Jujutsu Kaisen: How Gege Akutami Failed Kenjaku, Explained

Jujutsu Kaisen: How Gege Akutami Failed Kenjaku, Explained

As a long-time fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I must admit that I was rather disappointed with how Kenjaku’s character arc unfolded. With his centuries-long schemes and plans, I expected a grand finale that would leave me breathless, much like Yuji, Nobara, or Gojo did in their respective battles. But alas, it seems that the author decided to take a different route.


This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 270.

Key Takeaways

  • Kenjaku’s death in JJK was underwhelming and fans expected a better final battle.
  • Kenjaku passed on the key of the merger to Ryomen Sukuna, but Sukuna did not invoke it.
  • The author failed to develop Kenjaku’s character significantly and his plans led to nothing in the end.

It’s nearly the conclusion of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” a tale that has sparkled in Shonen Jump for years. Fans are well aware that the climactic battle has now been fought, signaling the wrap-up of this captivating story. The confrontation between Sukuna and the sorcerers has finally ended, thereby hinting at the approaching finale.

In summary, the conclusion of the series has sparked diverse opinions among fans due to various factors. Given the nature of storytelling, it’s expected that certain aspects will resonate with some fans while not with others. However, when it comes to the portrayal of Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen, there is widespread agreement among fans that the author did not execute it effectively and fell short in character development for Kenjaku towards the end of the series. It appears that the author significantly missed the mark in developing Kenjaku’s character during the final stages of the storyline, for one reason or another.

Kenjaku’s Death In The Culling Game Arc Of Jujutsu Kaisen

  • Kenjaku Fought Takaba
  • Yuta Sneaked Up On Kenjaku

In the Culling Game arc, Kenjaku’s death came as a surprise to fans, not what was expected for such an important character. His battle against Takaba, while humorous at times, felt anticlimactic compared to his significant role in the series. Fans believed he deserved a more spectacular final fight. In the end, Kenjaku emerged victorious over Takaba, but this was short-lived as Yuta suddenly appeared from nowhere and beheaded him. Following the decapitation, Yuta pierced Kenjaku’s brain with cursed energy, preventing any chance of recovery using his reverse cursed technique. Simultaneously, Yuta also transferred a part of himself to Rika, granting her the ability to teleport like Kenjaku does in the story.

My will shall be carried on! – Kenjaku

It came as quite a surprise when things unfolded the way they did regarding Kenjaku’s departure from the storyline in JJK. Fans had anticipated a different outcome for him, with many still harboring hope that he hadn’t truly perished. Most fans, however, felt convinced that Kenjaku had an important part to play in the series’ future, somehow or other.

Kenjaku’s Will Being Passed On To Ryomen Sukuna

Kenjaku Passed On The Key Of The Merger To Ryomen Sukuna

Upon Kenjaku’s demise, he did not exhibit any signs of despair or weakness. Contrasting Sukuna’s death in JJK, where fear was evident through his wide-eyed stare and heavy perspiration, Kenjaku remained composed. Despite the certainty of his impending doom, he did not plead for mercy nor beg Yuji. Instead, he stood firm until the very last moment. However, it is undeniable that Kenjaku was calm and even smiled at death’s approach. Unlike Sukuna, who was terrified, Kenjaku held a conviction that his death would have no impact on the ongoing Culling Game, and indeed, as fans know, the game must continue even in the face of his elimination.

Additionally, Kenjaku’s design for the merging of events remained unhindered. As Kenjaku stated, even if he perished and didn’t witness the merger personally, it would be carried out by someone else who would eventually take up his cause later on. The audience wasn’t privy to Kenjaku’s intentions, but with Sukuna inheriting his will, it suggests that it is now Sukuna who has assumed responsibility for initiating the merger.

In essence, the foundation of Kenjaku’s work spanning a thousand years hinged on this union, making it crucial for his long-term schemes to manifest somehow. However, Sukuna opted against triggering his insurance policy linked to the merger. As per Sukuna, he desired to engage in conflict with the sorcerers initially, and once they were all vanquished, he would then consider employing the power of the union. Regrettably, this did not transpire. As viewers are aware, Sukuna met his demise in this battle, and along with it, the entire narrative surrounding the union crumbled, leaving many puzzled, to put it mildly.

Essentially, all that Kenjaku spent centuries pursuing ended up being irrelevant. Consequently, his demise can be seen as quite insignificant, and all the accumulations he made throughout his life turned out to hold little value in the broader perspective.

Currently, numerous fans of JJK often justify this point by suggesting that if the merger had commenced, it would essentially signal the demise of society as a whole. However, while there may be some validity to this claim, it’s worth noting that the author could have devised alternative solutions to avoid such an outcome, perhaps having the Sorcerers intervene and reestablish equilibrium in the world. This approach seems more plausible because when an author introduces a plot device, it should serve a purpose. If the merger was introduced in JJK, the author should ensure it’s not just a topic of discussion but rather something that unfolds and is demonstrated.

Can you hear it, Sukuna? The Heian Era is returning! – Kenjaku

In challenging circumstances, let the protagonists face their toughest trials, but ultimately emerge victorious. Leaving significant events unresolved or failing to develop them further can be nothing short of frustrating.

Looking Back At Kenjaku’s Character In JJK

Kenjaku Was An underwhelming Character In JJK

Jujutsu Kaisen: How Gege Akutami Failed Kenjaku, Explained

Reflecting on Kenjaku’s character, it’s clear now that he didn’t accomplish any major feats. However, in the past, he established a Binding Vow which led numerous sorcerers from different epochs to participate in the Culling Game. For example, Yuji was born with connections to Sukuna. Moreover, Kenjaku revived the Ancient Sorcerers after the Shibuya events and initiated the Culling Game.

In another phrase: The power generated from the Culling Game was essential for his merge process, but regrettably, none of his strategies succeeded, leaving fans disappointed as he didn’t engage in a crucial fight towards the end. If Kenjaku had to perish eventually, it would have been more satisfying if he died during his battle against Yuki, where they both met their demise.

Jujutsu Kaisen: How Gege Akutami Failed Kenjaku, Explained

It was quite disappointing for the writer not to make his confrontation with Takaba more significant, as this lackluster ending is bound to have an enduring impact on the overall conclusion of the tale.

As a passionate gamer and manga enthusiast, I’m excited to share that I can officially and freely read “Jujutsu Kaisen” through Viz Media. If you’re a fan like me, you can find it on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus app. On a separate note, mark your calendars for September 22, 2024, as that’s when the next chapter of One Piece, chapter 270, is set to drop!

Read More

2024-09-19 03:33