Kusakabe’s Potential to Realize Gojo’s Vision in Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is approaching its highly anticipated climax, and creator Gege Akutami is systematically addressing various loose ends. Numerous questions that arose throughout the narrative are beginning to find resolution, particularly following the intense conclusion of the Shinjuku Showdown.

When we reflect on the entire story, it becomes evident that the Jujutsu Society is morally compromised and fundamentally rooted in outdated values. In discussing this concept, one name stands out: Atsuya Kusakabe.

At first glance, Kusakabe may have appeared cowardly and reluctant to engage in battle. However, when the moment demanded courage, even Gojo acknowledged his strength. What truly defines Kusakabe is not his raw power, but his unwavering moral integrity and his commitment to safeguarding those around him. Given recent developments, it has been heavily implied that, equipped with Gojo’s abilities, Kusakabe could have successfully realized his vision. Here’s how.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Kusakabe’s Vision Needed Only Gojo’s Powers for Fulfillment

Kusakabe and Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Sportskeeda)

Initial perceptions of Kusakabe were misleading. It turned out that he possessed significant knowledge of Jujutsu sorcery, was braver than his demeanor suggested, and cared deeply for his comrades, particularly his students. His true qualities were on full display when Team Jujutsu High faced off against the Demon King in Shinjuku.

However, it is evident that Kusakabe did not oppose Yuji Itadori’s execution, making his position clear in the latest chapter. This mirrors Gojo Satoru’s lack of blame towards Yoshinobu Gakuganji for the death of Masamichi Yaga, his closest father figure. As discussed, the Jujutsu Society has shown itself to be corrupt, grounded in legacy values, leading to its decline.

This backdrop explains why Suguru Geto chose to defect and forge his own path, with no one to hold accountable for his decisions. Kento Nanami’s choice to step back from being a sorcerer, before ultimately returning, further illustrates this point. Interestingly, Mei Mei’s character embodies this mindset, focused solely on financial gain and her own safety alongside her brother’s. Furthermore, Jujutsu High itself can be perceived as an insular group harboring a potentially world-threatening entity.

Kusakabe during the Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Focusing on Kusakabe, his aspiration was to preserve the status quo. Like Yuji, Kusakabe viewed himself as simply another component in the machinery sustaining the world. Importantly, it wasn’t until the shift in Gojo and Geto’s dynamic that conscious sorcerers began to emerge. To elaborate, Geto was profoundly affected by his experiences and sought to rebuild society but lacked the strength to do so. In contrast, Gojo had the capability but initially lacked the resolve to initiate a clean break until Geto became the figure he did.

This pivotal moment led Gojo to abandon his former self, evolving into a more monstrous likeness akin to Geto. He recognized that creating a fresh start would require a revolution, yet he remained uncertain whether the next generation could endure such upheaval, prompting him to prepare them. Along came Yuta Okkotsu and Yuji, reinvigorating Gojo’s faith in the upcoming generation, allowing him to finally sever ties with the past and pass on the torch.

However, outside this transformative process, the status quo persisted, and frustrations grew over Gojo’s ability to incite change at will. Returning to Kusakabe’s perspective, he was all about “intellectual sincerity,”as Mei Mei put it—his goal was to safeguard as many individuals as possible. With Gojo’s influence and formidable powers at his disposal, he could have potentially achieved the Jujutsu societal reform he desired.

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