The climactic fight between Yuji Itadori and Ryomen Sukuna during the Shinjuku arc in Jujutsu Kaisen concluded the series with high stakes. Following Gojo’s demise, Yuji faced Sukuna, leaving fans eager to witness his character development throughout their confrontation.
This pivotal moment was where Yuji showcased his strength against the King of Curses. However, despite thrilling action sequences, many fans found the fight disappointing and not up to their expectations.
Several significant missteps made by Gege Akutami affected the overall reception of this epic battle. Below are ten noticeable errors made during the Sukuna vs. Yuji showdown in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Disclaimer: This article contains the writer’s opinions and includes spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.
Lack of family recognition and 9 other significant mistakes Gege made in the Sukuna vs. Yuji battle in Jujutsu Kaisen
1) Lack of clarity regarding Yuji’s domain
A major flaw in the Sukuna vs. Yuji battle in Jujutsu Kaisen was the unclear explanation of Yuji’s Domain Expansion. Throughout the series, Domains have played a critical role, especially for formidable characters like Gojo and Sukuna.
Given the significance of this moment, the lack of detail about Yuji’s Domain felt like a missed opportunity. Fans were left in suspense about its capabilities, detracting from the excitement of the fight.
This ambiguity diluted the battle’s impact, particularly since Domains are vital in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. Consequently, what could have been a powerful moment for Yuji’s growth and victory fell flat.
2) Rushed pacing
The showdown between Sukuna and Yuji felt overly hurried, detracting from the anticipated climax of Jujutsu Kaisen. Fans expected a prolonged and intense battle to fully explore each character’s potential.
This rapid pacing skipped crucial moments, compressing Yuji’s techniques and his growth as a sorcerer, ultimately lacking the weight needed for this finale. Simultaneously, Sukuna’s intricate character warranted more depth during this critical encounter.
With insufficient attention devoted to strategy and dialogue, the fight lost its urgency and stakes. Thus, this confrontation did not resonate as much with audiences as earlier battles in the story. The pacing of this encounter is a glaring oversight by Gege Akutami, as fans craved a more fulfilling conclusion.
3) Insufficient exposition
The absence of exposition during the battle between Sukuna and Yuji made the entire scene feel rushed and less engaging in Jujutsu Kaisen. While thrilling, the lack of character development and connection to Sukuna rendered the stakes of their conflict unclear.
Yuji’s growth and his newfound skills, which were significant to the narrative, were underscored. Meanwhile, Sukuna’s motivations and character remained largely unexplored, leaving viewers wanting more insight into his thoughts during the fight.
The hasty pacing weakened the dramatic weight of the final battle, making it feel less momentous than previous encounters. To emphasize the importance of this climactic showdown, a better balance between action and storytelling was needed.
4) Absence of a Black Flash clash
The climactic confrontation missed an exciting opportunity for a Black Flash clash between Yuji and Sukuna. As a technique renowned for its power and visual dynamism, witnessing both characters execute Black Flash simultaneously would have elevated the encounter significantly.
However, the fight relied on ordinary attacks instead of capitalizing on Black Flashes, ultimately disappointing fans. Incorporating a Black Flash clash would have not only added excitement but marked a pivotal moment in Yuji’s development as he battled Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen.
5) Sukuna’s diminished tactical brilliance
During the fight against Yuji, Sukuna’s cleverness appeared to diminish, despite him being at peak power. Having already battled seven predecessors before Yuji, he should have had the experience and tactical acumen to strategize effectively against him.
Instead, Sukuna opted for brute force, attacking Yuji head-on rather than employing cunning tactics. This oversight depicted a departure from his formerly sharp intellect, neglecting to adapt to Yuji’s newfound skills.
This miscalculation allowed Yuji to gain the upper hand and demonstrate his development as a sorcerer, leaving fans questioning why a formidable fighter like Sukuna would overlook such essential aspects of combat.
6) Split focus on multiple opponents
Sukuna engaging multiple opponents sequentially diminished the tension around his duel with Yuji. Instead of a powerful and concentrated fight, segments of the battle felt disjointed as Sukuna faced Gojo, Kashimo, and Hiromi Higuruma.
Rearranging the battles to have Sukuna first confront Gojo, then tackle a trio of opponents, and finally face Yuji would have heightened the buildup and excitement for the final duel.
The fragmentation of these fights lessened the emotional stakes, making it hard for fans to connect deeply with Yuji’s struggle against Sukuna. A more focused approach could have resulted in a more impactful conclusion in Jujutsu Kaisen.
7) Lack of family recognition
The absence of recognition between Yuji Itadori and Sukuna during their final showdown stands out as a substantial oversight. Given that Sukuna is technically Yuji’s uncle, this familial connection felt like a lost opportunity to explore during their conflict.
Discussing their family ties could have infused the battle with emotional depth, highlighting the tension between their relationship and the struggle for dominance. Rather than delving into this complexity, the focus remained squarely on combat and abilities, undermining personal stakes.
Addressing their shared history could have transformed their clash into something more profound, yet without this acknowledgment, fans missed the chance to appreciate the deeper significance of their conflict in Jujutsu Kaisen.
8) Higher kill count needed
The battle between Sukuna and Yuji would have benefitted from an increased kill count. Recognized for his ruthlessness, Sukuna displaying his deadly nature would have amplified the stakes of their encounter.
The fight missed the opportunity to exemplify Sukuna’s danger, especially in light of the chaotic and lethal Shibuya Incident. Moments like Yuta cutting Sukuna’s mouth and tearing his tongue showcased the real peril of their world.
An increased kill count would have heightened the suspense and visualized the formidable challenge Yuji faced against Sukuna. Such elements would have aligned well with the darker themes Jujutsu Kaisen is known for.
9) Concluding with a brutal fistfight
The ending of the Yuji vs. Sukuna battle in Jujutsu Kaisen would have resonated more strongly with a raw fistfight that displayed their determination and strength. Following Yuji setting up his Domain, the narrative could have shifted to a visceral confrontation that mirrored the intensity of their struggle.
Such an exchange of punches, initially utilizing the Reverse Cursed Technique and culminating in a physical brawl, could have built tremendous tension. Ultimately, Yuji could have delivered a crushing blow to Sukuna, showcasing his perseverance.
This finale would have evoked a more emotional response, depicting Sukuna’s rage against Yuji’s unwavering resolve, creating an unforgettable conclusion for fans.
10) Sukuna could have acknowledged Yuji at the end
Sukuna failing to acknowledge Yuji at the battle’s conclusion represents a significant missed opportunity. Throughout Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna consistently regards Yuji as an inferior brat, disregarding his growth and strength. During their final clash, Yuji proved his progress.
An acknowledgment from Sukuna—similar to what he offered Megumi and Jogo—would have added considerable weight to the ending. This moment would have emphasized Yuji’s journey and enriched their complicated relationship.
However, without Sukuna’s recognition, the significance of Yuji’s triumph diminished, leaving fans longing for a more impactful resolution. An acknowledgment from Sukuna could have underscored themes of growth and respect, enhancing the narrative and providing closure to their fierce rivalry.
Final thoughts
The battle between Yuji Itadori and Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen was exhilarating yet fell short in crucial aspects. A clearer understanding of Yuji’s Domain Expansion and the exploration of his familial ties with Sukuna could have enhanced the encounter.
While other characters like Gojo and Megumi provided standout moments, Yuji’s fight deserved a richer portrayal. The rapid pacing of this significant battle felt inadequate, and Sukuna’s lack of acknowledgment for Yuji’s growth lessened the fight’s impact.
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