Sukuna: The Ultimate Evader

In chapter 264 of Jujutsu Kaisen, an important detail was revealed that may have gone unnoticed by many. The ongoing battle between Yuji Itadori and Todo Aoi against Ryomen Sukuna was featured, and Hana Kurusu/Angel joined the fray to support the duo.

Despite being gravely injured in the past, Hana returned to aid Team Jujutsu High at the request of Yuta Okkotsu. She hoped that her Innate Technique, Technique Extinguishment, would be able to subdue Sukuna as a last resort. However, the plan was unsuccessful as the Demon King was able to evade her attack.

Despite using her attack at its maximum capacity, many were perplexed by how she was able to release the chapter. In short, the loss of her arm earlier was the contributing factor to the decreased output of her attack.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s History Explains Sukuna’s Evasion of Jacob’s Ladder

Ryomen Sukuna (Image via Gege Akutami, Shueisha)

To provide some background, Hana Kurusu, also known as Angel, unexpectedly appeared and promptly unleashed her Maximum Output: Jacob’s Ladder. The immense beam of light that descended from above was intended to impede the King of Curses and give Yuji and Todo the upper hand.

However, Sukuna wasted no time and demonstrated why he was the dominant force. With a powerful punch to the ground, he generated flying debris that served as stepping stones for him to climb the pillar of light and reach the Angel. Despite his weakened state, he was determined to bring Hana/Angel down with him.

The fandom was perplexed by this moment, wondering how he managed to accomplish such a feat. However, Jujutsu Kaisen had previously explained this. According to the series’ lore, losing a body part greatly diminishes a sorcerer’s Jujutsu abilities.

Sukuna and Hana/Angel (Image via Gege Akutami, Shueisha)

Furthermore, Hana/Angel were two entities residing within a single body, relying on Angel’s Cursed Technique (CT). As Sukuna stated, they were a “powerful technique in a fragile vessel”. This contrast became even more apparent when Hana lost an arm, resulting in a decreased flow of Cursed Energy (CE) and consequently impacting her Jujutsu abilities.

The impact of this decrease in CE, which in turn has an effect on Jujutsu sorcery, was evident in the battle between Yuki Tsukumo and Choso against Kenjaku. Yuki sustained significant physical injuries during the altercation, causing a decline in her Star Rage strength.

One notable instance of this is demonstrated by Sukuna himself, who, despite losing both arms, found a way to overcome this setback by utilizing chants and hand signs to maintain his ability to perform the World Cutting Slash. Similarly, Todo had to resort to equipping the Vibraslap in order to regain the use of Boogie Woogie.

Final Thoughts

Staying true to its power system, Jujutsu Kaisen is commendable as it demonstrates creator Gege Akutami’s focus on even the smallest details. Hana’s initial encounter with the Demon King, who had possessed Megumi Fushiguro, was undoubtedly shocking and left a lasting impression on her, as depicted in chapter 264.

“This entire event also showcases Sukuna’s prowess in combat. He immediately noticed the weakening of the Angel’s technique and used this to his advantage, swiftly ascending the pillar of light and defeating both Hana and Todo with a devastating Black Flash.”

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 264: Sukuna gets trapped in Yuji’s Domain Expansion after escaping Jacob’s Ladder
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 264 gives Sukuna a key power back, but it might be for nothing
Jujutsu Kaisen finally reveals Yuji’s Domain Expansion against Sukuna