A complete breakdown of Sound Breathing — all 5 forms from First Form: Roar to Fifth Form: String Performance. This explosive style derived from Thunder Breathing and is used exclusively by Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira.
Sound Breathing is a derivative of Thunder Breathing, custom-developed by Tengen Uzui to suit his shinobi background and flamboyant combat philosophy. Unlike Thunder Breathing's focus on lightning-fast single strikes, Sound Breathing emphasizes explosive, multi-directional attacks that create powerful vibrations and shockwaves. The style uses a unique weapon — two heavy cleavers connected by a chain, which Tengen wields with exceptional strength and precision. Sound Breathing techniques are named after musical and auditory concepts, reflecting Tengen's belief that combat should be as flamboyant and captivating as a theatrical performance. The style's techniques generate concussive force that can rupture eardrums, disorient opponents, and destroy the terrain itself. For more information, visit the Sound Breathing page on the Fandom Wiki.
First Form: Roar — A powerful shockwave-generating slash that creates a thunderous sound to disorient demons. Tengen delivers a massive cleaver swing that produces enough force to stagger multiple opponents.
Second Form: Scattering Chips — A rapid multi-slash attack where Tengen spins both cleavers around his body, creating a storm of blade fragments that scatter in all directions. The sound of metal striking from all angles disorients demons.
Third Form: Dynamic Drumming — A technique where Tengen rhythmically strikes the ground or nearby structures with his cleavers, creating powerful vibrations that travel through the terrain. This form can destabilize an opponent's footing and even bring down buildings.
Fourth Form: Sonic Rush — A high-speed charging attack where Tengen explosively accelerates toward his target, building momentum and sound energy before delivering a devastating chain-combo strike.
Fifth Form: String Performance — The ultimate Sound Breathing technique. Tengen swings his chain-linked cleavers in a wide arc, creating a complex pattern of intersecting blade trajectories that trap opponents in a web of steel. The sound of the chain cutting through the air creates a unique resonance that signals the final blow.
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, is the creator and sole practitioner of Sound Breathing. A former shinobi from a family of ninja, Tengen brought his unique combat background to the Demon Slayer Corps. He wields two massive cleavers connected by a chain — an unusual weapon choice that reflects his explosive fighting style. Tengen also uses explosive tags and shinobi tools in conjunction with Sound Breathing, making him one of the most versatile fighters among the Hashira. He served alongside his three wives — Makio, Suma, and Hinatsuru — who supported his missions as kunoichi. Tengen's flamboyant personality and showmanship contrast with his deadly efficiency in combat, and he earned his place as a Hashira through extraordinary feats of strength and courage. Read more about the Sound Hashira on the Tengen Uzui page on the Fandom Wiki.
Explosive Note: Sound Breathing combines Tengen's shinobi training with breathing techniques. He often uses explosive tags to amplify his attacks, creating devastating area-of-effect damage. Tengen has stated that his musical approach to combat allows him to "hear" the rhythm of battle and anticipate enemy movements through changes in sound and vibration.
Sound Breathing excels in chaotic combat environments where its explosive area-of-effect attacks can maximize damage. The style's shockwave-generating techniques are particularly effective against demons with enhanced hearing, as the concussive force can disorient and incapacitate them. Tengen's combat strategy often involves corralling opponents into confined spaces where the explosive power of Sound Breathing is most devastating. The chain-linked cleaver weapon extends the user's reach and allows for unpredictable attack angles. In close-quarters combat, the dual-wielding style provides excellent defensive coverage while maintaining constant offensive pressure. Sound Breathing's versatility with shinobi tools makes it effective for both assassination and open combat scenarios.
Sound Breathing is a direct derivative of Thunder Breathing, making it one of the few second-generation derivative styles. Tengen developed the style independently after leaving his shinobi clan. His unique weapon — two massive serrated cleavers connected by a heavy chain — is among the heaviest weapons used by any Hashira. Tengen lost his left hand and left eye during the battle against Upper Moon 6, Gyutaro and Daki, but continued to serve as a Hashira. Despite his flashy demeanor, Tengen is deeply loyal to his wives and comrades, and his Sound Breathing techniques are named to honor the theatrical performances he came to love as a shinobi.
Tengen Uzui's shinobi training from the Uzui clan forms the foundation upon which Sound Breathing was built. Before joining the Demon Slayer Corps, Tengen was trained from childhood in ninjutsu, espionage, and assassination techniques. His shinobi skills include expert infiltration, trap-setting, explosive tag usage, and poison application — all of which he integrated into his Sound Breathing combat style. Tengen's three wives, Makio, Suma, and Hinatsuru, are also kunoichi who support his missions with reconnaissance and tactical assistance. Their teamwork during the Entertainment District Arc demonstrated the full power of Tengen's integrated combat approach, combining Sound Breathing with explosive tags, shinobi tools, and coordinated attacks. Tengen abandoned his shinobi clan because of their cruel practices — they would force children to fight to the death for advancement — and chose instead to protect the innocent as a demon slayer. His flamboyant personality and theatrical combat style reflect his rebellion against the cold, emotionless shinobi ideal he was raised with. The fusion of ninja tactics with breathing techniques makes Tengen one of the most unpredictable fighters among the Hashira. For more on Tengen's background, see the Tengen Uzui page on the Fandom Wiki and learn about the Entertainment District Arc on the Fandom Wiki.
Sound Breathing is a derivative of Thunder Breathing developed by Tengen Uzui. It emphasizes explosive, multi-directional attacks that create powerful vibrations and shockwaves using two heavy cleavers connected by a chain.
Sound Breathing has five confirmed forms: First Form: Roar, Second Form: Scattering Chips, Third Form: Dynamic Drumming, Fourth Form: Sonic Rush, and Fifth Form: String Performance.
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, is the creator and sole practitioner of Sound Breathing. He is a former shinobi who uses his unique background to enhance his combat effectiveness.
Sound Breathing uses two massive serrated cleavers connected by a heavy chain. These are among the heaviest weapons wielded by any Hashira and require exceptional strength to use effectively.
Yes, Sound Breathing is a derivative of Thunder Breathing. Tengen Uzui custom-developed it to suit his shinobi background and flamboyant combat philosophy.
