Yuki Tsukumo has long been a controversial figure in the jujutsu world. Unlike Gojo Satoru or Yuta Okkotsu, she does not align with Jujutsu High’s strict mission-oriented structure. Instead, she pursues a broader vision—eradicating curses at their source rather than merely exorcising them. Her philosophy often puts her at odds with the higher-ups, and her reputation as a lazy, wandering sorcerer hides her immense strength and intelligence.
But despite her aversion to the establishment, Yuki plays a crucial role in major battles, including the Shibuya Incident and her pivotal fight against Kenjaku. Unfortunately for fans, Yuki was rarely seen in battle for most of Jujutsu Kaisen, making her brief but explosive fights some of the most memorable in the series. Central to her combat style is Garuda, her powerful shikigami. But what exactly is Garuda, and how does it connect to her innate technique, Star Rage?
Related
Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuki Tsukumo, Kenjaku, and How To Solve Cursed Energy
This story’s resolution will come down to what the characters choose to do with the power lying at its very center: cursed energy.
What are Shikigami in Jujutsu Kaisen
In the jujutsu society, shikigami are spiritual familiars summoned by sorcerers to aid them in battle. While not identical to cursed spirits, they operate in a similar way, existing as extensions of their summoners’ cursed energy. Several major characters, such as Megumi Fushiguro and Junpei Yoshino, have demonstrated unique shikigami-based abilities.
|
Sorcerer/Spirit |
Shikigami Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Megumi Fushiguro |
Can summon up to ten different shikigami using his shadows as an intermediary. |
|
|
Junpei Yoshino |
Cursed Poison Shikigami |
Uses his cursed technique to summon shikigami infused with poison, utilizing his hair as a medium. |
|
Dagon |
Cursed Spirit Shikigami |
Spawns man-eating fish shikigami from his body, enhanced by his domain’s guaranteed hit function. His “Death Swarm” technique unleashes an endless stream of shikigami. |
|
Dhruv Lakdawalla |
Barrier-Controlled Shikigami |
Utilizes large rodent-like and flying shikigami, creating barriers that slash anyone who crosses them. |
|
Yuta Okkotsu |
Copied Dhruv’s technique and used a Rika-esque shikigami against Takako Uro and Sukuna. |
What Makes Garuda Unique?
Unlike traditional shikigami, Garuda does not require a specific ritual or medium for summoning. It is a permanent, sentient extension of Yuki’s power, capable of independent action even when Yuki is incapacitated. Garuda takes the form of a massive, serpent-like entity with bone-like plating and floating wings that grant it flight. Unlike most shikigami, Garuda functions as both a companion and a cursed tool, seamlessly integrating into Yuki’s combat style.
Related
Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Sukuna’s Ten Shadows Technique is Stronger than Megumi’s
Sukuna has proven to be better at using the Ten Shadows Technique than its original user, Megumi Fushiguro. Here’s the reason why.
How Yuki’s Star Rage and Garuda Have the Perfect Synergy
Yuki’s innate technique, Star Rage, is the key to Garuda’s fearsome power. This ability allows her to add virtual mass to herself and Garuda. This mass is not physical but behaves as if it were, drastically amplifying the force behind her strikes without slowing her down. When applied to Garuda, the shikigami transforms into an unstoppable weapon, increasing its density and destructive capability without altering its mobility.
The synergy between Star Rage and Garuda makes Yuki’s attacks unpredictable and devastating. Unlike traditional enhancement techniques, her added mass does not simply increase strength—it fundamentally alters how force and impact function in battle, making her blows nearly impossible to counter. Garuda’s flexible form allows it to adapt, shift, and strike with incredible precision, whether used as a bludgeoning projectile or a whip-like weapon.
Related
Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuki Tsukumo’s Star Rage, Explained
Yuki’s status as a Special Grade Sorcerer stems from her Innate Technique, which allows her to assign imaginary mass to herself and her shikigami.
How Yuki Uses Garuda in Battle
Garuda serves as both a weapon and an independent fighter. Yuki has demonstrated multiple ways to use Garuda:
- Projectile Attack: Yuki can command Garuda to fold into a compact sphere, then kick it with enhanced mass, turning it into a devastating cannonball. This technique obliterated Kenjaku’s divine shikigami, Ganesha, in a single strike.
- Whip Strikes: Using Garuda’s elongated body as a whip, Yuki can deliver rapid, high-impact strikes, tearing through enemies and terrain alike.
- Restraining Opponents: Garuda can wrap around an opponent, allowing Yuki to apply mass and immobilize them.
Beyond offense, Garuda also provides crucial defensive support:
- Shielding Yuki: When injured, Yuki relies on Garuda to create distance and block incoming attacks.
- Breaking Barriers: Garuda has shown the ability to shatter powerful techniques, such as Uraume’s ice-based attacks, by overwhelming them with sheer force.
