On June 9, 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 262 was published, centering on the intense battle between Sukuna and Yuta. The final pages, which depict Rika crying as she cradles Yuta Okkotsu’s deceased form, sparked conversation among numerous fans.
These several panels eventually sparked numerous theories about the potential partnership between Rika and Maki, as Rika could potentially serve as Maki’s arsenal in her quest to surpass Toji. The manga is currently on hiatus, with the release of chapter 263 scheduled for June 30, 2024.
Please be advised that this article contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Rika’s Role in Completing Maki’s Transformation
Despite the release of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 262, the true abilities of Rika and Yuta continue to elude us. While certain elements, such as Yuta Okkotsu’s domain which houses a multitude of cursed techniques in the form of cursed tools, have been hinted at, they were not fully utilized in his battle against Sukuna.
Yuta Okkotsu’s primary technique is centered around converting cursed techniques into cursed tools, making him a valuable arsenal. This concept was most recently employed by Toji Fushiguro, and is closely associated with characters who possess heavenly restrictions, such as Maki and Toji.
Despite not having an arsenal as extensive as Yuta’s, Toji’s skill in utilizing his various cursed tools far surpassed that of his counterpart. Cursed tool users, especially those with heavenly restrictions, heavily rely on these tools. However, with Maki, the only known person with a heavenly restriction, and Rika, a vast reserve of cursed energy, being incapacitated, the reliance on cursed tools has become even more crucial.
Despite the fact that Maki only possesses one cursed tool, the Soul-Splitting Katana, her combat abilities as a sorcerer with heavenly restrictions are greatly affected by the arsenal of cursed tools. In comparison, Toji has the advantage with his possession of the Soul-Splitting Katana, the Inverted Spear of Heaven, and the Chain of a Thousand Miles.
Teaming up with Rika could not only provide Maki with a significant source of cursed energy, but it would also grant her access to an arsenal that is undoubtedly far more extensive and powerful than Toji’s. This would ultimately allow Maki to surpass Toji in every aspect.
Despite being described as a pool of cursed energy, Rika also serves the purpose of holding Yuta’s vast arsenal, much like Toji Fushiguro’s worm. The conclusion of Chapter 262 showed Rika shedding tears while cradling Yuta Okkotsu’s motionless body. This entire ending sequence foreshadows a potential plot twist involving Rika.
Rika has the ability to serve as Maki’s arsenal in battle, providing her with all the necessary tools. It is known that Rika embodies the cursed spirit form of her previous self, who had transformed into a cursed spirit. Although Rika’s spirit has departed, her cursed form still resides with Yuta.
This solidifies the fact that Rika is a distinct entity. At present, Yuta is engaged in a battle with Sukuna, much to Sukuna’s satisfaction. Despite taking over Gojo’s body, Yuta’s confrontation with Sukuna has revealed that Sukuna has the advantage.
There is a possibility that Sukuna will weaken even more if Yuta dies while possessing Gojo’s body. The idea that curses become more powerful after death has been consistently emphasized in the story, therefore, Yuta’s demise at the hands of Sukuna will only serve to further enhance Rika’s abilities.
Final thoughts
Despite chapter 262 foreshadowing Rika’s potential actions, it is probable that chapter 263 will primarily follow the battle between Yuta and Sukuna, delving into the potential outcomes once Yuta’s technique expires.
The phenomenon of Yuta Okkotsu inhabiting Gojo Satoru’s body is the result of multiple cursed techniques and rules merging, causing speculation among fans that this chaotic combination could potentially bring about Gojo’s eventual revival.
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