jujutsu kaisen: Akutami fixes a major Kusakabe flaw in Jujutsu Kaisen

For a long time, Jujutsu Kaisen has attracted a massive following thanks to its remarkable cast of characters and thrilling battles. At the same time, the character of Atsuya Kusakabe, a Grade 1 sorcerer, often takes a back seat to the story's protagonists like Satoru Gojo or Kento Nanami.

Despite Kusakabe being considered the master swordsman of Jujutsu Kaisen and having many other gifts, fans wondered whether his character was dead since, in chapter 254, Kusakabe was shown badly hurt after his fight with Sukuna, the King of Curses.

However, Gege Akutami, the author, showed that Kusakabe persisted through the fight and decided to fix his portrayal in chapter 254, making his survival more plausible by depicting his wounds as less severe.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers.

Gege fixes Kusakabe's flaw from his fight against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 254

Expand Tweet

In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 254, Kusakabe faces an intense battle against Sukuna, one of the series' most formidable entities. As a Grade 1 sorcerer, Kusakabe, though lacking a cursed technique, utilizes formidable abilities.

He starts by activating his Simple Domain, which neutralizes the guaranteed-hit effect of an opponent’s domain. Alongside this, he employs Evening Moon Sword Drawing, a technique that increases his cursed energy output, enabling him to deflect Sukuna’s deadly slashes.

Sukuna and Kusakabe as shown in chapter 254 (Image via Shueisha)

Kusakabe’s tactical thinking shines throughout the fight, as he relies on his katana and cursed energy to deflect Sukuna’s ranged attacks. His Simple Domain slightly weakens Sukuna’s cursed techniques, giving him a slim fighting chance. However, despite his strategic efforts, the battle quickly shifts in Sukuna’s favor.

Sukuna taunts and overwhelms Kusakabe, forcing him to dodge nearly unavoidable attacks. At one point, Kusakabe barely deflects a slash aimed at his face, realizing Sukuna is using his cursed technique without motion.

Kusakabe during the Shibuya Incident arc (Image via MAPPA)

Despite Kusakabe's fierce resistance, the battle's climax highlights his limitations. His katana breaks, and even after throwing his coat as a distraction and engaging in hand-to-hand combat, he is ultimately overpowered. Sukuna’s final slash leaves Kusakabe gravely wounded, leading many fans to believe he had been fatally injured.

In response to this, Gege Akutami revised Kusakabe’s injuries later, clarifying that they were much shallower than initially depicted. This adjustment made Kusakabe’s survival more realistic and preserved his credibility as a powerful Grade 1 sorcerer.

With the aid of his allies Ui Ui and Shoko Ieiri, Kusakabe was healed, reinforcing his resilience and strategic prowess in surviving such a dangerous encounter with Sukuna.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Kusakabe’s role among Grade 1 sorcerers

Mei Mei and Ui Ui as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Kusakabe’s battle with Sukuna highlights his unique position among Grade 1 sorcerers. Unlike those with overwhelming offensive power, Kusakabe excels in defense, strategy, and adaptability.

Mei Mei and Nanami have both noted that while they may surpass him in raw strength, Kusakabe’s combat versatility sets him apart. Nanami even remarked that it’s easier to imagine Kusakabe avoiding defeat rather than achieving victory, underscoring his strong survival instincts and tactical decision-making.

Kusakabe’s mastery of Simple Domain further distinguishes him, as this barrier technique is rare, even among elite sorcerers. Unlike beginners like Kasumi Miwa, who need a binding vow to activate it, Kusakabe can use it freely, enhancing his combat range and effectiveness. This makes him a formidable opponent, especially against enemies who rely on domains, like Sukuna.

Mei Mei also praised his expertise in New Shadow Style, a sword technique designed to lure opponents into close combat. Kusakabe expanded his Simple Domain to include Sukuna, attacking with a series of swift strikes and using his domain’s ability to weaken Sukuna’s slashes. Akutami’s adjustment to Kusakabe’s survival reaffirms his status as a key figure in the Jujutsu Kaisen sorcery world.

Final thoughts

Gege Akutami’s adjustments to Kusakabe’s portrayal in Jujutsu Kaisen corrected a major flaw in his character arc, preserving the integrity of a sorcerer who is known for his resourcefulness and combat skills. By making Kusakabe’s injuries shallower and his survival more believable, Akutami restored his credibility as a formidable Grade 1 sorcerer.

Kusakabe’s battle against Sukuna showcased not only his strengths but also his resilience, solidifying his place among the elite sorcerers in the series.