Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has been deemed among the most well-loved manga and anime series of the past several years, due in no small part to its compelling characters. Giyu Tomioka, the current Water Hashira, was Tanjiro's introduction to the Demon Slayer Corps, and comes back later to be a very important character, particularly in the manga's last arc. One of the formidable swordsman's most noteworthy techniques is his Eleventh Form of Water Breathing, Dead Calm, which was first put on display in season 2 of the anime.

In order to understand Tomioka’s Eleventh Form, it is important to understand the Water Breathing style in general. While Water Breathing is considered the easiest of the many Breathing Styles among beginner Demon Slayers, this basic style can be cultivated to create complex, impactful techniques. Mimicking the flow, flexibility, and adaptability of water, the Water Breathing style replicates these attributes into the user’s movements, which can be utilized through form control and manipulation.

Tomioka's Eleventh Form is Water Breathing's Ultimate Defensive Technique

Demon Slayer's Tomioka using the Eleventh Form of Water Breathing.

The Eleventh Form is an original technique created by Tomioka, also referred to as Dead Calm. While there are ten known and established forms to Water Breathing, the Eleventh is purely Tomioka’s creation, allowing him to negate the attacks of the enemy by ceasing his own movements. The first, second, and third forms, also known as Water Surface Slash, Water Wheel, and Flowing Dance, respectively, demand a considerable amount of fluency in swordsmanship, as these techniques generate great momentum while slicing everything in its path.

When the user twists their body a certain way, they are able to deliver multiple blows via the Fourth Form, while the Fifth Form, also known as Blessed Rain After the Drought, comes in handy in cases of instant decapitation. Similarly, forms such as Whirpool, Piercing Rain Drop, and Waterfall Basin can be used to incapacitate an enemy to varying degrees, depending on the direction and velocity of the user’s movements. Meanwhile, Splashing Water Flow and Constant Flux depend upon the user’s footwork and breathing respectively, increasing in strength and power with each rotation. Although initially deeming himself unworthy of being a part of the Demon Slayer Corps, Tomioka was able to master several Water Breathing forms within a short span of time, securing his ascension to Hashira.

Tomioka's Eleventh Form Proves His Skills As An Hashira

The Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka from Demon Slayer

As one of the most skilled swordsmen in the entire organization, Tomioka went on to craft the Eleventh Form, which is a powerful technique with phenomenal defensive capabilities. Ceasing all body movements, Tomioka is able to enter a headspace of complete tranquility, which allows him to deflect, block, and cut through incoming attacks with imperceptible speed. However, Dead Calm has its limitations, in the sense that the technique can withstand only a certain number of successive attacks.

Regardless of its drawbacks, the Eleventh Form is an incredibly powerful one, and it stands as a testament to Giyu Tomioka's ability that he was able to create such a technique. Fans will no doubt be eager to see Tomioka's return to the screen in Demon Slayer's fourth season, especially if there's a chance to put his personal Eleventh Form on display.