Don’t let it fool you.
Summary:
- Demon Slayers are regular human beings.
- They have to train hard to become slayers.
- Breathing Styles don’t allow users to control elements.
It’s true that Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) doesn’t have even a nearly as complex power system as series like Jujutsu Kaisen, for example. But still, there are a couple of things that can make you confused about its world and powers. So let’s discuss them!
Who are demon slayers?
This may sound like such a weird question because of course they are people who kill demons, duh. But there are also a couple of confusing things surrounding this concept.
First of all, all demon slayers are indeed regular humans. It may look like they’re some type of supernatural beings themselves, due to what they can do on the battlefield. But no, anyone can become a demon slayer with the right training, and they don’t have any supernatural abilities, only their techniques, which we’ll discuss a bit later.
There are also the Hashira, who are the highest-ranking demon slayers in this universe. Just like other demon slayers, they are also just regular people. If we’re making a video game analogy, then the Hashira would be the strongest version of your playable character. The highest level of them.
Demon slayers have to train hard to join the Final Selection, which is a selective process for those who want to become a recognized demon slayer. They are taken to an area on Mount Fujikasane, infested with demons, and have to survive there for seven nights to pass this exam.
Breathing techniques
Breathing techniques are swordsmanship styles practiced and taught by demon slayers. There are 14 styles, and 13 of them are all derived from the Sun Breathing, which was the first ever created technique.
The most disappointing thing about the Breathing techniques is that they’re purely cosmetic. All these incredible visual effects that you see in the anime have been added just for your entertainment.
Demon Slayer characters don’t actually see these effects. Nor can they actually control the elements that the Breathing techniques are named after.
For example, Tanjiro uses the Water Breathing technique, but it doesn’t mean that he can generate or control water. The technique only mimics water and replicates it with the slayer’s movements and abilities.
However, the manga author said that demon slayer can indeed visualize their breathing styles the same way the viewers see them, but the fact remains the same: they’re purely cosmetic.