13 Surprising Moments in Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami

Fans have become accustomed to unexpected twists and deep character developments in Jujutsu Kaisen, as Gege Akutami often goes against fans’ expectations. These moments, such as the sealing of Satoru Gojo, the seemingly all-powerful character in the series, and the changes of heart in characters like Maki Zenin, and the numerous casualties that shape the meaning of being in a shonen all serve as examples of Akutami’s consistent defiance.

The paragraph clarifies that Jujutsu Kaisen is full of unexpected moments such as betrayals, complex moral dilemmas, and revelations about characters that add depth and relevance to the show. These moments not only defy viewers’ expectations but also push the story into darker and more thought-provoking territories, captivating the audience.

This article contains spoilers from the manga and reflects the writer’s personal opinion.

Unexpected Twists in Jujutsu Kaisen: Gojo’s Sealing, Nanami’s Death, and More

1) The Sealing of Gojo

Gojo's Sealing (Image via Map) — Gojo’s Sealing (Image via Map)

During the Shibuya Incident arc in Jujutsu Kaisen, fans were shocked when the seemingly untouchable sorcerer Satoru Gojo was sealed away. This unexpected twist, orchestrated by Kenjaku and Pseudo-Geto, removed the series’ strongest character and raised the stakes dramatically. It forced other characters to step up in the absence of Gojo, who was previously viewed as an invincible powerhouse.

The closure of Gojo effectively showcased the devious nature of the antagonists and paved the way for gripping character evolution and clashes of power in the series, greatly influencing the trajectory of the storyline.

Mahito’s End

Gege Akutami successfully subverted the readers’ expectations with Mahito’s death. As a cursed spirit known for destruction and sadism, many viewers anticipated an intense battle leading to Mahito’s defeat through physical or strategic means.

Despite expectations from fans that Mahito would meet his demise at the hands of Sukuna after their intense battle, Akutami took a different approach by using more psychological and figurative elements to portray this aspect. Surprisingly, Mahito was not killed, but rather absorbed by Pseudo-Geto, which was eventually revealed to be part of his plan all along.

Choso’s Relationship with Yuji

Choso's Allegiance (Image via Map) — Choso’s Allegiance (Image via Map)

Among the various surprising moments in Jujutsu Kaisen, one that stood out was Choso’s change in allegiance. When he was first introduced, he was seen as an antagonist who sided with the curses. However, after discovering his supposed familial tie to Yuji Itadori, Choso’s viewpoint completely shifted. This revelation caused an internal struggle and eventually led him to switch sides, ultimately helping Yuji and his companions.

The twist employed by Gege Akutami served as a means to delve into the themes of family, loyalty, and the intricacies of both human and non-human connections. The development in Choso’s attitude added complexity to his persona and emphasized the fickle nature of alliances in the series, keeping viewers on edge regarding the reliability of certain characters.

Maki’s Battle Against Naoya Zenin

Naoya kicks Maki through a wall.(image via Shueisha)

Despite Naoya’s use of Projection Sorcery to launch rapid-fire attacks, Maki surprised everyone with her resilience and strategic thinking during the intense confrontation between the two. Despite being outnumbered, Maki not only withstood Naoya’s onslaught, but also effectively counterattacked. Thanks to her enhanced physical abilities gained from Mai’s sacrifice, Maki swiftly gained the upper hand against Naoya.

Despite the briefness of their clash, Maki’s ability to decipher and adapt to Naoya’s movements surprised both him and the spectators. It showcased her growth as a formidable combatant and left a lasting impression among other memorable moments in Jujutsu Kaisen. Maki’s determination and skill were on full display during the battle.

Satoru Gojo’s Death

Despite his unparalleled strength and invincibility showcased throughout the series, fans of Jujutsu Kaisen were left shocked by the sudden demise of Satoru Gojo in Chapter 236. Many had believed in Gojo’s inevitable triumph over Sukuna, but it was Sukuna’s unexpected use of the Mahoraga technique that turned the tables and ultimately led to Gojo’s unexpected defeat.

This unexpected twist demonstrated the intricacies of Jujutsu Kaisen’s plot, leaving viewers stunned and emphasizing the unpredictable nature that characterizes the show’s storytelling.

Nanami’s Tragic Passing

Despite his pragmatist personality and strong sense of duty, Nanami Kento’s untimely death was a shock to everyone. He was a beloved character among fans, and many had hoped he would continue to play a significant role in supporting Yuji Itadori.

During the Shibuya Incident arc, Gege Akutami made the decision to include a particularly shocking moment in Jujutsu Kaisen. This decision resulted in the death of Nanami, a strong figure in Yuji’s life, and was met with shock and heartbreak from fans due to its brutal nature. However, this event also served to highlight the dangerous and perilous world of sorcerers and their ongoing battles, making it a worthwhile addition to the story.

Yuta Okkotsu’s Return

The return of Yuta Okkotsu was highly anticipated by fans, but Gege Akutami surprised readers with an intriguing twist that defied their expectations. As fans eagerly awaited his re-entry, they speculated on how it would unfold. However, Yuta did not make a grand entrance as a powerful ally. Instead, he returned under unique circumstances, mentioning the execution of Yuji Itadori and leaving fans on an unexpected cliffhanger.

This twist added suspense to the audiences, particularly concerning Yuta’s intentions and his involvement in the ongoing conflicts within the series, along with other memorable moments from Jujutsu Kaisen. Akutami’s handling of Yuta’s comeback not only brought a well-crafted character back into the story, but also deepened and complicated the plot.

Megumi’s Struggle

Despite fans’ expectations for Megumi to resist Sukuna, they instead witnessed Sukuna’s complete control over his body and the horrifying murder of Megumi’s sister, Tsumiki, at his hands. This traumatic event ultimately shattered Megumi’s mental state.

Despite fans’ hopes that Yuji’s assistance would lead to Megumi’s success in resisting Sukuna, it seemed that all of Yuji’s efforts were in vain as Megumi showed no desire to be saved. This was evident when he declared “That’s enough”in response to Yuji’s attempt to reach out and help him.

Despite facing numerous defeats and setbacks, Yuji Itadori remains determined to save Megumi. He believes that by harnessing their strong bond and taking advantage of Sukuna’s weakened state, he can restore Megumi’s will to live. The fact that Sukuna is also intrigued by Megumi adds a deeper level of psychological complexity, as the cursed king sees untapped potential in him that even Megumi himself may not be aware of.

May Zenin’s Sacrifice

Mai Zenin's Sacrifice (Image via Shueisha) — Mai Zenin’s Sacrifice (Image via Shueisha)

The moment of sacrifice by Mai Zenin not only surprised fans, but also had a profound impact on the story. Being Maki’s twin sister, Mai had always lived in her shadow and battled with feelings of inferiority and bitterness. Fans had anticipated Mai’s character development to revolve around her discovering her own inner strength and purpose.

One of the most impactful moments in Jujutsu Kaisen was when Gege Akutami chose to take a darker turn, with Mai sacrificing herself in order to give Maki the strength to overthrow the oppressive rule of the Zenin clan. This selfless act and the strong bond between the sisters added a layer of emotion to the narrative, highlighting the harsh reality of the jujutsu world where even moments of empowerment come at a high personal price.

Maki Zenin’s Transformation

Despite fans’ expectations, Maki Zenin’s transformation in Jujutsu Kaisen was a surprising turn of events. Despite surviving severe injuries from Jogo’s attack, Maki makes her way back to the Zenin clan in order to retrieve Cursed Tools. However, upon her return, her father Ogi Zenin makes a shocking attempt to kill both her and her sister, Mai.

Through a desperate act, Mai sacrifices herself to bestow a powerful weapon upon Maki and strip her of all Cursed Energy, resulting in Maki gaining immense physical strength. This unforeseen transformation propels Maki into a formidable force, leading her to seek vengeance for Mai’s death by destroying the entire Zenin clan, a shocking move that left fans in awe and greatly influenced her character.

11) The Passing of Junpei Yoshino

Junpei Yoshino in his transfigured state (Image via Mappa)

One of the standout moments in Jujutsu Kaisen was the death of Junpei Yoshino, which was a departure from the typical shonen tropes. With a tragic past and the possibility of finding redemption through his friendship with Yuji Itadori, Junpei was initially believed to join the protagonist and embark on a new journey.

Gege Akutami shocked readers with a devastating twist as Junpei was manipulated and ruthlessly murdered by Mahito. This unexpected and heartbreaking conclusion highlighted the series’ darker undertones and the brutal truth of the jujutsu world, leaving a lasting impact on fans of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Rika’s Passing

Riko Anamaki in the Star Plasma Vessel (Image via Mappa)

Despite taking place 12 years prior to the main story, the Gojo’s Past Arc has a major influence on the events of Jujutsu Kaisen. This particular flashback focuses on Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel who is accompanied by Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto on their journey to Tengen. Ultimately, Riko chooses to prioritize spending time with her friends over becoming completely consumed by her role.

Despite finally arriving at her destination and expressing her true emotions, Toji Fushiguro unexpectedly murders her by exploiting his lack of cursed energy. This shocking event has a monumental impact on the series, causing Suguru Geto to become more extreme and leading to the resurfacing of powerful figures like Ryomen Sukuna and Kenjaku. Even Gojo is deeply impacted by the tragic loss.

Aoi Todo Returns

Aoi Todo with his Boggie Woggie technique (image via Shueisha)

Aoi Todo’s return in chapter 259 of Jujutsu Kaisen was a thrilling and unexpected moment for fans. Due to the severe injuries he sustained during the Shibuya Incident, Todo had been absent from the series. However, he makes a dramatic comeback during the final battle against Sukuna. In his previous appearance, Todo had engaged in a fight with Mahito and lost one of his hands, leading him to believe that his Boogie Woogie technique was no longer usable.

Despite being unexpected, Todo’s return has had a profound impact on the fight against Sukuna’s Divine Flames. By rescuing sorcerers and reigniting hope among the fighters, he has once again showcased his resilience. His reappearance at such a crucial moment has promised an exciting team battle, highlighting his enduring importance and strength in the series.

To conclude

Gege Akutami’s storytelling in Jujutsu Kaisen is incredibly innovative and unique, as the series consistently delivers surprising and unexpected plot twists. Akutami skillfully develops the characters’ emotional growth and impactful losses, utilizing additional layers and a masterful framework to enhance the complexity of the story. These elements make for unforgettable moments in Jujutsu Kaisen.

The appeal of the Jujutsu Kaisen series lies in its ability to both subvert traditional genres and resonate with its audience through its shocking moments. Akutami’s imagination and ambition to create a captivating and relatable story in today’s world are evident in the series, making it a work that continually exceeds expectations and showcases his greatness as a creator.