In Jujutsu Kaisen, the lore surrounding the utilization of Cursed Energy is attractive, especially regarding individuals like Maki Zen’in and Toji Fushiguro, who lack inherent abilities but have found alternative methods to compete with Curses and sorcerers. They achieved this through the use of Cursed Tools—weapons infused with Cursed Energy that enable them to inflict specialized damage.
Although the prominence of Cursed Tools diminished somewhat as the Jujutsu Kaisen manga progressed, certain items gained significant popularity among fans. Among them, the Playful Cloud stands out as one of the most well-known Cursed Tools in the series.
Maki with Playful Cloud in manga & anime pic.twitter.com/FEoRoooDHn
— Jujutsu Kaisen (@Go_Jover) October 29, 2023
This three-section staff was wielded by prominent characters and reached its zenith during the intense Shibuya Incident arc.
The Unconventional Power of the Playful Cloud: A Unique Cursed Tool in Jujutsu Kaisen
What sets the Playful Cloud apart from typical Cursed Tools in Jujutsu Kaisen is its unconventional nature—it doesn’t rely on Cursed Energy infusion, a rarity within the series.
Instead, this unique tool leverages the user’s physical prowess, making it particularly suited for individuals like Maki Zen’in and Toji Fushiguro, who possess a Heavenly Restriction.
During the invasion of Jujutsu High depicted in Volume 0, Suguru Geto utilized the Playful Cloud as he confronted Satoru Gojo’s students, including Maki. Its effectiveness was evident as Geto swiftly dispatched his opponents.
Maki continued to wield the Playful Cloud during significant arcs such as the Kyoto event and the Shibuya Incident. A brief moment also saw Aoi Todo utilizing the weapon during the Kyoto event. However, it was during the Shibuya Incident that the Playful Cloud truly shone.
Unfortunately, the weapon met its demise when a resurrected Toji, in a rampage to vanquish the Curse known as Dagon, tore it apart in the process.
Exploring Maki Zen’in and Toji Fushiguro’s Shared Journey
Maki Zen’in and Toji Fushiguro stand out as two of the most beloved characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, and their popularity is well-deserved considering their compelling designs, story arcs, and unique fighting styles—a rarity within the franchise.
Both lacking Cursed Energy and relying solely on their extraordinary physical strength due to their Heavenly Restriction, they are prominent users of Cursed Tools.
Beyond their shared reliance on Cursed Tools, Maki and Toji are often compared due to their similar backgrounds. Born into the Zen’in clan, they faced considerable adversity as they were not natural sorcerers, enduring abuse and discrimination as a result.
This parallel becomes even more pronounced following Maki’s severe burns inflicted by Jogo during the Shibuya Incident arc.
As she adopts a hairstyle and clothing style reminiscent of Toji’s, the comparison between the two characters becomes increasingly evident.