Sukuna got caught by Yuji's Domain for a good reason, and Jujutsu Kaisen has always showed why

Modified Jul 31, 2024 09:00 GMT

Sukuna got caught by Yuji's Domain for a good reason, and Jujutsu Kaisen has always showed why (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 264, released on July 29, 2024, Yuji Itadori surprises everyone by unleashing his own Domain Expansion, a move that catches the formidable Sukuna off guard. This moment, though shocking, is rooted in the series' ongoing narrative, where Sukuna's arrogance and underestimation of Yuji ultimately lead to his downfall.

While Sukuna's failure to counter Yuji's domain seems out of character, it's a deliberate narrative choice that reflects the series' exploration of power, strategy, and perception. This chapter, heavily tweeted and debated, highlights how Jujutsu Kaisen has always foreshadowed Sukuna getting trapped in Yuji's domain.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Sukuna got caught by Yuji's domain?

Sukuna and Yuji inside the latter's domain (Image via Shueisha)

Since Ryomen Sukuna is an unstoppable force and is also a master of jujutsu, his apparent oversight of Yuji's domain is puzzling. Sukuna has consistently demonstrated his ability to counter any threat. Yet, when Yuji activates his Domain Expansion, Sukuna simply takes the hit without any resistance, which is strange for someone of his caliber.

The common explanation might be that Sukuna underestimated Yuji, so caught off guard by the domain's appearance that he froze. This reasoning aligns with past events, like when Gojo was ensnared by the Prison Realm due to emotional surprise. However, a deeper analysis reveals a more compelling explanation. To understand Sukuna's lapse, it's essential to revisit the sequence leading up to Yuji's Domain Expansion.

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 264's striking parallels to chapter 11

Yuji initiates his attack by striking the ground, prompting Sukuna to counter and mock his predictability. This exchange mirrors their first encounter in Chapter 11, where Sukuna easily dominated Yuji in his Innate Domain. The repetition of this sequence is not coincidental but rather a deliberate tactic by Yuji. Sukuna's arrogance—his belief in his superiority over all—blinds him to the possibility that Yuji has evolved beyond the desperate, inexperienced fighter he once was.

Yuji exploits this arrogance, luring Sukuna into a false sense of security by mimicking their initial confrontation. Sukuna, always driven by his own pleasure in battle, interprets Yuji's actions as those of the same inept, unskilled child he encountered before. He fails to consider the possibility that Yuji might have something more up his sleeve.

Even as Sukuna acknowledges the threat of Yuji's Dismantle, he dismisses it, believing that Yuji is incapable of posing a genuine challenge. This underestimation is precisely what Yuji anticipates. He carefully choreographs his moves to ensure that Sukuna perceives him as nothing more than a simple brawler, unable to outmaneuver the King of Curses.

Repeating the fight in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 11 with a twist

Yuji's fights Sukuna for the first time (Image via MAPPA)

The irony of the situation is profound—Yuji, who has often been criticized for his straightforward, brute-force fighting style, uses this perception to his advantage. By replicating their earlier fight, he lulls Sukuna into a state of complacency, making the activation of his Domain Expansion the last thing Sukuna expects. This strategic move marks a significant shift in their dynamic.

In their first encounter, Yuji was trapped within Sukuna's Domain, entirely at his mercy. Now, the roles are reversed—Sukuna finds himself ensnared in Yuji's Domain, symbolizing the culmination of their journey. As the narrative reaches its climax, the thematic reversal is clear.

Final thoughts

What began as a story of Yuji being overwhelmed by Sukuna has transformed into one where Yuji turns the tables, using Sukuna's own arrogance against him. The final confrontation between the two is set to be a defining moment, one that promises to bring their story full circle.