corvidae-corvus

[corvidae-corvus]

Kusakabe being such a hater 😭

‘You’ve improved so fast because of Sukuna’ 💀

As if Yuuji didn’t learn to manage his cursed energy in a couple weeks and land 3 consecutive black flashes on his first try

Before that Sukuna had 10 seconds to not land a hit on Gojo and then he bitch-slapped Megumi around which I would hardly call a fight

If anything post-Shibuya Yuuji would have been the one to have some of Sukuna’s influence, but the fights Yuuji was engaging in during the Culling Games arc were of different circumstance. The most intense and similar to Shibuya would have been Megkuna, but that’s at the end and Yuuji had time to train himself and hone his craft

Do I think muscle memory can and will play to Yuuji’s favor with his new CT? Going by 258, sure. And I’m glad for that

But I don’t want to see people disregarding all of Yuuji’s accomplishments because they ‘aren’t his.’ They Are

Yuuji’s amazing and a natural, that’s all ☺️

[corvidae-corvus]

I'm gonna be honest, Kusakabe lost like 10 points here with me because of this scene right here.

While I agree that, yes, Sukuna does have some influence to why Yuji is how he is: the capability using techniques and cursed energy.

But that's where it ends. Yuji was able to pick up on things so fast because he applied himself. He did the work. Sukuna ain't do shit to even help Yuji's development. It is still Yuji's body. The body that Sukuna decided wasn't enough strong for him to possess.

Yes, Yuji's muscle memory is why Yuji is able to use Shrine but he, Yuji Itadori, had to use it himself to even get it to work for him.

So what the fuck does Yuji have to thank Sukuna for, even if this said in a sarcastic manner?

Like, last time I checked it wasn't Sukuna who woke Sukuna up. It was Yuji. Last time I checked it wasn't Sukuna who learned Black Flash in moments and now can hit it just on pure instinct. That's Yuji.

Last time I checked, it wasn't Sukuna who taught Yuji how to fight. Yuji was already am expert fighter BEFORE Sukuna even came into the picture.

Yuji is able to use his own version of Shrine AFTER Sukuna left his body. Sukuna used that technique TWICE possessing Yuji. A lot of Yuji's growth actually came AFTER Sukuna left to possess Megumi.

It just feels like Kusakube is giving Sukuna too much credit here to me. Ironic, considering that Sukuna was the one who almost killed him and for that he was like "if the Higher-Ups decide that Yuji should die, then I won't stand in the way of that" like bro... do you got some beef with the kid, too?

Like, no, Yuji does not need to thank Sukuna, the same guy who is adamant with making his life a living hell.

Kusakube just being discouraging here, like quite a lot of adults tend to do with kids. Like he could have brought up but also acknowledge the fact that Yuji does work hard on his own to even use techniques. Yuji is a very ambitious kid. His kindness for others and selfless nature is what truly drives Yuji to be physicly capable to do things.

[corvidae-corvus]

"I'm his big brother." "He's my big brother."

Yuuji and Choso art from Takeo-san, JJK anime's official illustrator.

[corvidae-corvus]

Just wanted to let people know... I'm a huge fan of Captain Marvel AKA Shazam!

Billy Batson is the biggest reason why I got into DC.

And Batman but like...if it weren't for the Shazam! movie it would have probably taken longer for me to get into dc, let alone dc comics.

[corvidae-corvus]

Hear me out. The latest chapter establishes that Yuji's use of Sukuna's cursed technique features Yuji's modern interpretation of concepts, hence the little scissor graphics when he activates Cleave.

So what if instead of a bow and arrow, which was the definitive ranged weapon in Sukuna's era, Yuji whips out the Fire Glock?

[corvidae-corvus]

Actually, it's not just that Yuji didn't speak during 257 to Sukuna. Ever since their encounter in chapter 244 (238 where we see them meet up again though) and this fight started, Yuji doesn't say anything back to Sukuna at all.

Only once, he spoke to him. Once. I can only think of one time Yuji directly says anything to Sukuna and that's when Yuta also answer to Sukuna. (Yuta, why would you...? Get out... adore you, but get out for that one.)

Other than that, Yuji ain't say shit to Sukuna even when Sukuna keeps taunting him.

[corvidae-corvus]

what I learnt from today's chapter leaks is that Sukuna is unleashing these monstrous powers because of Yuji. this young boy is about to be at a similar level as him and Sukuna could not accept that defying ideal that Yuji carries with him. Sukuna really thought he can have fun with people's lives (since the narrative of him not going all out) and the fact that Yuji continues to push him into putting on a show - which means he will have to force himself to treat his nephew equally and I love that for Yuji. my boy deserves that 🙏🏼

[corvidae-corvus]

➠ Chapter 257 and Rebirth:

This chapter officially introduced the concept of Rebirth (환생, in which the actions of a sentient being lead to a new existence after death) into the plot of the manga. We can say it has been hinted at before through Jogo and Yuuji’s words for example, but the Rebirth of the soul of Sukuna’s twin officially confirmed it. We do not know the conditions of Rebirth in the world of JJK yet, but it implies the existence of Samsāra (윤회전생) which is the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and it made me think of this illustration:

This illustration is based on the Kalachakra Mandala, which represents the wheel of our lives, and the time we have in this world to make peace with ourselves and achieve Enlightement (freedom from Samsāra). Kalachakra literally translates to ‘cycle of time’ (Kala meaning ‘time’ and Chakra meaning ‘cycle’). It means that everything in nature happens in the ‘cycle of time’.

These four characters being the centre of the above-indicated illustration is not random. Each one of them is in some way bound by the concept of Rebirth (Reincarnation). Chapter 257 gave us a good perspective on how Yuuji, Sukuna and Kenjaku are bound to it (and each other as well), which, considering the ties of the other three, may make it seem like Gojo is out of the equation.

Personally, there could be two interpretations of why Gojo is part of it (besides the simplest explanation that these four are central to the storyline):

1. As Tengen has implied themself before, Tengen, the Star Plasma Vessel, and the Six Eyes are all connected by fate. Through Tengen, we also learn that Kenjaku lost twice to a sorcerer with the Six Eyes, and after the second time taking no chances killed both the Star Plasma Vessel and the Six Eyes less than a month after they were born. We know that there has been a connection between Tengen, Kenjaku and the Six Eyes throughout time. Gojo could be part of the illustration to indicate the recurring existence of the Six Eyes, bound to Tengen’s existence whose relationship with Kenjaku we do not clearly understand yet, but has been as continuous.

Or

2. Drawing on the confirmation that the concept of Rebirth exists in the world of JJK, Gojo being part of this illustration could imply that perhaps the soul of Sukuna’s twin is not the only character who has been Reborn (note: we do not know yet whether Itadori Jin was his twin’s first reincarnation or he died and was reborn multiple times before (however, the way Sukuna says it implies the latter)). We do not know yet what the conditions for Rebirth are (or if they are the same as in Buddhism) or whether the Reborn soul retains anything of their past life, so it is difficult to make the assumption, but it opens up the possibility of Gojo being reincarnation as well, i.e. the Six Eyes are the same soul.

Regardless, the existence of the concept of Rebirth has opened many different (and interesting) possibilities.

Edit: additional note

[corvidae-corvus]

Something something Yuuji eating Sukuna's finger and having him contained in him and actually being his final fingers something something Sukuna absorbing his twin and having him carried inside of him something something it will end in cannibalism to finish this cycle I feel

[corvidae-corvus]

Yuuji gets a found family and then bam, reverse uno card. His fucked up biological family randomly start appearing and try to kill him in roundabout ways as part of a big plot conceived before he was. That's it..thats the entire plot of jjk

[corvidae-corvus]

Wait, wait, wait! Wait! Hold on a second!

So Yuji was born with a Cursed Finger already sealed within him?

Okay... how in the absolute fuck did Kenjaku do that?! HOW?! It makes sense why Yuji was capable of doing a lot of abnormal things before.

This changes my perspective of these scenes here.

Megumi states here that he must have been chasing the remains of lingering cursed energy from Sukuna's Cursed Finger and he still could have been.

But what if that whole time he actually sensed that Cursed Finger that was already sealed inside Yuji?

Which now makes me question... in all the 15 years Yuji has been living... NOT A SINGLE JUJUTSU SORCERER OR EVEN A CURSE USER CROSSED PATHS WITH THIS KID IN SENDAI AND SENSED THAT?!

Like, I know there had to be a couple of missions in Sendai. Must have been one of those dormant, quiet Cursed Fingers...

[corvidae-corvus]

So after the spoilers for Chap 257 dropped, I saw some tweets clarifying the meaning of the Kanji Sukuna used in the chapter when referring to his mother, and the overall reveals in the chapter got me thinking.

I’m making this post as a way of gathering my thoughts, personal speculations and where I think all of this connects to Sukuna’s character and the information Gege has given us over the years. Nothing I say is by any means new information, but like I said, I’m just collecting my thoughts here. By the way, just a warning, this post contains SPOILERS for the JJK Manga! If you don’t like that, please don’t read this!

Something I’ve noticed is that the theme of “Hunger” and symbolism of “Cooking/Food” is heavily referenced with Sukuna throughout the Manga. Gege in a previous Fanbook has disclosed Sukuna’s favorite Hobby to be “Eating”.

This theme is again very much ingrained within Sukuna’s cursed techniques and even his Domain Expansion, the “Malevolent Shrine”. With his two main techniques being “Dismantle” and “Cleave” are cutting-type attacks. He is also able to use a Flame-Arrow, and Fire is essential for making Food. The Shrine in his Domain Expansion literally has mouths on all sides, looking eager to chew down anything in-front of them!

This symbolism also heavily influences Sukuna’s own manner of speech, and the way he speaks to other characters in the series as well. With his post-fight chat with Jogo before his death, Sukuna mentions Jogo lacking the “Hunger” to take control of his desires, preventing him from reaching the heights of Gojo Satoru. Before the Start of their fight in Shinjuku, Sukuna called Gojo a “Nameless Fish on top of his cutting board”, and that he was going to start by “Peeling off the scales”(refering to Gojo’s infinity). There’s also further symbolism that supports this by analyzing the Kanji and meaning of Sukuna’s “Malevolent Shrine” but I’m not very educated on that so I won’t be opening that point here.

What all of this points to is that Eating and Food……is extremely important to Sukuna, to the point that it literally affects him in manners innumerable.

Eating is an instinct, a necessity for the survival of every single living being.

And In the face of extreme Hunger and starvation, even those with the strongest will could lose their Humanity and revert to the basic animalistic side of their existence. (The Heian Period also had a Famine, although I believe the timing to be a bit off, but do with this info as you see fit)

In JJK Chapter 257, it is revealed to us that Sukuna and his Twin were most likely starving in the womb of their starving mother.

On the brink of starvation, Sukuna had to consume his “other self”(his twin), so that he could survive.

Btw, this tweet and this thread gives additional characterisation to Sukuna:

Link to the original thread: Link.

More context (and reactions :P):

Link to original thread: Here

This reveals to us that indeed, Sukuna was born a twin. And as we all know, “Twins” are seen with extreme scrutiny in Jujutsu Society, they’re not well liked. This too in a period where Cursed Spirits and Jujutsu Sorcery was at its peak, it is not far-fetched to assume that his Mother may not have been treated very well by the people in her surroundings, especially as she bore twins.

When Kashimo asks if Sukuna was born the Strongest or if he made himself the Strongest, this is the response Sukuna gave to him:

When you think about it, how do you think the people around them would have reacted when the woman: who was supposed to birth two twins, gave birth to a single child instead? and that child had consumed his other twin in the womb itself?

No doubt people would’ve been horrified, disgusted and even revulsed. With the woman and her newborn child.

This would’ve led to their further ostracisation in the already very close-minded society. Unable to fend for herself and her newborn child, it must’ve been difficult for Sukuna’s mother to survive. I feel like somewhere along the line, Sukuna was left alone to fend for himself at an extremely young age. To protect himself from both Curses and Society alike.

This is why I believe Sukuna knows what true starvation, weakness and hunger feels like. Both in the emotional and literal sense. He was left without another person caring about him or his well-being, in a cut-throat period where it was “Fight or be killed”.

Powerful curses roamed all across Japan, nowhere was safe. Simply be strong, or you'll die. There's no room for weakness. And initially, a kid!Sukuna was weak, as anyone would be in the beginning when they're just starting out in this world. (and maybe, he didn't have much to eat, leading to long periods of starvation? :') )

I believe it is this debilitating hunger, and feeling of weakness that eventually led to Sukuna’s current Hedonistic mindset.

He’s essentially traumatised by it, and believes that it was his own weakness that led him to experience this sheer starvation. That he deserved to feel this way because he was weak then. Perhaps, the people around him were right, that as long as they have the power and strength to overcome anything, they’re free to do as they please; And there is nothing anyone else could do about it.

I feel like the irony here is that Sukuna himself, must’ve been a “weakling” before eventually rising the ranks to become History’s Strongest Sorcerer. This is also why he values Strength so much.

Ultimately, Sukuna has decided that there was nothing more important than being strong enough to fulfill your own desires. And “eating” is one of his most important desires. It’s his favourite thing to do, the one he derives the most pleasure out of. And like an animal, whose main focus is to consume, consume and consume. He too, simply consumes.

Most morals likely have no meaning to him. He doesn’t care who he hurts, what he does, as long as he’s able to get what he wants. And this isn’t limited to eating.

This is why people referring to Sukuna as a “Natural Disaster” is so befitting of him. Because Natural Disasters also don’t care about what or who they’re destroying, they just come and go, wreaking havoc appropriate for their nature and magnitude.

I believe Sukuna himself has said lines similar in nature, when talking to Kashimo:

Now I’m not sure how Sukuna perceives or even experiences this “Love”, because I think he has a rather very warped idea of it. I do think that this definition of love is similar to the one that Gojo also understands, but I don’t think he knows what “love” truly is. I’m not sure how I could comment on this, but I do think that Sukuna’s emotionally starved, whether he realises that or not.

Because, like Kashimo himself asked Sukuna “What is the point of dividing your soul into 20 different parts and then traversing across time if you’re satisfied with this?” we do not know the answer to that yet.

But many people have speculated that “Black Box” panels in JJK manga represent a curse (either self-inflicted or put by someone) on the speaker. Like, take a look over here where Sukuna reiterates the same dialogue, except it looks like he’s trying to reassure himself:

This once again shows that Sukuna has only ever strived for himself, in the same hedonistic fashion, to a very very extreme degree. It is possible that he's been lacking something, and he himself does not realise that he’s lacking it. Maybe it was this subconscious feeling, that led to Sukuna agreeing to Kenjaku’s plan of dividing his soul into 20 different parts, and to traverse across time as a Cursed Object.

Sukuna’s an incredibly complex character, and I’m excited to see where this goes. Gege has put extra care in the way he characterizes and depicts Sukuna, and again, I’m really sad that a lot of that characterization gets lost in translation. Still, I’m going to try my best to understand and get the most accurate feel of his character as I possibly can.

If you made it this far, Thank you for reading! And if you would like, please do leave a comment in the tags or replies because I would love to read what other people think of this and just Sukuna in general. I do not see a lot of people doing critical analysis of him, and a lot of his actions are seemingly swept under the rug. I don’t like that, so hopefully this contributes to people focusing more on Sukuna and his character. (/^v^)/ <3

[corvidae-corvus]

As much as I would have loved for Kenjaku and Yuji to have more interactions, another part of me now actually liked the little interaction they had.

It's just as tragic, if not more tragic. But also it goes with the idea that Yuji doesn't know his parents or more of his family.

The most he knows now probably is that Choso and the Death Paintings are his (half) siblings and Kenjaku had something to do with it (Choso probably told him so).

Yuji learning about Choso being his brother is a good thing for him. The time he did act unsatisfied with the idea was back in Shibuya. After that, we seen their relationship got better. He had Choso at his side since then.

Now what good would it do if Yuji learned the truth about how he's related Kenjaku and Sukuna? In fact, would he even care?

Remember when Wasuke tried to tell him about his parents? Didn't care to hear that.

When Junpei asked about his parents? Didn't remember little to nothing about his dad and nothing at all about his mom. But he didn't seem entirely brokenhearted. He seemed... like he accepted it, moved past that.

The thing with Yuji is... if Sukuna decides to throw it in their face that they're related, I doubt Yuji would break down in tears and give up fighting.

That's not Yuji.

Two reactions I feel like Yuji would give.

Either he will be furious or he'll brush it off as he normally does with Sukuna's antics.

With him being furious, it will just give him more reason to hate Sukuna and kill him. Family be damned. We seen Yuji angry. Look, Sukuna already got hit with back to back Black Flashes. I don't think he wants Yuji angry. Nuh uh. Sukuna don't do that.

Honestly though... I also feel like Sukuna doesn't give a damn about telling Yuji.

Anyways!

Same with Kenjaku. I don't think Yuji would actually care to know Kenjaku is his mother (by host). Again, what good would it do for him?

I also feel like he may have figured it out by now. Yuji ain't all that dumb now. I said it before but I do think he may have caught on by now or at least will later. And I don't think he would be fazed.

Would he think it would be cruel that Kenjaku have done such things? Yes! Would he not like the fact he was created by Kenjaku to be Sukuna's vessel and be related to those two? Also, yes. He'd hate that idea.

But Yuji just doesn't come off as someone who dwells on the past like that, let alone would be like "oh, woe is me, my family is so messed up" and cry waterfalls.

He's just more of a "What's done is done and I'll do what I can to make the best of it" person to me. He accepts, he learns and does what he can to make the most of out a bad situation.

Him knowing he's related to Kenjaku and Sukuna in some way will not change the fact that they're both evil and done terrible things or Yuji's feelings.

Sometimes I feel like the reason we don't know much about Yuji or Sukuna or others for the Heian Era is for the purpose of not needing to.

Yes, knowing about the past can help. But sometimes knowing, it doesn't have a purpose other than having extra information.

Maybe not knowing much about Sukuna is a way of saying "let's leave the past in the past and move on". Sukuna was not meant to be in the present times. When he's finally put to rest, that should be it for him.

It's why some of the characters like the Higher-Ups and the Zenin clan sucks and came to a downfall. Part of their awful behavior was they were more traditional and didn't care to adapt to the new changes.

That's going to be the case for Sukuna. Yuji is the present and future. Sukuna is the past. Yuji is going to be that new age that rises and push Sukuna right into the dirt where he belong.

Again, them being related and Yuji knowing ain't going to change the fact that Yuji wants Sukuna dead and he's going to kill him. So what would be the point of knowing?

[corvidae-corvus]

This poor boy has had enough of his fucked up family tree and ran away to Blüdhaven

[corvidae-corvus]

oh. my god.

i have the most horrible HORRIBLE THOUGHT.

what if yuujis interpretation of sukunas slashes/ct (shrine) was like this--

with the scissors and cutting lines and everything-- WAS BECAUSE OF NANAMI BECAUSE OF HIS RATIO TECHNIQUE--

I MEAN LOOK AT IT-- LOOOOOOOOK

IT MAKES SENSE AND I AM NOT DELUSIONAL

NANAMI IS HIS DAD, FIGHT ME

[corvidae-corvus]

Sukuna said that like it was the first time Yuji was unfazed by his slashes.

Mind you, the first time Yuji walked through them slashes! "But Sukuna was being held back by Megumi!" Blah, blah, blah! That doesn't explain why YUJI ITADORI was unfazed. He ain't flinch or anything. Just walked through and punched Sukuna. He had no CTs of any sort then!! (I know someone would have brought that up with some Yuji-hating energy. I had no idea Yuji couldn't feel anything on his own! Like someone told him "Yuji, be unfazed when walking through Sukuna's slashes". I had no idea!!)

Yuji walked through slashes because he was pissed off.

Like... Sukuna definitely forgot that Yuji shook off those slashes.

[corvidae-corvus]

LMAO Jason holding a goon up against a glass display and telling him to be quiet so he can watch the televising of Dick's award ceremony is hilarious, THAT'S HIS BROTHER, YOUR HONOR, NOW SHUT UP HE'S TRYING TO LISTEN