Jujutsu Kaisen: What Is the Importance of the 0.2-Second Domain?

Jujutsu Kaisen has some of the best fights in modern anime. The characters’ powers come to the forefront, and with such great animation, we can only marvel at what Jujutsu Kaisen has to offer. Among the moves seen in the series, the Domain Expansion is certainly the strongest and one of the best we’ve seen so far. This special move deserves our attention, but in this article, we will explain one specific aspect of this technique, namely the (in)famous all-or-nothing 0.2-second Domain Expansion that Gojo first used in Shibuya. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about it.

What is the 0.2-second Domain Expansion in Jujutsu Kaisen?

As we know, Domain Expansion is a unique and potent method that allows users to materialize their intrinsic domain by employing cursed energy to create an environment within the separated space created by casting a barrier. This is a technique only high-level Jujutsu Sorceres and Curses may employ. Although a Domain must have a great deal of Cursed Energy to materialize, using it against opponents has several benefits. But, while we have already talked about this technique here on Fiction Horizon, there is a variation we have not talked about yet.

Namely, in Shibuya, Satoru Gojo became the first character to activate an all-or-nothing 0.2-second Domain Expansion. What is what, you may ask? Well, Gojo had to fight Mahito and his group of curses while being surrounded by civilians and transfigured humans. This mage was activating his Domain impossible, so the cursed spirits assumed that he would not activate it because he was not ready to sacrifice all the civilians. But Gojo tricked them and activated his Domain for only 0.2 seconds.

The timeframe was chosen because Gojo thought that being exposed to his Domain for 0.2 was all a normal civilian could handle, and he was right. The affected civilians were exposed to a six-month worth of his Domain, which left them unconscious but alive while giving Gojo enough time to deal with the transfigured humans. Gojo did not explain the technique in detail as he ended up being sealed, but we know that Mahito later activated it to cut off Aoi Todo’s arm when they fought, showing how potent it is. But, while we have explained what it is, what is its true nature?

What is the true nature of the 0.2-second Domain Expansion?

Well, based on what we’ve seen, the 0.2-second Domain Expansion is not different from a regular Domain Expansion in terms of power and ability, but it works quite differently. The user has to concentrate all of their powers in a very short time frame and deal damage that is equal to a regular Domain, which makes this one of the most complex and layered techniques in the series. It is very difficult to determine its true nature, but most fans perceive it as a technique that focuses solely on speed and nothing else and that the speed we’re talking about here refers to the outward expansion of the Domain, but there is another theory:

I’ve seen many people claim two particular things regarding the 0.2 Domain Expansion, and they are as follows:

• the 0.2 DE accomplishment is only a feat of speed and not a feat of refinement.
• the 0.2 seconds timeframe is referring to the speed of the barrier expanding outwards.

I disagree with both of the above, and I’ll explain why.

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The timeframe of 0.2 seconds is referring to how the user near-simultaneously expands their barrier AND activates + deactivates their Cursed Technique, AND deactivates the barrier WITHIN 0.2 seconds. Not that it took 0.2 seconds for the barrier to expand outwards. The fact that it is a multi-step process instead of a normal but faster expansion is indicative of a greater refinery. It’s very clear that in order to execute such a swift sequence without any mistakes, one requires a great deal of precision and finesse. The fact that this application of DE is prevalently being dismissed from being an indication of better refinement is ridiculous to me.

Now as for why the timeframe is NOT referring to the speed at which the barrier expands outwards… take a look at Todo:

He perfectly reacts to the expansion of the Domain Expansion, readying up Simple Domain. However, the problem is that Self-Embodiment of Perfection ended before Todo could even START. Todo reacted to the start-up of the 0.2 Domain Expansion, meaning he reacted to a timeframe that’s even shorter than 0.2 seconds. It was the combination of fast activation speed and unpredictability that cost Todo his arm. Hence why Satoru Gojo called it his “all-or-nothing gamble”. Hence why Mahito referred to it as his “all-or-nothing”! Hence why the following chapter had a HUGE HEADLINE saying: “It’s all or nothing!” It can’t be clearer. Why would it be considered a gamble to use the technique simply faster? The gamble is implicit of something else. The two main reasons why I think it was considered a gamble (for both Gojo and Mahito) are that:

1. This technique had its share of risks for the both of them. Gojo risked potentially killing civilians. Mahito risked being bullied by Sukuna.
2. The technique hinged on unpredictability. If the opponent predicted it, it would have been an utter waste of a Domain Expansion and could likely cost the user the fight (probably not for Gojo, but definitely for Mahito).

And for those that still think 0.2 seconds is supposed to be referring to the expansion speed… not only do we see Todo react to it (and a timeframe quicker than it), but we see him demonstrate relativity to Itadori. The same Itadori that reacted to an attack that surpassed the speed of sound. To clarify, the speed of sound makes 0.2 seconds look like slow motion in comparison. So no, 0.2 seconds isn’t referring to expansion speed, but multi-step activation speed that includes expansion speed… which is implicit of having better finesse or refinery over a Domain Expansion.

Thoughts?

Source: iHalcyonic at Reddit

Be that as it may, the 0.2-second Domain Expansion is a big enigma in Jujutsu Kaisen, but it is one of the best and strongest techniques in the series. It is a shame that Akutami never provided us with more details about it, but that is why we have provided you with all the possible angles here.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!