Hierarchy
Jujutsu Sorcerers are individuals secretly trained and employed by the government in Japan to defend humanity from cursed spirits. Only the highest levels of government are aware of the existence of jujutsu users as non-jujutsu users due to
Article 8 which ensures jujutsu secrecy. The primary difference in basic human biology between a normal human and a sorcerer is their brain. Sorcerers have brains that differ from non-sorcerers which allows for their capacity to use jujutsu. Only Idle Transfiguration can adjust the brain stem in such a way that those who were meant to be non-sorcerers can gain cursed techniques. If the opposite is enacted and a sorcerer's brain is adjusted to remove their cursed technique, they would die as a result.
- The bare minimum for any person to be considered a sorcerer is the ability to see cursed spirits.
- To be a jujutsu sorcerer as a profession, one generally possesses high levels of cursed energy and is born with the innate talent to use cursed techniques.
- Those without any innate skill or the ability to control cursed energy can become professional jujutsu sorcerers with the aid of cursed tools.
Jujutsu Sorcerers
When it comes to sorcerers, Jujutsu High assigns rankings to their students. From there, individuals then train to climb these rankings by proving themselves to their peers and higher-ups. Cursed spirits are ranked similarly to sorcerers, but the system is not bulletproof. Often, due to foul play, curses can be incorrectly ranked, which leads to lower-level sorcerers being sent on missions to defeat opponents that are out of their depth. Cursed tools are the most straightforward and are ranked based on power and potency, which means that tools with higher grades prove to be the most useful in battle.
Social Ranking of Jujutsu Sorcerers
Regardless of skill level, the social hierarchy begins as a student. Jujutsu high takes four years to complete. After graduating, alumni sorcerers who remain aligned with the schools generally use either the Tokyo or Kyoto facility as their home base. The alumni serve as the cornerstone for the jujutsu sorcerer community. They mediate issues, assign missions, and officially establish a payroll for all their employed exorcisms. Experienced alumni can eventually become in charge of the schools and by extension all jujutsu sorcerers.
- First year Student
- Second year student
- Third year student
- Fourth year student
- Graduate Alumni
- Master Jujutsuist
Power Ranking
Social ranking is independent of actual power and the promise exhibited by an individual. A very powerful first year might be able to overpower a significantly more experienced third year student, however this is uncommon and unlikely. The power ranking of sorcerers acknowledges what level of cursed opponent a sorcerer can reasonably manage. The ranking goes from Grade 4 to Grade 1, with "Special Grade Sorcerers" being anomalies. The jujutsu society uses a ranking system to differentiate the power levels of sorcerers, cursed spirits, and cursed tools. Grades 4 and 3 are considered average or inexperienced, while Grade 2 is above average, and Grade 1 is the standard for leaders. Special Grades are a separate category for those with unimaginable jujutsu powers. Sorcerers can climb the rankings through training and practice, while cursed tools are ranked based on power. A risk of this ranking system is that a consequence of the incorrect ranking of curses can lead to lower-level sorcerers facing opponents who they are not equipped to fight. Grade 1 is the highest rank that can be achieved through the natural progression of ranks. Grade 1 sorcerers are highly skilled and often face Special Grade curses. Special Grades are anomalies that exist outside the system, with unrankable power.
Grade 4 is a rank meant for the weakest and most inexperienced sorcerers, though there are not many of them in existence. Grade 4 sorcerers are not allowed to go on solo missions and are almost always accompanied by someone of a higher grade. However, if the accompanying sorcerer is ranked significantly higher, such as Grade 1 or Special Grade, they'll often act as an escort and only intervene in the mission if it's absolutely necessary.
Grade 3 is the most average of the jujutsu rankings. The majority of jujutsu students get assigned this rank upon enrollment to Jujutsu High. Grade 3 sorcerers are not allowed to go on solo missions and are almost always accompanied by someone of a higher grade. However, if the accompanying sorcerer is ranked significantly higher, such as Grade 1 or Special Grade, they'll often act as an escort and only intervene in the mission if it's absolutely necessary.
Semi Grade 2 is an intermediate rank between Grade 3 and Grade 2, often this is due to a recommendation that the jujutsuist is likely capable at this level but they have not completed enough missions to earn this rank.
Grade 2 is above average. Many alumni reach this level, they are able to embark on solo missions and bring students on very low ranking missions. It is very rare for a student to reach Grade 2.
Semi-Grade 1 refers to a rank between Grades 1 and 2. It's a ranking that's usually given to sorcerers who seek promotion to Grade 1. These sorcerers have been recommended for promotion to Grade 1 and have either completed, or are in the process of accompanying, a higher-grade sorcerer on multiple missions. Before these jujutsu sorcerers become Grade 1 sorcerers, Semi-Grade 1 sorcerers must also complete a solo mission and exorcise a Grade 1 cursed spirit.
Grade 1 is the standard for leaders of jujutsu society.
Special Grade 1 is a rank that refers to sorcerers outside of the technical school system (ungraded active sorcerers) whose power is considered to be on the level of a Grade 1 sorcerer. The head of the prestigious Zenin Family is referred to as a Special Grade 1 Sorcerer. Other elite members of the big three carry this rank as well.
Special Grades present jujutsu power that is literally off the scale, which means that a separate category altogether is required to label them.
Jujutsu sorcerers can be promoted up in rank by receiving a recommendation from a sorcerer of a higher rank. The higher the rank, the more a sorcerer is paid for the more dangerous jobs that come with it. When it comes to students, their teachers are not permitted to submit a recommendation for their promotion.
A sorcerer submits a request for promotion based on their recommendation to one of the jujutsu higher-ups, such as the school principal.
When it comes to being promoted to Grade 1, upon receiving recommendations from two or more sorcerers of that rank, the nominee will accompany a sorcerer of that level on several missions. The one who accompanies the nominee can't be the same person who put in the recommendation. If they perform well on these missions, the nominee will be granted a Semi-Grade 1 rank and be assigned a mission to exorcise a Grade 1 alone. Based on the outcome of that, the decision to permit or deny Grade 1 status will be decided.
Sorcerer Clans
Sorcerer Clans are clans of jujutsu sorcerers that pass down inherited cursed techniques through generations. These attributes make sorcerer clans prominent figures in the jujutsu world. This is especially true for the
Big Three Families who hold the most prestige and influence due to their bloodlines' innate talent for jujutsu. The three great sorcerer clans of the jujutsu world are the
Zenin Clan, the
Gojo Clan, and the
Kamo Clan. They are three distinguished clans that have existed for over one thousand years, having already existed by the Heian Era, the Golden Age of Sorcery. Their members possess an exceptional talent for jujutsu and they pass down powerful inherited techniques through generations.
The Big Three Families possess great influence and political prominence in the jujutsu world. Alongside jujutsu headquarters, they are in contact with the Japanese government and were key in establishing the memorandum regarding the obligations of jujutsu sorcerers. The head of Jujutsu Headquarters is appointed by the Prime Minister based on nominations from the Big Three. The principals of both Jujutsu Highs are appointed by the head of Jujutsu Headquarters also based on nominations from the Big Three.
There are various other sorcerer families as well. One such clan is the
Inumaki Clan, who are cursed speech users who inherited the technique. While not on the same level as the Big Three, the Inumaki clan is respected and their signature technique has existed for generations. A prominent sorcery family of the past was the
Fujiwara Clan, whose members were among the strongest sorcerers of the Heian period. Another renowned clan is the Abe clan whose history can be traced back to the Heian Era and they were known to produce powerful jujutsu sorcerers.
Curses
Cursed spirits are essentially ranked through the same system as Jujutsu Sorcerers. They lack an organized social structure, however there is a belief that some level of organization has been happening among the more powerful curses which has become a source of concern for jujutsu leaders.
Power Ranking
The ranking system within the jujutsu society guarantees that missions run smoothly and sorcerers are properly matched with as many cursed spirits as they can execute. The grading of sorcerers and curses intends to ensure that opponents are always evenly matched. However, minor discrepancies within their rankings mean that sorcerers can either face a stronger curse or a far weaker one.
Grade 4 Curses are barely a threat and if regular weapons are in use, then they would be so weak that a sorcerer could defeat them with just a wooden baseball bat. The form they take is highly variable but they cannot pass as human or as a known beast.
Grade 3 Curses are a step up in terms of strength in comparison to Grade 4, they're still very average. In this case, all it takes to defeat a Grade 3 curse is a simple handgun. The form they take is highly variable but they cannot pass as human or as a known beast.
Grade 2 Curses are of above average power, this is where some curses start learning how to use cursed techniques. Often these curses have a more animal-like form, but cannot pass for any known animal or human.
Grade 1 Curses are powerful, dangerous curses that can use cursed techniques and can prove to be challenging for a Grade one jujutsu sorcerer to defeat. Grade 1 Curses tend to more closely resemble humans. These curses walk on two legs and feature other human characteristics rather than the purely demonic curses that are out there.
Special Grade Curses present power that is literally off the scale, which means that a separate category altogether is required to label them. They often require multiple jujutsu sorcerers to defeat them. Special Grade tend to more closely resemble humans. These curses walk on two legs and feature other human characteristics rather than the purely demonic curses that are out there. The main distinction between Grade 1 and Special Grade curses is their level of intelligence.
Cursed Objects
With the exception of
cursed tools and
cursed corpses, items that contain cursed energy are referred to as cursed objects. Cursed objects are ranked in the same way as cursed tools, based on the strength of the cursed energy they contain. Special grade cursed objects cannot be destroyed and their continued existence is guaranteed under the binding vow used to create them. This binding vow dictates that individuals who become cursed objects cease to live and cannot harm others.
Cursed objects are mostly used to incarnate sorcerers or to ward away curses, but some possess supernatural abilities even while existing as inanimate items.
If a human ingests a cursed object, the owner of the cursed energy contained within that cursed object can take hold of their mind and body and can even change their appearance. It is best described as the fusion between a cursed object and human flesh. In most cases, the host's body is completely taken over and their consciousness is completely suppressed. Incarnated individuals receive memories, knowledge, and common sense from their vessel's brains. They also retain their innate technique and all of their physical skills from their original body as well.
As with sorcerers and cursed spirits, cursed objects are categorized from grade one to four based on their power and potency, with the rare special grade cursed object.
Cursed Tools
Different from cursed objects, cursed tools are weapons infused with cursed energy. Due to this, even non-sorcerers can use them to combat cursed spirits. Conventional weapons such as katanas can become semi-cursed tools over time if the user constantly imbues it with their cursed energy. However, weapons new to the user that are reinforced with cursed energy are not considered cursed tools.
As with sorcerers and cursed spirits, cursed tools are categorized from grade one to four based on their power and potency. The higher the grade, the greater the advantage granted to the user in a jujutsu battle.
Cursed Corpse
A Cursed Corpse is a nonliving object that has been endowed with a curse, allowing it to gain self-control. They can appear naturally as hostile creatures but are more often used as dolls and puppets for sorcerers.
As with sorcerers and cursed spirits, cursed corpses are categorized from grade one to four based on their power and potency. The higher the grade, the greater the advantage granted to the user in a jujutsu battle.
Soul Reapers
The hierarchical system of Soul Reapers, also known as Shinigami is a key aspect of their society. It establishes the order, responsibilities, and power dynamics within their organization.
Soul King: Positioned at the top of the hierarchy is the Soul King, who is considered the ruler and supreme deity of the Soul Society. The Soul King is a mysterious figure, rarely seen or directly involved in the affairs of the Soul Reapers.
Central 46: Directly below the Soul King is a council known as the Central 46. Comprised of 46 members, this council serves as the governing body of the Soul Society. They oversee the laws and regulations, deal with judicial matters, and assess and approve important decisions, such as the promotion of high-ranking Soul Reapers.
Gotei 13: The Gotei 13 is the military force of the Soul Society responsible for maintaining balance, protecting souls, and battling against spiritual threats, including Hollows and other malevolent spirits. The Gotei 13 is divided into thirteen squads, each with its own captain and lieutenant. The commander-in-chief holds the highest authority within the Gotei 13.
Moral Realm Divisions: These are considered to be an equivalent rank of the Gotei 13, but they are also a newer branch in Soul Society that has only existed for the past decade. At this present time there is only one division in each major city a Soul Reaper Compound has been erected in the mortal realm.
Captain-Commander: The Captain-Commander is the highest-ranking official in the Gotei 13 and Mortal Realm Divisions and serves as the leader of all thirteen squads. This position is responsible for making critical decisions, overseeing training and deployment of Soul Reapers, and representing the Soul Society in various matters.
Division Captains: Each of the squads is headed by a captain, making a total of thirteen division captains in the Gotei 13 and at this time nine division captains in the mortal realm, one in each of the nine mortal cities Soul Reapers have built a compound in. The captains are exceptionally skilled and powerful Soul Reapers, chosen through a rigorous selection process. They are responsible for leading their respective squads, managing their members, and executing missions.
Lieutenants: Underneath the captains are the lieutenants of each squad. The lieutenants act as the second-in-command and support their respective captains in various tasks. They take charge if the captain is absent or incapacitated and assist in squad management and decision-making.
Seated Officers: Beyond the captains and lieutenants, there are numerous seated officers within each squad. They are assigned ranks from 3rd seat to 20th seat, depending on their skills and experience. Seated officers assist in squad activities, missions, and contribute to the overall operation of their respective squads.
Unseated Officers: Unseated officers are Soul Reapers who have not yet received a position or rank within the Gotei 13 hierarchy. They are typically junior members who undergo training and gain experience before advancing to a higher position.
It's important to note that within this hierarchical structure, there is also a system for advancement. Soul Reapers can progress through the ranks based on their skills, achievements, and experience. Through various challenges, tests, and battles, they have the opportunity to rise in the ranks, with the ultimate goal of becoming a captain or achieving even greater positions of power within the Soul Society.
Hollows
A
hollow is a monstrous soul-eating spirit that results when a deceased soul is consumed by negative emotions, failed to returned to the reincarnation cycle after a protracted period of time or is forcibly converted into a hollow by other hollows. All hollows have masks attached to their faces and a hollow hole somewhere on their bodies; they also have a tendency to attack those who were close to them in their human lives, which they superficially have no recollection of. Hollows possess individual
reishi and intensify it through devouring any soul they come across.
The Hollow evolution has 5 Stages, and most all of them show a clear progression of power. A Demi-Hollow being the initial stage, and Vasto Lorde being the final stage. The only stage that seems to be less straightforward is the humanoid
Arrancar, which is a deviation of common Hollow evolution.
Demi-Hollow: is a
Jibakurei, an earthbound spirit that is evolving into a Hollow. It usually takes a while for the earthbound spirit to fully transform into a Hollow, but this process can be sped up by forcing the hole in their chest to open. The Demi-Hollows are held down by chains, usually to a place they consider to be their territory. They are usually only seen when a Human steps on their territory and cannot be easily sensed by Shinigami.
Normal Hollow: these are what hollows start as, they are often driven by impulse and an instinct to feed. While they lack a recollection of their former life, they seem drawn to the people that were formerly in their life and attempt to devour their souls. In rare cases, some semblance of higher intelligence is maintained, but often this is limited until the Hollow has consumed a sufficient amount of souls.
Menos: are created when the void within an ordinary Hollow's heart becomes so substantial Human souls are incapable of sustaining it, at which point it begins devouring fellow Hollows. These cannibal Hollows are attracted to one another, and a mass inter-devouring follows, resulting in a Gillian. Following this transformation, the Gillian can evolve twice more, first into an Adjuchas and finally into a Vasto Lorde.
- Gillian: are the first and weakest of all Menos. They all look alike, making them easy to physically identify. In Soul Society, they are the "Menos" who are generally referred to in textbooks. Gillians are powerful and huge, but they are also slow and have beast-like intellect. Their power is enough to overwhelm some Soul Reaper lieutenants, but most captains are able to defeat a Gilian with relative ease.
- Adjuchas: are the second classification of Menos. They are smaller than Gillians and far fewer in number than Gillian. They are much smarter and stronger than Gillians. Adjuchas are commonly solitary creatures and are powerful enough to face off against Soul Reaper Captains.
- Vasto Lorde: are the third classification of Menos and the highest level of evolution. They are extremely rare. The combat capabilities of a Vasto Lorde are said to be above those of Soul Reaper captains.
Arrancar
An
arrancar is a hollow which has gained Soul Reaper-like characteristics through the removal of its mask, thus resulting in an increased combat versatility and a more humanoid appearance. The transformation of a hollow into an arrancar can occur either naturally or artificially.
Arrancar and ordinary Hollows differ in several ways:
- Humanoid Form: A Menos usually takes on a Human shape when it becomes an Arrancar. The only ones that will definitely get a 100% Humanoid form are Vasto Lorde-class Menos. For the remaining two levels, there are many who don't get a completely Humanoid form, despite becoming Arrancar. Therefore, the closer one looks to a Hollow, the lower its power of reasoning. There have been Arrancar who have claimed that they gave up their Humanoid forms in order to obtain enormous power. All Arrancar retain a hole in them somewhere, as well as fragments of their Hollow form (in the shape of protrusions and partial masks). A number of Arrancar have tried to conceal the remnants of their past whilst others choose to hide their faces completely to escape unwanted attention. Most also have a colored marking of some sort on their face, although some only gain these markings upon the release of their Zanpakutō.
- Physiology: It is theorized that Arrancar share not only the powers of Shinigami, but also their anatomy.
- Estigma : The pattern on an Arrancar's face. It is potentially the remaining part of a mask and is unique to each individual. The pattern may appear when performing Resurrección for many Arrancar.
- Hole: One of the most distinctive characteristics of an Arrancar is the hole in their body. It is said to represent the lack of a heart that is difficult to fill.
- Zanpakutō: The Arrancar seal the nuclei of their abilities within the form of a sword. It is entirely different from what Shinigami use. When they release their Zanpakutō's seal, they unleash their true power and their true form. The combat efficiency of an Arrancar with a released Zanpakutō is increased several times over. Therefore, an Arrancar's release of their Zanpakutō is merely a temporary restoration to their former selves, granting them any powers their Hollow form possesses. The act of release is called Resurrección, which is activated with a command phrase followed by the name of the sword.