This article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue.
Article Overview
- Set in the Heian era, a pivotal period marked by the peak of sorcery and the dominance of Sukuna, the King of Curses.
- The epilogue presents a much-anticipated flashback featuring Sukuna and Uraume, unveiling their backstory.
- Fans express a desire for further exploration of the Heian era to learn more about the formidable sorcerers, clans, and monumental battles involving Sukuna.
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Jujutsu Kaisen has officially wrapped up with the release of volume 30, recently launched in Japan. This closing volume includes a stimulating 16-page epilogue that enriches the narrative and provides closure to fan-favorite characters. Although this final chapter offered deeper insights into certain characters’ backgrounds and alluded to future developments, its brevity left some readers yearning for more content. Among the highlights of the epilogue is a tantalizing glimpse into the Heian era, a long-awaited segment that fans had hoped to explore further.
The Importance of the Heian Era
- This era housed some of the most potent sorcerers in the JJK universe.
- Sukuna, the legendary King of Curses, originated from this time.
The Heian era stands as a cornerstone in the JJK narrative, renowned for being the pinnacle of sorcery. It’s during this period that Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, reigned mercilessly, remaining undefeated in numerous confrontations. Sorcerers sought to challenge Sukuna, using these encounters to hone their skills. Unfortunately, Sukuna revelled in his bloody exploits, cementing his status as the most formidable figure in history.
As the narrator poignantly notes, “Throughout heaven and earth, he alone is the honored one.”This time period’s significance in JJK is underscored by the overarching plot aiming to reinstate the essence of sorcery similar to that of the Heian era. Despite its importance, the original manga offered limited glimpses into this fascinating epoch. Hence, fans were left yearning for a more detailed exploration through flashbacks, particularly focusing on Sukuna’s life and the era’s sorcery landscape. Although the Culling Game introduced some characters from this time, many remained undiscovered.
The opportunity to delve into the Heian era was fully realized in the JJK epilogue, delivering a rich flashback that many readers had long desired. While the author has previously expressed a reluctance to include flashbacks, this epilogue provides a captivating look into Sukuna’s past.
Unveiling the Heian Era in JJK
Revealing Sukuna and Uraume’s Flashback
The epilogue weaves together diverse character arcs, starting with Ozawa’s encounter with Yuji following the Shinjuku Showdown. This part of the story occurs in the aftermath of the showdown, providing crucial context. Fans are also treated to glimpses of Nobara during this timeline, culminating in a surprising future timeline featuring Panda, set 62 years ahead in 2080, showcasing Yuta’s grandchildren. However, the most notable sequence entails Uraume and Sukuna’s backstory from the Heian era.
The narrative unfolds with Sukuna discovering a frostbitten child, subsequently introducing readers to Uraume. Their backstory reveals a tragic upbringing, as Uraume inadvertently harmed their parents due to uncontrolled abilities. Surprisingly, Sukuna shows compassion towards Uraume, claiming to take them in merely because his cooler had malfunctioned. Beneath this facade, there lies a genuine sympathy, as Sukuna sees reflections of his own turbulent youth in Uraume’s struggles.
As the relationship develops, Sukuna mentors Uraume, helping them control their abilities through unconventional means, including using frost power. Uraume gradually learns to harness their powers, even finding joy in cooking Sukuna’s meals. Sukuna’s unsettling request to cook humans raises eyebrows, yet it underscores their unique bond — he remains unbothered by Uraume’s icy nature, unlike anyone else in their past. This connection strengthens the narrative, showcasing two figures intertwined by trauma and survival.
The Need for Further Exploration of the Heian Era
Endless Possibilities within the Heian Era
Though this initial peek into the Heian era was thrilling, it only scratches the surface of its vast potential. This era is enriched with complex characters, deep lore, and powerful sorcerers who have much to offer in terms of storytelling. Fans express eagerness for the author to explore further narratives, including more one-shots that examine the past battles Sukuna waged against legendary sorcerers, intricacies of rival clans, and the societal dynamics of that time.
Future story arcs that revisit the Heian era could greatly benefit JJK, as they would unfold the mysteries of various clans and their descendants resonating within the current timeline.
As it stands, the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue, packaged with its final volume, certainly opens the door to new storytelling possibilities, with hopes for wider explorations to come. The final volume was released in Japan on December 25, 2024, with the English version expected to be published in 2025.
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