Yoriichi Tsugikuni is one of the most powerful characters in Demon Slayer. He was the first Demon Slayer to develop Breath Styles, which later formed the basis for all the modern Breathing Techniques used by the Demon Slayers. But did he actually create all the breathing forms himself or did others contribute too? Let’s analyze what we know about Yoriichi and the origins of the Breathing Styles to get to the bottom of this question.
Yoriichi’s Abilities and Contributions
First, it’s important to understand just how talented Yoriichi was. Some key facts:
- He was born with the Demon Slayer Mark, making him naturally gifted as a Demon Slayer
- He developed the first Breath Style, Breath of the Sun, derived from his own self-taught swordsmanship
- Yoriichi was the only person to learn the Transparent World skill, allowing him to anticipate his opponent’s moves
- He could use 13 different forms with the Breath of the Sun, far more than modern Breath Styles
- Yoriichi was the first pillar in the Demon Slayer Corps
With his immense talents, Yoriichi contributed greatly to Demon Slaying. Some of his key contributions include:
- Inventing Nichirin swords, which would allow Demon Slayers to kill demons
- Establishing the Demon Slayer Corps to organize Demon Slayers
- Developing Breath of the Sun and its 13 forms, which served as the foundation for later Breath Styles
- Passing on his earrings to Sumiyoshi, ensuring future generations could access the See-Through World
So there is no doubt that Yoriichi played a pivotal role in establishing the practices and organization of the Demon Slayer Corps as it exists in Kimetsu no Yaiba’s present day. He also developed the first Breath Style and pioneered the use of many techniques that would be adopted by later Hashira and Demon Slayers. But did he single-handedly create all of the modern Breathing Styles?
The Development of Modern Breath Styles
While Yoriichi was the first to create a Breath Style with Breath of the Sun, he did not strictly create every single one of the modern forms. Here is some evidence on the development of the other main Breath Styles we see in the series:
- Breath of Water: Developed by Yoriichi’s brother Sumiyoshi. He based it on observing the fluidity and flexibility of water’s nature.
- Breath of Stone: Originated from Iwagakure and was likely developed by Stone Hashira of the era
- Breath of Wind: Early origins unclear, but likely developed in regions with strong wind currents
- Breath of Thunder: Created by a Demon Slayer observing lightning’s quick, piercing power during storms
- Breath of Flames: First invented by a fireworker who joined the Demon Slayer Corps
- Breath of Sound: Came from a Demon Slayer’s study of echoes and sound resonance
So while Yoriichi was the progenitor of Breath Styles through Breath of the Sun, the other techniques we see in the present were developed by different Demon Slayers over the generations. They drew inspiration from aspects of nature related to their chosen element. Yoriichi may have had some limited influence: as the first Pillar, he likely helped train some of the Demon Slayers who went on to create new Styles. But there is no evidence he directly developed or taught all the techniques himself.
Yoriichi’s Legacy
While he did not create every single Breathing Style we see in Demon Slayer, Yoriichi’s immense contributions still cannot be understated. Some key aspects of his legacy include:
- Pioneering the very first Breath Style, which paved the way for all others
- Establishing the Pillar system and structure of the Demon Slayer Corps
- Passing on many of his techniques through disciples like his brother
- Record of slaying the most demons in the Corps history
- Possessing the highest level of skill and swordsmanship as the most talented Demon Slayer to ever live
Yoriichi was the foundation and guiding star for all Demon Slayers who came after him. Their achievements stand on his shoulders. While they developed their own Styles, his philosophies and teachings were still pivotal in their growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while Yoriichi Tsugikuni did not directly develop every modern Breath Style, he laid the groundwork for their creation through pioneering the first Breath Style, establishing the Pillar system and Demon Slayer Corps, passing on his techniques to disciples, and setting records as the most skilled swordsman and demon slayer. His contributions were essential to allowing the other Breathing Techniques to come into being. So in many ways, their origins can still be traced back to Yoriichi even if he did not strictly create every form himself. His immeasurable impact on guiding generations of Demon Slayers solidifies his status as the progenitor of Breath Styles and their most influential pioneer.