Jujutsu Kaisen presents a world where curses and sorcerers battle for control, but one question lingers—why is Sukuna still alive? Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, should have perished long ago, yet he continues to exist. His survival isn’t just a coincidence; it may serve a greater purpose tied to the balance of cursed energy and the Jujutsu world.
Rather than being fully destroyed, Sukuna’s power was fragmented into 20 mummified fingers. This unusual method of sealing suggests that Sukuna’s existence holds deeper significance. If eliminating him entirely was possible, why didn’t the ancient sorcerers do so? Perhaps Sukuna’s complete revival is necessary, even if it comes at a great cost to those fighting against him.
How Sukuna Continues to Exist
Sukuna From Jujutsu Kaisen (credits: Mappa)
Sukuna was originally a human sorcerer who lived over a thousand years ago. Despite being incredibly powerful, he met his end through natural causes. However, his death did not erase him from existence. His overwhelming strength turned him into a vengeful spirit, one so dangerous that he had to be sealed away in a unique manner.
To prevent his return, Sukuna’s fingers were cut off and preserved separately. This ensured that no one could easily revive him. Yet, the very act of sealing his power in this way left a loophole—if someone were to consume the fingers, they could potentially resurrect him. That’s exactly what happened when Yuji Itadori unknowingly swallowed one.
Yuji Itadori’s decision to eat one of Sukuna’s fingers triggered the King of Curses’ reawakening. Although Sukuna didn’t return in his full form, he regained consciousness within Yuji’s body. From that moment, the two became unwillingly intertwined, with Sukuna lurking inside, waiting for the right opportunity to take over completely.
Their connection led to an unusual agreement—a binding vow. Sukuna proposed that he would revive Yuji if granted control over his body for one minute. Yuji, unaware of Sukuna’s true intentions, eventually agreed. This brief moment of freedom allowed Sukuna to act without restrictions, leading to a catastrophic turn of events.
During his brief takeover, Sukuna demonstrated his ruthlessness by tearing out Yuji’s heart. This left Yuji in a dire situation, but he was able to regain control just in time. However, the damage was already done. Sukuna’s growing influence over Yuji became evident, setting the stage for further conflicts between them.
Sukuna From Jujutsu Kaisen (credits: Mappa)
To make matters worse, Yuji accepted another deal, allowing Sukuna a second chance to assume control. While Yuji may have thought he could outmaneuver Sukuna, the King of Curses is a master manipulator. His patience and cunning suggest that his revival isn’t just about regaining his former power—it might serve a deeper, more sinister purpose within the Jujutsu world.
“Jujutsu Kaisen” is a dark fantasy manga and anime that follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who, after consuming a cursed object, gets into a face-off with Jujutsu sorcerers. Tasked with collecting all the cursed fragments of a powerful demon, Yuji teams up with other sorcerers to combat malevolent curses and uncover deeper mysteries.
Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation into the Shadow Monarch wasn’t just a matter of power—it was destiny. His journey through life-or-death battles shaped him into the perfect successor. While strength played a role, what truly set Jinwoo apart was his unbreakable will and unwavering devotion to protecting those he loved. That is what made him worthy of inheriting Ashborn’s legacy.
Jinwoo wasn’t chosen at random. Every hardship he endured, every battle he survived, was a test. The System, created by Ashborn, pushed him to his absolute limits, ensuring he was the right vessel for the Shadow Monarch’s power. When the time came, Jinwoo proved that his determination and heart made him more than just a warrior—they made him a ruler.
The Legacy of Ashborn
Solo Leveling
Before Jinwoo, Ashborn was the original Shadow Monarch, ruling over death itself. As one of the strongest beings in existence, he sought a successor who could carry his power forward. But Ashborn didn’t just want strength—he wanted someone who understood sacrifice, someone who would use his power for more than just conquest.
Jinwoo’s relentless perseverance caught Ashborn’s attention. He saw in Jinwoo a warrior who wouldn’t crumble under pressure, someone who would fight against fate itself to protect those he loved. This was the deciding factor that made Ashborn entrust him with the power of the Shadow Monarch.
Jinwoo’s entire life had been a struggle. From being the weakest hunter to surviving impossible trials, he never backed down. His love for his family gave him the will to endure when others would have fallen. Even when faced with overwhelming odds, Jinwoo pushed forward, refusing to let fear dictate his fate.
It wasn’t just his strength that made him worthy—it was his unwavering belief that he could always find a way forward. Ashborn recognized this rare trait and knew that Jinwoo was not only capable of wielding his power but also of carrying the weight of an entire kingdom on his shoulders.
Solo Leveling
When Jinwoo finally inherited Ashborn’s power, he became more than just a hunter—he became the ruler of the dead. His journey had led him to this moment, where he no longer fought just for survival but for the responsibility of protecting the world. His ascension wasn’t about personal gain; it was about proving that even in the face of darkness, he would always stand tall.
