The demise of Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen came as a shocking surprise to many fans of the series. His death was not only unanticipated but left a deep impact on viewers. The clash between Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna was arguably the most eagerly awaited encounter in the entire storyline. Enthusiasts were buzzing with excitement to witness this “Battle of the Strongest,”particularly after a foreshadowing moment where Yuji Itadori asked Gojo about his chances against Sukuna.
Although the confrontation itself met high expectations, the heartbreaking image of Gojo’s lifeless body resonated with many fans. Moreover, after his passing, he was quickly thrust back into the conflict during the Shinjuku Showdown when Yuta Okkotsu resorted to using Gojo’s body in a desperate attempt to combat Sukuna, the King of Curses.
Fast forward through 266 chapters, and with the announcement of the manga’s conclusion, there were hopes among fans for a potential revival of Gojo, especially considering the character’s immense popularity and the trend of returning characters previously presumed dead. However, this revival never materialized. Upon reflection, though, author Akutami’s choice to leave Gojo’s story unresolved stands out as a clever narrative strategy. Here’s why.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Akutami’s Decision to Leave Gojo’s Fate Ambiguous is a Stroke of Genius
Nevertheless, this borrowed technique, being just a replica of the original, was doomed to fail since Rika, Yuta’s original body’s spirit, remained tied to that vessel, not Gojo’s. Following the events of the Shinjuku Arc, no further details emerged regarding the fate of Gojo’s body, leading to speculation and theories among fans that suggest his body might still be preserved.
From another perspective, Yuta’s actions rendered Gojo a tool, as weapons typically are not discarded; instead, they become symbols. It stands to reason that rather than being given a proper burial, Gojo’s body may have been kept on display at Jujutsu High to embody his fighting spirit and the ideals he upheld.
On the other hand, Yuta’s choice represents a blend of compassion and an overwhelming dependence on Gojo. He cherished his mentor deeply, feeling that utilizing him as a weapon was the only viable option against the overwhelming force of Sukuna.
In Conclusion
The fascination with dissecting and interpreting Gojo’s storyline often veers into tragic territory. His character was envisioned as a mentor for students, a formidable force holding up the Jujutsu Society, and a catalyst for significant change.
Ultimately, he succeeded in this ambition—motivating his students to rise and break through their limitations. Despite the tragedy of his sacrifice, it served as the essential impetus for his pupils to evolve. Gojo aimed for a transformed world; therefore, he had to disrupt the entrenched order by directly confronting the higher-ups.
Creator Gege Akutami had a specific vision for Gojo, and once that vision began to materialize, his narrative arc reached its natural conclusion. Denying him a conclusive farewell was an astute choice, as further developments involving Gojo would likely hinder the story’s progression due to his overwhelming abilities and influence.
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