Megumi may quickly become the Jujutsu Kaisen anime's most-hated character

Modified Nov 18, 2024 12:11 GMT

Megumi may quickly become the Jujutsu Kaisen anime's most-hated character (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Megumi Fushiguro is introduced as a character rich with potential, poised to become a powerful force within the jujutsu world, thanks to his inherited Ten Shadows technique and complex backstory. However, as the series delves deeper into the Culling Game and Shinjuku Showdown arcs, Megumi's role diminishes drastically, leaving fans disillusioned by his stagnating development.

With the character seemingly sidelined and relegated to being a vessel for Sukuna, the King of Curses, Megumi risks losing his initial appeal. As the anime continues, fans’ frustration may turn to resentment, positioning him as the series' most controversial and potentially disliked character.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen.

Megumi's wasted potential in the Jujutsu Kaisen series

Megumi Fushiguro had the potential to become one of the most powerful sorcerers by the end of the series (Image via MAPPA)

Megumi Fushiguro was introduced as a compelling deuteragonist, with a history intertwined with the power structures of the jujutsu world. As the illegitimate child of the Sorcerer Killer, Toji Fushiguro, Megumi inherited the Zenin clan's powerful Ten Shadows technique, making him a sorcerer with immense untapped power, which even Gojo Satoru acknowledged.

Fans eagerly anticipated witnessing Megumi's growth and mastery of this godlike ability, hoping to see him become a true force to be reckoned with. However, as the series progressed, Megumi's character development became increasingly disappointing.

The Ten Shadows technique was supposed to rival Gojo's Limitless and Six Eyes, especially because of Mahoraga. Sukuna tamed Mahoraga to bypass Gojo's Limitless and ultimately killed him. However, for Megumi, the original owner of the technique, the strongest Shikigami in his arsenal was a last-ditch, self-destructive measure to win against stronger opponents.

Tsumiki Fushiguro as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite his promising setup, the narrative failed to fully capitalize on his potential, sidelining him in favor of propelling the overall plot forward. Megumi's personal storylines, such as his desire to save his cursed sister Tsumiki, fell flat, lacking any emotional impact they should have had.

Megumi fans' plight during the Shinjuku Showdown arc

Season 3 of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime would adapt the Culling Game arc (Image via MAPPA)

After the upcoming season— which adapts the Culling Game arc of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga— comes the Shinjuku Showdown arc. Both seasons are expected to span roughly 60-70 chapters per season. This means that after the third season ends, Megumi's diminished role and his complete subjugation to the King of Curses, Sukuna, would begin, and would go on until the series finally ends, probably two years after the third season ends.

During the Shinjuku Showdown arc, Megumi is essentially written out of the story, becoming a mere vessel for Sukuna's machinations. His personal struggles and growth are overshadowed by the larger-than-life events unfolding around him.

Fans who have grown to love Megumi's character will likely find this development deeply frustrating, as they witness their once-promising hero reduced to a pawn in Sukuna's game.

During this time, the fandom's frustration with Megumi's lack of agency and significance in the story will only continue to grow. The constant reminders of his wasted potential and the overwhelming presence of Sukuna within him will likely lead to a significant backlash against the character.

Final thoughts

Megumi and Sukuna as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Megumi Fushiguro's arc in Jujutsu Kaisen is shaping up to be one of unfulfilled potential and frustrating sidelining. With the character's promising setup gradually diluted by narrative decisions that position him as a passive vessel for Sukuna, the fandom’s disappointment has grown substantially.

If the anime's pacing mirrors the manga's, viewers will witness this disheartening trend for a prolonged period, likely intensifying resentment. As Megumi’s value is repeatedly stripped away and his storylines are neglected, he risks becoming a symbol of wasted potential, transforming him from a beloved character into one of the series’ most polarizing figures.