Steel Breathing

The **Steel Breathing** *(Hagane no Kokyu)* is a Breathing Style derived from the Stone Breathing.

## **Overview:**

This Breathing Style was unknowingly created by Hotaru Haganezuka, but was properly honed and realized by his son, Hagane Haganezuka. This Style is mostly similar to blacksmithing techniques, having most of its Forms composed of harsh, powerful strikes that lack in agility and adaptability, but compensate by hitting incredibly hard.

The Steel Breathing's aura is that of waves of silver lines that follow the user's weapons and attacks, alongside producing orange sparks whenever attacks connect. Users will see their nichirin weapons turn light silver in color, making it hard to spot if the weapon changed at all. It can be used both by Hammers and Katana.

## **Known Techniques:**

There are fourteen known techniques from the Steel Breathing, with seven of them being made for the hammer, and seven for the katana

#### **Hammer Style:**

* **First Form: Caving Strike** *(Ichi no Kata: Dokutsu Tanken Kogeki)* - The user will strike in the middle of the opponent’s head, using a hammer to cave the opponent’s face in

* **Second Form: Skull Crusher** *(Ni no Kata: Zugaikotsu Assai-ki)* - The user will strike directly above the opponent’s head, using all of their strength and weight to breach the skull, tearing the opponent's head with the hammer

* **Third Form: Jaw Breaker** *(San no Kata: Ago Kowasu)* - The user will strike on the opponent’s chin, forcing the jaw upwards, breaking it, or tearing it in half, if the attack is potent enough, the attack may decapitate.

* **Fourth Form: Brain Shaker** *(Shi no Kata: Noizu Furu)* - The user will strike on the opponent’s head, right above the ears, with the intention to discombobulate the target, or at least throw them off of their feet into a position better suited for another Form.

* **Fifth Form: Hammer into Shape** *(Go no Kata: Hanma Katachi Ni)* - The user will repeatedly strike in the opponent’s weak spots, strategically forcing the opponent to retreat in a way that will be favorable to the user

* **Sixth Form: Forging a Corpse** *(Roku no Kata: Tanzo Shitai)* - The user will bash on the back of the opponent’s head, forcing their forehead to hit the ground with all the user’s strength. If the opponent is standing up, the user will use the momentum to throw them off their feet.

* **Seventh Form: Thousand Folded Steel** *(Shichi no Kata: Sen Ori-Ko)* - The user will continuously strike all over the opponent’s body at blinding speeds, to the point where it feels a thousand strikes were made

#### **Sword Style:**

* **First Form: Earth Splitter** *(Ichi no Kata: Chikyu Bunkatsu)* - The user performs a single, powerful downward slash that aims to decapitate a horizontal opponent. This attack is incredibly powerful, but is somewhat slow.

* **Second Form: Sawmill** *(Ni no Kata: Seizaijo)* - The user spins their entire body around, their direction as they spin can be altered to prevent disorientation, and the user can hop around for extra range

* **Third Form: Superior Forge** *(San no Kata: Sugureta Tanzo)* - The user will jab against the opponent, the singular attack will either completely stop a projectile, or pierce through the enemy. This jab is so powerful it can pierce through armor.

* **Fourth Form: Heavy Metal** *(Shi no Kata: Jukinzoku)* - The user performs quick, but incredibly heavy slashes in diagonal angles, being able to tear through defenses or even surfaces with ease. This attack leaves a powerful strain on anyone inexperienced.

* **Fifth Form: Guillotine** *(Go no Kata: Dantodai)* - The user charges a singular attack with all their strength, unloading one powerful, long-ranged slash aimed to decapitate the opponent. This attack cannot be blocked, as it will destroy any attempts at doing so. Dodging is the only viable option.

* **Sixth Form: Stand Firm** *(Roku no Kata: Shikkari Tachimasu)* - The user will swiftly block any incoming blows, either keeping their feet in place, or advancing as they originally intended. The slashes are continuous and powerful, but too quick and swift to decapitate an opponent.

* **Seventh Form: Thousand Folded Steel** *(Shichi no Kata: Sen Ori-Ko)* - The user will continuously slash all over the opponent’s body at blinding speeds, to the point where it feels a thousand strikes were made.

## **Trivia:**

* The Steel Breathing is the only Breathing Style with techniques for other weapons, however, all of them are meant to be learned by only a single person.