Jujutsu Kaisen character spotlight: Maki Zen'in in Shinjuku Showdown arc, explained

In the Jujutsu Kaisen Shinjuku Showdown arc, Maki Zen'in stands out as a powerful and pivotal figure, challenging the very core of Jujutsu society. As the battle against Sukuna reaches its climax, Maki's pivotal role comes into sharp focus.

From the intense buildup leading to Gojo's fight with Sukuna to her dramatic confrontation with the King of Curses, Maki's determination and skill are on full display.

This character spotlight explores Maki's evolution throughout the arc, examining her strategically chosen decisions and the repercussions of these choices on the conflict, and highlighting her strength and resolve in this critical showdown.

Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Preparing for Gojo's fight with Sukuna

Gojo Satoru was sealed by Geto Suguru (Image via MAPPA)

After regrouping with her fellow sorcerers, Maki and the team implemented their plan to unseal Gojo from the Prison Realm. Their efforts succeeded, and Gojo agreed to fight Sukuna on December 24, giving him one month to prepare.

In a meeting, Yuta proposed an extreme backup plan, having Rika devour Kenjaku’s head to copy his brain transplant technique, which could be used on Gojo if he died. Both Maki and Hakari quickly rejected the idea. Maki questioned Yuta about what would happen to him if his copy technique expired, to which he admitted he wasn't sure.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Rising tensions among the Jujutsu Sorcerers

Okkotsu Yuta as shown in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime (Image via MAPPA)

As tensions escalated, Yuta grew increasingly frustrated by his allies’ refusal to use more extreme tactics, especially against Sukuna. Maki tried to reason with him, saying he was important to them, but Yuta countered, arguing that none of them were considering Gojo’s burden of always having to be the “monster” for their sake. He declared that if no one else was willing to become a monster to win, he would.

Later, Maki, Panda, and Inumaki stood outside the room where Gojo confronted the Jujutsu higher-ups. When Gojo asked them to leave so they wouldn’t witness him killing the elders, they bluntly refused. Ultimately, Gojo relented and entered the room.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Zen'in Maki's role in fight against Ryomen Sukuna

Gojo and Sukuna as shown in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime (Image via MAPPA)

On December 24, the day of Gojo’s fight with Sukuna, Maki and the other sorcerers saw Gojo off. They watched the battle unfold via a broadcast at headquarters. When Gojo died, Maki comforted Yuta, who was deeply grieving.

As Yuta and Yuji later fought Sukuna, Takuma and Kusakabe prepared for Maki to launch a surprise attack. After Yuta and Yuji were struck by Sukuna’s Cleave, Maki entered Yuta’s domain and stabbed Sukuna through the chest while his guard was down, using the Split Soul Katana.

The surprise attack was successful, and Maki and Sukuna engaged in battle. Maki skillfully dodged Sukuna’s blows and even managed to hurl him into debris. Sukuna tried to use his “world cutting slash,” but Maki saw through the attack and dodged it, impressing Sukuna with her ability to read his moves, similar to Mahoraga.

During the fight, Maki confirmed what Megumi had previously said, Sukuna was keeping his heart beating with cursed energy. She questioned whether he could maintain this during their battle, but Sukuna confidently claimed it wouldn’t be a problem.

As the battle intensified, Sukuna hurled debris and cars at Maki, who dodged effortlessly. Sukuna then slashed at Maki, sending her crashing into a building. Taking advantage of Sukuna’s distraction by Takuma and Kusakabe, Maki used her weight to launch Sukuna into another structure.

Determined to end the threat of Sukuna, Maki swore to finish him. She hurled columns at him, but Sukuna managed to grab her face and cleave off part of it. Fascinated by her Heavenly Restricted body, which defied the laws of Jujutsu, Sukuna congratulated her for being the first to give him a true challenge. He then struck Maki in the chest with a Black Flash, sending her flying.

Despite the blow, Maki recovered and managed to cut off one of Sukuna’s hands while fighting alongside Yuji, Miguel, and Larue. Sukuna hit her with a third Black Flash and a regular slash, which Maki noted was growing stronger in output.

When Sukuna activated an incomplete no-barrier Malevolent Shrine, Miwa intervened to save Maki from the sure-hit slashes using her Simple Domain. Following this, Aoi Todo used his Boogie Woogie technique to transfer Maki and Miwa to safety.

Final thoughts

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Maki’s role in the Shinjuku Showdown arc in the Jujutsu Kaisen series was essential due to her unparalleled combat abilities, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. Her surprise attack on Sukuna using the Split Soul Katana gave the sorcerers a critical opening in the battle. Throughout the fight, she showed her resilience by dodging Sukuna’s powerful attacks and recovering quickly, even after sustaining severe injuries.

Maki’s Heavenly Restricted body, combined with her skill and insight, allowed her to match Sukuna’s strength, making her a key player in the fight. Her actions not only weakened Sukuna but also inspired her fellow sorcerers to continue the battle.