Not Yuji, Jujutsu Kaisen's best character arc belongs to a Zen'in

Modified Nov 27, 2024 21:30 GMT

Jujutsu Kaisen explores the intricate interplay between personal and systemic curses, delving deep into the oppressive structures of Jujutsu society. One of the many characters in the story, the Zen'in clan, acts as a microcosm of these societal curses, representing rigid hierarchies and destructive conservatism.

Even though Yuji Itadori is the main character of this series, the most intriguing character development is that of Maki Zen'in.

Unlike Toji Fushiguro, Maki is someone who sought to break down the whole curse of the lineage and was trying to dismantle everything. Her rebelling against the misogynistic traditions of the Zen'in clan, along with her determination to reshape this oppressive system, makes her tale of rebelling and change a powerful one, with her character having the best arc in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga and reflects the author's opinions.

How Jujutsu Kaisen's best character arc belongs to a Zen'in, explained

Maki Zen'in as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, the most interesting character arc belongs to Maki Zen'in. The deeper exploration of the systemic and interpersonal curses of the story can be caught within her journey. A woman born in a patriarchal and conservative structure, Maki confronted systemic barriers as well as the betrayal of personal relationships in the family.

Maki’s journey is defined by her opposition to the Zen’in clan's misogynistic norms. Unlike her cousin Toji Fushiguro, who sought to escape the curse of his lineage, Maki strives to dismantle it. Her lack of cursed energy, a trait deemed worthless by the clan, becomes a catalyst for her rebellion.

Though venerated for her enormous physical talent, the Zen'ins isolated her and her twin sister Mai and imposed unfair and burdensome roles on them. This kind of treatment is what sets Maki to lift herself out of her oppression while her father and others ensure her advancement is spiked against her.

Mai’s sacrifice during the Perfect Preparation arc becomes the turning point for Maki’s character. With the Soul Split Katana, a symbolic reed left by Mai to aid Maki’s journey, she fully embraces her potential.

Maki’s subsequent destruction of the Zen’in clan marks a climactic moment of liberation, yet it also highlights the lingering curse of systemic injustice. The clan’s ideology is not easily eradicated, as shown through Maki’s encounter with Naoya Zen’in, whose return serves as a metaphor for the persistence of ingrained biases.

Maki’s self-reflection during the Sakurajima Colony arc further deepens her arc. Through her training with the sumo wrestler Kinji Hakari, she realizes she has unconsciously limited herself by adhering to the expectations of others.

By embracing her unique strengths and discarding external constraints, Maki achieves a transformative breakthrough, symbolizing her ultimate liberation from the Zen’in clan’s curse.

Maki Zen’in’s arc is a narrative of resilience, defiance, and transformation. It captures the essence of Jujutsu Kaisen’s exploration of systemic and interpersonal curses, solidifying her as the character with the series’ most profound and inspiring journey.

Final thoughts

Maki Zen'in's storyline in Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the strongest stories of resistance and determination. Born into systemic oppression, her will to take down the patriarchal customs of the Zen'in clan and face the lingering shadows of its ideology marks her as a transformative force in the story.

Through the overcoming of societal expectations and embracing her unique strengths, Maki not only redefines her own identity but also challenges the broader structures of injustice, solidifying her as the series' most compelling and impactful character.

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Edited by Sreerupa Das