Why the disparity in strength between Megumi and Yuji at the end of Jujutsu Kaisen isn't shocking, explored

Modified Dec 30, 2024 10:00 GMT

Megumi and Yuji being unevenly matched by the end isn't startling (Image via MAPPA)

At the end of Jujutsu Kaisen, the disparity in strength between Megumi Fushiguro and Yuji Itadori left fans divided. However, a closer look at their respective journeys reveals why this isn’t surprising. From the beginning, Megumi and Yuji were depicted as contrasting, both in their abilities and the paths they traversed as sorcerers.

On one side, emphasis was given to Megumi's potential as a prodigy and a user of the Zenin Clan’s Ten Shadows Technique. Elsewhere, Yuji's raw physical prowess, genius in battle, and link with Ryomen Sukuna rallied behind him. By the time the end rolled along, Megumi’s circumstances had changed drastically as Sukuna had taken over, thereby magnifying his power in ways unachievable on his own.

Simultaneously, Yuji experienced explosive growth, which found its roots in his human resilience, camaraderie, and the sacrifices made along the way. Such a gap in power mirrors their individual stories as well as Jujutsu Kaisen’s thematic focus on a crucial aspect—consequences.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the sole opinion of the author.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Megumi and Yuji being unevenly matched by the end isn't startling

By the end of Jujutsu Kaisen, there was an undeniable power gap between Megumi and Yuji. While they both developed differently due to their separate fates, the disparity in strength cannot be ignored. It is debatable who might emerge victorious in a 1v1, but given the entire plot, the odds might lean towards the pink-haired teenager.

First, a closer look at Megumi. Following Sukuna's sly use of the Binding Vow with Yuji, the Demon King takes over Megumi's body. Then the story progresses; Sukuna battles till the very end before being driven out of his host. But as per series lore and seen with Yuji, hosts get imprinted with the technique of the invader, so according to that logic, Megumi could unknowingly have Shrine.

But even so, Shrine aside, he hasn't lost his Ten Shadows Technique, as he used it (Divine Dog) in the final chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen. Considering Sukuna's use of the technique, Megumi should be left with Nue, Max Elephant, Toad, and Rabbits. Mahoraga and Great Serpent were destroyed previously. Additionally, he would now possess Sukuna's extensive Jujutsu knowledge and prowess, given how long Sukuna possessed him and the techniques he used.

Elsewhere, Yuji's growth was more organic and natural. He gained whatever he did through loss, despair, and pain. Needless to say, this immensely shaped his character. Thanks to the preparation prior to the Shinjuku fight, he was quick to pick up Reverse Cursed Technique (RCT) and Blood Manipulation. Again, thanks to Sukuna's presence in his body, he was imprinted with Shrine techniques.

His Shrine worked a little differently from Sukuna's version, and he was able to enhance his Dismantle (to Soul Dismantle) through a Binding Vow. Moreover, under Atsuya Kusakabe's tutelage, he learned Simple Domain and later, by accident, activated his Domain Expansion too. So to sum it up, Yuji gained these abilities gradually, complemented by his natural physicality and battle prowess.

Thus, when placed side by side, Yuji likely ranks higher when considering who the stronger one is. Yuji has displayed more adeptness at using the skills he possesses, obviously. But Megumi started with something and ended on a totally different note, i.e., it would take him time to get used to the full extent of his powers and build up his Ten Shadows by taming Shikigami.

Another interesting point is that Yuji seemed to evolve with each battle. Against Hanami, he quickly got down and effectively began using Black Flash. Again, in the Shinjuku fight, he was adapting to Sukuna at a rapid pace before finally delivering the killer blow. In comparison, Megumi possesses excellent battle IQ (now enhanced by Sukuna's knowledge), which would make a 1v1 further fascinating.

Final Thoughts

Whatever it may be, Jujutsu Kaisen ending with both Megumi and Yuji developing into powerful sorcerers was a great choice. Their journeys were distinct, and their characters as a whole were never meant to be aligned. Megumi and Yuji were created to depict contrasting natures, and that is exactly what was shown of them in the series.

Not to be mistaken, this feature does not label Megumi as weaker or inferior to Yuji. It simply compares them at their end-of-series states. Megumi's fate was highly unfortunate, but him surviving and standing back up was huge. Elsewhere, Yuji holding on to his humanity despite the crushing situations he faced speaks volumes of his resilience.