Jujutsu Kaisen fans should be rooting against Hakari's return, as it could ruin Yuji's Domain Expansion plan

In the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen storyline, the return of Kinji Hakari has sparked considerable debate among fans. As a former third-year student at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Hakari’s current activities with the Gachinko Fight Club and his controversial past with Jujutsu High have cast him in a complex light.

With the potential for Hakari to disrupt Yuji Itadori’s carefully crafted Domain Expansion, his return could jeopardize strategic plans and undermine Yuji's tactical advantages. The prospect of Hakari, possibly accompanied by Uraume, inadvertently shattering Yuji’s domain and releasing Ryomen Sukuna, raises concerns about the stability of their battle strategy.

While fans have been eager for Hakari to prove his strength and silence fraud accusations, his reappearance might inadvertently unravel Yuji’s well-laid plans, thus warranting a more cautious perspective on his role in the unfolding conflict.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Kinji Hakari may make his return to the storyline soon

Kinji Hakari as shown in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

According to a recent theory based on the events of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 265, Kinji Hakari, either alone or accompanied by Uraume, might enter Yuji's domain, and through a miscalculation, be it Uraume's missed attack or Hakari's misreading of the situation, Yuji's domain could shatter, inadvertently releasing Ryomen Sukuna.

This would reignite Sukuna's rampage, forcing the Jujutsu Sorcerers to confront him once more. Yuji might then have to leave the battle to Hakari temporarily while he recovers. Hakari would then face a 2v1 challenge against both Sukuna and Uraume.

Uraume as shown in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

By this point, Hakari is likely to have hit the Jackpot, granting him infinite Cursed Energy for a limited time. This would set the stage for the highly anticipated showdown between Sukuna and Hakari, or possibly even a three-way battle with Uraume involved.

Such a confrontation would allow Hakari the opportunity to dispel the "fraud" allegations leveled against him for his perceived inactivity during the ongoing battle in Shinjuku. Over the course of more than twenty chapters, Hakari has failed to deal any significant damage to Uraume, leading fans to speculate that Gege has sidelined him.

Sukuna has been continuously fighting Jujutsu sorcerers and it'd soon come to an end (Image via MAPPA)

Meanwhile, Sukuna's battles with the Jujutsu Sorcerers have progressed significantly, further highlighting Hakari's absence. Given that Uraume is considerably weaker than Sukuna, Hakari's prolonged struggle has led many to question his strength. However, with a potential battle on the horizon, Hakari is poised to demonstrate his true power and finally put to rest any doubts about his capabilities.

Jujutsu Kaisen: All you need to know about Kinji Hakari

Kinji Hakari is yet to make his debut in the anime series (Image via Shueisha)

Kinji Hakari, a third-year student at Tokyo Jujutsu High, is currently suspended due to clashes with authority figures. During his suspension, he operates the Gachinko Fight Club, a venue where sorcerers engage in hand-to-hand combat for money.

Self-absorbed and dismissive of Jujutsu High’s rules, Kinji is described as moody by Yuta Okkotsu, and peers view him as a good-for-nothing. Kinji revels in watching people indulge in their passions, which he calls their "fever," and cleverly manipulates this fever through gambling. His goal is to control Japan's collective fever with his fight club.

Despite being at odds with the higher-ups due to his modern cursed technique and attitude, Kinji’s fever shines brightest when he is working as a sorcerer. Suspended for assaulting a conservative member, he now exploits the chaos from the public reveal of curses to advance his fight club, hoping for official recognition. Kinji only risks his life with sorcerers who exhibit a strong fever, initially deeming Yuji Itadori weak. However, Yuji’s fervor eventually convinces Kinji to strike a deal with him.

Though brash, Kinji respects those who have cared for him, feeling genuine sorrow at the death of Masamichi Yaga and the sealing of Satoru Gojo. He agreed to assist Megumi and his allies, viewing it more as a deal rather than a favor.

His attitude softened upon learning Megumi leads the Zenin clan, seeing it as an opportunity to ally with one of the Big Three Families. Kinji’s tough exterior hides a kind heart that respects passion; he even provoked potential enemy Charles Bernard to help him release stress through combat, later encouraging him to pursue his dreams.

Thriving in conflict, Kinji enjoys gambling on himself, as exemplified in his life-or-death fight with Hajime Kashimo. Kinji’s rough cursed energy, likened to a serrated bat or sandpaper, enhances his physical attacks. His pachinko-themed domain expansion, Idle Death Gamble, grants him unlimited cursed energy and temporary invincibility upon hitting a jackpot.

Final thoughts

Yuji Itadori showcased his domain in the latest Jujutsu Kaisen manga chapter (Image via Shueisha)

While Kinji Hakari's return could excite fans eager for a showdown, it poses a significant risk to Yuji Itadori’s Domain Expansion strategy. Hakari's potential disruption could unravel carefully laid plans and destabilize crucial battles, making his reappearance a double-edged sword in the ongoing conflict.