In the world of shounen anime, each series often builds its own unique power system. Naruto has Chakra, Hunter x Hunter features Nen, and Jujutsu Kaisen stands out with its complex and intriguing “Cursed Technique.” This system is considered one of the most intricate and challenging for fans to fully grasp.
So, what exactly are Cursed Techniques and how do they work? Let’s dive into the details below!
1. What Are Cursed Techniques?
Cursed Techniques are supernatural abilities activated through Cursed Energy. This energy originates from negative human emotions such as fear, sorrow, anger, and hatred.
Most people possess some amount of Cursed Energy. However, only when this energy surpasses a certain threshold can an individual see cursed spirits and become a Jujutsu sorcerer. While ordinary people accidentally leak Cursed Energy, creating cursed spirits, sorcerers are trained to control and channel this energy into their techniques for combat.
2. Activation Process: Lapse and Reversal
To use a Cursed Technique, the user must channel Cursed Energy through two main processes.
The first is Lapse, the most common activation method. The user flows Cursed Energy in a natural, forward direction to unleash their signature ability.
The second is Reversal, a highly complex technique that generates positive energy by combining two sources of negative energy. This not only reverses the effects of a Cursed Technique but also allows the user to heal physical injuries. Due to the extreme skill required to manipulate Cursed Energy this way, very few sorcerers can perform Reversal.
Additionally, activating a technique often requires hand signs and incantations. The more skilled the sorcerer, the more they can simplify these steps while maintaining maximum technique efficiency.
3. Types of Cursed Techniques: Innate and Non-Innate
The Cursed Technique system in Jujutsu Kaisen is divided into two main categories.
Innate Techniques are abilities present from birth, usually manifesting when the user is around five or six years old. This category includes inherited techniques like Gojo’s Limitless and the Zenin clan’s Ten Shadows Technique, as well as non-inherited techniques that appear randomly, such as those used by Geto, Nanami, and Todo.
Non-Innate Techniques are skills anyone with Cursed Energy can learn through training. Examples include barrier techniques that create protective fields or Domain Resistance techniques for those unable to deploy Domain Expansion.