Classic battle anime like Dragon Ball and Hunter X Hunter set a standard for complicated power systems that most modern anime have adopted. My Hero Academia and One Punch Man are prime examples of modern battle anime that lean heavily into the idea of superpowers and abilities. On the other hand, Demon Slayer tries something different by simplifying its power system.

Fortunately, like any good battle anime, there is a visual flair to each swordsman's technique that makes up for this simplicity. Tanjiro Kamado, the series' protagonist, has mastered all ten Water Breathing forms — although their individual effectiveness depends on both the situation and the enemy.

Updated on October 16, 2023, by Ajay Aravind: Although there are three more arcs yet to be adapted, it's clear that Tanjiro Kamado will go down as one of the most iconic shonen heroes in anime history. As Demon Slayer's protagonist, Tanjiro has access to all ten Water Breathing forms, not to mention the coveted Hinokami Kagura. As such, we've updated this list comparing all the Water Breathing forms used by the hero.

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First Form: Water Surface Slash

First Appearance: Episode 4

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing First Form: Water Surface Slash

The second form that Tanjiro shows viewers saves him from the Hand Demon that had a long history of targeting and killing Urokodaki's students during the Final Selection Exam. In fact, this demon has been stopping Urokodaki's students from joining the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps for years. The "Water Surface Slash" is meant to focus a swordsman's strength into a strong horizontal slash. However, its simplicity should not be mistaken for weakness. As long as Tanjiro manages to close in on his foes with his agility, the first of Tanjiro's Water Breathing forms is capable of cutting through the toughest of necks.

Second Form: Water Wheel

First Appearance: Episode 4

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Second Form: Water Wheel Demon Slayer

One of Tanjiro Kamado's Water Breathing forms that viewers see the most throughout the first season of Demon Slayer is the "Water Wheel." While using this technique, Tanjiro takes advantage of the momentum created by a flip in order to enhance his vertical strike force. This form is also the first that Tanjiro modifies himself. In his fight against a demon with abilities similar to psychokinesis, Tanjiro uses a lateral water wheel to remove the demon's head with a horizontal strike. Water Breathing can be both devastating and accurate, a combination that is underscored by the "Water Wheel."

Third Form: Flowing Dance

First Appearance: Episode 9

Demon Slayer Tanjiro performs the Water Breathing Third Form Flowing Dance

When Tanjiro uses the third form, his blade flows through the air like waves flowing over the water's surface. The fluidity of the strikes demonstrates just what makes the Water Breathing forms so powerful. In just a single move, masters of this technique can strike through multiple objects or enemies without expending an enormous amount of energy. Even without the water effects that follow Tanjiro's sword during this technique, the way he swiftly guides his sword through the air is beautiful. Tanjiro's movements while incorporating the "Flowing Dance" technique are as elegant as they are precise.

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Fourth Form: Striking Tide

First Appearance: Episode 4

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Fourth Form Demon Slayer

The first of the Water Breathing forms displayed by Tanjiro Kamado during the Final Examination arc is the fourth form, subtitled "Striking Tide." After taking a moment to focus on his breathing technique, Tanjiro deftly rotates his body in a full circle and unleashes two strong horizontal attacks. The form is meant to resemble the flow of a harsh tide breaking upon the shore — a powerful attack that batters its target. Although Tanjiro only utilizes one rotation, the fourth form may one day give Tanjiro the power to float through the battlefield like Levi in Attack on Titan. That said, he doesn't use "Striking Tide" as often as viewers would like.

Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After The Drought

First Appearance: Episode 16

The Mother Spider Demon from Demon Slayer Getting Killed.

When Tanjiro switches from the first form to the fifth form in his battle against the Mother Spider Demon, it seems to be an act of mercy. Tanjiro is well-known for his ability to empathize with the demons even after witnessing them commit atrocities. Despite its power, this attack initially appears to be just another horizontal slice. However, the way Tanjiro uses it after recognizing the pain in the Mother Spider Demon's face suggests that it may be the swiftest and most painless attack he knows how to perform. Besides, only a merciful technique can have a title like "Blessed Rain After the Drought."

Sixth Form: Whirlpool

First Appearance: Episode 7

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Sixth Form: Whirlpool

The "Whirlpool" technique appears to be an enhanced version of the second form that utilizes the swordsman's rotations to slice through the air multiple times in a row. This is one of those Water Breathing forms that allows Tanjiro to forcefully cut through the air, even when he lacks sure footing. While fighting underwater, Tanjiro demonstrates the true power of the sixth form by creating a literal whirlpool that pulls two swamp demons directly into the path of his swinging blade. When combined with the footwork of the third form, this technique is able to create a whirlpool effect on land as well.

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Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust

First Appearance: Episode 9

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Style

One of the most underrated Water Breathing forms, the seventh form is extremely useful in combat. As Tanjiro himself puts it, the "Drop Ripple Thrust" is the fastest thrusting technique of all the Water Breathing forms. This makes it ideal for quickly thrusting the Nichirin Blade forward, not unlike the eponymous fencing move. In a world where demons can only be slain by cutting off their head, a piercing attack counterintuitively proves to be more useful as defense than offense. In Episode 9, Tanjiro demonstrates this point by stopping a demon's projectile attack with the seventh form.

Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin

First Appearance: Episode 6

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Eight Form: Waterfall Basin

"Waterfall Basin" is one of Tanjiro's best area-of-effect attacks. This means that Tanjiro can use the eighth form to harm multiple enemies with a single potent attack. Of all of Tanjiro's Water Breathing forms, this one may be the most unrealistic as it seemingly defies gravity. When the young demon slayer introduces this technique, he uses it to land safely after being hurled into the air by a demon. By bringing his sword down with an immense amount of strength, Tanjiro creates a wave-like effect that softens his landing while simultaneously damaging the foes around him.

Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow

First Appearance: Episode 13

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow

The ninth Water Breathing technique is different from the others because it largely ignores the movement of the sword. The purpose of "Splashing Water Flow" is to give those who have mastered the Water Breathing forms the ability to navigate through any environment they encounter. In fact, the ninth form works even when the user doesn't have a stable surface to stand on. Tanjiro uses this ability when he approaches a demon with the ability to rotate the room that he stands in. He later uses "Splashing Water Flow" to literally flow through the room without having to worry about losing his balance, even when the floor becomes the ceiling.

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Tenth Form: Constant Flux

First Appearance: Episode 19

Tanjiro Kamado performs the Water Breathing Tenth Form: Constant Flux

In the very same episode that gives viewers the chance to see Nezuko's Blood Demon Art, Tanjiro utilizes the final Water Breathing technique in battle. The strongest of the ten Water Breathing forms, "Constant Flux" requires that practitioners surge through the battlefield, enhancing the strength of their blade with each rotation of their body. As Tanjiro sprints toward his enemy, slicing through Rui's webs with every rotation, his strikes continue to build power and manifest a ferocious water dragon as he draws closer. Given the right amount of distance, Tanjiro's sword could cut through anything by taking advantage of "Constant Flux."