Warning! Spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 191
In Jujutsu Kaisen’s newest chapter, Maki Zenin’s power as one of the most potent non-sorcerers is challenged as Naoya Zenin’s return during the Culling Game is revealed. Maki is an essential ally for Itadori, Yuta, and the rest of the Jujutsu Kaisen students because her newly acquired powers make her a terrible threat to cursed spirits and sorcerers, even in the Culling Game.
Maki and Naoya first fought each other during the Perfect Preparation Arc. In exchange for Mai’s death, Maki’s body becomes incredibly strong with impressive physical abilities (and a presence like Toji Fushiguro). In return, Maki fulfills Mai’s final wish to destroy everything and slaughters the entire Zenin clan. Eventually, she comes face-to-face with Naoya, who fights Maki because he wants to stand among the strong, like Gojo and Toji, but refuses to acknowledge Maki’s power is on that level. When Naoya thinks he has proven Maki is a fraud mid-battle, she surprises him by finishing the fight with a single, destructive punch. Although Naoya survives the battle with his face caved in, he is killed by Maki’s mother when she stabs him in the back.
In chapter 191, Noritoshi Kamo and Maki watch a giant worm fall from the sky at an intense speed. When it hits the ground, the worm crashes into Maki with such a strong force that it leaves craters in the ground, sparing Noritoshi in the process. Maki is pinned against a wall by the cursed spirit and cannot hit it due to its incredible speed. Although the Culling Game had a dull reveal, the manga increases fans’ excitement when Naoya’s face emerges from the front of the worm and surprises Maki, wearing a giant grin as he says, “I came to this side too!” Naoya’s transformation into a worm is symbolic because, unlike Maki, he grew up in an environment rich in “soil” or praise and positivity from his family. Additionally, worms can consume their body weight in food, mimicking Naoya’s enormous ambition to be one of the strongest jujutsu sorcerers and how that fuels his purpose, resulting in his arrogance and superiority complex that characterizes many of the Zenin family members.
Naoya says he came to this side in the Culling Game, suggesting that he has also undergone a physical transformation that has changed his purpose. Naoya now wants to avenge his death and defeat Maki, whereas Maki wants to find happiness after slaughtering the clan that caused her so much pain in her childhood. Naoya’s cursed spirit perfectly contrasts with Maki since he reflects everything she hates about the Zenin clan. Unable to free herself from the Naoya and Zenin Clan curse, Maki has to fight against a more powerful version of Naoya and use the sacrificial powers Mai gifted her to prove she is worthy of happiness.
Chapter 191 of Jujutsu Kaisen sets up an exciting fight between Maki and Naoya in the manga’s version of Fight Club that will challenge their physical and mental limits. Because Naoya Zenin is the one villain who can appropriately challenge Maki Zenin’s power, the following chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen will act as a personal test for her character.
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 191 is available now from Viz Media!
