Akutami’s Irredeemable Mistake with Hakari in Jujutsu Kaisen Explained

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268 signified the end of the King of Curses and wrapped up the battle between Uraume and Hakari in a rather anti-climactic manner. The series offered minimal insight into their confrontation, leaving fans uncertain about who truly had the advantage. Additionally, Hakari, the Jujutsu sorcerer, demonstrated little character growth throughout the series.

Labeling the failure to develop Hakari as Akutami’s critical error might be a controversial viewpoint. However, this perspective aligns with Hakari’s lack of substantial contributions, aside from exaggerated claims regarding his cursed energy output. His most notable moments revolved around his domain expansion, which gained popularity online.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series and reflects the author’s opinions.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Examining Hakari Kinji as Akutami’s critical error

Hakari giving the sorcerers a run for their money (Image via Shueisha) — Hakari giving the sorcerers a challenge (Image via Shueisha)

Introduced in the Fearsome Womb arc and making his first appearance in the Perfect Preparation arc, Hakari Kinji was a third-year student at Jujutsu High (Tokyo) before being suspended following the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. After his suspension, he established an underground fighting club.

Prior to the Culling Game arc, the Jujutsu sorcerers sought to recruit Hakari based on claims from fellow third-year students about his strength. With Gojo’s endorsement, his inclusion in the upcoming conflict against cursed spirits seemed essential.

Following a heated battle with his underground club companions, the sorcerers successfully recruited Hakari for the Culling Game. He justified the hype surrounding him in a fight against Kashimo, where the much-anticipated moment of his Domain Expansion: Idle Death Gamble occurred.

Kashimo joining Hakari's side after failing to win against him (Image via Shueisha) — Kashimo aligning with Hakari post-defeat (Image via Shueisha)

Although the battle concluded in a draw, it was his standout performance in the series. Regrettably, that was the last time fans prominently saw him, as he barely appeared in the Shinjuku Showdown arc.

Initially, he faced off against Sukuna’s subordinate, Uraume, whom he could have easily defeated had he not deliberately prolonged their encounter. Instead of quickly overcoming Uraume and joining his allies, Hakari allowed the fight to drag on, intending to give the sorcerers an opportunity against the King of Curses.

Hakari Kinji vs Uraume as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Hakari Kinji vs Uraume as depicted in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Unfortunately, the outcome was adverse, as Ryomen Sukuna continued to eliminate sorcerers on the battlefield. In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268, Hakari emerged victorious when Uraume faded away following Sukuna’s defeat. This victory, however, was disappointing, as Hakari did not experience any character development and essentially won by chance.

Moreover, Hakari never interacted with Gojo Satoru, who had previously praised him. He also failed to execute a Black Flash technique, which became common among other sorcerers, and he did not achieve a decisive victory over any adversary, as his win against Uraume was merely a ‘stroke of luck,’ according to both characters.

Despite being lauded by third-year students and the excessive hype around his domain expansion fueled by social media, Hakari was scarcely shown utilizing it when it mattered most—during the fight against Uraume. Hence, it seems that Hakari might represent one of Akutami’s significant oversights, especially with only a few chapters remaining in the series.

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