Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shinjuku Showdown arc may have redefined how Reverse Cursed Technique works, and nobody noticed

Since its debut, Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system and diverse techniques have captivated fans. The application of these techniques by different users has been a popular subject of interest. While the series has delved into the nature of cursed techniques, there are still some details that remain unexplained.

Until recent chapters of the manga, the Reverse Cursed Technique has remained a mysterious aspect. While fans had previously thought that it merely used energy to regenerate a sorcerer’s flesh and body, Yuta’s dialogues suggest that the technique actually focuses on the soul rather than the physical body.

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

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Reverse Cursed Technique that Targets the Soul

Sukuna as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Despite being an enigmatic element of the Jujutsu Kaisen power system, Cursed techniques and Reverse Cursed Techniques remain among the most intriguing. While the series explains that cursed energy is considered negative, the Reverse Cursed Technique utilizes a combination of these negative energies to produce positive energy and facilitate healing, yet the intricacies of this process remain convoluted.

Mahito as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The concept of “positive energy”allows for the regeneration of flesh, bones, and even complete missing organs. However, it is unable to heal wounds caused by direct damage to the soul, such as Mahito’s Idle Transfiguration, which alters the very essence of the soul. This is because the body is naturally shaped by the soul, as emphasized by Mahito before.

Yuta’s dialogue in Chapter 267 revealed that in order to use a person’s cursed technique, Rika must ingest a body part from that person. However, if the ingested body part is regenerated using the Reverse Cursed Technique, Rika will lose the ability to copy the cursed technique.

Yuta as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Yuta’s inability to create an entire arsenal of overpowered cursed techniques without facing consequences is primarily due to the Reverse Cursed Technique. This technique views a “wound”as a “curse”and utilizes positive energy to reverse it. It then retrieves the soul from severed limbs or body parts and reshapes the user’s body to match the healed soul.

It is believed that every severed body part retains a part of the soul, enabling Rika to access the cursed technique and use the copy technique. This discovery also supports the notion that the Reverse Cursed Technique is unable to repair “soul damage”and provides insight into the exceptional durability of individuals with Heavenly Restriction.

Kenjaku as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Kenjaku’s statement, affirming the unity of the soul and body, reinforces the principles of the Reverse Cursed Technique. It also clarifies that those with Heavenly Restriction possess heightened physical fortitude, leading to the development of fortified souls and their resistance to harm.

Final Thoughts

Chapter 268 was published on September 1, 2024, marking the end of Sukuna’s battle with the sorcerers and his eventual demise. The series is set to conclude with Chapter 271, scheduled for release in late September 2024. Despite this, certain enigmas, such as Kenjaku’s cryptic statement and the unresolved matter of Yuta being trapped in Gojo’s body, remain unanswered.

Despite the series’ immense popularity and the presence of many unanswered questions, it is possible that the next three chapters will address these issues. While many fans are hopeful for a continuation of the series, there has been no official announcement made. The release date for Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 269 is set for September 15, 2024.

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