Jujustu Kaisen: A Game of Chess

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my blog. I finally decided to get around to completing this event. I recently finished JJK and thought it’d be the perfect anime to use in this. Enjoy.

!!SPOILER WARNING!!

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01. the pawn

Yuji Itadori

The pawn is often seen as the weakest piece on the board but has the most potential for growth. Pawns represent sacrifice, resilience, and transformation. Yuji fits this perfectly because from the very beginning, Yuji sacrifices his normal life to take on Sukuna’s finger and protect others. This act of selflessness defines his role in the story. Just like a pawn often puts itself in harm’s way to protect stronger pieces, Yuji consistently throws himself into danger for his friends and innocent people. Yuji embodies the enduring nature of a pawn. Even after suffering immense emotional and physical pain (like losing Junpei or being manipulated by Sukuna), he keeps moving forward. A pawn’s ultimate potential lies in promotion, becoming any piece once it reaches the end of the board. Similarly, Yuji has a latent potential that others, like Gojo and Sukuna, recognize. He’s on a journey to transform into a powerful sorcerer and a key figure in the battle against curses, even if he doesn’t fully realize it himself.

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02. the bishop

Kento Nanami

The bishop is a long-range piece that operates with precision and purpose. It represents strategy, wisdom, and a ing role in battles. Kento Nanami is an ideal match because he is one of the most calculating characters in the series. He views fights like a chess match, analyzing his opponents’ weaknesses and capitalizing on them with surgical precision. His Ratio Technique, which targets weak points on opponents, mirrors the bishop’s ability to control key diagonals on the chessboard. Nanami often serves as a mentor to Yuji, guiding him through the harsh realities of being a jujutsu sorcerer. Like the bishop, he’s not the flashiest or most aggressive piece, but his role is critical to the team’s success. The bishop often plays a protective role, defending the king or queen. Nanami’s ultimate sacrifice during the Shibuya Incident reflects this. His death was a calculated choice, protecting Yuji and giving him the drive to continue fighting.

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03. the knight

Megumi Fushiguro

The knight is known for its unique movement in chess, symbolizing creativity, adaptability, and surprise tactics. Megumi fits this role perfectly because his shikigami summoning allows him to adapt to any situation. His ability to think creatively during battles, such as summoning Mahoraga to defeat Sukuna, shows his capability for unconventional tactics, much like the knight’s unexpected L-shaped moves. Knights are also associated with nobility, and Megumi’s sense of justice is deeply rooted in protecting others. However, he’s not bound by traditional heroism. His willingness to prioritize some lives over others and make difficult choices adds depth to his character. Gojo frequently highlights Megumi’s untapped potential, hinting that he could sur even himself one day. This mirrors the knight’s ability to leap over obstacles and change the course of the game when used effectively.

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04. the rook

Maki Zenin

The rook is a piece of raw power and unyielding force. Its straight-line movements symbolize determination and reliability. Maki embodies these traits because she lacks cursed energy but compensates with unmatched physical prowess and mastery of weaponry. This straightforward approach to combat mirrors the rook’s linear, no-frills power. Maki’s journey within the Zenin clan showcases her unrelenting determination to prove her worth. Despite being rejected and ridiculed for her lack of cursed energy, she rises to become a force to be reckoned with, cutting through obstacles much like a rook. After the death of her sister, Mai, Maki undergoes a transformation akin to a rook’s endgame role as a dominant piece. She destroys the Zenin clan, freeing herself from their oppressive traditions and becoming one of the strongest characters in the series.

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05. the queen

Satoru Gojo

The queen is the most versatile and powerful piece, dominating the board and controlling the game. Gojo fits this role effortlessly because he is the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen. His Limitless Cursed Technique and Six Eyes allow him to completely overwhelm his opponents, much like the queen’s ability to control vast portions of the chessboard. Just as the queen’s position determines the strategy of a chess game, Gojo’s presence, and absence, has a massive impact on the series. His sealing during the Shibuya Incident marks a turning point in the story, emphasizing his significance. Gojo’s ability to switch between offensive and defensive techniques makes him the ultimate weapon, just as the queen can adapt to almost any situation on the board. His confidence, arrogance, and flair for dramatic entrances only solidify his status as the queen.

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06. the king

Sukuna

The king is the most important piece in chess, representing the game’s ultimate goal. Sukuna fits this role because he is the driving force behind much of the conflict in Jujutsu Kaisen. The entire story revolves around the dangers of his resurrection and his connection to Yuji. Just as the king dictates the flow of a chess game, Sukuna’s actions shape the narrative. The king is often perceived as both weak and indispensable. Sukuna is similar in that his full power is dormant most of the time, yet his potential is unmatched. His moments of activity, like his battle with Jogo or his possession of Yuji, are devastating. Sukuna’s cunning and long-term planning reflect the king’s importance in chess strategy. He doesn’t always need to act directly; his mere presence influences the moves of everyone around him.

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OUTRODUCTION

I hope you enjoyed. It took me some time to decide who all to use for each piece, and unfortunately an embarrassing amount of time relearning the game of chess. Thank you for reading. Until next time.

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Hashtags

#JJK