Jura’s Role in Boruto: What Kenjaku Failed to Achieve in Jujutsu Kaisen

Jura’s Emergence: A New Antagonist in Boruto

The arrival of Jura in the Boruto series introduces the potential for a truly engaging antagonist, something that the character Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen ultimately did not achieve. Both Jura and Kenjaku are noteworthy for their manipulative skills, leveraging extensive knowledge and strategic acumen to influence their respective worlds.

However, while Kenjaku’s arc concluded on a somewhat flat note—leaving many fans disillusioned—Jura brings with him an air of mystery and unforeseen motives that captivates the audience. The creative team behind Boruto has a unique opportunity to enrich Jura’s storyline and reveal his true intentions, which could surpass the narrative impact left in Kenjaku’s wake.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for both series and reflects the author’s opinions.

Character Parallels: Jura vs. Kenjaku

On many levels, Jura and Kenjaku mirror each other, indicating that Jura has the potential to evolve into the formidable antagonist that Kenjaku could not fulfill. Both characters possess exceptional manipulation skills, shaped by their vast experiences and tactical brilliance, enabling them to orchestrate significant events within their stories.

Kenjaku as shown in the anime series (Image via MAPPA) — Kenjaku as depicted in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Kenjaku’s life spans across millennia, granting him profound knowledge of jujutsu sorcery. In contrast, Jura’s battle prowess and strategic insight offer him a similarly rich foundation. Kenjaku’s cursed technique involves transplanting his brain into various hosts, effectively granting him a version of immortality. Meanwhile, Jura exhibits unique abilities that allow him to absorb and manipulate chakra, making him a versatile and fearsome adversary.

Jura as seen in the Boruto series (Image via Shueisha) — Jura as represented in the Boruto series (Image via Shueisha)

Moral Ambiguity in Character Motivation

Both characters straddle a morally ambiguous line, their true objectives hidden from the audience. Kenjaku aims to “evolve”humanity into a world ruled by cursed spirits, a pursuit that raises ethical questions. In contrast, Jura’s ambitions have remained elusive, sparking intrigue since his introduction. This vagueness adds depth to their stories, compelling readers to ponder the moral ramifications of their actions.

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via MAPPA) — A scene from the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Both Jura and Kenjaku have significantly influenced the developments and characters within their narratives. Kenjaku’s orchestration of pivotal events like the Shibuya Incident and the Culling Game within Jujutsu Kaisen represents critical turning points in that series. On the other hand, Jura’s leadership role in the latest chapters of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has left an intriguing impact on fans eager to explore his character further.

The Disappointment of Kenjaku’s Conclusion in Jujutsu Kaisen

Despite the compelling similarities between Jura and Kenjaku, Kenjaku’s storyline in Jujutsu Kaisen concluded rather disappointingly. Author Gege Akutami swiftly eliminated Kenjaku by having him decapitated by Okkotsu Yuta, supported by Aoi Todo. This abrupt end to Kenjaku’s character arc left fans feeling unfulfilled, as the potential for his character remained largely unexploited.

In stark contrast, Jura’s ongoing narrative in Boruto has fostered a sense of excitement and expectation among the audience.

Concluding Remarks

Kashin Koji discusses Jura (Image via Shueisha)

Given the parallels between Jura and Kenjaku, along with the shortcomings of Kenjaku’s narrative, Kishimoto has the opportunity to develop a memorable and impactful antagonist in Jura. This development would not only elevate Jura’s importance within the Boruto storyline but also secure his role as a significant figure in the broader Naruto universe.

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