In the latest phase of the Shinjuku Showdown arc in Jujutsu Kaisen, the battle between Sukuna and the sorcerers is intensifying and starting to wrap up. Chapter 259 has been particularly revealing, showcasing Sukuna’s use of his ultimate technique, Divine Flames, which caused significant damage and led to a major death.
One of the most thrilling moments in chapter 259 was Sukuna’s deployment of Divine Flames or Furnace. This powerful ability has now been used three times in the series, but it wasn’t until now that fans got a detailed explanation of how it works, what it does, and why Sukuna chose to use it at this point.
Sukuna’s Divine Flames
In the previous chapter, Sukuna created a domain by changing the palm signs and using a different part of his brain unaffected by Unlimited Void to cast Malevolent Shrine.
This high-level domain was limited to 99 seconds, during which Sukuna had to clear out all the sorcerers. The sorcerers protected themselves with simple domains, and although Yuji’s domain broke, he still managed to withstand the blow. Sukuna then opened his ultimate technique and used his fire arrow.
This fire arrow has appeared twice before, first against Jogo, whom Sukuna incinerated, and later against Mahoraga, whom he burned to a crisp. In chapter 258, Sukuna used the Divine Flames again, targeting the surrounding sorcerers. However, it wasn’t easy for him to access this technique.
In chapter 259, it was confirmed that Sukuna must first use Cleave and Dismantle before accessing Divine Flames. This process aligns with the concept of Sukuna’s domain being a Malevolent Kitchen where he is the chef. Sukuna’s Divine Flames are his strongest technique.
Many fans wondered why Sukuna didn’t use this technique against Gojo. Some speculated that Sukuna was holding back, thinking he could have easily defeated Gojo with the flame arrow.
This claim was refuted in chapter 259, explaining that the high-level battle with Gojo required Sukuna to constantly change the rules of his domain and make Binding Vows to alter attack ranges. Therefore, he couldn’t use Divine Flames against Gojo, and Gojo’s Infinity would have countered it.
Sukuna’s Divine Flames are incredibly powerful but complicated. He cannot use them immediately and needs Cleave and Dismantle first.
The Divine Flames lack speed and have a narrow range, making them less effective against quick opponents. Sukuna made a Binding Vow to target multiple people inside his domain, but outside, it was limited to one individual. This allowed him to incinerate everything within his domain.
This chapter also showed the frustration of fans, as it seemed Sukuna was given a way out with a Binding Vow every time he was cornered.
This technique led to Choso’s death after he protected Yuji. The narrator explained that Sukuna’s flames compress and decompress, cooking individuals with immense pressure, and ensuring the death of all life within the domain.
Despite their power, Divine Flames can be countered, as shown by Choso’s blood domain protecting Yuji. Choso died because he used his remaining powers to shield Yuji.
The Divine Flames’ power is immense, capable of wiping out all life in Sukuna’s domain, but strong individuals like Gojo could counter it, which is why Sukuna never used it against him.
The Divine Flames are overpowered, capable of erasing all forms of life. Had Todo not moved the sorcerers outside Sukuna’s domain, they would have died, showcasing the technique’s deadly potential.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available to read via Viz Media, with the series accessible for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter, Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 259, is set for release on May 12, 2024.
