Overview
- The Ten Shadows technique is highly regarded for its adaptability and strength, offering users the ability to summon formidable Shikigami.
- Among these Shikigami, Mahoraga stands out as exceptionally powerful, evolving and becoming stronger in response to each combat situation, making the technique extraordinarily valuable in high-stakes encounters.
- Critics claim that the technique loses its effectiveness without Mahoraga; however, successfully taming and utilizing all Shikigami can still deliver remarkable advantages.
Within the intricate power system of Jujutsu Kaisen, Cursed Techniques play a crucial role, but few abilities match the prestige of the Zenin Clan’s prized Ten Shadows technique.
This advanced Cursed Technique grants its wielder the capability to summon ten unique Shikigami, each possessing distinct skills and functions. Currently, Megumi Fushiguro is the sole user within the timeline of Jujutsu Kaisen. While the technique boasts impressive strength, some debate its practicality, arguing it primarily shines when utilized alongside Mahoraga. Let’s delve into the complexities that underline this perspective.
Unraveling the True Strength of the Ten Shadows Technique
Analysis of Megumi’s Primary Ability
| First Appearance | Jujutsu Kaisen, Episode 1, “Ryomen Sukuna” |
|---|---|
| Debut Date | October 3, 2020 |
| Story Arc | Fearsome Womb Arc |
The Ten Shadows technique is the zenith of Cursed Techniques in the Zenin Clan, highlighting their focus on the supremacy of Cursed Energy users. While there are various potent abilities within this clan, the Ten Shadows stands out owing to its versatility and immense potential. Through this technique, users can summon and command ten significantly powerful Shikigami, each having distinct and specialized attributes.
These Shikigami can perform a range of functions, from tracking foes to providing essential protection during battles. The technique initiates with the summoning of two Divine Dogs, leading the user through a challenge against the remaining Shikigami to tame them for later utilization. Below is a summary of each Shikigami and their capabilities:
- Divine Dogs: Two swift canines used for locating Cursed Spirits, objects, and individuals.
- Nue: An owl-like creature capable of generating lightning, serving numerous roles such as reconnaissance, offensive strikes, and even assisting the user in flight.
- Toad: A supportive Shikigami adept at ensnaring enemies or aiding injured allies.
- Great Serpent: A large Shikigami designed for aggressive strikes, particularly effective against larger adversaries.
- Max Elephant: A Shikigami that can discharge significant volumes of water to disorient opponents.
- Rabbit Escape: A legion of rabbits that can confuse foes and facilitate the user’s escape.
- Round Deer: A unique Shikigami that emits Reverse Cursed Energy, enabling healing for the user.
- Piercing Ox: An aggressive Shikigami that accumulates strength the longer it charges in a straight line.
- Tiger Funeral: Details regarding this Shikigami remain largely undisclosed.
- Mahoraga: The most potent Shikigami, capable of adapting to any combat situation.
The Unparalleled Strength of Mahoraga
As the ultimate Shikigami, Mahoraga remains untamed by any previous user, a testament to its overwhelming strength. Notably, a wheel situated above it spins indefinitely during confrontations, symbolizing its ability to adapt and overcome challenges, thus growing stronger with each encounter. The key to defeating Mahoraga lies in executing one swift, powerful attack rather than prolonged combat, as accumulated damage becomes ineffective over time.
This leads to the perception among fans that the Ten Shadows technique is largely ineffective unless it incorporates Mahoraga. Despite the strength of the other Shikigami, they may not provide substantial benefits against the series’ upper echelons of power. A striking illustration is present in the epic duel between Gojo and Sukuna, where Sukuna, infused with Megumi’s powers, utilized Ten Shadows during their encounter.
In this encounter, Mahoraga played a pivotal role, enabling Sukuna to overcome Gojo’s Infinity technique, thus demonstrating how crucial Mahoraga is in competitive battles. Sukuna’s ability to merge Shikigami through the Totality skill allowed him to create Merged Beast Agito—a combination of Nue, Great Serpent, Tiger Funeral, and Round Deer—equipped with Reverse Cursed Energy for healing. Yet, even this formidable fusion could not withstand Gojo’s might, culminating in an explosive conclusion when Gojo executed his Lapse Blue attack, illustrating the disparity in power among Jujutsu Kaisen’s characters.
It’s worth contemplating the following: Sukuna’s victory was largely attributable to his utilization of Mahoraga. Once Mahoraga is adequately tamed, the need for the other Shikigami diminishes due to the exceptional power he embodies. This reveals that while the remaining Shikigami may serve as useful distractions, Mahoraga’s sheer strength often renders them unnecessary. His distinctive ability to adapt and surpass Gojo’s Infinity has led many fans to believe that Mahoraga is the core reason Sukuna achieved success in that fierce battle.
While it’s valid to assert that Mahoraga serves as the linchpin of the Ten Shadows technique, it raises the question of whether the technique holds value on its own. Despite the challenges of taming such a powerful entity, it reveals the depth of the technique’s potential. To successfully summon Mahoraga, one must defeat him in singular combat, relying on mastery of the preceding Shikigami. Although no user has accomplished this feat yet, it implies that triumph may still be within reach.
The Continued Value of the Ten Shadows Technique
Examining the Value of Other Shikigami
Ultimately, while it may seem logical to regard the entirety of the Ten Shadows technique as lacking in merit, it is vital to recognize that its potential extends beyond Mahoraga alone. Users who have not yet mastered the Divine General can still harness the formidable capacities of the other Shikigami to tackle Special Grade Cursed Spirits competently. For instance, although Megumi could not defeat Sukuna, his skills could still prevail against numerous other formidable foes.
Moreover, the path to taming Mahoraga involves a rigorous process wherein the user must independently vanquish him, free from external sorcery support. This journey requires mastery over the preceding Shikigami, culminating in a battle against Mahoraga himself—a challenge that underscores the technique’s strategic depth rather than its perceived weaknesses. Despite the lack of historical success in this endeavor, it hints at the capability for future users to achieve this goal.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime.
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