared to other Demon Slayer breathing techniques such as Flame breathing or Wind breathing. However, the breathing technique has proven to be very effective against various demons, including both upper and lower moon. Moreover, in the final arc of the series, Tomioka Giyu was able to hold his ground against the Demon King with this technique.
Serpent Breathing
The Serpent breathing style is one of the most unique Demon Slayer breathing techniques as it mimics the slithering motion of a snake/serpent. This breathing technique is used by the Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, and with this breathing technique, the Serpent Hashira was able to perform fast striking attacks, replicating the moves of a serpent which allows him to deliver quick and point-on attacks.
Moreover, the Serpent Breathing technique allows the user to twist and bend their blade to deliver attacks from an enemy’s blind spot. Unlike other breathing techniques, the attacks from Serpent breathing are highly focused on delivering point-on attacks that can take down a group of foes at once.
Love Breathing
Another one of the most unique Demon Slayer breathing techniques, Love breathing is used by the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji. While as cute and fragile as Mitsuri seems, she has extraordinary physic and muscle density, which allows her to use this flexible and powerful breathing style. This breathing technique is completely focused on Mitsuri’s immense strength and flexibility and with these traits, Mitsuri uses a bizarre katana which brings out the best of this breathing technique.
While Love breathing is a powerful technique and has been proven very effective in fighting demons, it is highly unlikely that any other being can use this breathing technique. Love breathing technique is characterized by its elegance, flexibility, and power, allowing Mitsuri to perform swift and powerful strikes.