Why is Shoko special in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained

Modified Jul 07, 2024 09:30 GMT

Why is Shoko special in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Within the world of author and illustrator Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen anime and manga series, there are a few sorcerers whom one may call “special” for various reasons. Whether by nature of their proficiency in Cursed Energy or the rarity of their Cursed Technique, these characters are in a league of their own.

In this light, one of the key characters is Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shoko Ieiri, who is introduced early on in the series but doesn’t quite get a chance to shine until much later. Fans often ask the question of why Shoko is so special since she's been built up as a unique talent amongst sorcerers from early on in the series.

While there is indeed an answer as to “why is Shoko special,” it’s somewhat complicated given the nature of her Cursed Technique, or rather her Reverse Cursed Technique.

Shoko's Reversed Cursed Technique and how it's different

In essence, Shoko Ieiri is special in Jujutsu Kaisen because she can use her Reverse Cursed Technique to heal her allies in addition to herself. In fact, according to the information available to fans currently, she is a rare exception in that she is unable to use normal Cursed Techniques but excels at Reverse Cursed Techniques.

In this manner, she outdoes even the legendary Satoru Gojo, who has yet to learn how to convert his own Reverse Cursed Technique into output and apply it to others as Shoko can. It's worth noting how incredible this achievement is, as only a few characters can truly outperform Gojo in a specific area.

Shoko is also special in Jujutsu Kaisen because she naturally possesses the ability to wield Reverse Cursed Technique in an output manner. It’s stated on the series’ unofficial wiki site that she has “always possessed the rare ability” to use Reverse Cursed Technique, implying that it’s something natural to her.

This is further confirmed when she tries to explain how she does it to others, using words that don’t make sense and highlight a lack of deeper understanding. In this regard, Shoko is made even more special by having such an unnaturally rare level of affinity with Reverse Cursed Technique to the point where she does not have to exert herself much, even while using it at a high level.

Can Shoko be replaced in Jujutsu Kaisen?

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Shoko is irreplaceable in Jujutsu Kaisen. In the same way that her affinity for Reverse Cursed Technique is the answer to “why is Shoko special?” it’s also the answer to whether or not she can be replaced. As of this article’s writing, there are only two other people shown to be able to use Reverse Cursed Technique like Shoko does: Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, and Yuta Okkotsu.

Although Shoko could technically be replaced by either Yuta or Sukuna, the former’s replacement of her is unlikely considering his general distaste for contemporary human sorcerers, and the latter’s long-term status is currently questionable as of this article’s writing. Likewise, while she can technically be replaced by either in this capacity, it’s difficult to say she could realistically be replaced by either, all things considered.

However, there is one aspect of Shoko’s skills that makes her irreplaceable, and this is her knowledge and talent as a true-to-form, proper doctor. By combining her knowledge of medicine with her impressive sorcery skills, she’s able to perform life-saving miracles at a moment’s notice, which allow her to save the lives of her comrades. In this sense, she is irreplaceable by either Yuta or Sukuna until they’re able to match her skills in this area.

In conclusion

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To summarize, the answer to the question "Why is Shoko so special in Jujutsu Kaisen?” is two-fold. First, her natural affinity for the Reverse Cursed Technique makes her one of the most talented users of it in the series, if not the single most talented.

The second is that her Reverse Cursed Technique combines with her knowledge and skills as a doctor to create a truly miraculous medic who is, in all reality, completely irreplaceable.