Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Yuji’s Shrine Is Better Than Sukuna’s, Explained

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This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Epilogue chapter.

Summary

  • Yuji awakened Shrine in Shinjuku, showing immense power.
  • Yuji’s Shrine technique is safer compared to Sukuna’s.
  • Yuji’s Shrine can hit souls, dealing irreparable damage.

In the manga “Jujutsu Kaisen”, Yuji Itadori serves as the main character, a figure who has piqued the curiosity of fans due to his intriguing development. Much like many protagonists found in the shonen genre, Yuji was initially granted power at the onset of the narrative, and in this instance, it was Ryomen Sukuna. However, Sukuna proved to be more of a burden than a blessing for Yuji. With his own objectives to accomplish, Sukuna had no qualms residing within Yuji and waiting out his time. Yet, this arrangement eventually conferred upon Yuji several impressive abilities, the majority of which came into fruition during the Shinjuku Showdown Arc of the storyline.

In summary, during the final act, Yuji unleashed the might of the Shrine, leaving viewers spellbound by his exceptional showcase. However, it’s worth noting that Yuji’s Shrine didn’t reach its full potential in the story, suggesting there could be more to explore about him post-JJK, something fans are eagerly looking forward to.

How Yuji Itadori Awakened The Shrine

  • Yuji’s Body Was Bathed In Sukuna’s Cursed Energy
  • Yuji Awakened Shrine In The Shinjuku Showdown Arc

In the Shinjuku Showdown Arc of “Jujutsu Kaisen”, Yuji Itadori initially possessed powers that were quite modest compared to the various abilities present in his world. At the start of the series, Yuji’s powers consisted mainly of controlling cursed energy at a rudimentary level and using Divergent Fist for physical attacks with a delay, which made it both unattractive to watch and not particularly flashy. However, despite its simplicity, this technique was effective more times than not. As the story progressed in “Jujutsu Kaisen”, Yuji continued to refine his Divergent Fist, but it retained a certain underwhelming quality. This led the author to introduce more impressive powers for the main character, and he certainly succeeded in doing so.

Beneath the sparks of black, Yuji Itadori awakens! – Narrator

From the moment Yuji Itadori and Sukuna merged bodies, fans speculated that it would bring an advantage to Yuji somehow. This theory became a reality when Gojo Satoru, one of the strongest modern sorcerers, revealed that Yuji had been infused with Sukuna’s Cursed Energy. As per Gojo, this meant that Yuji was destined to learn and wield Sukuna’s techniques in the future. This sets up the possibility for Yuji to acquire an incredibly potent ability later on in JJK, a plot point already laid out by the author. Shoko subsequently reinforced this idea, confirming that this plot element was indeed part of the storyline.

As a spectator, I must admit that many readers initially harbored doubts about Yuji eventually wielding the power known as Shrine. However, I’m thrilled to report that those skeptics were proven wrong when Yuji indeed managed to attain this power during the climactic Shinjuku Showdown Arc of JJK.

During the intense battle against Sukuna, fans witnessed a remarkable collaboration among characters like Yuta, Miguel, Larue, Maki, and others. It was in this pivotal moment that Yuji delivered his first Black Flash strike on the King of Curses. This decisive blow marked a significant turning point.

Thanks to the Black Flash, Yuji experienced an awakening which allowed him to harness the cursed technique called Shrine, a power previously yielded by none other than Sukuna himself.

The Differences Between Yuji and Sukuna’s Shrine

  • Yuji Itadori’s Shrine is Safer
  • Sukuna’s Shrine Is Destructive

Enthusiasts of the manga “Jujutsu Kaisen” are likely familiar with the Shrine technique; this skill empowers Sukuna to employ two distinct cutting abilities, namely Cleave and Dismantle. The Cleave ability is utilized by Sukuna to swiftly eliminate an adversary in a single strike, and its power can be regulated according to the enemy’s resistance and the cursed energy expended. Additionally, it typically activates upon physical contact.

The projectile known as Dismantle slices through anything it encounters, making it a formidable weapon in battle and potentially lethal. Furthermore, Sukuna possesses the ability to harness the power of Furnace, an explosive thermobaric attack that requires the prior use of Cleave and Dismantle against opponents. This attack is capable of completely annihilating an enemy, turning them into ashes. It’s important to note that Sukuna’s technique lacks precision, affecting everything in its vicinity. For example, during the events in Shinjuku, the destructive nature of his technique was clearly evident. However, Yuji’s technique contrasts greatly with Sukuna’s.

Dismantle is a slicing projectile that cuts through anything it meets, making it very dangerous in combat. Sukuna also has the power to use Furnace, an explosion that can destroy enemies completely if he uses Cleave and Dismantle first. This ability doesn’t discriminate between friend or foe. In Shinjuku, you could see its destructive impact clearly. But Yuji’s technique is different from Sukuna’s.

The projectile called Dismantle cuts through everything in its path, making it a powerful weapon in battle and potentially deadly. Additionally, Sukuna can use the power of Furnace, an explosion that destroys enemies completely if he uses Cleave and Dismantle first. This power doesn’t choose who to affect. During the Shinjuku events, you could see its destructive force clearly. However, Yuji’s technique is unlike Sukuna’s.

Does this mean this brat has the same level of potential as Sukuna-sama himself? – Uraume

Yuji Itadori, like others, harnesses the power of a Shrine, but his abilities seem equally potent with a unique twist in safety. As soon as Yuji activated his Shrine, viewers noticed distinct scissor-like marks on the areas he intended to sever. These marks manifest whenever Yuji desires to cut something, and only the targeted part of his adversaries sustains damage.

Apparently, according to Sukuna, this is attributed to their contrasting personalities and the technique originating from a different era. Despite this, Yuji’s method causes minimal harm beyond what’s necessary. He cuts only what he needs, leaving unimportant areas untouched. On the contrary, Sukuna indiscriminately chops down everything at once.

How Yuji’s Shrine Can Surpass Sukuna’s Shrine

Yuji Itadori’s Shrine Can Hit Souls

In theory, Yuji Itadori and Sukuna’s abilities, as expressed through their Shrine, should be equally potent. Both Yuji and Sukuna have the capacity to employ Cleave and Dismantle against their adversaries, with the main distinction lying in the safety level of these techniques. While Yuji has yet to demonstrate the use of the Furnace technique, there’s no reason to doubt that he possesses this ability, given they share the same power source. As an adult, it’s likely that Yuji would have mastered this power as well.

The unique strength of Yuji’s method lies in its ability to strike at the core – the souls of his adversaries. Each impact inflicts damage on their soul, making even the toughest opponents vulnerable. When combined with Cleaves and Dismantles, it spells certain defeat. In the world of JJK, Soul Damage is more potent than anything else, and here’s the catch: it cannot be restored, not even by using Reverse Cursed Technique. The only way to mend soul damage is to understand the soul’s outline, a skill that few possess, and even Sukuna could only master due to having two souls within one body. This means that other characters would have succumbed much sooner. Consequently, Yuji chooses to forgo the technique’s indiscriminate nature and instead opts for a safer approach, but in return, he obtains the power to inflict damage that overcomes durability, and which cannot be healed from. In summary, if Yuji masters all techniques that Sukuna possesses and combines them with Soul Damage as he does, his version of Shrine would undoubtedly surpass others.

At long last, the final installment of Jujutsu Kaisen, chapter 271, dropped on September 29, 2024. Enthusiasts can delve into this captivating series through the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump mobile applications.

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2025-01-12 03:34