Ryomen Sukuna, often referred to as the “King of Curses,” may seem like the ultimate antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen. However, beneath his terrifying aura lies a deeper, more complex villain who pulls the strings behind the scenes. While Sukuna’s horrifying power and ruthless actions make him a formidable force, the series has slowly revealed that the true mastermind is someone else: Kenjaku.
Sukuna: The Cursed Sorcerer
Before becoming the infamous cursed object, Sukuna was once a human sorcerer, not a cursed spirit. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, curses arise from negative human emotions, and Sukuna embodies the most dangerous form of this curse. His presence brings devastation wherever he goes, and he only spares those at his mercy when it suits his interests.
At the outset of the series, both readers and viewers were led to believe Sukuna was the ultimate evil. He seemed like the central villain, with other malevolent figures appearing as mere distractions. But as the plot thickened, it became evident that Sukuna wasn’t the one orchestrating the chaos—Kenjaku was the true mastermind all along.
The Complex Web of Villains in Jujutsu Kaisen
One of the most compelling aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen is its deep roster of villains. Each antagonist has their own overwhelming abilities, distinctive personalities, and often mysterious backstories, keeping audiences guessing who the final villain might be. The constant introduction of new, threatening enemies ensures that the jujutsu sorcerers never have a moment of peace. The revolving door of adversaries leaves fans debating which one will pose the greatest danger, adding layers to the ever-evolving narrative.
Humanity’s Role in the Creation of Curses
A key theme in Jujutsu Kaisen is humanity’s role in creating its own suffering. Cursed spirits, the primary antagonists throughout much of the series, are born from the negative emotions of non-sorcerers. They represent the darker aspects of humanity, showing that even without the influence of evil sorcerers like Sukuna, humans would still be vulnerable to the threats posed by their own negativity.
The Shibuya Incident is a stark reminder of the destructive potential of curses. During this arc, powerful curses like Mahito, Jogo, and Dagon wreak havoc, resulting in the deaths of countless civilians and sorcerers, including major characters like Kento Nanami, Naobito Zenin, and Nobara Kugisaki. The devastation in Shibuya underscores the fact that curses are a constant, malevolent force, turning ordinary days into blood-soaked tragedies.
Suguru Geto: A Villain Born of Human Cruelty
Suguru Geto’s descent into villainy adds another layer to Jujutsu Kaisen’s exploration of evil. Once a noble sorcerer dedicated to protecting the weak, Geto’s gradual disillusionment with humanity led him down a dark path. His cursed technique of absorbing curses gave him a unique understanding of humanity’s cruelty, and over time, he grew to resent the very people he had once sworn to protect.
Geto’s final break came after the tragic death of Riko Amani and his encounter with the assassin Toji Fushiguro. His growing hatred of non-sorcerers culminated in a brutal massacre, where he slaughtered 112 villagers after witnessing their cruelty towards two innocent children. Geto’s ultimate goal became the eradication of non-sorcerers to rid the world of cursed spirits. Although he was eventually killed, his legacy of violence endured long after his death.
Sukuna: The Epitome of Ruthless Power
While curses like Mahito and Jogo have caused significant destruction, Sukuna remains in a league of his own. As one of the most powerful sorcerers in history, Sukuna relishes in chaos, destruction, and bloodshed. He gleefully crushes anyone in his path, be they cursed spirits or humans, displaying an unmatched thirst for carnage.
What makes Sukuna so terrifying is not just his raw power, but his calculated actions. His decision to revive Yuji Itadori and forge a binding vow with him shows his strategic foresight. Similarly, his decision to save Megumi Fushiguro from Mahoraga wasn’t out of kindness but because he intended to use Megumi as a future vessel. These moments highlight Sukuna’s meticulous planning, making him a true embodiment of evil.
Kenjaku: The Real Puppet Master
However, as frightening as Sukuna is, he isn’t the one pulling the strings. The true mastermind behind many of the events in Jujutsu Kaisen is Kenjaku, a centuries-old sorcerer who has been manipulating events from the shadows. Disguised in Suguru Geto’s body, Kenjaku was finally revealed in Season 2, Episode 9, with his true form appearing as a brain-like entity.
Kenjaku’s genius is reflected in his ability to outmaneuver everyone else. The other villains in Jujutsu Kaisen may seem dangerous, but they are merely pieces on Kenjaku’s chessboard. His intellectual superiority and long-term planning make him the series’ most dangerous figure, far surpassing Sukuna in terms of overall threat.
Conclusion: The Real Villain Behind the Curtain
While Ryomen Sukuna is undeniably a terrifying and powerful villain, Jujutsu Kaisen has shown that he is not the ultimate antagonist of the series. Kenjaku, with his cunning mind and manipulation, stands as the true mastermind behind the chaos that has unfolded. Sukuna may wreak havoc in his quest for dominance, but it is Kenjaku’s carefully orchestrated schemes that drive the narrative forward. As the story continues to unravel, fans can expect even more shocking revelations about the true scope of Kenjaku’s plans and his role as the series’ most dangerous villain.
