Posted by *Disclaimer: Apologies for the double post; I was occupied at a local Artist Alley event last weekend. Thanks for your patience.*
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「鈍刀」 (Dontō)
“Dull Knife”
&
「赫鱗」 (Sekirin)
“Red Scale”
Shockwaves and surprises define this week’s episode of Jujutsu Kaisen, leaving us in a state of exhilaration. Right from the opening moments, the revelation that Toge Inumaki has rejoined the fray sets a thrilling tone. A single word from Toge holds the power to turn the tide, offering a glimmer of hope. It’s a stark reminder that even someone as formidable as Yuji Itadori couldn’t tackle the relentless onslaught of curses alone. Time is of the essence, and Itadori’s race to save Satoru Gojo, our beloved Gojo-sensei, becomes the centerpiece of this intense episode.
Before we dive into the latest installment, let’s not forget the standout moment from the previous week. Nanami, the stoic sorcerer with a penchant for precision, seized the spotlight as he confronted the infuriating blond curse user. It was a satisfying sight to see this irksome character receive his comeuppance at the hands of Nanami. Those purple markings on his face became a visual testament to the defeat he so richly deserved. Indeed, Nanami’s actions left us with more than just a sense of vindication; they also ignited a discussion about the character’s unexpected charisma. Call it the ‘daddy‘ vibe or the ‘grumpy but powerful‘ aura, but it’s undeniable that Nanami left a strong impression.
Let’s put it out there—we’re not immune to the allure of a tired, gruff, and resolute adult who knows when to turn up the heat. Nanami’s portrayal in the anime has garnered attention from fans, inspiring countless fan artists to emphasize his physicality and imposing presence in close-up shots. The portrayal adds layers to his character, making him larger than life and adding a unique appeal to the series. It’s safe to say that Nanami’s appearance injected an extra dose of excitement into the episode.
As for last week’s installment, one minor gripe would be the pacing. Although the content was captivating, a swifter tempo would have been a welcome change. However, beggars can’t be choosers and all that.
Now, let’s dive into this week’s events. Yuji Itadori’s descent into the subway leads him into a face-off with Choso, who taps into his own blood to unleash a relentless onslaught. The ensuing battle is nothing short of spectacular, a reminder of why we love anime like Jujutsu Kaisen. In a world full of ‘B-tier’ shows that feel like time-wasters, Jujutsu Kaisen stands tall as an example of excellence. We can’t help but enforce a personal rule: if an anime fails to engage within the first episode or two, it’s time to move on. Life’s too short to invest in anything less than the best.
As this epic confrontation unfolds, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it might span multiple episodes. However, the series astutely wraps it up in a manner that doesn’t drag the narrative unnecessarily, keeping the momentum intact. And just as we might wonder about Yuji’s fate, the Hasaba sisters’ timely discovery of his body adds a dose of suspense. Manga readers might already be privy to their presence, but the anime is being coy about it. Keeping us hooked for the next episode.
This is the perfect juncture to delve into the intriguing bond between Sukuna and Yuji, as well as the reason for Sukuna’s temporary absence. A mere minute of control is all Sukuna has, so long as he doesn’t take a life, and Yuji remains blissfully unaware of his actions. The trigger for activating their pact is a seemingly inconspicuous word—Keikatsu (契闊). While the word may not hold inherent meaning on its own, it appears to draw its context from the idiom “死生契闊” (shisei kekkatsu), which signifies a promise to endure life and death together, confronting suffering head-on. This nuance adds depth to the supernatural pact between the two, suggesting that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. So, is Yuji’s story truly over? The injuries he sustained were grave, and yet he summoned the strength to move, punctured liver and all. We even get a glimpse of Sukuna, a red outline against a pitch-black backdrop. In the pool of blood, the symbol of his eyes slowly takes shape.
In typical shonen fashion, Yuji continues to be the proverbial punching bag of the series, and we can’t wait to see how he bounces back from this latest challenge.
For those who’ve read the manga, kindly refrain from dropping any spoilers in the comments section, as we’re determined to keep the conversation spoiler-free. Thanks!
Full-length images: 42.
End Card
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