Jujutsu Kaisen: As Jujutsu Kaisen concluded its run, fans were left with mixed feelings about the resolution of various plot points and character arcs. Among the characters who didn’t receive a satisfying conclusion was Uraume, Sukuna’s loyal follower. This article delves into Uraume’s role in the story, their connection to Sukuna, and the missed opportunities in developing this intriguing character.
Uraume and Sukuna’s Deep Connection
Uraume and Sukuna share a profound bond that spans centuries, originating in the Heian era. Both characters were reincarnated, though through different methods. While Sukuna became a cursed object, Uraume’s reincarnation was similar to the participants of the Culling Game. Despite inhabiting a new body, Uraume retained their immense strength and unwavering loyalty to Sukuna.
Their relationship was portrayed as deeply touching, almost akin to that of siblings or even parent and child. Sukuna, typically averse to the concept of love, showed genuine care for Uraume. This dynamic added depth to both characters and explained Uraume’s steadfast devotion to Sukuna, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
Uraume’s Abilities and Potential
Uraume demonstrated exceptional control over ice-related cursed techniques, particularly during the Shibuya Incident. Their power level was clearly formidable, marking them as a significant player in the Jujutsu world. Fans were eager to see more of Uraume’s abilities and backstory, especially given their status as Sukuna’s right-hand.
The Mystery of Uraume’s Gender Revealed
One of the lingering questions about Uraume was their gender, which the manga never explicitly addressed. Author Gege Akutami finally provided clarity on this matter in the extra information accompanying Volume 27 of Jujutsu Kaisen. According to Gege:
“Uraume was originally male, but due to a contract with Kenjaku, they reincarnated into a female’s (Himi Shiori) body.”
This revelation adds an interesting layer to Uraume’s character, highlighting the complexities of reincarnation in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
Missed Opportunities in Uraume’s Character Development
Despite the intriguing setup, many fans feel that Uraume’s potential was largely wasted in the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen. Several issues contributed to this sentiment:
1. Lack of screen time: Uraume’s appearances were limited, especially in crucial moments.
2. Incomplete battle scenes: The highly anticipated fight between Uraume and Kinji Hakari was barely shown, leaving fans disappointed.
3. Abrupt conclusion: Uraume’s end felt rushed and unsatisfying, with the character essentially self-destructing after Sukuna’s defeat.
4. Unexplored backstory: Despite their significant connection to Sukuna, Uraume’s history and motivations were never fully explored.
The Impact of Author’s Health on the Story
It’s worth noting that Gege Akutami’s declining health during the final segments of the manga likely contributed to the rushed conclusion of several plot points, including Uraume’s arc. This unfortunate circumstance affected not only Uraume’s character development but also other significant battles and storylines.
Uraume’s Final Moments and Legacy
In their final appearance, Uraume made a poignant statement to Hakari, emphasizing Sukuna’s power:
“Do not be mistaken. You only won because of Master Sukuna’s incarnated state.”
This declaration underscores Uraume’s unwavering faith in Sukuna and hints at the true extent of Sukuna’s power, had he not been in a reincarnated form.
Conclusion: A Character of Unfulfilled Potential
Uraume remains one of the most intriguing yet underutilized characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. Their deep connection to Sukuna, unique abilities, and complex backstory had the potential to add significant depth to the narrative. However, due to various factors, including the author’s health issues and the rushed conclusion of the series, Uraume’s character arc feels incomplete.
Fans are left hoping that future volumes or potential sequels might provide more insight into Uraume’s character. The recently revealed information about their gender and reincarnation adds an interesting dimension, but it also highlights how much more could have been explored within the main story.
Ultimately, Uraume stands as a testament to the rich world-building of Jujutsu Kaisen and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in bringing such a complex narrative to a satisfying conclusion. While their story may feel unfinished, Uraume’s presence in the series continues to intrigue fans and spark discussions about the deeper lore of the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.