"There's no doubt… he's using Water Breathing! But who taught this boy how to breathe?" Urokodaki Sakonji muttered, astonished.
Every Demon Slayer has a unique breathing style, but all of them trace their roots back to one: Sun Breathing, the origin of all breathing techniques.
However, Sun Breathing is overwhelmingly powerful and not suitable for most people. Over time, five primary derivative styles emerged:
— Water Breathing
— Flame Breathing
— Stone Breathing
— Wind Breathing
— Thunder Breathing
From these five, countless variations have evolved. Among the Demon Slayer Corps' elite Hashira, each wields a distinct breathing technique—no two Hashira's share the same style. A Hashira's title isn't a mark of nobility or authority, but a declaration of duty: to destroy all demons without exception.
Time passed, and the golden hue of dusk settled over the mountain trail.
Urokodaki Sakonji finally came to a halt before a small wooden house nestled in the forest. Moments later, Tanjiro and Shin Arashi arrived. Tanjiro collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, while Shin stood tall beside him, composed and steady.
"Ahh... huff... huff... Senior Urokodaki... have Senior Shin and I passed the test?" Tanjiro wheezed, forcing a smile between ragged breaths.
Urokodaki opened the cabin door without answering directly.
"Shin Arashi's test is over," he said. "Yours is just beginning. Come with me up the mountain."
Tanjiro's eyes widened as he took a deep breath.
"Shin, stay here and watch over Tanjiro's sister," Urokodaki added. "We'll speak when I return. There's something I need to ask you."
Shin glanced at Tanjiro, who looked like he could barely move, and replied calmly, "Don't let me down."
He turned and entered the cabin. Inside, he gently laid Nezuko—still fast asleep for reasons unknown—onto a wooden bed placed in a shadowed corner. Without trying to wake her, Shin sat cross-legged beside her and closed his eyes to rest.
Tanjiro, watching from the doorway, clenched his fists. "Senior Shin, I will pass the test. Just watch me!"
Shin cracked one eye open and gave a silent nod.
"Let's go, Tanjiro," Urokodaki called from outside.
Tanjiro didn't hesitate. He turned and followed the old man up the mountain, unaware of the challenge waiting for him.
Night fell.
Shin remained in the cabin, calm and quiet. At last, Urokodaki returned alone. Shin looked up, noting Tanjiro's absence—but he didn't ask. He trusted the old master wouldn't let Tanjiro die so easily.
The two men exchanged glances.
Finally, Urokodaki broke the silence.
"Let's have boiled fish feast tonight."
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