Maki Zen'in

Maki was born into the Zen'in clan, one of the three great jujutsu families, but was rejected from birth due to having almost no cursed energy. This was a severe handicap in a world where sorcerers rely on cursed energy for combat. As a result, she was treated as a failure and subjected to abuse by her family. Determined to prove herself, she left the clan and enrolled at Tokyo Jujutsu High, where she trained under Satoru Gojo. Her twin sister Mai remained in the clan, developing resentment toward Maki for leaving her behind.[edit]

Maki is hot-headed, blunt, and fiercely independent. She refuses to be defined by her lack of cursed energy and instead relies on her physical strength and cursed tools. She has a strong sense of justice and a protective instinct toward her friends, especially her students and allies. Despite her tough exterior, she harbors deep emotional wounds from her family's rejection, which fuels her determination to become strong on her own terms.[edit]

Maki's journey begins in Jujutsu Kaisen 0 as a mentor to Yuta Okkotsu, where she demonstrates her combat prowess. In the main series, she participates in the Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc, showcasing her skills against Kyoto students. The Shibuya Incident Arc becomes a turning point: her sister Mai seemingly dies, and Maki's cursed energy drops to zero, fully activating her Heavenly Restriction. This grants her immense physical power, making her a human weapon akin to Toji Fushiguro. Consumed by grief and rage, she returns to the Zen'in clan in the Zen'in Clan Massacre arc and single-handedly slaughters most of its members, including her father Ogi and Naoya Zen'in. This brutal act cements her as one of the strongest sorcerers. In the Culling Games arc, she allies with Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro, using her strength to protect others and honor Mai's memory.[edit]

Maki is consistently among the most popular characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, ranking 12th, 13th, and 10th in official popularity polls. Her character arc after the Zen'in Clan Massacre drew widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and brutal payoff. Critics praise her as a 'female powerhouse' who breaks typical shonen tropes, being aggressive, physically dominant, and driven by revenge rather than romance. Fans celebrate her transformation from a rejected outcast to one of the series' strongest fighters.[edit]