Jujutsu Kaisen (Episode 17) - Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event - Group Battle 3

During Nobara and Nishimiya’s fight, they discuss the expectations put on female Jujutsu sorcerers. However, Maki is busy taking care of business, which leads to a confrontation with her sister, Mai!

Jujutsu Kaisen (Episode 17) – Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event – Group Battle 3 –

What happened?

Maki continued her fight with Miwa and it wasn’t looking good for Miwa. She struggled to keep up with Maki and couldn’t believe that she was only a fourth-grade Jujutsu sorcerer. Neither could the mentors monitoring the event, but then Gojou reminded them that the Zenin family kept getting in the way of any promotions.

Nobara and Nishimiya flew through the woodland trying to land blows on one another. Nishimiya had the advantage of being able to fly and attack with the wind. Nobara kept at it though, firing nails at her over and over again. She told her that she hated Mai for her attitude towards others because of her family ties.

Nishimiya tried to tell Nobara that she had no idea what Mai goes through thanks to the connections and how that affects her day to day life. Nobara didn’t care. She believed that Mai doesn’t get a free pass or sympathy for her birthright. Everyone has to work for what they’ve got. Maki has arguably had it even worse than Mai.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 17 Maki versus Miwa

Nobara then released a technique that flooded the forest with cursed energy, using her nails as the focal point. She was then able to grab a straw from Nishimiya’s broom and brought it crashing down with her straw doll technique. She also made a point to say that she likes to look good when she’s dressed up and she also likes to look good when she’s kicking ass!

Nobara landed several blows to Nishimiya with a squeaky hammer and was about to finish her when a rubber bullet took her out of the game. Mai praised herself but didn’t have much time to celebrate as Maki had found her.

In the heat of the battle, Mai revealed that she has the ability to create an item from nothing using her cursed energy. Her limit is one bullet a day, but that allows her to fire seven times from a six-shooter. This almost caught Maki off-guard, but then Maki caught the bullet and incapacitated her sister with the back of the sword.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 17 Maki catches Mai's bullet

What did you think?

This episode was incredible. The fights were amazing, the girls are outstanding, and the power was out of this world. I’m a big fan of strong women and this episode was nothing but. I really enjoyed the dialogue too as they argued about what it means to be a girl and a Jujutsu sorcerer. Nobara’s attitude is spot on and I love that she looks good no matter what she’s doing.

However, Maki is an absolute goddess. Most likely the goddess of war and strength, but a goddess nonetheless. Her fighting style is amazing to watch, but it’s her drive and determination that put her into her own class. The way she fought against her family and its outdated views on gender and abilities was awesome. I do feel sorry that Mai was forced to do something she didn’t want to, but her blame was misplaced. She should be mad at her family, not Maki.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 17 Nobara versus Nishimiya

What have you learnt?

Seeing Maki’s backstory reminded me of another shounen series with an underutilized character also called Maki. I’m, of course, referring to Fire Force. Both Maki’s are deserving of a series where they are the star. This Maki has a strong enough story that it alone could command a compelling series. I like Itadori and I’m enjoying his story. However, if I was pressed, I’d say that I find Maki’s story a little more interesting.

So, why is that? Well, I guess the main factor is that shounen series very rarely have a lead female character. Some might point to shows like Claymore but I’d say that was more seinen than shounen. Either way, this was an episode where the female characters literally stole the show and I loved it. Just give me more of this, please.