Jujutsu Kaisen has garnered attention, both positive and negative, especially following its conclusion. A prevalent critique centers around the series’ failure to provide its characters with deeper emotional moments, particularly in those pivotal scenes where their inner thoughts and feelings could enrich the narrative. A prominent case in point is the tragic massacre committed by Maki Zen’in against her own clan and the subsequent consequences of her actions.
The manga establishes the disturbing history of the Zen’in clan’s mistreatment of Maki and her sister, Mai. However, it misses the opportunity to delve into Maki’s psyche as she grapples with the magnitude of her actions. The slaughter of a major clan during a tumultuous time, instigated by Kenjaku, warranted a more profound exploration than it received. The emotional gravity of such an event is inadequately conveyed, leaving readers craving a deeper understanding of Maki’s motivations and reflections.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author.
Understanding the Need for Maki’s Inner Dialogue during the Zen’in Clan Massacre
During the Culling Games arc, the antagonist’s actions transform Maki’s narrative. Her father, Ogi Zen’in, subjected both daughters to emotional anguish and captivity, a backdrop that precipitates the eventual downfall of the Zen’in clan. The catalyst for the massacre is Mai’s tragic death, which unlocks Maki’s true potential. Yet, the true missed opportunity lies in the lack of introspection Maki exhibits during and after these events. Author Gege Akutami needed to showcase Maki’s emotional turmoil during this catastrophic moment, enhancing the story’s weight.
Further complicating the narrative are Maki’s interactions with Noritoshi Kamo. Here, she encourages him to maintain familial ties, suggesting he avoid the mistakes she has made. This advice appears contradictory, given Maki’s expressed disdain toward her family, excluding Mai. The absence of significant reflection or remorse on her part raises questions about the consistency and depth of her character development.
The Zen’in clan’s massacre should have served as a cornerstone moment within the series, carrying substantial repercussions due to the clan’s importance. Strikingly, the aftermath tends to be overlooked by the other characters, echoing a recurring issue in Gege Akutami’s storytelling style, where pivotal events often lack the requisite exploration.
The Complex Narrative of Maki’s Character
Maki Zen’in quickly emerged as a fan-favorite for her formidable combat skills and the intriguing impact of her Heavenly Restriction, which alienated her from the clan. However, while her actions during the Zen’in clan massacre initially resonated with viewers, her character arc has become increasingly divisive over time. This division stems from her limited narrative contribution and the hurried pace of her storyline, which often sacrifices meaningful character development in favor of action sequences.
Her rivalry with Naoya Zen’in showcased some of the series’ more thrilling moments, yet it is somewhat undermined by a convenient power-up sourced from overlooked characters. This reliance on plot convenience calls into question the authenticity of her growth and transformation.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, Maki Zen’in’s lack of introspection following the slaughter of her clan highlights a recurring trend in Jujutsu Kaisen. Many characters experience minimal significant interactions outside of battle, which detracts from the emotional depth of the story. This absence is particularly unfortunate considering the event’s severity; it marks a crucial juncture in Maki’s journey and in the series overall.