In the current world of Jujutsu Kaisen, the lore revolves around the concept of cursed energy (the source of supernatural power) and the art of jujutsu, which serves as the foundation of this supernatural society. However, one significant issue arises: many main characters, who are students in the process of learning, lack a deep understanding of the cursed energy system. Surprisingly, even several established jujutsu sorcerers and educators do not fully grasp the operational dynamics within this system. In contrast, the characters depicted as cursed spirits tend to be portrayed as embodiments of immense cursed energy, possessing a profound understanding of their own powerful origins.
The main character, Itadori Yuji, is somewhat excused for this lack of knowledge since he is merely a first-year student who has just stepped into the realm of jujutsu. Megumi and Nobara also exhibit similar traits, but their understanding of the cursed energy system is limited, especially in terms of practical experience.
This gap in knowledge becomes evident when all three students are pressured during a battle against a high-grade cursed spirit, forcing Yuji to rely on the control of the powerful spirit Sukuna to secure victory. During this encounter, Sukuna and Kenjaku demonstrate a complete mastery of jujutsu, showcasing techniques that the main characters have yet to even begin to comprehend.
Understanding Cursed Energy
Cursed energy is interpreted as a natural energy source that exists within humans and manifests as curses. The Jujutsu Kaisen series quickly establishes that jujutsu sorcerers can access this energy more readily in critical situations, helping them achieve formidable power levels when pushed to their limits. Even Gojo, regarded as the most powerful jujutsu sorcerer in history, often finds himself in situations where he must enhance his understanding of cursed energy and jujutsu to avoid failure.
Examples of the physical capabilities of the main characters, coupled with their foundational knowledge about cursed energy, include Yuji facing challenges while wielding his own cursed energy, leading to dire consequences for him. Megumi Fushiguro also struggles with various binding techniques, ultimately only creating an incomplete Domain Expansion when battling a cursed spirit bearing Sukuna’s finger. Nobara Kugisaki encounters difficulties with advanced techniques, even though she possesses a deep understanding of the interplay between cursed energy and the potential to inflict damage on spirits. All of these moments illustrate that the students have a long way to go in their development, with their growth primarily driven by pressure and combat experience.
Cursed Spirits in Jujutsu Kaisen: A Power Beyond Understanding
As previously mentioned, the cursed spirits in Jujutsu Kaisen display a deeper understanding of cursed energy than many characters, frequently exhibiting abilities that surpass their own comprehension. One notable example is Sukuna, who, when forcibly extracting Yuji’s heart within the Eishu detention center, demonstrates a level of power that leaves other characters, including Megumi, in awe of his capabilities and the near-magical feats he can perform compared to what they have encountered before. The ability to manipulate cursed energy to bleed the body when Maki pierces the heart during the Shinjuku battle is another distinct moment showcasing Sukuna’s superior skills throughout the series.
Kenjaku, who plays a significant role behind many events in Jujutsu Kaisen, is revealed to have an extensive understanding of the jujutsu arts and spirits to a degree that allows him to manipulate other characters, such as Sukuna and other jujutsu sorcerers, into becoming vessels for cursed energy. Even as the series concludes, the main characters still do not fully grasp how this process works. The only character capable of replicating such abilities is Sukuna, who witnessed Kenjaku perform it once. Notably, Sukuna’s capabilities are presented as more advanced than those of other sorcerers in the series.
The Pinnacle of Jujutsu Techniques in Jujutsu Kaisen
Atop the hierarchy of all techniques and abilities, differentiating sorcerers from ordinary practitioners is the Domain Expansion. Many main characters in the series have achieved Domain Expansion, yet only three have effectively demonstrated the mastery of this technique, and among them, only two can perform it in a way that defies death.
Sukuna and Kenjaku both have the capability to activate Domain Expansion with open limits, applying the sorcerers’ abilities into this expansive realm. Although this concept may be complex, the description clarifies that opening a Domain Expansion with limits works similarly to how one navigates in space rather than on canvas. Moreover, Sukuna can alter the specific conditions of his Domain Expansion dynamically during his confrontations with Gojo. During their encounter in Shibuya, Gojo could integrate and control the boundaries of his Domain Expansion to assert dominance over Sukuna in a formidable battle. In this confrontation, Sukuna also demonstrates the ability to engage in a duel on par with Gojo.
Another significant technique that Sukuna can execute is the last resort of a powerful sorcerer when continuously attacked by other sorcerers, which allows him to unleash a Domain Expansion by utilizing a different aspect of his own body and various hand gestures, to create a new Domain Expansion that he skillfully masters.
Every chapter in Jujutsu Kaisen reveals a sense of loss, as the students are not entirely immersed in the powerful jujutsu system, while the sorcerers themselves are those who fully understand the art, often trained through intense battles and extended periods of conflict.
Source: Comicbook
