The days had turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Under the watchful eyes of Giyuu Tomioka, Tanjiro Kamado grew not just in skill, but in understanding. Each form of Water Breathing had become like second nature to him, flowing through his body as naturally as the blood in his veins. But it had not been easy. The 11th form, "Dead Calm," had proven particularly challenging.
Giyuu himself was the creator of the 11th form, a technique designed to still the mind and body into a state of absolute tranquility. It demanded not just physical skill, but emotional control—a stillness that allowed for perfect defense and offense in the face of overwhelming odds. Tanjiro's biggest obstacle was not the technique itself, but his fiery spirit, a nature that resisted the absolute calm required for the technique to function at its peak.
For days, Tanjiro practiced in isolation, his movements slowing to match the ebb and flow of water. His breathing steadied, and finally, after a particularly grueling day of training in the forest, he managed to enter that state of profound stillness. The world around him faded, the noise of the forest becoming distant, as if submerged underwater. When he opened his eyes, he had done it. He had mastered the 11th form.
Giyuu stood at a distance, his usual stoic expression softening ever so slightly as he watched Tanjiro move fluidly through the forms of Water Breathing. The boy had come far—perhaps farther than Giyuu had anticipated. Yet Tanjiro's training was far from over.
It wasn't just Water Breathing Tanjiro had been working on. The system inside him had granted him access to styles and powers far beyond his expectations. As his body grew more attuned to the system's enhancements, his mastery over the legendary styles increased. Musashi's "Two Heavens" style, William's chivalric and knightly swordsmanship, and Dracule Mihawk's deadly precision all became part of his growing arsenal.
His training in Haki progressed alongside his mastery of swordsmanship. Observation Haki, which allowed him to perceive intent and foresee attacks, came naturally at first, but then it hit a wall. While he could sense movements and predict strikes, there were subtle layers he struggled to grasp—movements that eluded him, faint whispers of intent just beyond his reach.
Armament Haki, however, proved more straightforward. Over time, Tanjiro learned to coat his weapon in invisible force, enhancing its cutting power and allowing him to defend against strikes that would have otherwise killed him. It was a skill that came in handy when sparring with Giyuu or during moments of intense training. His Conqueror's Haki—the rarest of all—flickered within him, just a sliver of control. It wasn't something he could wield consciously yet, but its presence was undeniable.
Still, despite his progress, Tanjiro knew he was far from ready. His training had hit a roadblock, and that's when Giyuu made the suggestion: train under Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Pillar.
The first thing Tanjiro noticed about Gyomei was his sheer physical presence. Towering over everyone else, Gyomei was a force of nature, his body sculpted from years of intense training. Yet, despite his imposing figure, there was a gentleness to his demeanor, a sense of peace that radiated from him as he wielded his heavy, chained axe.
Gyomei's training was brutal but effective. He taught Tanjiro that physical strength wasn't just about muscles—it was about endurance, discipline, and focus. Days turned into weeks as Tanjiro pushed his body to its limits, carrying heavy boulders, sparring with Gyomei in harsh environments, and honing his senses. Every strike, every movement became a testament to the power of the Stone Breathing technique, rooted in absolute defense and overwhelming power.
Gyomei's philosophy was simple: "A strong body makes everything else easier."
By the end of his training with the Stone Pillar, Tanjiro's physical power had increased dramatically. He was faster, stronger, and more resilient than he had ever been. The weight of his sword felt lighter in his hands, his movements more fluid. He could now integrate his Haki with his breathing techniques, enhancing his already formidable abilities.
From Gyomei, Tanjiro moved on to Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar. Training with Rengoku was like being engulfed in a constant blaze of passion. The man's fiery spirit was infectious, and his enthusiasm for the Flame Breathing forms never wavered.
Rengoku had Tanjiro practice day and night, perfecting each flame form until the very air around him seemed to ignite with every swing of his blade. In addition to his physical training, Tanjiro spent hours reading ancient texts—records of the first Demon Slayers and their battles. These texts gave him insight into the history of the Breath Styles, knowledge that he found invaluable.
Rengoku's passion pushed Tanjiro to new heights, but it was the scrolls and written records that helped him sharpen his mind alongside his body. People often underestimated the power of written knowledge, but Tanjiro understood how crucial it was.
Sanemi Shinazugawa's training was perhaps the most unpredictable. The Wind Pillar was volatile, his anger quick to flare, but it was this intensity that made him a perfect teacher for mastering Wind Breathing. Tanjiro learned to harness the wild, uncontrollable nature of wind, turning it into a sharp, focused weapon.
Alongside his Wind Breathing training, Tanjiro began practicing Thunder Breathing, using scrolls found by the Corps and scrolls from Jigoro Kuwajima, the former Thunder Pillar and Zenitsu's mentor. Through sheer determination and countless hours spent practicing, Tanjiro learned to channel the explosive power of thunder, his movements becoming swift and deadly like lightning striking the ground.
Six months passed, and by the end of it, Tanjiro had achieved something remarkable. He had mastered not only Water, Flame, Wind, Stone, and Thunder Breathing, but also the legendary styles granted to him by the system. Each Breath Style flowed into the next, each technique becoming a part of him as naturally as breathing itself.
The system had been silent for a while, letting him grow on his own. But then, with a soft "dink," a new message appeared before his eyes:
"Congratulations, Tanjiro Kamado. You have reached full mastery of all Breathing Styles and the system-given techniques. You may now challenge the masters of these styles to prove your strength and continue your path."
The message listed names—legendary figures from the past:
Miyamoto Musashi, master of the style.William Marshal, the chivalric knight known for his unparalleled swordsmanship.Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman.Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the first user of Sun Breathing and the most powerful Demon Slayer in history.
Then, the masters of the fundamental Breath Styles:
Katsuro Tachibana, the Water Pillar of the Sengoku era.Haruka Rengoku, ancestor of Kyojuro and a master of Flame Breathing.Gyomei Himejima, current Stone Pillar.Raiden Kuroiwa, the Wind Pillar from the Sengoku era.Takeda Jiro, the Thunder Pillar from the Sengoku era.
Each of these names carried the weight of history, legends who had shaped the Demon Slayer Corps into what it was today. Tanjiro felt both excitement and trepidation at the thought of facing these titans in battle. The system had brought him far, but now he would be tested like never before.
For now, though, Tanjiro would rest. His body ached from the months of relentless training, his mind exhausted from the constant push to improve. But as he lay down to rest, his resolve only grew stronger. He had come too far to stop now. These fights would determine his future, and he was ready.
Soon, he would face the greatest masters of swordsmanship and Breathing. But tonight, he would allow himself the luxury of a few hours of peace before the next battle began.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the arena where Tanjiro stood facing Katsuro Tachibana, the legendary Water Pillar of the Sengoku era. This was a confrontation steeped in history and reverence; the weight of the moment pressed down on Tanjiro like the force of a rushing river. Katsuro was a figure of legend, known not only for his strength but for his unmatched skill in Water Breathing.
Katsuro stood tall and imposing, his blue hair cascading like waves down his back, and his eyes, a deep ocean blue, sparkled with a fierce determination. The fabric of his hakama fluttered gently in the breeze, creating an illusion of flowing water, embodying the very style he had mastered. His presence radiated calmness and authority, as if he was the embodiment of the element he commanded.
"Tanjiro Kamado," Katsuro called, his voice smooth yet powerful, echoing across the training grounds. "You seek to master the art of Water Breathing. Do you understand the responsibility that comes with it?"
Tanjiro nodded, determination burning in his chest. "I do. I will honor it."
With a swift movement, Katsuro drew his blade, its edge glinting like a ray of sunlight reflecting off the surface of water. "Then let us begin. Show me what you've learned."
With a sudden rush, Katsuro lunged at Tanjiro, his sword slicing through the air with the grace of a flowing stream. Tanjiro barely had time to react, instinctively summoning the first form of Water Breathing: Water Surface Slash. The two blades clashed, sending shockwaves through the ground beneath them. Tanjiro grunted as he felt the force of Katsuro's strength. The elder warrior pressed on, his strikes relentless, each movement fluid and deliberate, mimicking the very nature of water itself.
"Focus, Tanjiro! Let the water flow through you!" Katsuro shouted, his voice a guiding current amid the chaos of battle.
Tanjiro closed his eyes for a fleeting moment, centering himself. He recalled his training, the teachings of Giyuu, Gyomei, and Rengoku flooding back to him. This was more than a fight; it was a dance with water, a harmony he needed to find within himself.
He opened his eyes and shifted his stance, feeling the rhythm of the fight. Katsuro's next attack came like a crashing wave, and Tanjiro countered with Water Wheel, spinning his body to deflect the blow and redirect Katsuro's momentum. The clash sent ripples of energy vibrating through the air as their swords locked momentarily.
"Good!" Katsuro exclaimed, his grin widening. "Now, channel that energy! Push it further!"
With renewed vigor, Tanjiro unleashed Water Dragon. A torrent of water surged from his sword, forming a serpentine creature that lunged at Katsuro. But the Water Pillar was ready. He sidestepped, channeling his own Water Breathing technique to split the dragon in two, the water dissipating harmlessly in the air.
"Impressive," Katsuro acknowledged, his eyes glimmering with excitement. "But you must learn to control the current."
The battle raged on, and Tanjiro felt the adrenaline coursing through him, igniting a fire deep within. He was aware of every muscle in his body, each breath fueling his resolve. The clash of swords was like thunder rolling across the sky, and the two warriors danced around each other, a relentless flurry of movement and instinct.
As the duel continued, Tanjiro's understanding of Water Breathing deepened. He began to find that balance between excitement and calmness, the sweet spot that Katsuro had hinted at earlier. Each time he fought back, he felt his movements become more instinctual, as if the water itself was guiding him.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the two fighters found themselves momentarily locked in a test of strength. Katsuro's expression shifted from fierce determination to one of respect. "You've grown stronger, Tanjiro. But you need to embrace the flow, not fight against it!"
In that moment, something clicked within Tanjiro. He let go of the tension that had built up in his muscles, allowing himself to flow with the energy of the fight. He drew in a deep breath, centering himself, and with a cry, he unleashed the most advanced form of Water Breathing he had learned: Tenth Form: Constant Flux.
A wave of energy erupted from Tanjiro, swirling around him, and the sheer force of the attack sent a shockwave through the ground, pushing Katsuro back. The Water Pillar barely regained his footing as he was engulfed in the rush of water, struggling to maintain his ground against Tanjiro's newfound power.
But it was more than just a physical attack. In that moment, Tanjiro reached a new state of consciousness—a perfect balance between focus and flow. Time seemed to stretch as he moved, each action deliberate yet effortless. He felt the world around him dissolve, and for the first time, he truly understood what it meant to become one with the water.
As the water receded, Tanjiro stood tall, his sword poised. Katsuro looked at him, eyes wide with surprise and admiration. "Incredible! You have truly embraced the flow!" He sheathed his sword, conceding defeat. "You have earned the title of Water Breathing Master."
With the fight concluded, Tanjiro felt a surge of warmth wash over him, the thrill of victory blending with the exhaustion of battle. As Katsuro approached, he placed a hand on Tanjiro's shoulder. "You've mastered Water Breathing. Your dedication is commendable, and you have gained my respect."
"Thank you, Katsuro-sensei," Tanjiro said, bowing his head respectfully. "This means the world to me."
In that moment, the system chimed in with a soft, melodic ding, accompanied by a notification that appeared before his eyes:
"Congratulations, Tanjiro Kamado! You have achieved perfect mastery over Water Breathing. You have gained high resistance against all forms of water. You have unlocked the Flow State—a mental state of being when there's a balance between skill level and challenge. It's when you're fully immersed in an activity, feeling both engaged and competent. Too much challenge leads to anxiety, while too little causes boredom. The sweet spot is when they're in harmony, creating a sense of effortless involvement."
Joy coursed through Tanjiro as he absorbed the information. The Flow State would allow him to operate at peak performance, executing techniques with greater efficiency and instinct. It was as if he had been gifted a new weapon, one that would help him in the battles to come.
He turned to Katsuro, a smile spreading across his face. "I feel amazing! I can't wait to try out these new skills!"
Katsuro chuckled, nodding approvingly as he started to disolve into blueish particles. "That's the spirit. But remember, mastery comes not just from skill but from understanding yourself. With this newfound power, you must also learn restraint."
With those parting words, Tanjiro took a moment to revel in his victory, feeling the weight of his accomplishment settle comfortably on his shoulders. Yet, even as excitement coursed through him, he knew there was still much to learn. The next challenge awaited him: Takeda Jiro, the Thunder Pillar of the Sengoku era.
He looked up at the sky, a sense of anticipation building in his chest. The path ahead was long, but with each battle, he was one step closer to mastering the arts needed to protect those he loved. It was time to prepare for the next fight, to test the limits of his newfound abilities and push himself further into the realm of legend.