The last time we talked about ‘binding vows’ in Jujutsu Kaisen, we criticized how it downgraded the quality of the story. But what if we can still write a good story while properly utilizing the concept of binding vows?
It Takes Two To Tango
One of the most beautifully done storylines in the manga is how Mechamaru made a binding vow with Mahito. Mechamaru was willing to be the spy for the bad guy. In return, Mahito must not hurt his friends and he must cure Mechamaru’s fragile body.
In this binding vow alone, Mechamaru’s story was fleshed out beautifully. His innocent dream to hang out with his friends has resulted in him making a selfish decision.
Regardless, Mechamaru still wanted to redeem himself–even after death. He tried to stop his classmates from entering Shibuya, warn everyone about the bad guys’ attack on Gojo, and help Yuji defeat Choso.
Ultimately, it all fails. His classmates are defeated by Kenjaku. Gojo’s was sealed. Yuji was defeated by Choso which caused Sukuna to scorch Shibuya to hell.
You see, with Mechamaru, ‘binding vows’ aren’t treated as an express solution that solves his every problem. It highlights the consequences of his selfish act. At the same time, it also highlights his desperation to be happy with his friends and to regain redemption. With this binding vow, Mechamaru’s characterization was solidified.
Sacrifice Is The Key
A binding vow is essentially a contract. You sacrifice something to gain advantages. The problem with Gege Akutami is that he focuses too much on the ADVANTAGES, he forgets what makes a character interesting: SACRIFICE!
In fact, we never know what would happen if a sorcerer broke a binding vow – that’s how much Gege doesn’t give a damn about a character’s sacrifice.
Why Didn’t Gojo Sacrifice His Six Eyes?
When Gojo died, he reunited with his fallen friends in a limbo. What infuriates me is that he was barely worried about the safety of his students. He still whined about how lonely Sukuna was and him being the strongest.
“I had fun”, he said. Really, Gojo?
This scene in the limbo should’ve been a perfect moment for Gojo’s character development. He needs to get over himself for being lonely and being treated as a weapon. Gojo should’ve made a binding vow where he sacrificed his six eyes to regenerate from Sukuna’s world-cutting slash.
Without his six eyes, Gojo can’t use his Limitless technique. Good! Gojo still has his super strength and reversed cursed technique–he won’t be entirely useless in the battle. He shall learn to work together with his students and friends! Learning to trust their plan! Learning that it’s okay to ask for help! Learning that he doesn’t have to carry all of the burden alone!
Without this binding vow, Gojo misses his deserved character development.
But What If Gege ‘REALLY’ Wants Gojo To Stay Dead?
Fine. It is shown in Jujutsu Kaisen and Sukuna is not the only one who’s capable of utilizing binding vows. So why do the good guys who are more desperate than Sukuna never been seen using binding vows to defeat him in the final battle? Why are binding vows only exclusive to Sukuna in the Shinjuku Showdown arc?
Higuruma is shown to be a talented self-taught sorcerer. He learns both domain expansion and reverse curse technique in mere months all by himself. What stops him from utilizing binding vows? Why didn’t he sacrifice his confiscation ability (which barely did anything, by the way) so that he could use his Executioner Sword without touching Sukuna. He could’ve used Executioner Sword like a targeted missile upon Sukuna.
And Miwa. She made a binding vow where she won’t wield any katana to intensify her attack against Kenjaku. Even if Miwa failed to defeat Kenjaku, what stops her from wielding another form of weapon? Katana isn’t the only weapon out there. How ‘bout a mechanized armor constructed by Mechamaru before he died? Why didn’t Gege give Miwa another round of fight with Kenjaku with Mecahmaru’s weapon? Give her another shot to avenge her friend.
Hana was in love with Megumi. So why didn’t she make a binding vow with Angel? Hana could’ve used her maximum technique, the Jacob’s Ladder, to free Megumi’s soul from Sukuna.
In return, she would never be able to use her maximum technique ever again.
As for Yuta. Why didn’t he copy Sukuna’s cursed technique? With binding vow, Yuta could’ve copy the world cutting slash against Sukuna. What should Yuta sacrifice? His true love and his shikigami, Rika. This will show that Yuta is ready to move on from his dead lover and focuses on his next true love: his friends and teachers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while binding vows in Jujutsu Kaisen hold significant potential, they are often underutilized or misapplied. When used effectively, as seen in Mechamaru’s story, they highlight sacrifices and personal growth, adding depth to the narrative. However, many opportunities are missed, such as Gojo’s final moments, where a binding vow could have driven his character development.
Other characters like Higuruma, Miwa, Hana, and Yuta could have also utilized binding vows to make meaningful sacrifices, enhancing their arcs and the overall plot.
To fully realize the potential of binding vows, Gege Akutami should focus on the sacrifices characters make, rather than just the advantages they gain. This approach would make the characters more relatable and ensure the story remains emotionally resonant and engaging. By emphasizing sacrifices, Jujutsu Kaisen can provide a richer, more satisfying narrative experience.
