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What is the Zen’in Clan massacre in Jujutsu Kaisen? Discover the lead-up to the event and its impact on the series.
Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with moments that shock audiences to their very core. Shortly after the traumatizing events in the Shibuya Arc, the series took us through yet another landmark moment – the Zen’in Clan massacre. This introduced some of the key players of a member of the Big Three Families and the deep-seated conflicts within them. So, what is the Zen’in Clan massacre in Jujutsu Kaisen?
The Zen’in Clan Massacre refers to Maki’s return to her family and decision to annihilate nearly every member of the household. This act was far from a simple rampage and had several reasons behind it. Let us take a closer look at these.
How Powerful Is the Zen’in Clan in Jujutsu Kaisen?
The Zen’in Clan is one of the great sorcerer houses in Jujutsu Kaisen, alongside the Gojo Clan and Kamo Clan. They are known for their strict hierarchy and emphasis on cursed techniques over all else. Anyone who does not have talent in this area is heavily ostracized, as we saw in the case of Toji.
The clan’s prized skill is the Ten Shadows Technique, which is believed to be the only counter to the Gojo Clan’s Limitless. Since Megumi inherited this, he was brought back into the clan under Gojo’s care after Toji died.
Additionally, the clan is deeply patriarchal and adheres to a rigid system of favoritism based on strength and inherited techniques. Its head was Noabito Zen’in until he passed away from his injuries following the Shibuya Arc.
Despite their controversial standards, the clan is extremely powerful and wields a high degree of influence in Jujutsu Kaisen. Their dedication towards techniques and the composition of several powerful members, weapons, and knowledge made them a house that was believed to be at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu world. This was the reason why fans were so shocked to read the demise of the clan in rapid fashion.
Events Leading Up to the Zen’in Clan Massacre
After Naobito’s death, his will stated that Megumi would become the new heir should Gojo be incapacitated. Since this had happened in Shibuya, his son Naoya was refused the position and wished to kill the new heir immediately. Unfortunately, he couldn’t recklessly move due to Megumi’s connections with the other big clans.
The deuteragonist of Jujutsu Kaisen himself wished to hand over this role to Maki, who still had the scars and burns from her confrontation with Jogo. She refused the offer knowing of her clan’s hateful ways. However, Megumi did let her go to the clan’s warehouse and pick the tools she desired to grow stronger.
On entering the premises, Maki realized that it was a trap conspired by her father, Ogi, Naoya, and others. With an injured Mai next to him, he revealed their plan of killing the sisters and Megumi as part of a conspiracy. Despite putting up a good fight, Maki was overpowered and left for dead with her sister in the midst of powerful cursed spirits. This laid the foundations for the bloodshed that was set to occur.
Maki’s Role in the Zen’in Clan Massacre
In a surprising move, Mai sacrificed her life to save her sister. She gave Maki the Split Soul Katana and took away the remaining energy her sister had. This provided Maki a Heavenly Restricted Body similar to Toji’s, allowing her to push the limits of physical prowess.
With her final words asking her sister to destroy everything, Mai greatly influenced Maki’s transformation into a cold-blooded assassin. Maki reached the point of no return, determined to repay her clan for the trauma they had inflicted on Mai and herself. She swiftly cut down all the curses and killed her father, Ogi, with overwhelming strength. With no remorse, Maki walked through her clan, killing anyone and everyone she ran into.
Killing Naoya took time, as he was talented, but she read his technique and left him nearly dead. She concluded her massacre at the site of the Zen’in Clan by visiting her mother and inflicting a fatal blow. Her mother wished to take Naoya and his cruelty along with her and used her final moments in this world to stab her son.
Thus, in the matter of a short period of time, Maki had gained unparalleled strength due to her sister’s sacrifice. She realized the agony they went through and decided to wipe their clan out completely.
Aftermath of the Zen’in Clan Massacre in Jujutsu Kaisen
Following the Zen’in Clan massacre, Maki had tracked down the Hei unit, which wasn’t present there that day, and killed them. Due to their ruin, the Gojo Clan and Kamo Clan agreed to vote them out of the Big Three Families. This created a new vacuum of power in the series.
This marked the end of the Zen’in Clan for good since there were no remaining vestiges of them. Megumi had never considered himself to be connected to them in the first place, and Maki had only been bound by blood. When she entered the Culling Game with Noritoshi, she faced the vengeful spirit of Naoya. Despite the villain using his Domain, Maki was not affected due to her Heavenly Restriction. This allowed her to kill him again.
Significance of the Zen’in Clan Massacre in Jujutsu Kaisen
The Zen’in Clan Massacre was pivotal in Jujutsu Kaisen, transforming Maki Zen’in into a figure comparable to Toji. It ended the Zen’in Clan’s dominance in the Jujutsu world and critiques the rigid, hierarchical structures of sorcerer society.
Most importantly, it displayed the sisterly bond shared by Maki and Mai, as they could rely on no one else but each other in their own home. Mai’s death ended the final ties Maki had to her clan, pushing her to destroy it with her own hands.
This brutal manner of development was a moment of liberation for a beloved character but still left behind bittersweet feelings. Maki’s growth into such a formidable fighter through the Zen’in Clan Massacre also lets her leave significant damage on Sukuna during the Shinjuku Showdown.
Conclusion
Often compared with Itachi’s Uchiha Clan Massacre, the Zen’in Clan Massacre is equally memorable yet distinct from Naruto. While Itachi was manipulated into killing his clan, Maki acted calculatingly, allowing her to fully explore her potential.
The Zen’in clan massacre in Jujutsu Kaisen is more than a violent confrontation; it is a moment of reckoning for the sorcerer world’s flawed values and systems. Maki’s journey from an oppressed outcast to a powerful liberator embodies the series’ themes of defiance and self-determination.
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