Yuji’s Domain will always be Jujutsu Kaisen’s most unnecessary mystery

Modified Oct 13, 2024 11:30 GMT

Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

The reveal of Yuji's Domain Expansion was one of the most anticipated aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen. The pinnacle of Jujutsu could only be pulled by those adept at it and even so, was adequately draining on the castor. With other characters' Domains being showcased flawlessly in the series, every single fan began to link back to the story's protagonist and what his Domain would look like.

Again, as it so often happens, creator Gege Akutami pitched a curveball when Yuji finally uttered the words "Domain Expansion". It wouldn't be incorrect to say that nearly the entire fandom was expecting it to be something based on raw hand-to-hand, akin to a boxing match or taijutsu match. In reality, though, it was Yuji and Ryomen Sukuna taking a stroll down memory lane.

This received mixed feelings from lovers of the series, as they were unsure of how to react to it. But even so, following its reveal, many felt that Yuji's Domain stood as an unnecessary mystery Jujutsu Kaisen.

Yuji's Domain in Jujutsu Kaisen might have been an unessential conundrum

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To begin with, Yuji's Domain came at a fitting time. Fans must keep in mind that the teenager was a character who knew nothing of Jujutsu and its techniques. Apart from being physically superior to a regular human, he was entirely new to this strange and dangerous world. Nonetheless, tutelage from Jujutsu High's mentors enabled him to develop and grow into a sorcerer.

So it is fair that it took a while for his Domain to be revealed. However, how it was done and whatever is known about it could use a little more work. Yuji's Domain came just prior to Akutami announcing that the manga would be ending very soon. Thus, to put it plainly, many will agree that its execution was rushed to fit into the conclusion of the series.

Fans are no strangers to Akutami taking his time to explain complex techniques and mind-boggling Domains. That is exactly what was expected when Yuji uttered the words at the end of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 264. But that was not what happened - rather, the next chapter began with a long Yuji monologue and ended with Yuji and Sukuna throwing hands once more.

Not long after, it was also revealed that Yuji himself had no idea why events played out the way they did. In essence, he applied his learnings from Atsuya Kusakabe about Simple Domains to separate himself and the King of Curses from the rest of the battle. This probably created a sense of doubt within the Jujutsu Kaisen community if what he had used was even his Domain.

But judging from the entire scenario, it does look like Sukuna was pulled into Yuji's Domain. Anyhow, back to the point made above, Akutami has never shied away from using a complete chapter or two to explain how a technique works. For instance, he used considerable page space to explain the manner in which Kinji Hakari's "Idle Death Gamble" worked.

Similarly, a chapter or a majority of it could have been used to deep dive into Yuji's Domain. After all, the pink-haired teen using this technique was likely a major highlight of the series. When looking back, a bit of light shed on the what and why aspect of it would have benefitted its overall impact.

Final Thoughts

Gojo Satoru using Hollow Purple (Image via MAPPA)

To conclude, Yuji's Domain was timed appropriately and its execution was another Akutami masterclass in feinting viewers. However, the want for information leaves little room for criticism. There are yet a couple of things that happened in Yuji's Domain that we do not know the reason for. For instance, why did Sukuna change into his human (Yuji's body) form?

Again, while it is curious why Yuji and Sukuna peacefully walked through the former's memories, fans must remember that Domains materialize the user's mental landscape and in that moment, Yuji only wanted to speak with Sukuna, as they had fought enough. Anyhow, with the series concluded, a lot of Jujutsu Kaisen's mysteries will remain unsolved and Yuji's Domain will be one of them.