Summary
As shown multiple times in the story ofJujutsu Kaisen, being a sorcerer is far from easy and includes countless challenges. It is doubly difficult for younger sorcerers who still have alot of skills to learn and experience to gather, yet they are already tossed into the heart of this dangerous and unforgiving world. However, nothing can compare to the challenges people like Maki Zenin face.
Maki was born without cursed energy, which put her at a disadvantage compared to all other sorcerers, as she was just a regular human. Her being born into a family of sorcerers put incredibly high expectations on Maki’s shoulders, and it was impossible to live up to them. Nevertheless, Maki became one of the strongest sorcerers among the youth and achieved many impressive feats, earning her place among those born luckier than her.
1Maintained Her Determination
Survived The Abuse
Maki’s misfortunes began the moment she was born. Beingpart of a sorcerer familywithout any cursed energy was damming enough. Still, her clan was also the most old-fashioned, which openly looked down on anyone without cursed energy, especially those who were a part of their own family. Such people were seen as a disgrace.
Due to this and the fact that she was a woman born in a clan that favored men, Maki suffered a lot of abuse, both physical and emotional. She wasn’t suited for the challenges her family would impose on her, and other relatives would serve to remind her that she was a failure, especially her father, who blamed Maki for not becoming head of the clan. Despite all this, Maki never lost hope or determination, never succumbing to her family’s abuse.
2Learned To Fight Without Cursed Energy
Perfected A Technique
Maintaining her mental fortitude and belief was only half the task. Maki also had to learn to stand on equal footing with sorcerers. This resulted in extensive training that allowed Maki to become a powerful fighter. She also developed a tactical mind that could skillfully deal with countless cursed techniques and opponents.
Maki also employed cursed tools in her style. As someone born with heavenly restriction, she can’t see cursed spirits. Maki wears glasses that don’t seem unusual, but in fact, they are a cursed tool that allows her to compensate for her natural lack of energy and see curses, an element that is key to her tactics.
3Mentored Yuta
Helped A Powerful Sorcerer Pave His Way
While Maki isn’t a mentoring figure by nature, she still had to set an example for the young years along with her fellow sorcerers, Toge Inumaki and Panda. Her relationship with Yuta began sourly as Maki didn’t trust him and was ruthless in conversations, showing her no-nonsense exterior, initially putting Yuta off.
However, this gradually changes as she and Yuta are forced to fight powerful curses together. Maki tells Yuta more about the harsh nature of the Jujutsu world and sees him in action, which leads to herrecognizing his potential and strength. This relationship blooms as the two become close friends and comrades with a high level of trust.
4Fought Against Dagon
Resisted A Special Grade Curse
Like every other sorcerer, Maki’s talents and dedication were tested in the Shibuya arc. Despite her youth, Maki fought against incredibly dangerous opponents while clinging to her life. Despite standing near powerful sorcerers like Nanami Kento or Naobito Zenin, Maki was still able to put forth an impressive display despite her tragic injuries at the hands of Jogo.
This is especially seen during the battle against Dagon, aspecial-grade curse among the Disaster Curses. Maki and her comrades were stranded in his domain expansion. Nevertheless, she could hold her own and push Dagon towards retreat, allowing Megumi to create an opening.
5Made Peace With Mai
Let Go
One of the key conflicts in Maki’s life was with her twin sister, Mai Zenin.Both of them were born without cursed energyand, therefore, were resented by the Zenin clan. Mai was the more timid and fearful of the sisters, often relying on Maki to defend her from cursed spirits. However, when Maki chooses to leave the clan, Mai is left alone and begins to resent her sister for this abandonment.
ThroughoutJujutsu Kaisen, Maki and Mai remained in opposition with their grievances. Nevertheless, when their father tried to kill both his daughters, Maki and Mai stood up for each other and resisted. Mai ended up dying in Maki’s arms, yet the two sisters were able to make peace, united by their shared goal of destroying the Zenin clan.
6Defeated The Spirit Of Naoya
Faced A Demon
Naoya Zenin was one of Maki’s main abusers. A young and arrogant sorcerer who looked down on a woman born without cursed energy and considered her worthless made her life miserable. Maki defeated him during her purge of the Zenin clan, but Maki’s mother made the final strike.
Due to the lack of cursed energy involved, Naoya was able to be rebornas a vengeful cursed spiritduring the Culling Games. Maki and Noritoshi encounter a twisted form of Naoya as he attempts to kill both of them. Despite his incredible speed and impressive sorcerer’s power, Maki was able to face the demon of her past once again and end Naoya for good.
7Ended A Clan
Became The Bane Of Zenin
Maki’s life has been full of suffering and mistreatment, mostly coming from members of her clan. At first, she tried to distance herself from their abuse and gain independence from them. Still, after the Shibuya incident, she returned to the clan, inspired by the performance of Toji Fushiguro, and had to see her sister die.
After this, Maki couldn’t hold back any longer and decided to wipe out her abusive clan completely. This led to the climax of her character arc, as she killed most members, including her parents and Naoya Zenin. Maki’s ability to stand her ground and defeatso many opponentsis a testament to her power and dedication.
8Fought Sukuna
Survived The King Of Curses
None of all Jujutsu World sorcerers areas powerful as Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. Throughout the series, he slowly gains more power, which culminates in taking control of Megumi’s body and defeating Satoru Gojo, the only other sorcerer with a realistic chance of challenging Sukuna.
Even though Maki couldn’t bring the King of Curses down, she was able to impress him by performing a successful surprise attack and figuring out some of his techniques. Together with Yuta and Yuji, Maki is able to slow Sukuna down, which says a lot about her path, as she is willing to challenge the most powerful opponent.
