Why Kusakabe is the unsung hero in Jujutsu Kaisen, explored

Despite only being a first-grade sorcerer, Kusakabe from Jujutsu Kaisen possesses immense knowledge of sorcery and expertly utilizes cursed energy, making him one of the strongest and wisest sorcerers. He is on par with the likes of Sukuna and Gojo, yet unfortunately, he is often overlooked by the fandom despite his strength.

By saving Miwa from Kenjaku’s Uzumaki attack, he demonstrated his expertise in sorcery. He also selflessly taught Yuji the fundamentals of domain expansion and reverse-cursed technique, revealing his deep care for his fellow sorcerers. This truly makes him the unsung hero of the sorcerer community, always lending a helping hand without expecting anything in return.

Please note: This article includes the author’s opinion on the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series and may contain spoilers.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Versatile Sorcerer Kusakabe’s Character Exploration

Atsuya as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Atsuya Kusakabe is both a first-grade sorcerer and a teacher for the second-year students at Jujutsu High. Despite his tall stature and aged appearance, he is often seen with a perpetually annoyed expression and a constant fear of danger, despite his high level of sorcery.

The sorcerer’s debut in the series occurred in the Shibuya arc, where he revealed his intention to eliminate Itadori, who he believed was responsible for all the troubles. In this storyline, he initially faces off against Geto’s army and easily dominates them with his impressive swordsmanship.

Atsuya saving Miwa as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

He suddenly emerged to rescue Miwa after she provoked Kenjaku into using the Maximum Uzumaki technique. Kenjaku was impressed by his use of the attack and praised him, as he had never believed that the modern generation had any knowledge of sorcery.

From this moment onward, Atsuya became an integral part of the plotline and played a crucial role in training nearly every sorcerer, particularly focusing on Itadori. In the Shinjuku Showdown arc, with Gojo Satoru’s release and the sorcerers’ preparation to confront the King of Curses, Kusakabe was responsible for training Itadori.

Atusya helping Itadori with switch training (Image via Shueisha)

Utilizing Ui Ui’s cursed technique, Atusya imparted the fundamentals of reverse-cursed technique and domain expansion to Itadori, ultimately aiding the sorcerer in his ultimate battle against Ryomen Sukuna. Additionally, Atsuya instructed Itadori in Simple Domain, a technique in which Atsuya excelled.

Despite not being an innate cursed technique, Simple made Atsuya stand out and gain recognition as the strongest first-grade sorcerer among esteemed sorcerers such as Gojo Satoru, Kento Nanami, and Mei Mei. When the King of Curses defeated Maki, Atsuya stepped onto the battlefield to face off against Ryomen Sukuna.

Atsuya scared of facing Sukuna (Image via Shueisha)

As one would expect from his nature, he was afraid to face the most powerful sorcerer in history. However, he surprised everyone by using his Simple Domain technique to drive Ryomen Sukuna back, accurately detecting and countering Sukuna’s attacks. This display of skill impressed the King of Curses.

Despite Atsuya’s tireless efforts as a sorcerer, perfecting the Simple Domain, guiding and empowering other sorcerers, and showing compassion to his students, the King of Curses proved unbeatable and Kusaksbe was wounded in a moment of vulnerability after the sorcerer’s departure. Ultimately, Atsuya’s contributions to Jujutsu Kaisen made him an unappreciated hero.

Despite his tag as a ‘supporting character,’ the fandom often overlooks Atsuya. Unlike other supporting characters, such as Gojo Satoru and Kento Nanami, who remain in the spotlight even after their deaths, Atsuya does not receive the same attention.

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