Jujutsu Kaisen: Gege Akutami prolonging Hakari vs. Uraume is turning the fight into a gag and it’s saddening

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has gathered together nearly every sorcerer to battle against Sukuna, even including minor characters like Larue and Miguel who had only made brief appearances at the start of the series. The latest chapter, 261, concluded with Yuta facing off against Sukuna once more in their ongoing fight.

Despite this, the ongoing battle between Hakari and Uraume that began in Chapter 237 has been overshadowed. Both Uraume and Hakari have been reduced to mere spectators in the fight against Sukuna, leaving many Hakari supporters disappointed as they were eagerly anticipating the ultimate showdown between Hakari and Uraume.

The Uraume fight is often seen as a pivotal moment in Hakari’s character development. It is quickly followed by Hakari’s confrontation with Sukuna, despite never having met him in person. However, the Hakari vs. Uraume fight has gained a reputation within the community as a recurring joke due to its poor execution and lack of focus.

Please be aware that this article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Impact of Hakari vs Uraume on Hakari’s Development

Hakari as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Despite initially promising to showcase Hakari’s full capabilities, the battle that began in Chapter 237 after Satoru Gojo’s death has been largely sidelined. This has resulted in a decrease in the excitement surrounding the fight, turning what could have been an epic confrontation into a mere background gag.

In Chapter 244, Uraume hinted at an upcoming fight by praising Hakari’s regenerative abilities and comparing them to Sukuna and Gojo. This only heightened fans’ excitement for the anticipated clash between two powerful opponents, with Hakari showcasing his cursed technique and strategic prowess.

Despite the initial promise, the subsequent chapters have failed to deliver. The main focus has shifted to the fight, leaving Hakari and Uraume as mere commentators on Sukuna’s actions.

Uraume as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Gege Akutami often employs background fights to shift focus and heighten suspense for the main conflicts, as seen in the Kenjaku vs. Takaba battle. However, this tactic has left fans disappointed as they were eagerly anticipating the Hakari vs. Uraume showdown.

Despite being hailed as one of the most powerful sorcerers of the new generation, Hakari has not been able to land a single blow on Sukuna. This is particularly notable as almost every other major character has engaged in battle with Sukuna. As a result, Hakari’s character is diminished, as he is relegated to being a mere distraction rather than a worthy adversary.

The discontent is evident among fans who believe that the prolonged buildup for Hakari vs. Uraume has transformed what should have been a tense showdown into a comical diversion. The neglect of this battle diminishes Hakari’s potential and hinders his growth as a character.

Sukuna as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Some fans believe that this could potentially lead to a major reveal about Uraume and Sukuna’s past, but the current execution has been underwhelming. Gege Akutami’s choice to include both major and minor characters in the climax has only added to the problem.

The conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 261 revealed that Yuta had transferred his consciousness to Gojo’s body in order to confront Sukuna. This left Hakari and Uraume as mere onlookers, highlighting the continued sidelining of Hakari and reducing the fight to a mere background joke rather than the epic showdown it deserved.

Despite this, a glimmer of hope persists. In Chapter 262, Gege may potentially redirect the focus from Yuta vs. Sukuna to Hakari vs. Uraume, finally shining the spotlight on this highly anticipated battle. Until then, fans can continue to hope that Hakari will eventually receive the attention and development that his character rightfully deserves.

Final Thoughts

The release of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 262, which is scheduled for June 9, 2024, has been postponed as the manga is currently on a hiatus. It is anticipated that this next installment will feature the ongoing battle between Yuta and Sukuna. Nevertheless, there is a chance that Gege Akutami may switch the storyline to the Hakari and Uraume confrontation, potentially saving the Yuta vs. Sukuna showdown for the climax of the series.