Megumi Fushiguro was introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen as a character brimming with promise. With his mysterious past, innate talent, and the powerful Ten Shadows Technique, Megumi was poised to become a pivotal figure in the jujutsu world. However, as the story progresses, his character arc has left fans increasingly frustrated. From being sidelined to becoming a vessel for Sukuna, Megumi’s trajectory risks reducing him from a fan favorite to one of the series’ most controversial figures.
A Promising Start
When Megumi Fushiguro was first introduced, he captured the audience’s attention with his stoic personality and layered backstory. As the illegitimate son of the formidable Sorcerer Killer, Toji Fushiguro, Megumi inherited the Zenin clan’s legendary Ten Shadows Technique. This ability, praised by even Gojo Satoru, placed Megumi among the most powerful young sorcerers with untapped potential.
Megumi’s introduction hinted at greatness. His calm demeanor and pragmatic approach to battles contrasted sharply with protagonist Yuji Itadori’s fiery resolve, creating a compelling dynamic. Fans eagerly anticipated his growth, especially with Gojo’s acknowledgment that Megumi could surpass him someday.
Unfulfilled Potential
Despite his promising setup, Megumi’s arc has failed to deliver on its potential. The series has focused heavily on advancing the overarching plot, often sidelining Megumi’s personal growth.
One of the most glaring examples of this is his quest to save his cursed sister, Tsumiki. This storyline, which could have been a powerful emotional anchor for Megumi’s character, fell flat. It lacked depth and failed to evoke the emotional impact fans expected, leaving his motivations underdeveloped.
Moreover, Megumi’s development as a sorcerer has been stagnant. While other characters, like Yuji and Nobara, have experienced significant growth and defining moments, Megumi’s progression has felt slow and underwhelming. Fans who were eager to see him master the Ten Shadows Technique or discover new depths to his abilities have been left disappointed.
The Turning Point: Sukuna’s Vessel
The Shinjuku Showdown arc marks a major turning point in Megumi’s story—and not for the better. During this arc, Megumi is overtaken by Sukuna, the King of Curses, and becomes his vessel. This development effectively removes Megumi’s agency, reducing him to a pawn in Sukuna’s plans.
While this plot twist adds tension and raises the stakes for the protagonists, it comes at the expense of Megumi’s character. For a significant portion of the story, he is absent, with Sukuna using his body to enact his own schemes. As a result, Megumi’s struggles and growth are overshadowed by the larger narrative, leaving fans feeling robbed of the character they once admired.
Fans’ Frustration
Megumi’s diminishing role has not gone unnoticed by fans. Many feel frustrated that a character with so much promise has been relegated to the sidelines. The focus on Sukuna within Megumi’s body serves as a constant reminder of his lost potential, amplifying the disappointment.
This frustration is expected to intensify as the anime continues to adapt the Culling Game and Shinjuku Showdown arcs. Viewers who have grown attached to Megumi will have to endure his lack of agency for an extended period. This prolonged sidelining risks turning resentment into outright dislike, transforming Megumi from a beloved deuteragonist into one of the series’ most polarizing characters.
What Could Have Been
The frustration surrounding Megumi’s arc stems largely from the sense of missed opportunities. His complex backstory, ties to the Zenin clan, and mastery of the Ten Shadows Technique all had the potential to make him a standout character.
Fans hoped to see Megumi rise to the challenge, perhaps even rivaling Sukuna in power and influence. His relationship with Gojo and his desire to protect his friends and sister could have been explored further, adding emotional depth to his journey. Instead, these elements have been overshadowed by the series’ focus on advancing the plot.
Impact on the Series
Megumi’s arc highlights a broader issue in Jujutsu Kaisen: the balance between character development and plot progression. While the series excels at creating high-stakes conflicts and engaging storylines, it sometimes sacrifices individual character arcs in the process.
For Megumi, this trade-off has been particularly costly. As one of the central characters, his stagnation not only affects his own narrative but also impacts the dynamics of the story. His reduced role leaves a noticeable gap, especially for fans who were invested in his journey.
Looking Ahead
As Jujutsu Kaisen moves toward its conclusion, there is still a chance to redeem Megumi’s character. Whether through a dramatic comeback or a deeper exploration of his inner struggles, Gege Akutami could use the remaining chapters to give Megumi the development he deserves.
However, if the current trajectory continues, Megumi risks being remembered as a symbol of wasted potential. His sidelining in favor of Sukuna’s dominance could overshadow the traits that made him so compelling in the first place, leaving fans with a sense of dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
Megumi Fushiguro’s journey in Jujutsu Kaisen is a tale of unfulfilled promise. From his introduction as a powerful and enigmatic character to his current status as Sukuna’s vessel, his arc has left fans longing for more.
The frustration stems not from a lack of interest in Megumi but from the series’ failure to capitalize on his potential. As the anime continues to adapt the manga, this trend is likely to persist, further alienating fans who once held high hopes for him.
While there is still time to address these shortcomings, Megumi’s current trajectory positions him as one of Jujutsu Kaisen’s most polarizing characters. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing plot progression with character development—and the consequences of neglecting one for the other.