Sukuna’s Character Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen: A Foreseen Transformation

The final chapter 271 of Jujutsu Kaisen was released on September 30, 2024, and it presented a surprising transformation in Sukuna’s character, shifting from the notorious King of Curses to a being who yearned for a different type of rebirth. This evolution may have been foreshadowed by his actions in the earlier arcs, particularly during the Culling Game arc.

Revered as the strongest sorcerer of the past, Sukuna confirmed his formidable reputation during the flashback segment of the Culling Game, living life strictly on his own terms. His reincarnation, however, served as the initial hint that he may not have entirely dictated his own fate.

Deep down, Sukuna exhibited a caring demeanor, yet he was unable to express it due to society labeling him as a demon. This likely ties back to his origins as an unwanted child, a fact revealed during his dialogue with Kashimo. Ultimately, his defeat by someone with a pure heart signified his destined transformation.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series and reflects the author’s opinions.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Unpacking the Foreshadowing of Sukuna’s Transformation in Chapter 271

The King of Curses as depicted in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 271, readers witnessed a final confrontation between Mahito and the King of Curses. Though Mahito had already perished, he resurfaced as a vestige at the cycle’s beginning (the phase from which a cursed spirit is reborn). He mocked Sukuna’s inability to live purely according to his will as the strongest and his subsequent defeat by Itadori.

While Sukuna did not refute Mahito’s claims, he acknowledged that he lived based on his emotions. Furthermore, he expressed a desire to forge a different path should he ever be reborn, which caught Mahito off guard, expecting a more traditional response. Nonetheless, Sukuna conceded that his loss necessitated his change.

Historically, Ryomen Sukuna was feared as the strongest sorcerer during the Heian Era, evoking dread in both cursed spirits and sorcerers alike. However, the narrative detailing Sukuna’s rise to power reveals a more complex story.

During the Culling Game arc, following Gojo Satoru’s demise, Kashimo entered the fray to battle Sukuna. As the confrontation unfolded, flashbacks provided insight into Sukuna’s past, where he confessed to being selfish, indifferent to others, and living life strictly by his own design.

In addition, Sukuna shared that he was born an unwanted child, branded as a ‘curse’ due to his appearance, fueling his quest for vengeance against humanity. This backdrop cast light on his relentless pursuit of becoming history’s most powerful sorcerer.

However, these aspects seem contradictory because if Sukuna had indeed lived autonomously, he would ideally find peace in his death without seeking rebirth as a curse, which defied reality. This contradiction suggests an underlying complexity within him that led to the transformation evident in the final chapter.

Sukuna and Jogo as portrayed in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite his malevolent and fearsome reputation, Sukuna retained his humanity, aspiring to witness others reach their full potential. This sentiment was notably directed more towards cursed spirits than humans. During his battle against a special-grade cursed spirit, Sukuna surprisingly commended it for its resilience and ability to exhibit its true prowess.

A similar scenario occurred with Jogo, where Sukuna unexpectedly praised his efforts—something unusual for his character. Thus, his gradual transformation was hinted at in the clash against Kashimo, illustrating aims that were merely a facade.