Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 269 had the surviving sorcerers discussing their strategies in the battle against Ryomen Sukuna. Maki Zen’in pointed out various alternatives that could have led to a swifter resolution of the conflict. This has been interpreted by many as a tactic by author Gege Akutami to address certain plotholes within this arc. However, it’s clear that the sorcerers could have been significantly more proactive during this battle.
Throughout Jujutsu Kaisen, there were numerous occasions when the sorcerers could have employed specific Cursed Techniques against the King of Curses, potentially ending the fight with fewer casualties. Although this may have seemed like a less theatrical choice in terms of storytelling, adopting a more practical approach would have made much more sense within the story’s logic.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.
Alternative Strategies to Defeat Sukuna More Quickly in Jujutsu Kaisen
1. Gojo Engaging Sukuna with Allies
When the Shinjuku arc commenced, many fans believed that Satoru Gojo was the sole sorcerer capable of defeating Sukuna. Given Gojo’s abilities and immense power, this assessment seemed valid; however, his hubris and ego ultimately hindered him and his comrades.
In a battle where the fate of humanity was at stake, Gojo opted to confront Sukuna alone, asserting that he performed better by himself. This lack of pragmatism proved fatal, as he should have enlisted the help of allies like Yuji Itadori, Yuta Okkotsu, and Kinji Hakari to collectively overpower Sukuna and resolve the conflict more efficiently.
2. Todo Leveraging His Cursed Technique with Higuruma
Hiromi Higuruma’s Domain Expansion grants him the ability to judge individuals for specific crimes, and those deemed guilty face execution by a sword crafted from his own Cursed Energy. This ability could have been pivotal in defeating Sukuna, highlighting why Aoi Todo’s support was crucial.
Todo’s power to switch places with targets has proven effective against enemies like Mahito, making it evident that he could have synergized with Higuruma to strike the King of Curses. Given the certainty of Higuruma’s Domain Expansion, it seems illogical that they did not prioritize its use during this battle.
3. Quicker Defeat of Uraume to Enable Hakari’s Assistance
The fight between Hakari and Uraume is widely regarded as one of the low points of Jujutsu Kaisen, and a significant writing oversight on Gege Akutami’s part, since it predominantly transpired offscreen. It would have been advantageous for the sorcerers to defeat Uraume swiftly so Hakari could aid in the battle against Sukuna.
Considering Gojo was preoccupied in his duel with Sukuna, other sorcerers should have been able to manage Uraume effectively, particularly since Hakari remained undefeated throughout the arc. A character with Hakari’s exceptional skills could have significantly impacted the fight.
4. Yuta, Inumaki, and Larue Restraining Sukuna to Allow Higuruma to Attack
As previously mentioned, Higuruma possessed one of the most efficient means to eliminate Sukuna in the entire story, underscoring why the sorcerers should have concentrated their efforts on making this strategy work. Particularly when Larue and Toge Inumaki managed to hold Sukuna momentarily, allowing other characters to inflict damage.
A coordinated effort from Inumaki and Yuta Okkotsu utilizing Cursed Speech in conjunction with Larue’s Heart Catch could have provided the necessary distraction for Higuruma to land a decisive blow on Sukuna. This strategy represented perhaps the most effective way to defeat the primary antagonist, ultimately squandered by the sorcerers.
5. Yuta Implementing Nobara’s Cursed Technique
While Nobara Kugisaki’s return has generated mixed reactions among fans, the timing of her awakening to employ Resonance on Sukuna’s finger felt too convenient. It raised questions as she awakened at the precise moment Yuji Itadori was about to unleash a Black Flash attack on Sukuna, leading to the question of why Yuta did not replicate her Cursed Technique.
While it was uncertain when Nobara would awaken, including her in the plan posed inherent risks. A more logical approach would have been for Yuta to copy her Cursed Technique and execute it at a critical moment, potentially integrating it with Higuruma’s Domain Expansion to ensure a high chance of success in subduing Sukuna.
6. Utilizing Two Jacob’s Ladders Against Sukuna
By the conclusion of the Culling Games arc, it was clear that Hana Kurusu’s Jacob’s Ladder was among the few attacks capable of genuinely harming Ryomen Sukuna. In fact, the King of Curses had to impersonate Megumi Fushiguro to evade Hana’s strike, suggesting that this technique warranted greater attention from the sorcerers.
If several characters could have restrained Sukuna, Yuta and Hana attacking with Jacob’s Ladder might have led to a swift defeat of the King of Curses. The critical question would remain regarding Megumi’s status in this scenario.
7. Empowering Maki to Confront Kenjaku so Yuta Could Tackle Sukuna
Maki Zen’in herself emphasizes this possibility in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 269, arguing that since she possesses no Cursed Energy, she could have stealthily approached Kenjaku and eliminated him, much like Yuta Okkotsu did after Takaba distracted the ancient sorcerer.
This strategy could have allowed Yuta to engage Sukuna from the start, potentially giving them an advantage. The catch is that Maki would need to contend with the various Curses residing within Suguru Geto’s body; however, considering her limited impact against Sukuna, this alternative use of her abilities might have proven more effective.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the main characters in Jujutsu Kaisen had various potential strategies to defeat Sukuna more rapidly. While some tactics could be considered plot holes, others might have diminished the dramatic tension inherent in what was the series’ climactic battle.
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