Reader’s Question:
I have a question about Kaigaku from Demon Slayer. If he couldn’t use the first form of Thunder Breathing, wouldn’t it have been better for him to switch to Water Breathing or something else? Is it really that difficult to change masters?

Understanding Kaigaku’s Struggles in Demon Slayer

As a
fan of “Demon Slayer,” I’ve dived deep into the intricacies of character development and fighting styles that make this series a standout. When I stumbled upon a question about Kaigaku, it really got me thinking—why didn’t he just switch to another Breathing technique like Water Breathing when he struggled with the first form of Thunder Breathing? Honestly, it’s a question that echoes through the fandom, and I thought it would be fun to unpack it here.

Breathing Techniques and Their Intricacies

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: Breathing techniques aren’t just flashy moves or cool names; they’re a reflection of a swordsman’s innate abilities. Each swordsman has a specific “aptitude” for different Breathing styles, which is shown by the color of their Nichirin blade. For instance, Kaigaku’s blade is yellow, indicating a strong affinity for Thunder Breathing, while Tanjiro’s black blade reveals his talent for the elusive Sun Breathing. Now, imagine being Kaigaku. You’ve got this intense pressure of living up to the legacy of the Thunder Hashira, and yet the first form, which is supposed to be your bread and butter, just doesn’t click. It’s kind of like trying to play the piano when your heart is set on strumming a guitar. The point here is that switching Breathing styles isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s about what you’re naturally capable of.

Why Switching Isn’t So Simple

The fans who commented on the original question highlighted something vital: swordsmen can’t just hop from one Breathing style to another without repercussions. It’s not just about learning new forms; it’s about harnessing abilities that align with your very essence as a fighter. Take Tanjiro, for example. He initially trains in Water Breathing but realizes he’s not cut out for it. His true strength lies in Sun Breathing, which he discovers through trials and tribulations. Kaigaku’s journey reflects a similar struggle. Even if he had tried to learn Water Breathing, there’s no guarantee that he would have been able to wield it effectively. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. The harsh reality is that not all training pays off, and sometimes you’re left with the bitter knowledge that you might not reach your full potential despite your hard work.

Confronting Reality

In my own life, I’ve faced moments where I had to confront my limitations. For example, I remember trying to pick up a foreign language in college. I was super excited, thinking it would be a breeze because I had a knack for English. But as I plowed through conjugations and grammar rules, I realized it just wasn’t my strong suit. Instead of becoming fluent, I ended up with a decent understanding and a lot of frustration. It taught me to appreciate the skills I already possessed rather than chasing after something that felt foreign. Similarly, for Kaigaku, embracing his Thunder Breathing aptitude would have been far more beneficial than chasing after something that didn’t click. He needed to leverage his strengths instead of dwelling on his struggles.

Finding Strength in Weakness

But let’s get back to the heart of the matter. Kaigaku’s situation shines a light on the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses. He chose to cling to Thunder Breathing despite his struggles, and that decision had real consequences. While it might have seemed better to switch to Water Breathing, the truth is that he would have still faced challenges. A lack of aptitude means that even with training, he might never achieve the mastery that a natural Water Breathing expert would. This brings an interesting perspective on mentorship and mastery. Changing masters isn’t just about learning new techniques; it requires a deep, personal connection and understanding of the art. If Kaigaku had switched to a new style, would he have found the same level of commitment and growth? Or would he have just been hopping from one style to another without truly belonging anywhere?

Final Thoughts

Demon Slayer is rich in themes of identity, struggle, and the quest for self-understanding. Kaigaku’s journey, like many characters in the series, reflects the struggle of confronting one’s limitations while also recognizing the importance of natural talent. So next time you watch Demon Slayer, pay close attention to how these characters navigate their abilities. It’s not merely a fight for strength; it’s a journey toward self-discovery. And whether you’re swinging a sword or grappling with your own life choices, remember that sometimes, it’s about finding and embracing what you’re truly good at, rather than forcing yourself into boxes that don’t fit. In the end, I think we can all relate to that in one way or another, and that’s what makes this story so deeply resonant. What do you think? Have you ever had to confront your own limitations? Let’s chat about it!