Heian Yuji‘s Cursed Technique: Claws of Calamity and the Potential for True Jujutsu
Yuji Itadori, protagonist of popular manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, harbors immense cursed power passed down through generations. While cursed spirits in JJK typically wield unique abilities reflecting their nature, the full extent of Yuji’s inherited technique remains shrouded in mystery.
In Chapter 8, the feared "King of Curses" Sukuna speaks dismissively of modern jujutsu sorcerers’ strength, makes an intriguing reference to “True Jujutsu,” and demonstrates his own mastery by forming a Domain Expansion without needing a barrier. This prompts questions around the potential scale of Yuji’s latent abilities, as the series hints at a prodigious talent for manipulating souls that could let him surpass even Sukuna.
Sukuna’s Understanding of True Jujutsu
Sukuna has lived for over a millennium, during which he cultivated profound intuition for jujutsu’s underlying truths, attaining comprehensive knowledge of cursed energy and techniques without relying on modern theories. His instinctive grasp of “True Jujutsu” principles enables casually accessing that enhanced state countless times, unlike Uraume who strained from a single attempt.
Whereas most Domain Expansions manifest as areas where sorcerers can freely actualize their Innate Techniques, Sukuna instead projects his very sense of self – his refined, embodied comprehension of jujutsu‘s essence. This distinction highlights the extent of his mastery and cements his reputation as the undisputed “King of Curses.”
Indeed, Sukuna’s slaughter of thousands of skilled jujutsu practitioners during Japan’s Heian period (794-1185 AD) leaves him ranked not merely as Special Grade, but situated outside the jujutsu hierarchy altogether, revered and feared as an unparalleled apex predator of sorcerers.
The Historical Significance of the Heian Era
Intriguingly, Sukuna addresses Yuji as “brat of the Heian era” while reviving within him. This epithet strongly implies that Yuji’s Innate Technique originates from a powerful jujutsu sorcerer of that time, bearing a connection to the vengeful spirits swarming Japan’s ancient capital before Sukuna laid waste to it.
Perhaps this forgotten forebearer pioneered an advanced cursed technique allowing dominance over souls, attracting the ire of malignant Heian-era curses like Ryomen Sukuna. If so, the potency of this secret art could have left echoes through descendants like Yuji, granting him uncanny talents for absorbing wayward souls that later enabled housing Sukuna.
The Complex Nature of Yuji’s Cursed Technique
Like all Cursed Techniques, Yuji’s Inherited Technique encompasses far more than a single combat ability. Author Gege Akutami notes that these manifestations essentially represent the crystallization of the user’s identity. As such, Yuji’s technique potentially contains multiple facets tied to his soul.
For context, we see varied applications of just one Innate Technique with Megumi Fushiguro’s Ten Shadows: conjuring shikigami, Garbage Bots for information gathering, Nue to output cursed energy. And blood manipulator Noritoshi Kamo wields numerous techniques like Body Repel and Curtain Veil using his unique style of jujutsu.
So in Yuji’s case, his Cursed Technique could certainly include untapped applications beyond containing souls. Subduing Sukuna may simply reflect greatest natural aptitude among broader capabilities, like altering memories or thoughts. This would explain his miraculous resilience against Sukuna’s repeated attempts to dominate him.
Yuji‘s Unique Affinity for Souls
Innate Techniques normally require inheriting a specific Cursed Technique. However, Yuji’s grandfather implies that he always had an inexplicable knack for housing cursed spirits, succeeding with ease where others would fail, as though guided by fate’s hand.
Statistic Context of Special Grade Sorcerers vs Sukuna
| Power Level | Examples | Sukuna Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Special Grade 1 | Gojo Satoru (Six Eyes + Limitless) | Stronger than 4/5 fingers ? |
| Special Grade 1 | Yuta Okkotsu (Rika) | Stronger than 3 fingers? |
| Special Grade | Suguru Geto (Ultimate Mechamaru) | Stronger than 2 fingers |
| Grade 1 | Nanami / Mei Mei | Equivalent to 1 finger |
This affinity may stem from a Cursed Energy trait enabling Soul Manipulation without needing a dedicated Technique, unlike Normal Cursed Techniques. Much like Kashimo Hajime’s Electrical Cursed Energy Property generates complex abilities resembling an Innate Technique, Yuji’s energy could let him absorb souls and potentially alter minds.
Such a talent manifested strongly enough from birth could certainly attract vengeful Heian-era souls like Sukuna, explaining Yuji’s lineage.
Surpassing the First Curse
If Yuji’s dormant specialty lies in manipulating souls, the prospect of memory alteration under extreme conditions may explain surviving Sukuna’s repeated REM sleep domination attempts. Fans theorize this resilience itself signifies Yuji “overwriting” Sukuna’s control or even erasing memories of takeovers, subtly flexing metaphysical muscle.
Real-world case studies around memory distortion provide analogues for this premise. Trauma, delusion, and group confabulation demonstrate memories’ malleability. So in extremis, Yuji’s metaphysical dominion over souls could manifest similar effects.
And references to the "Claws of Calamity" likely tie to the ancient sorcerer‘s technique for obliterating all within his grasp – powers which Yuji might one day wield, exceeding his predecessor’s infamy. This name directly mirrors “Cleave and Slash,” epithet of Sukuna‘s devastating slashing attacks. Thus, Yuji may have inherited means to mete out similar destruction.
Fan Theories Around Yuji Surpassing Sukuna
Passionate JJK fandom discourse highlights tremendous anticipation for Yuji eventually surpassing his ancient oppressor. Many theorize Sukuna binding himself in multiple vessels unintentionally nurtured his own downfall, allowing Yuji to integrate and master the scattered cursed technique.
After recent manga chapters revealed Sukuna cannot kill Yuji without forfeiting his resurrection, fans increasingly predict Yuji will subsume the “King of Curses” mantle after a spectacular final confrontation. For the heroic protagonist claimed by fate to overcome his ultimate nemesis, awakened True Jujutsu could let Yuji Itadori eclipse predecessors and cement his status atop JJK’s hierarchy of sorcerers.