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WARNING: The article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
The cursed spirit world is in chaos once again as season 2 ofJujutsu Kaisenkicks off. This time, we delve into the past of Satoru Gojo and how he became one of the strongest sorcerers. ButGojo isn’t the only powerful figurein Jujutsu High – there is also Master Tengen, the pillar of the entire Jujutsu system.
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How did they come to hold such an important position? Throughout the series, Tengen has been a background character, with their presence and influence felt indirectly rather than through active involvement in the story. They mostly act behind the scenes to guide jujutsu sorcerers and protect themselves(there is a perfect reason for this as well, as we’ll explain below).
Master Tengen’s Background
Tengen has a unique appearance, often depicted with multiple eyes, a cylindrical head, and an androgynous, humanoid form. During Japan’s Nara Period, Tengen made their mark by spreading ideas that would lay the groundwork for what we know today as the jujutsu system. Unbeknownst to many,Tengen was originally a woman. However, the body they inhabited wasn’t quite on the same page.
This is why they need to switch bodies every half a millennium like a snake sheds its skin. Tengen can only choose specific vessels capable of harnessing their full power, known as Star Plasma Vessels. The vessel with the highest capacity is always selected. If Tengen doesn’t switch bodies, they evolve into a higher being.This evolution is a double-edged sword. As Tengen becomes less human, they risk becoming an enemy of the living.
Furthermore, Tengen’s awareness and soul may scatter and merge with the world. While this means Tengen can fuse with society instead of specific vessels, it is problematic. Once evolved, the barrier between the human world and the cursed world weakens, allowing the two realms to merge and cause chaos.
Tengen’s Importance In JJK World
Tengen’s role in secretly safeguarding the Jujutsu system from the shadows cannot be understated. They create and maintain powerful barriers that protect key Jujutsu locations, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. These barriers provide a safe environment for Jujutsu Sorcerers to train and develop their skills, as well as protect them from potential attacks by cursed spirits.
The significance of the barrier is not immediately apparent, but its true purpose isfar-reaching. Instead of allowing the cursed energy to dissipate and spread beyond the borders of Japan, it channels all the scattered cursed energy into concentric pools. This energy is always readily available to optimize the cursed techniques of Jujutsu sorcerers.
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By and large, no other nation possesses the capacity to produce sorcerers of equal caliber. However, the very foundation of this formidable force hinges on Tengen’s well-being.That’s why they keep themselves hidden in the Tomb of the Star for safetyand secrecy from malicious entities that would seek to use their power for nefarious purposes. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.
How Powerful Is Tengen?
Even though Tengen is not a great combatant, as Jujutsu Sorcerer, they’rethe most skilled barrier master. They specialize in many ones, includingCurtain, Pure Barriers, and Domain Expansion. Tengen’s most defining trait is their immortality, which allows them to remain unscathed by natural causes. This extraordinary ability has granted Tengen over a thousand years of life, during which they have accumulated a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience.
However, power, it seems, does not come without strings attached– even for those who have gone beyond the mortal coil. That’s because Master Tengen is always at risk of further evolution. But what’s impressive is the fact that despite the failed merger with Riko Amanai in 2006, they have managed to maintain their sanity with the sheer force of will for the sake of protecting humanity. Another remarkable ability possessed by Tengen is their power of spatial manipulation.
This skill allows them to create distortions within space, connecting different locations and creating shortcuts for transportation purposes. Tengen’s spatial mastery is not only helpful for them in hiding the special-grade cursed objects in their multidimensional storeroom but also in preventing anyone from predicting their specific location. They can also read the flow of cursed energy and aura in their surroundings.
This ability permits them to detect the presence of curses and other supernatural beings, providing valuable information to their allies. Though, quite a few have managed to infiltrate their hide without being detected. For instance,Toji Fushigurowas able to successfully get past their barrier. But this is also understandable as he has no cursed energy of his own due to the Heavenly Restriction. Even so, Tengen’s keen awareness of the supernatural world grants them an almost omnipotent presence in the story.
