Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most beloved manga series, winning millions of fans worldwide. On top of having iconic characters, including Gojo, Sukuna, Itadori, Maki, Toji, and Nanami, the epic clash between the characters makes it more exciting to read. One such clash that fans can’t seem to forget is between the Zenin cousins, Maki and Naoya.
However, the brother-sister relationship between the two is not good from the start, and it gets even worse after Megumi Fushiguro becomes the head of the Zenin clan. In Chapter 150, Maki Zenin unlocked Heavenly Restriction and took on most of the clan members single-handedly. Before she could catch her breath, the Naoya Zenin stood before her, challenging her to a battle.
Despite this, it seems fans have a theory about why Maki Killing Naoya makes sense in the series. Following mangaka’s work for so long, one thing is for sure, there is something hidden in fights.
The Fate Of Naoya In The Culling Game Arc
The Jujutsu Kaisen Cullin Game Arc will be the next one adapted into the anime, and the first major clash in the arc will happen between Zenins. The brother-sister duo, thirsty for each other’s blood, go against each other during the Culling Game Arc, no matter the consequences.
The fight between the two might seem simple to many, but there is a hidden detail in it that fans have overlooked. The creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami, revealed that Naoya is squeezing Pomegranates on the cover of JJK Volume-17.
Gege says Naoya is squeezing Pomegranates on cover of JJK Volume-17 pic.twitter.com/Z2gt1jvvMy
— Myamura (@Go_Jover) July 20, 2024
Soon after this reveal, fans began wondering about the symbolism behind Naoya squeezing the pomegranate. Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and expressed their theories about squeezing the pomegranate of the character. According to the popular Jujutsu Kaisen fan page, @Go_Jover on X, the fruit has been a powerful symbol of Womanhood in many cultures and throughout history.
I wonder what's the symbolism behind Naoya crushing pomegranate….. https://t.co/trUaVR7YdI pic.twitter.com/tXp1nFZmtW
— Myamura (@Go_Jover) July 20, 2024
Crushing and degrading women and femininity ig
— Charlotte || 🇵🇸 #FreePalestine #CeasefireNOW (@kiisa_cha) July 20, 2024
I want to crush face with my femininity and womanhood.
— Kitty D Luffy (@2koolqweenie) July 20, 2024
pomegranate is a symbol of death pic.twitter.com/dOuRVNobaQ
— s1000rr (@coff_ee10) July 20, 2024
I mean isn't Naoya like a narcissistic, misogynist…
— VaNee-San (@vanieneesan) July 20, 2024
It really make sense him crushing a pomegranate.
If Naoya has 100 haters I’m one of them. If Naoya has one hater it’s me. If there are no Naoya haters in this world then I have ceased to exist
— yuji’s hat⁷ (@joonandgrey) July 20, 2024
Therefore, Maki’s killing of Naoya in Volume 17 of Jujutsu Kaisen makes more sense, as she finally conquered her fear. However, this wouldn’t have been possible without his sister’s sacrifice, giving her another chance to fight the clan.
Moreover, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen had sealed the fate of Naoya Zenin when he created the cover of Volume 17. On top of that, he was one of the most hated characters in JJK and did little more than take beatings from Maki Zanin, Yuuta Okkotsu, and the Itadori brother, Choso.
Who is Naoya Zenin in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Jujutsu Kaisen is not only famous for its iconic characters but also for hated characters such as Noritoshi Kamo, aka Kenjaku, Mahito, Yoshinobu Gakuganji, and Haruta Shigemo. One character that fans hate the most, but after his death, forgot about him, is Naoya Zenin. He was a member of the top three sorcerer families of the jujutsu world, Zenin Family.
At a young age, he believes himself to be the true heir of the Zenin family. However, his dreams of becoming head are shattered after Megumi Fushiguro becomes the new head of the family. This decision made him furious with the clan and willing to do anything to bring them down.
You can watch Jujutsu Kaisen on Netflix.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Maki kill Naoya in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Maki and Naoya Zenin are cousins from the same clan with a bitter rivalry, and they clash after the Shibuya Incident when Maki returns to confront the Zenin family. Maki defeats and kills Naoya there, and the article frames her victory as overcoming a figure who represented opposition to feminine strength.
What does Naoya squeezing pomegranates on the JJK Volume 17 cover mean?
Creator Gege Akutami noted that Naoya is squeezing pomegranates on the cover of Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 17. The meaning is a fan interpretation, not an official statement: fans read the pomegranate as a long-standing symbol of womanhood, which they tie to Naoya’s narcissistic, misogynistic characterization. Treat it as a fan theory rather than confirmed canon.
How did Maki become strong enough to defeat Naoya?
In Chapter 150 of the manga, Maki awakens Heavenly Restriction, trading away her cursed energy for greatly enhanced physical ability, and takes on most of the Zenin clan almost single-handedly. Her rise also coincides with Megumi Fushiguro being named head of the Zenin clan, which deepens the conflict.
