Summary
Cursed Tools are integral to the arsenals of those who do not possess Innate or Inherited Cursed Techniques in the world of Gege Akutami’sJujutsu Kaisen, as their unique properties allow users to circumvent their limitations in wielding Cursed Energy. One of themost prominently used Cursed Toolsin the series, is the Split Soul Katana, which was originally in the possession of Toji Fushiguro until his eventual demise.
Used by Tojifor his battles against Satoru Gojoand Suguru Geto at the time of the Star Plasma Escort Mission inJujutsu KaisenSeason 2, the Split Soul Katana was a formidable weapon in his hands, due to his immense combat ability and superhuman physical prowess. Following his death, the weapon’s whereabouts were unknown for a time, until Mai Zenin left behind an exact replica for her sister Maki Zenin, who employed it in a manner similar to Toji himself. Since such powerful individuals have wielded this weapon, what exactly is so special about it?
What Is The Split Soul Katana?
Resembling a large Japanese broadsword with a fur tsuba — the equivalent of a hand guard — the Split Soul Katana has a long, curved blade that lends itself well to a range of combat applications. The blade’s two-handed hilt is wrapped in fabric, tapering towards a vaulted pommel that is colored in a reddish-brown tone. It is said that the Split Sword Katana would be worth approximately 500,000,000 yen on the black market, highlighting how it is coveted by many.
What makes the Split Soul Katana distinct from other Cursed Tools, is its ability to overcome any resistance in its path to strike directly at the soul of a target. Although it cannot nullify Cursed Energy or Cursed Techniques such asthe Gojo family’s Limitless Technique— like the Inverted Spear of Heaven — it can essentially cut through anything solid, regardless of how tough or reinforced the target is, when placed in the hands of the right user. The full potential of the weapon can only be harnessed by those capable of perceiving the souls of inanimate objects, making it a tricky Cursed Tool to completely master.
How Did Toji Fushiguro Use The Blade?
Having come across it through unknown means, the Split Soul Katana was Toji’s weapon of choice when dealing Cursed Spirits, and he stored it within his Inventory Curse, from where he could access it, or switch it out for other weapons with ease. He would often compress the curse into its smallest form and swallow it for thepurpose of concealing its Cursed Energy. This is how he was able to use stealth in dealing with powerful Jujutsu Sorcerers, as his lack of Cursed Energy made it impossible for them to sense his approach. In his hands, the weapon’s true power was unleashed, becoming a valuable asset to him in his exploits as an assassin for hire.
A Weapon Worthy Of The Sorcerer Killer
In the Gojo’s Past Arc ofJujutsu Kaisen— referred to as the Hidden Inventory/ Premature Death Arc in the anime — Toji used the Split Soul Katana on numerous occasions during his mission to kill Riko Amanai, the designated Star Plasma Vessel for Master Tengen’s merger in the year 2006. First seen in his initial ambush of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto on the day of the merger, Toji used the blade to slice one ofGeto’s large Cursed Spirits to shredsfrom the inside, after he had been swallowed whole by it.
Later on, Toji pulled out the Split Soul Katana once again in the Tombs of the Star to deal with the many Cursed Spirits Suguru Geto directed towards him,using his Cursed Spirit Manipulation Technique. This came when Toji had shot and killed Riko Amanai with a handgun, provoking Geto into a blind rage. When faced with Geto’s extremely durable Rainbow Dragon, Toji was able to easily slice through the Cursed Spirit and defeat it with a single blow, providing a fearsome demonstration of his strength. Upon his death, the weapon remained in the Inventory Curse, which was taken by Suguru Geto, and it was not seen again.
This section contains major spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga
In The Hands Of Maki Zenin
During the Perfect Preparation Arc, Maki Zenin was given an identical copy of the Split Soul Katana by her late twin sister Mai, when the latter sacrificed herself in order to allow Maki to reach her full potential. With it, Maki wiped out the Zenin clan in revenge for the suffering they had inflicted on her and her sister throughout their childhood and adolescence. Empowered by the loss of her remaining Cursed Energy,Maki’s Heavenly Restriction allowed herto become a fighter comparable to Toji himself.
Initially, duringher assault on the Zenin clan, Makidual wielded the Split Soul Katana alongside the Dragon Bone — another powerful Cursed Tool. Later on, it became her primary weapon of choice, and she continued to use the Split Soul Katana well into the Culling Game and Shinjuku Showdown Arcs ofJujutsu Kaisen, to clear out the Sakurajima Colony, and take down Naoya Zenin’s Cursed Spirit form.
