Curse manipulation and shikigami are two different supernatural abilities commonly depicted in Japanese folklore and popular culture. While both involve the use of supernatural powers, they have distinct characteristics and purposes. Curse manipulation refers to the ability to control and manipulate curses. Curses are negative energies or spells that are cast upon individuals or objects with the intention to cause harm or misfortune. Those who possess curse manipulation powers can manipulate these curses to their advantage or even remove them from others. On the other hand, shikigami refers to the practice of summoning and controlling spirits or supernatural entities to act as servants or guardians.
Cursed Spirit Manipulation
As the name suggests, Cursed Spirit Manipulation is a technique where one can completely control cursed spirits they were able to conquer in battle. Rather than exorcise a cursed spirit, the user can absorb them into a small black sphere. A cursed manipulator can also collect absorb curses from anyone also capable of controlling them by killing the master. [2] Attempting to absorb the curse without doing so first will physically repel them. [3]
The cycle of exorcism and consumption.
Orally consuming this orb of the curse's remains gives the user complete dominance over the vagabond curse, allowing them to summon them at any time in the future. [4] [5]
If the difference in grade is two levels or more, the curse manipulator can absorb a cursed spirit with practically no conditions attached. [6] The user can also extract the curse techniques of semi-grade 1 and above cursed spirits they absorb [7] , providing them with an immense arsenal of potential different moves. [8] However, the quality of the cursed spirit's technique ceases to grow the moment they are absorbed, [9] and the extracted technique can only be used once. [10]
Cursed Spirit Manipulation operates functionally the same as shikigami conjuration. However, no intermediary is required and the quality of vagabond cursed spirits tends to be greater than simple shikigami. [11] When summoned, the user's curses appear from the same portals they would use to manifest naturally. The curse manipulator can create portals of various sizes from their body and summon any number of curses from them at the same time. [12]
Due to the nature of consuming curses, a curse manipulator's cursed energy also feels different than that of a normal sorcerer. [11] There doesn't appear to be any limit on the number of curses that can be absorbed and it is unknown what happens to the cursed spirits taken in after the user dies. [13]
On the other hand, shikigami refers to the practice of summoning and controlling spirits or supernatural entities to act as servants or guardians. These spirits can take the form of animals, humans, or even inanimate objects. Shikigami are typically used in various spiritual practices, such as divination, protection, or combat.
Usage
Suguru Geto
Suguru using one curse to capture another.
Suguru Geto's innate technique was exceptional enough to earn him the rank of special grade while still a student at Tokyo Jujutsu High. As second-year students, Suguru and Satoru Gojo were considered close to the same level of strength. Along with the Limitless user, Suguru was also known as the "strongest". [14]
Suguru could capture curses on missions and then take them in to continuously add to his arsenal throughout time. [15] By the time of the Star Plasma Vessel Escort mission in 2006, Suguru had a number of powerful curses in his possession. He mainly utilized their abilities by summoning them in battle alongside him similar to how a traditional shikigami user would fight. [11]
Suguru summoning two high-level curses at once.
Using a plethora of different curses, Suguru had a number of ways to approach any situation. Most of his targets could be overwhelmed with the sudden summon of one of his gigantic curses. [16] Outside of offensive curses, Suguru also possessed surveillance spirits [17] , flying spirits for maneuverability [18] , decoys [19] , restraining curses [20] , and even docile spirits for carrying allies [21] .
In spite of all its advantages, Suguru suffered significant drawbacks to his psyche as a result of this technique while working as a sorcerer. He compares consuming cursed spirits to eating a rag used to clean vomit, a taste no one else knows. The endless cycle of exorcism and consumption for Suguru distorted his feeling about the long road of being a jujutsu sorcerer. [22]
Geto collecting curses by "curing" cursed humans.
After becoming a curse user, Suguru disguised himself as the head of a Buddhist Temple to attract cursed humans with the promise of exorcising their mysterious ailments. Victims would travel to his temple to receive healing, making it easy to collect a large amount of money and cursed spirits over that decade. [23]
In addition to the curses Suguru already possessed, he collected 6,462 cursed spirits. [24] Two thousand of those curses were released in both Kyoto and Shinjuku when Suguru performed a Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. Most of these were grade 2 or below, but he possessed a number of higher grade curses as well. [25]
One thousand of Suguru's curses performing a Night Parade of a Hundred Demons in Shinjuku.
Suguru kept over four thousand curses to himself while the Night Parade was going on. He intended to use all of his power to isolate Yuta Okkotsu and kill him in an attempt to add special grade vengeful spirit Rika Orimoto to his collection. In his fight with Yuta and Rika, Suguru began with quantity over quality, using various weaker curses to attack. [26] In the battle's climax, Suguru resorted to using one of his most powerful curses, special grade imaginary vengeful spirit Tamamo-no-Mae Incarnate and also used Maximum: Uzumaki at the same time. [24]
Kenjaku
"The strength of cursed spirit manipulation lies in the great number of moves at my disposal."
Kenjaku obtained Suguru's body solely to obtain his curse manipulation technique. [27] Kenjaku boasted that the rank special grade signifies the power to overthrow a nation, something Suguru Geto is capable of because he can command an army of curses. [28]
In Shibuya, Kenjaku summoned the special grade disease curse Smallpox Deity to fight with Mei Mei. It acted as its own independent fighter and Kenjaku claimed he would fight Mei Mei if she was able to exorcise it. [29] Mei Mei destroyed Smallpox Deity and Kenjaku confronted her using a dragon-like curse, and apparently almost killed her in their fight. [30] [31]
When Yuji tried to forcefully obtain Prison Realm from Kenjaku, the curse user countered him with by dropping a small catfish-like curse into the ground. It merged with the earth and opened a gigantic gaping hole that simulated a falling effect for Yuji. However, rather than falling into the hole, Yuji fell directly into the ground, confusing him.
Kenjaku utilizing Idle Transfiguration after extracting it from Mahito.
This led into Kenjaku explaining he believes the main strength of Cursed Spirit Manipulation is the high variation in moves at his disposal. He possesses numerous cursed spirits semi-grade 1 and higher and can release more when an opponent figures out how to counter one. Kenjaku added that he didn't have to allow time for that and could just pile on the cursed techniques instead. Then he proceeded to exactly that, wrapping Yuji in a centipede-like curse before making him fall and piling on more centipedes. Kenjaku genuinely thinks that Geto would have defeated Yuta if he didn't divide his forces for the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. [32]
Kenjaku summoning numerous curses to cover his escape.
With Mahito severely weakened from his defeat at the hands of Yuji, it was simple for Kenjaku to seal him in a black sphere and consume him. By utilizing the technique's extracting effect of Maximum: Uzumaki, Kenjaku was able to obtain Mahito's Idle Transfiguration and satisfy the early conditions for beginning the Culling Game. [33] [34] In order to flee from Shibuya with Prison Realm, Kenjaku unleashed numerous curses to cover his escape. [35] He also released the special grade cockroach curse Kurourushi from Cursed Spirit Manipulation so it could participate in the Culling Game as a player. [36]
Kenjaku overpowering Choso with curses reinforced with his cursed energy.
Kenjaku easily overpowered Choso by commanding a swarm of weak cursed spirits and reinforcing them with his cursed energy. [37] He summoned curses one after another to counter Choso's Blood Manipulation and used the dust they create when they disappear to blind him. [38] Against Yuki, Kenjaku tried to use a powerful curse to keep an unknown opponent at a distance and feel them out. [39] While using this technique in tandem with the cursed technique reversal of Antigravity System, Kenjaku tricked Yuki into believing he was only using cursed spirits as a distraction to buy time to replenish his gravity attack. Their true purpose was to distract Yuki from the miniature Maximum: Uzumaki Kenjaku used to deal a mortal blow. [40] [41]
Maximum: Uzumaki ( 極 ( ごく ) ノ ( の ) 番 ( ばん ) 「うずまき」 , Gokunoban・Uzumaki ? ) combines any number of cursed spirits in the user's possession into one and hits the target with a blast of supercondensed cursed energy. When curses of semi-grade 1 or higher are included in Uzumaki, their cursed techniques are extracted and kept by the curse manipulator. [42]
In terms of usage and purpose, curse manipulation and shikigami serve different functions. Curse manipulation is often associated with dark magic or witchcraft, as it involves manipulating negative energies to bring harm or misfortune to others. It can be used as a means of revenge, control, or even self-defense by deflecting curses targeted at oneself. Shikigami, on the other hand, are typically used for protection, guidance, or assistance. They are summoned and controlled by practitioners to aid them in various endeavors, such as battles, investigations, or spiritual rituals. Shikigami can possess unique abilities and powers that make them valuable companions or allies in times of need. While both curse manipulation and shikigami involve the use of supernatural powers, they differ in terms of intent and execution. Curse manipulation focuses on the manipulation of curses for personal gain or harm, while shikigami are used as spiritual allies or protectors. Both abilities are often portrayed in Japanese literature, manga, anime, and video games, adding depth and intrigue to fictional worlds..
Reviews for "The Power within: Enhancing Curse Manipulation and Shikigami Abilities"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I found "Curse manipulation vs shikigami" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and poorly executed, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and confused. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further pulling me out of the story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Curse manipulation vs shikigami" was a complete waste of time. The plot was incredibly cliche and predictable, offering nothing new or exciting. The writing style was dry and lacked any form of creativity or imagination. The characters were one-dimensional and had no real substance to them. The pacing was also extremely off, with the action scenes feeling rushed and the slower moments droning on. I was sorely disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Curse manipulation vs shikigami" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The concept seemed interesting, but the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow moments dragging on and action scenes feeling rushed. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I was left unsatisfied by this book and would not recommend it to others.