7 Better Ways Jujutsu Kaisen Could Have Brought Nobara Back Than What Akutami Did

Even before the numerous theories surrounding Gojo’s return, fans of Jujutsu Kaisen have been speculating about Nobara’s comeback for a long time. While her survival after nearly dying from Mahito’s Idle Transfiguration in the Shibuya Incident arc was once seen as unlikely, chapter 267 has solidified the belief of her return among most fans.

Despite Jujutsu Kaisen coming to an end with chapter 271, numerous fans have voiced their disappointment with Gege Akutami’s handling of Nobara’s return. After the intense events of the Shibuya Incident arc, it is clear that there were several prime opportunities for Nobara to make a more impactful comeback and solidify her role in the final battle.

Please be aware that this article may contain spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series.

Possible Improvements for Nobara’s Reintroduction in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 256 and Other Key Points

Chapter 256 of Jujutsu Kaisen

Megumi as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

In Chapter 256, readers were given their first glimpse of Megumi inside Sukuna, which confirmed the latter’s status. This also solidified the separation between Sukuna and Megumi’s souls.

After Yuji and Megumi’s conversation, Nobara could have quickly returned to assist in a joint attack on Sukuna’s soul. This would have been an opportune moment for her to rejoin the fight, as her ability to target souls would have been effective in harming Sukuna without harming Megumi’s soul.

Perfect Preparation Arc

Maki as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

The Perfect Preparation arc may have been short, but it made a significant impact as Maki underwent character development and reached a power level on par with Toji. Along with the introduction of Hakari, this arc also marked the tragic death of Yaga.

The potential was there to foreshadow Nobara’s eventual return by hinting at her recovery through glimpses or mentions, adding another layer of intrigue to be unraveled in the later story arcs.

Chapter 251 of Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuta as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

After chapter 251, Yuta’s use of Cleave on Sukuna became a highly discussed topic within the fandom. Many believed that Yuta had devoured Sukuna’s final finger, and the story at this point was full of unknowns, with Yuji’s soul-targeting powers and Dismantle yet to be revealed. It was a tangled web of enigmas waiting to be unraveled.

Nobara’s return at this time had the potential to add even more complexity to the mystery, leading up to Yuji’s use of Dismantle to uncover the final finger’s existence and his subsequent transformation into a pseudo-Sukuna.

Culling Games Arc

Yuji and Megumi as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The Culling Games arc was filled with numerous noteworthy moments, as several characters were granted power-ups and introduced. Yuji and Megumi both underwent significant development in their respective battles against Higuruma and Reggie Star.

Gege could have applied a comparable strategy with Nobara by gradually establishing her strength and importance in the narrative through her inclusion in this arc.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 259

Sukuna as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Chapter 259 undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Yuji and the entire cast, as Sukuna unleashed his devastating “Fuga” and destroyed a vast area, taking down both Choso and Yuji. Although Choso’s death played a crucial role in Gege’s exploration of Yuji’s character and eventual awakening, Nobara’s intervention with her Soul Resonance against Sukuna’s most powerful attack would have greatly amplified her impact.

This would have also provided her with the opportunity to repeatedly strike and injure Sukuna.

6) Gojo and Sukuna’s Timeskip Battle

Gojo as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Chapter 221 marked the release of Gojo, who wasted no time in immediately challenging Sukuna. Their epic battle began in chapter 223, with only one chapter separating the two events. However, within the story, several weeks had passed during this time, as shown in chapter 222 which featured a training montage for the sorcerers.

During these chapters, Nobara’s unexpected reappearance could have strengthened her recovery and foreshadowed her future role in the ongoing battle, as well as laying the foundation for a potential comeback by the sorcerers in the later stages of the fight.

This would have been a gentle re-introduction, allowing for an opportunity to explain Nobara’s return and adding further complexity to the mystery surrounding Sukuna’s last finger.

7) After the Passing of Higuruma

Higuruma as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

The death of Higuruma was a significant turning point in the Sukuna battle, as numerous characters appeared at once to confront him. It also signified Yuta’s entrance into the fight and a joint attack on Sukuna by Yuta and Yuji.

Despite being seen as a desperate attempt and one of the initial steps in Yuta’s plan against Sukuna, the impact of Nobara’s return and Yuta’s entry would have been even greater.

Nobara’s return during this period would have further solidified the plan as a desperate measure, employing a complex combination of techniques and deception. Additionally, it would have allowed Gege more time to fully develop Nobara’s role and the impact she would have on the fight.

Final thoughts

Nobara’s comeback was unveiled in chapter 267 as she utilized the soul resonance from a distance to strike Sukuna. Despite the story having only four remaining chapters, there is a chance that the next installment of Jujutsu Kaisen, chapter 268, scheduled for August 25, 2024, will provide further insight into Nobara’s return.

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