Jujutsu Kaisen: Strength Comparison Between Toji and Maki

Overview

• Toji Fushiguro and Maki Zenin, both from the Zenin family, stand as remarkable figures in Jujutsu Kaisen despite being devoid of cursed energy.
• Initially outmatched by Toji, Maki eventually discovers her own formidable abilities, though the journey comes at a significant price.
• Maki’s unparalleled determination, resilience, and empathy position her as one of the most powerful characters within the series.

The universe of Jujutsu Kaisen is rife with sorcerers, yet it is intriguing that two of the most powerful characters—Toji Fushiguro and Maki Zenin—are entirely incapable of using sorcery. Both hailing from the Zenin clan, their formidable abilities exist as a stark contrast to the traditional magic of their world, raising the question of which relative poses a greater threat.

In Season 1, Maki emerges as a prominent second-year student at Jujutsu High, distinguished by her superhuman strength despite her inability to utilize cursed energy or perceive cursed spirits. Toji, an absentee father figure to Megumi, makes his entrance in Season 2 wielding extraordinary physical prowess and a collection of cursed tools, all while bypassing the limitations of cursed energy usage.

The Outcasts of the Zenin Clan

Both Toji and Maki represent a shared struggle; they are marginalized by their prestigious clan due to their lack of cursed energy, which exposes them to torment. Each character is affected by what is known as Heavenly Restrictions—a binding vow imposed at birth that significantly alters their interaction with cursed energy, often incurring a severe physical cost.

For instance, Kokichi Muta received a fragile constitution but gained extensive control over cursed energy. Conversely, Toji and Maki’s restrictions negated their cursed energy entirely, trading it for extraordinary strength and agility. However, the implications of this differentiation are significant: while Maki’s limitations render her cursed energy nearly non-existent, Toji is entirely devoid of it, making his sacrifices considerably more profound.

Toji Initially Seen as the Dominant Force

From an anime viewer’s perspective, Toji’s prowess seems to overshadow Maki’s capabilities. Despite her exceptional speed, combat skills, and expertise with cursed tools, Toji’s rejection of cursed energy gives him an edge. His ability to evade detection by sorcerers reinforces his infamous reputation as the “Sorcerer Killer.”

Toji’s infiltration of Jujutsu High, where he committed the murder of Riko Amanai and came dangerously close to killing Satoru Gojo underscores his formidable strength. Although Gojo ultimately escapes by mastering reverse cursed technique, Toji’s brief resurrection during the Shibuya Incident displays his enduring prowess relative to Maki.

But Wait! Maki’s Journey Is Far From Over

As Maki’s arc continues post-Shibuya Incident, she faces devastating challenges, starting with her confrontation with Jogo, which leaves her scarred. Absent from the narrative for much of Season 2, fans are eager for her anticipated return in Season 3.

Interestingly, Maki and Toji serve as reflections of one another, even without direct interaction. Jujutsu Kaisen’s narrative intricately weaves parallel stories of characters, often framed by specific sorcerous themes. Notable among these themes is the concept of Heavenly Restrictions, manifesting uniquely in both Toji and Maki as they navigate their tribulations within the Zenin clan. Maki, initially hindered by residual cursed energy, embarks on a transformative journey to unlock her full potential.

Maki: The New Incarnation of Toji

During the events between Shibuya and the onset of the Culling Game, Maki embarks on a critical mission to retrieve cursed tools from the Zenin estate. Upon her arrival, she encounters a shocking scene—her sister, Mai, wounded by their father, Ogi Zenin. Their confrontation escalates into a duel, leading to a dire circumstance where both sisters are confronted by a chamber teeming with cursed spirits determined to feast on them. However, Mai makes the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to perish alongside her cursed energy while also bequeathing Maki the Split Soul Katana crafted from the remnants of her power.

Mai’s sacrifice serves as both a catalyst and source of strength for Maki, who subsequently exacts revenge upon their family, embodied in the form of her father’s last sight: the ghostly visage of Toji manifested through Maki. This transformation enables Maki to confront the Zenin clan that devalued her and Mai, emerging stronger but at the expense of her emotional core.

Assessing Their Strength: Who Truly Holds the Upper Hand?

In terms of achievements, Maki exhibits the ability to accomplish what Toji may have aspired to achieve in his lifetime. However, implying that Maki outmatches Toji neglects the narrative evidence suggesting otherwise. As noted in Chapter 195, upon witnessing the damage inflicted by the Split Soul Katana—something she could not accomplish herself—Maki recognizes her remaining skill gap compared to Toji.

She ultimately addresses this discrepancy through training with Rokujushi Miyo, a fellow participant in the Culling Game, realizing that her focus was the primary issue. The sheer adrenaline that Maki experiences following her sister’s death undoubtedly fuels her determination in obliterating their clan, yet it does not definitively prove that Toji would have failed had he been in her position.

Differing Motivations and Circumstances

Had it not been for the love of a woman, Toji might have sought vengeance against the Zenin clan. While he did later revert to his former self after her death, his perspective shifted upon becoming a father to Megumi. Instead of pursuing retribution against the Zenin family, he opted to sell them his son, hoping Megumi would realize the potential Toji did not.

While both Toji and Maki share a common disdain for jujutsu society, their differing paths of resentment lead to dissimilar outcomes. Discussions surrounding their physical prowess can be enlightening, yet they often overlook the considerable disparities in their motivations. Maki’s unwavering determination transcends Toji’s psychological burden, as her journey serves as an inspirational narrative against the backdrop of a clan steeped in antiquated values.

Despite the adversities Toji faced, diminishing his struggles compared to Maki’s experiences seems unjust—especially when examining the oppressive dynamics of the Zenin clan that marginalized the sisters. While Toji garnered fear from his family with his power, Maki and Mai were denigrated as failures. Toji turned his back on sorcery, choosing a path of villainy, while Maki resolved to excel within that world, determined to overcome her familial disgrace.

Ultimately, the debate about their comparative strength becomes secondary to the recognition of Maki Zenin’s profound resilience. In the face of adversity, she confronted her fears, persevered through hardships, and shattered the limitations imposed upon her—all while retaining her humanity and compassion. Maki stands out as one of the most influential characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, embodying strength in every aspect—physically, mentally, and morally.

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