Why does Kenjaku want Tengen in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained

Why does Kenjaku want Tengen in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained (Image via Sportskeeda)
Why does Kenjaku want Tengen in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained (Image via Shueisha, MAPPA )

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Kenjaku, a powerful sorcerer and major antagonist, has a grand vision of merging humanity with Master Tengen, an immortal barrier master with vast reserves of cursed energy. This fusion would create a new, powerful entity that combines human and cursed energy, pushing the boundaries of cursed power to unprecedented levels.

Tengen's immense energy and unique abilities are essential to Kenjaku’s plan. Through the deadly Culling Game, Kenjaku forces sorcerers and non-sorcerers into battles to generate cursed energy, inching closer to his goal and revealing Tengen’s crucial role in reshaping the future of the jujutsu world.


Tengen's role in Jujutsu Kaisen's world

Master Tengen as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Master Tengen as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Master Tengen is a key figure in Jujutsu Kaisen, known as the ultimate barrier master and protector of the jujutsu world. Their role blends history, protective abilities, and strategic wisdom, all of which shape the jujutsu universe.

Tengen is credited with developing modern jujutsu techniques during Japan's Nara Period. Originally a woman, Tengen achieved immortality and became known as the "Star" or "Sage of the Jujutsu World." Their teachings have deeply influenced jujutsu culture, with some even worshiping them as a deity.

Amanai Riko was a Star Plasma Vessel (Image via MAPPA)
Amanai Riko was a Star Plasma Vessel (Image via MAPPA)

Tengen’s main responsibility is creating and maintaining powerful barriers that protect important places like Jujutsu High. These barriers keep cursed spirits out and limit cursed energy to Japan, preventing chaos. Two key types of barriers, Pure Barriers, and Concealing Barriers, help protect sorcerers and create the right environment for their training.

Tengen’s immortality requires them to merge with a “Star Plasma Vessel” every 500 years. The vessel needs to have a lot of jujutsu energy to handle Tengen's power. Without this merge, Tengen risks evolving into a dangerous form, which could weaken the barriers between humans and cursed spirits.

Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Although not a fighter, Tengen’s strategic advice is crucial. They’ve guided sorcerers like Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto to protect potential vessels. Recently, Tengen’s failure to merge with a new vessel has put them at risk of becoming a cursed spirit, raising concerns about their ability to maintain the barriers and protect jujutsu sorcery’s future.


Tengen's role in Kenjaku's plans

Kenjaku as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Kenjaku as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Master Tengen plays a key role in Kenjaku's plan, especially regarding the Culling Game and Kenjaku’s goal to merge humanity with Tengen’s powerful cursed energy. Kenjaku wants to create a new being that combines human and cursed energy, greatly enhancing cursed power and changing the relationship between humans and curses. As an immortal with immense cursed energy, Tengen is essential for this plan.

Kenjaku’s strategy relies on the Culling Game, a deadly event designed to generate massive cursed energy through battles between sorcerers and non-sorcerers. After the Shibuya Incident, Tengen could have stopped Kenjaku’s plan by deactivating four key barriers, but they chose not to, fearing it would cause more human casualties. Tengen believed in Yuji Itadori and other sorcerers to stop Kenjaku instead.

A cursed Tsumiki (Image via MAPPA)
A cursed Tsumiki (Image via MAPPA)

However, Tengen’s decision had serious consequences. The Culling Game caused widespread destruction and brought Kenjaku closer to his goal. Ultimately, Kenjaku captured Tengen, gaining access to their power and advancing his plan to merge humanity with Tengen’s cursed energy, creating a new, dangerous entity that could threaten both humans and the world of jujutsu sorcery.


Final thoughts

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Kenjaku seeks to merge humanity with Tengen to create a powerful entity combining human and cursed energy. By capturing Tengen and harnessing their vast power, Kenjaku aims to reshape the balance of sorcery, pushing humanity and curses into a new, unpredictable future.


Related links:

Quick Links

Edited by Tiasha
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications