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The Second Season of Fire Force was action-packed, mystery-laced, and a fulfilling watch. It unfurled different developments, fights, and mysteries. The Special Fire Force Company 8, hosting the show's protagonist, Shinra tried to foil the White Clad's plans, and their actions were successful, to an extent. Unfortunately, the White Clad triumphed in certain ways, by adding a new Adolla Burst user, Inca to their ranks and killing a high-ranking soldier.
Two key developments outshined the rest in the last episode of Fire Force's second season. One was the death of Captain Hague of Company 6, and the other was Shinra & Arthur's learning of the “Hysterical Strength of a Fire Scene" triggered through the "Press of Death." This technique is an interesting one – and it will be linked to Shinra's future battles in the incoming seasons of Fire Force. So, what is the "Press of Death," and how does it work?
The Prelude To The Press of Death – Breath Of Life
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In season one of Fire Force, Benimaru Shinmon, otherwise known as "The Mightiest Soldier," trained Shinra on mastering the Breath of Life to improve his pyrokinetic abilities. After grueling training, Shinra managed to learn the technique. Generally, third-generation pryokinetics can manipulate fires present within their bodies to exhibit fire abilities, mainly utilized by the Special Fire Force companies to combat fires and spontaneous combustions. For Shinra, his legs were central to his pyrokinesis, so he needed a technique to boost his speed and offenses; Breath Life of Life was just the technique.
Unlike most pyrokinetic techniques, the Breath of Life is more of a mental ability than a "fiery" one. It supports and increases the firepower of users but is not of fire origin. To use Breath of Life, one needs to free their mind of fear and any form of tension. Such a mental state serves as the groundwork for super perception that allows a pyrokinetic to deduce between lethal and feint attacks. According to Benimaru, learning Breath of Life was key to mastering the Press of Death – the technique’s antithesis. Being able to sense life helps one trigger the "Hysterical Strength of a Fire Scene" since it helps a fire soldier better understand what is at stake.
The Hysterical Strength Of A Fire Scene – The Press of Death
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The Hysterical Strength of a Fire Scene was the highlight of episode 24 of Fire Force. Benimaru revealed the technique after Shinra asked him for an ability he could count on to bring out when facing a villain stronger than him. After a bit of coaxing from Lieutenant Konro and Captain Hibana, Benimaru decided to teach both Shinra & Arthur the Hysterical strength of a Fire Scene. The hellish training began with a torturous regimen for both Shinra & Arthur.
The duo was constantly beaten, drawn by a cart, and even dumped in water for a long period. Afterward, Benimaru’s reveal of not knowing the purpose of the brutal physical assault the boys received only infuriated them, leading to the next phase of the training. Sparring with both pyrokinetics, Benimaru fought them without even using his fire abilities until they were close to over-heating. Only then did Benimaru announce that the "real training" had begun. After receiving another barrage of assaults, Shinra & Arthur were on the verge of death – and suddenly triggered the Press of Death.
According to Benimaru, the Press of Death brings out the full ability of a Pyrokinetic. In Shinra's case, he was able to increase the manipulation of Ignition ability from 30% to 100%. Furthermore, the Press of Death is closely connected to one's "survival instinct" when death approaches. In other words, the fear of impending death allowed Shinra to use the "Hysterical strength of a Fire Scene” by experiencing the "Press/Pressure of Death." Undoubtedly, this ability is currently the Strongest in Shinra's arsenal, so when he masters it, only a select few can stop him.