In the Jujutsu Kaisen Shinjuku Showdown arc, Maki Zen’in emerges as a crucial and formidable character, challenging the foundations of Jujutsu society. As the intense battle against Sukuna reaches its peak, Maki’s significant role comes into clear focus.
From the escalating buildup surrounding Gojo’s confrontation with Sukuna to her dramatic face-off with the King of Curses, Maki’s fierce determination and exceptional skills are prominently showcased.
This character analysis delves into Maki’s character development throughout the arc, reflecting on her strategic decisions and their consequences in the ongoing conflict while highlighting her strength and resolve during this pivotal showdown.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Anticipating Gojo’s battle with Sukuna
After reuniting with her fellow sorcerers, Maki and her team executed their plan to unseal Gojo from the Prison Realm. Their efforts proved successful, and Gojo committed to confront Sukuna on December 24, allowing him a month of preparation.
During a strategic meeting, Yuta suggested an extreme backup plan that involved having Rika consume Kenjaku’s head to replicate his brain transplant technique. This technique could potentially be used on Gojo should he fall in battle. However, Maki and Hakari firmly dismissed the idea. Maki challenged Yuta, questioning the implications for him if his copied technique were to fail, to which he conceded he had no clear answer.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Rising tensions among the Jujutsu Sorcerers
As tensions flared, Yuta became increasingly exasperated by his allies’ reluctance to adopt more radical measures against Sukuna. Maki urged him to stay rational, reminding him of his importance to the group. In response, Yuta argued that they were not considering the burden Gojo bore, always needing to be the “monster” for their benefit. He declared that if no one else was willing to embrace that role, he would.
Later, Maki, Panda, and Inumaki remained outside the room as Gojo confronted the Jujutsu higher-ups. When Gojo asked them to step away to avoid witnessing the potential violence against the elders, they firmly refused. Ultimately, Gojo conceded and entered the room.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Zen’in Maki’s role in the fight against Ryomen Sukuna
On December 24, the day of Gojo’s battle with Sukuna, Maki and the other sorcerers witnessed Gojo’s departure. They observed the fight unfold via live broadcast at the headquarters. When Gojo fell in battle, Maki provided comfort to the grieving Yuta.
As Yuta and Yuji engaged Sukuna in combat, Takuma and Kusakabe prepared for Maki to initiate a surprise attack. Following an assault on Yuta and Yuji by Sukuna’s Cleave technique, Maki entered Yuta’s domain and successfully stabbed Sukuna through the chest with the Split Soul Katana during a moment of vulnerability.
The unexpected attack was effective, leading to a fierce battle between Maki and Sukuna. Maki skillfully evaded Sukuna’s assaults, even managing to slam him into surrounding debris. When Sukuna attempted to execute his “world cutting slash,” Maki read his movements and eluded the strike, earning Sukuna’s admiration for her tactical abilities, akin to Mahoraga.
During the clash, Maki validated Megumi’s earlier insight that Sukuna was sustaining his heart with cursed energy. She questioned his ability to maintain this during their confrontation, yet Sukuna confidently dismissed her concerns.
As the battle escalated, Sukuna hurled debris and vehicles at Maki, who skillfully dodged the projectiles. He then launched a slash attack that sent Maki crashing into a building. Taking advantage of Sukuna’s distraction, Maki utilized her agility to hurl him into yet another structure.
Determined to conclude Sukuna’s reign of terror, Maki vowed to eliminate him. She threw columns in his direction, but Sukuna retaliated by grabbing her by the face and severing part of it. Intrigued by Maki’s Heavenly Restricted body, which defied conventional Jujutsu principles, Sukuna lauded her for being the first to offer him a genuine challenge. He followed up by delivering a powerful Black Flash that sent Maki flying.
Despite sustaining significant damage, Maki quickly recovered and managed to sever one of Sukuna’s hands while teaming up with Yuji, Miguel, and Larue. After Sukuna struck her with a third Black Flash along with a standard slash, Maki noted the increasing power of his attacks.
When Sukuna activated an incomplete no-barrier Malevolent Shrine, Miwa intervened to protect Maki from guaranteed slashes utilizing her Simple Domain. Subsequently, Aoi Todo used his Boogie Woogie technique to transport Maki and Miwa to safety.
Final thoughts
Maki’s contributions during the Shinjuku Showdown arc in Jujutsu Kaisen are significant, showcasing her unparalleled combat skills, tactical acumen, and unwavering resolve. Her surprise offensive against Sukuna using the Split Soul Katana created a vital opening for the sorcerers in the fight. Throughout the encounter, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, expertly evading Sukuna’s devastating strikes and recovering quickly even after sustaining severe injuries.
With her Heavenly Restricted body coupled with tactical ingenuity, Maki was able to contend with Sukuna’s formidable strength, establishing her as an indispensable player in this conflict. Her valor not only weakened Sukuna but also inspired her fellow sorcerers to persist in the battle.
- Move over Gojo, Jujutsu Kaisen has introduced a new physical ability that is all Yuji’s, and his Domain proves it
- Yuji’s monologue in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 265 was for Megumi, not Sukuna, and it makes perfect sense
- Jujutsu Kaisen fans should be rooting against Hakari’s return, as it could ruin Yuji’s Domain Expansion plan
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