Jujutsu Kaisen Just Basically Guaranteed a Big Villain’s Death

Spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 193!

While Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Naoya Zenin may believe that he’s finally been able to exact his revenge against his cousin Maki, his tunnel-vision focus on beating her will most likely lead to his death at the hands of the other combatant in the fight, Noritoshi Kamo. Although Naoya and Maki are related, there is no love lost between them. Maki was born with a minimum of cursed energy, which in the eyes of the Zenin clan makes her truly worthless. Conversely, Naoya was blessed with a strong reservoir of cursed energy and a cocky attitude. From early on, Naoya has always believed himself to be the true heir to the Zenin clan’s future. Indeed, many in the clan agree, giving him command of the “Hei” – an internal group of the clan’s strongest sorcerers.

Like other members of the clan, Naoya has a low impression of Maki, which bottomed out after her rampage in Jujutsu Kaisen #151. Though Naoya moved to stop the “threat” that Maki posed, he was soundly defeated and killed by a newly empowered Maki who was able to tap into her immense physical abilities after her sister’s sacrifice finally removed the last vestiges of cursed energy from her body. Though she was able to kill Naoya, Maki was not able to properly dispose of his spirit. As a result, he was able to return as a cursed spirit and finds her in the Culling Game’s Sakurajima Colony with Noritoshi Kamo. Noritoshi has the ability to manipulate his blood in every way conceivable, including the manipulation of anything his blood touches. His blood manipulation gives him a tremendous range of abilities to use against an opponent.

In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 193, Naoya quickly pounces on Maki to avenge his death. However, just as in their first confrontation, Maki’s improved physical abilities help her withstand and respond to the attack. It also gives Noritoshi enough time to provide some assistance with his crimson binding technique. Having already tasted the fury of Naoya’s attack, Maki and Noritoshi clearly understand that they need a new plan of attack and only have seconds to implement it before Naoya mounts his second offense. And despite the danger Naoya poses, they do have an option that could work. In this circumstance, the most viable countering attack is to utilize Noritoshi’s “blood manipulation,” with Maki acting as a sacrifice to draw Naoya’s complete attention.

One way it could happen would be to cover one of Maki’s cursed weapons with Noritoshi’s blood, then have Maki perform her version of the “rope a dope” and allow Naoya to attack her. While he is consumed in beating her down, a Noritoshi “controlled” cursed weapon can strike him down unawares. While Naoya was impressed with Noritoshi’s defense, he clearly did not think he was much of a threat. After breaking free of Noritoshi’s restraints he again turned his complete attention toward Maki. However, since Naoya has already revealed his plan of attack will involve using speed and power to overcome Maki’s physical prowess, they have a blueprint for success. Maki and Noritoshi even discuss the need for a new counter-attack.

Another, even riskier strategy would be for Noritoshi to somehow mix his blood with Maki’s own. Accordingly, any strike that draws Maki’s blood would provide a means for Noritoshi to use his blood manipulation skills in a manner Naoya could never have anticipated. With Naoya so intent on killing Maki, making her blood a weapon could prove the deciding factor. Indeed, with each strike, he would literally be contributing to his own death. While Nagoya isn’t beaten yet, his blinkered approach to focusing on Maki opens him up to several tactics that can use Noritoshi’s power to kill him and eliminate another Jujutsu Kaisen curse.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available now from Viz Media.