Thunder Breathing is a specialized style of Japanese swordsmanship in the popular Demon Slayer manga and anime series. It was developed by Jigoro Kuwajima and is currently practiced by his descendant Zenitsu Agatsuma.
Like other Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer, Thunder Breathing utilizes different forms or techniques that are named after natural phenomena associated with thunder and lightning. So does Thunder Breathing only have 3 forms?
Overview of Thunder Breathing
Thunder Breathing is said to be derived from the Breath of Flames style. It focuses on generating fast, powerful, and precise strikes intended to mimic the unpredictable and destructive force of natural lightning.
The hallmarks of Thunder Breathing are its speed, aggressiveness, and adaptability in combat. Practitioners can swiftly switch between techniques to react to changing circumstances on the battlefield.
Thunder Breathers are able to temporarily increase their heart rate and adrenaline levels for short bursts of enhanced speed and power. However, this takes incredible stamina and concentration to maintain.
The Core 3 Thunder Breathing Forms
As of the current Demon Slayer story, only 3 core Thunder Breathing forms have been revealed and named:
- Thunderclap and Flash (First Form)
- Rumbling Thunder (Second Form)
- Thunder Swarm (Third Form)
These 3 techniques form the foundation of Thunder Breathing that disciples initially learn.
First Form: Thunderclap and Flash
Thunderclap and Flash is considered the essential starting move of Thunder Breathing. True to its name, the swordsman swiftly closes distance on his target and unleashes an extremely fast slash.
This technique demonstrates the core principles of Thunder Breathing – enhanced speed, directness, and decisiveness. It is often used to launch an initial surprise attack or counterattack.
Second Form: Rumbling Thunder
Rumbling Thunder produces a quick flurry of powerful slashes from various angles. It mimics the rumbling effect of thunder by attacking relentlessly from all sides.
While the First Form focuses on a single lightning-quick strike, Rumbling Thunder bombards the target with a barrage of them. This form demonstrates the unpredictability and flexibility of Thunder Breathing.
Third Form: Thunder Swarm
In Thunder Swarm, the swordsman unleashes a swarm-like assault of electrified slashes from their blade. This mimics a thunderstorm’s heavy downpour of lightning strikes.
The swordsman aims to overwhelm their opponent by continuously varying their stance, grip, and angle of attack. This form emphasizes Thunder Breathing’s adaptability and creativity.
Are There More Thunder Breathing Forms?
While only 3 Thunder Breathing forms have been revealed so far, there are hints that more may exist:
- The First Form is called “Thunderclap and Flash”, implying other techniques themed around thunder and lightning could follow it.
- Most other Breathing Styles have more than just 3 forms, some having up to 9 or more.
- As a descendant of Flame Breathing, it would make sense for Thunder Breathing to have a similar number of techniques.
Additionally, the Thunder Breathing user Zenitsu Agatsuma has been shown utilizing unnamed techniques bearing the style’s hallmarks. While not officially confirmed, these unnamed moves suggest there could be more Thunder Breathing forms to be revealed.
Are There Any Special Forms?
In addition to its core forms, Thunder Breathing also contains some special techniques that have been displayed in the story:
Godspeed
Godspeed is an enhanced state where Thunder Breathing practitioners enter an extremely focused trance of accelerated perception and reaction time. It allows them to anticipate attacks and move with god-like speed and precision.
However, it consumes immense stamina and cannot be maintained for long. It is essentially a limit-breaking power-up accessible to advanced Thunder Breathing users.
Six Fold
Six Fold is an advanced application of the First Form: Thunderclap and Flash. As the name suggests, it involves consecutively using Thunderclap and Flash six times in rapid succession to overwhelm the target.
Each strike comes from a different angle with immense speed and power. Having mastered the First Form to this degree demonstrates prodigious skill with Thunder Breathing swordwork.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Currently only 3 core Thunder Breathing forms have been revealed in the story.
- However, there are hints more forms likely exist beyond the initial 3.
- Special techniques like Godspeed and Six Fold have also been displayed.
- As the manga continues, more Thunder Breathing techniques and forms may be shown.
So while Thunder Breathing has only had 3 forms revealed so far, the lore suggests practitioners eventually learn more techniques as they master the fundamentals. The full scope of this lightning-quick Breathing Style has likely not been fully unveiled yet.
Thunder Breathing Techniques Data
| Technique | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thunderclap and Flash | Core Form | A swift single slash mimicking a thunderclap and lightning flash |
| Rumbling Thunder | Core Form | A continuous barrage of slashes from all angles |
| Thunder Swarm | Core Form | An overwhelming swarm-like assault of electrified slashes |
| Godspeed | Special | Enhanced state of accelerated perception and movement |
| Six Fold | Special | Six consecutive uses of Thunderclap and Flash |
Comparisons to Other Breathing Styles
How does Thunder Breathing compare to some of the other prominent Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer?
Thunder Breathing vs Water Breathing
Water Breathing focuses on versatility, defense, and flowing adaptively like water. Thunder Breathing in contrast emphasizes speed, aggression, and unpredictability like lightning.
Water Breathing withstands, endures, and outmaneuvers opponents. Thunder Breathing seeks to overwhelm them with swift, decisive strikes.
Thunder Breathing vs Flame Breathing
As a derivative of Flame Breathing, Thunder Breathing shares its emphasis on fierce direct attacking. However, Thunder Breathing prioritizes even greater speed and flexibility compared to Flame Breathing’s raw power.
Flame Breathing unleashes overwhelming force and destruction. Thunder Breathing rapidly switches between precise strikes from unexpected angles.
Thunder Breathing vs Wind Breathing
Both Wind and Thunder Breathing are known for speed. However Wind Breathing focuses on evasion, counters and cutting from a distance. Thunder Breathing uses speed for direct, aggressive strikes.
Wind Breathing delicately dances around opponents. Thunder Breathing charges straight through them.
Zenitsu’s Thunder Breathing Techniques
The current most prominent user of Thunder Breathing is Zenitsu Agatsuma. Here are some analysis of the techniques he has displayed in the story:
Thunderclap and Flash
As the First Form, Zenitsu has mastered Thunderclap and Flash to the point where he can instantly close large distances and slice enemies before they or the viewer can react.
Godspeed
Zenitsu has accessed the Godspeed state on multiple occasions, allowing him to anticipate and dodge attacks from powerful demons. However it drains his stamina quickly.
Six Fold
During his battle with the Spider Demon, Zenitsu unveiled this advanced application of Thunderclap and Flash. He overwhelmed the Demon with 6 consecutive strikes coming from different blind spots.
Unnamed techniques
Zenitsu has performed unnamed Thunder Breathing techniques resembling a lightning-charged spin attack, as well as a forward somersault slash. This implies there are still more techniques to be revealed.
Conclusion
Thunder Breathing is still a fairly mysterious Breathing Style within Demon Slayer. While only 3 core forms have been revealed so far, there are suggestions of more techniques and depths to this lightning-fast style. As Zenitsu continues to develop his skills, we may bear witness to Thunder Breathing’s full electrifying potential.