Jujutsu Kaisen: The Deadly Consequences of Breaking a Binding Vow

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Summary

  • Binding vows in Jujutsu Kaisen are enforced contracts with mutual interests.
  • There are two types of binding vows – with others and with oneself.
  • Breaking a binding vow with others results in severe and deadly consequences.

In the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, it’s often just the dazzling skills like Innate Cursed Techniques and Domain Expansion that grab people’s attention. However, the depth of Jujutsu is far greater than what meets the eye. There’s a wealth of other techniques that a skilled Jujutsu Sorcerer can master, such as defensive barrier techniques, Reverse Cursed Techniques, shikigami, and an array of offensive strategies like Black Flash or combat with Cursed Tools.

In this article, we’ll delve into one particular method, which revolves around the concept of Cursed Restriction, often referred to as a Binding Vow. Throughout the series, this promise-bound pledge has been employed on numerous occasions. Here, we will clarify the essence of a binding vow, provide some examples, and discuss the significant consequences when such a vow is breached.

What is a Binding Vow?

Let’s clarify the concept of a binding vow before we delve into its aspects. We will discuss what a binding vow entails, its implications, how it can be invoked, and the various categories of binding vows that exist.

What is a binding vow? What happens when you make one, how do you use it, and are there different types? Let’s explore these questions first.

An Unbreakable Contract

In simpler terms, a binding vow can be described as an agreement or promise made with magical force in jujutsu. When two parties make a binding vow, they negotiate and agree on their respective obligations. Once both parties reach an agreement, the vow becomes effective immediately. The binding vow stays active until both parties have fulfilled their part of the deal. After the binding vow has fully taken effect, it cannot be canceled until the terms of the agreement have been met.

“A binding vow is based on mutual interests. It’s important in the world of Jujutsu.”

—Ryomen Sukuna, Chapter 11

Two Types of Binding Vows

There are two kinds of commitments, one you make with others and another you make with yourself. The relationship in a commitment between parties resembles a standard agreement, as explained in the previous part. However, a commitment made to oneself is particularly intriguing. This kind of commitment serves to enhance your personal power or to reach outcomes that wouldn’t be feasible through conventional means.

Examples of Binding Vows

Having made certain we’re on the same wavelength regarding what constitutes a binding vow, let’s delve into some striking instances of such vows from our series. Given that Jujutsu Kaisen boasts quite a few examples, this part will offer illustrations for both varieties of these distinctive contracts.

A Binding Vow with Oneself

Previously discussed, a self-imposed oath serves primarily to amplify one’s afflicted power. This often involves forfeiting or restricting certain aspects to augment the beneficial outcomes of the user’s ability. The most frequent form of this oath is disclosing one’s ability to adversaries. By making such an oath, the more you expose your cursed technique’s inner mechanisms, the more potent your cursed technique becomes.

Nanami serves as a significant demonstration of this unique vow binding. He strategically reveals his Ratio Technique to opponents, thereby amplifying the potency of his cursed technique. Moreover, he adds an extra level of restriction by limiting his power usage to 80-90% during normal work hours. This limitation triggers a significant boost in power, allowing him to tap into 110-120% of his capabilities once he goes “Overtime.

A Binding Vow with Others

In the captivating world of this series, I’ve come across some fascinating instances where binding vows are exchanged, each with its unique set of circumstances. For instance, when Yuji found himself in dire straits, Ryomen Sukuna, through a binding vow, restored him to life! But there’s a catch – every time I utter the word “‘Enchain’“, he takes over my body for a brief moment.

Another intriguing example is the pact between Mahito and Mechamaru. In order to obtain crucial insights from Mechamaru, Mahito has pledged to mend his body and transform him back into a regular human! It’s these complex bondings that make this series truly enthralling.

In another scenario, there’s a unilateral promise or oath, like the instance when the authorities in the Jujutsu World enforced an oath upon Yuta, compelling him to eliminate Yuji. If Yuta doesn’t carry out this assignment, he stands to lose his life. Despite appearing unfavorable for Yuta, this type of oath remains binding as soon as Yuta consents to it, which he indeed did.

What Happens When a Binding Vow is Broken?

In other words, how does the situation unfold when a given promise or pledge is violated? What transpires when one individual fails to uphold their commitment? What occurs if both parties involved fail to honor their word? What are the consequences when an individual breaks a vow they gave to themselves?

Breaking a Binding Vow with Oneself

To start with, remember that violating any form of solemn promise will have consequences. Now, let me clarify that while breaching a promise made to others carries significant penalties, the repercussions for breaking a promise to oneself are generally less severe.

Previously mentioned, the function of this specific self-binding oath is to amplify one’s cursed abilities. As Kenjaku points out, the typical consequence of breaking a self-binding oath results in the loss of the enhanced effects that would have been acquired through using such an oath.

In simpler terms, if Nanami violates their sworn secrecy by failing to disclose his Ratio Technique to the enemy, he forgoes the extra strength that could have been gained from revealing it.

Making a promise with someone is not comparable to forcing a promise upon oneself. Should we choose to break that promise today, we can’t predict when or what kind of consequences we may face.

—Kenjaku, Chapter 79

Breaking a Binding Vow with Others

Contrarily, breaching a solemn promise with others carries an extremely harsh consequence. The danger lies in the uncertainty of the penalty one must face for such a breach. What is known for certain is that it will be harsh and lethal.

One primary cause for everyone treating these particular vows with great importance is the mystery surrounding the consequences. After all, when dealing with a contract bound by jujutsu magic, nobody wants to risk discovering the harsh penalties. It’s possible that breaching the vow could lead to gradual and agonizing transformation into an unsightly cursed entity.

In simpler terms, you could consider Kenjaku as the orchestrator of most malevolent events in the series. However, he is bound by an unbreakable oath, which means that any sorcerer or cursed spirit adheres to this oath without fail.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-02-28 23:07