Jujutsu Kaisen is a series known for its intense battles, complex characters, and a deep lore that keeps fans hooked. However, some characters didn’t receive the development they deserved, and one of the most notable examples is Uraume, a loyal follower of Sukuna. While Uraume’s role was significant, their storyline felt incomplete, leaving many fans with mixed feelings about their conclusion. In this article, we’ll explore Uraume’s character, their bond with Sukuna, and the missed opportunities in their development.
Uraume and Sukuna: A Bond Across Centuries
Uraume and Sukuna share a bond that goes back centuries, originating in the Heian era. Sukuna, one of the most powerful curses in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, was reincarnated as a cursed object, while Uraume’s reincarnation followed a different path. They were brought back to life similarly to the participants of the Culling Game, though Uraume’s new body, that of a woman named Himi Shiori, was part of a contract with Kenjaku, another major character in the series.
Throughout the series, their connection is portrayed as deep, almost familial. Sukuna, who typically disdains emotional bonds, shows a rare form of care for Uraume. This relationship made Uraume’s loyalty to Sukuna all the more powerful, as they were willing to make great sacrifices for him, even at the cost of their own life. This connection, which seemed to be more sibling-like or even parent-child in nature, was one of the highlights of Uraume’s character but was never fully explored.
Uraume’s Abilities: Ice Techniques and Hidden Strength
Uraume’s abilities were another major part of their character that held a lot of potential. They were skilled in ice-related cursed techniques, a power that proved to be formidable during the Shibuya Incident. Uraume’s mastery over this unique technique made them a significant force in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. The character’s potential as Sukuna’s right-hand was evident, and many fans hoped to see more of their abilities in action.
However, as the series progressed, Uraume’s powers were not showcased as much as many had expected. While they participated in several battles, including a much-anticipated one against Kinji Hakari, the lack of screen time and the limited portrayal of their abilities felt like a missed opportunity for further character development.
The Gender Revelation: Uraume’s Identity
One of the lingering questions about Uraume’s character was their gender, which was never explicitly addressed in the manga. The author, Gege Akutami, finally cleared up this mystery in the extra material accompanying Volume 27 of Jujutsu Kaisen. It was revealed that Uraume was originally male but had been reincarnated into a female body through a contract with Kenjaku. This adds another layer of complexity to Uraume’s character and hints at the intricacies of reincarnation in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
This revelation also gives Uraume a unique backstory, which could have been explored further if given more time in the series. However, fans were left with only a brief explanation, which felt unsatisfying considering the potential for a much deeper exploration of their identity.
Missed Opportunities: Uraume’s Underdeveloped Story
Uraume’s role in Jujutsu Kaisen was filled with promise, but the character ultimately did not receive the development fans were hoping for. Several factors contributed to this underdevelopment:
- Limited Screen Time: Uraume’s appearances in the series were few and far between. Despite being a key figure in Sukuna’s plans, Uraume was not given enough screen time to fully flesh out their character or motivations.
- Unfinished Battles: One of the most disappointing moments for fans was the fight between Uraume and Kinji Hakari. This battle, which many had eagerly anticipated, was barely shown in the manga, leaving fans with an incomplete sense of closure.
- A Rushed Conclusion: Uraume’s final moments in the series were abrupt and lacked the emotional depth that fans had hoped for. After Sukuna’s defeat, Uraume essentially self-destructs, which felt like a rushed and unsatisfying way to close their arc.
- Unexplored Backstory: Despite their deep connection to Sukuna, Uraume’s backstory was never fully explored. Fans were left with only hints of their past, including their relationship with Sukuna and the circumstances behind their reincarnation. These unanswered questions left a sense of unfinished business surrounding the character.
The Author’s Health: An Unfortunate Factor
It’s important to consider that the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen may have been affected by the health issues faced by the author, Gege Akutami. Akutami’s declining health during the final arcs of the manga likely led to several rushed plot resolutions, including Uraume’s underdeveloped character arc. The author has mentioned how health challenges impacted the pacing of the series, which is evident in the way certain characters, including Uraume, were not given the time they deserved to shine.
Uraume’s Legacy: An Unfulfilled Potential
Despite the lack of a satisfying conclusion to their story, Uraume’s presence in Jujutsu Kaisen remains significant. Their loyalty to Sukuna, their impressive ice-based powers, and the mystery surrounding their reincarnation made them an intriguing character. However, due to the rushed ending of the series, Uraume’s potential was never fully realized.
In their final moments, Uraume makes an important statement to Hakari, highlighting Sukuna’s true power:
“Do not be mistaken. You only won because of Master Sukuna’s incarnated state.”
This statement not only reinforces Uraume’s unwavering faith in Sukuna but also serves as a reminder of the character’s depth and the extent of Sukuna’s power, had the events unfolded differently.
Conclusion: A Character Left Behind
Uraume is a character that will likely continue to intrigue Jujutsu Kaisen fans for years to come. While their connection to Sukuna and their unique abilities made them an exciting character, the lack of screen time, unfinished battles, and rushed conclusion left their arc feeling incomplete. Still, Uraume remains a testament to the rich world-building of Jujutsu Kaisen and the complexities of its characters. Their story may have been cut short, but the discussions surrounding their character will likely continue as fans explore what could have been.
With the recent revelations about their gender and reincarnation, Uraume’s legacy may continue to unfold in future volumes or sequels. Until then, they remain one of the most fascinating yet underutilized characters in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.