Sukuna’s Ideal Conclusion in Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Any Other Fate Would Betray His Principles

As the Jujutsu Kaisen manga approaches its conclusion, fans have expressed uncertainty regarding its finale. Many anticipated Yuji Itadori defeating Ryomen Sukuna, yet the resolution of their final confrontation did not resonate positively with the audience. This has led to speculation about Gege Akutami’s intentions for the series’ ending.

Despite these doubts, there is a perspective that supports Sukuna’s demise as fitting for his character. In many shonen narratives, empathetic protagonists often influence their antagonists, who may initially resist but eventually embrace empathy. However, Sukuna remained steadfast in his characterization.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.

Sukuna’s Character Consistency Defines His Conclusion in Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

The intense battle between Yuji and Sukuna emblemized a clash between an immovable object and an unstoppable force. Yuji’s unwavering soul contrasted with Sukuna’s unyielding power. Sukuna harbored disdain for Yuji’s principles and reasoning, considering ideals as meaningless and prioritizing personal desire.

This revelation raised the question: “Who could teach Sukuna about love?”The strongest sorcerers, including Satoru Gojo, Hajime Kashimo, and Sukuna himself, often grappled with profound loneliness. After Gojo’s death, he felt a sense of pity toward Sukuna. Their immense strength led many to overlook their humanity, categorizing them as monsters.

Satoru Gojo as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

Both Gojo and Sukuna represented forces of nature. Gojo maintained his humanity through conscious choices, passing down his ideals to the next generation, including Yuji and Yuta. In contrast, Sukuna perceived the world solely through the lens of strength as the ultimate measure of one’s societal standing.

Upon witnessing Sukuna “suffer”from his lack of love, those powerful enough to understand made attempts to bestow respect on him by defeating him. However, Yuji’s approach was different.

Unlike others who sought to vanquish Sukuna, Yuji demonstrated compassion. He believed Sukuna’s transformation into a monster stemmed from his loveless childhood. If given the chance to lead a human life, the outcome could have been different.

Yuji Itadori aimed to provide Sukuna with an opportunity to experience humanity alongside him. Through his domain, he attempted to reveal life’s beauty to Sukuna, emphasizing that he did not have to exist merely as a curse—he could embrace a normal life. Yuji reasoned that Sukuna’s isolation might have led to his fixation on strength, thus fostering empathy for his experience of rejection and hatred from society.

Ryomen Sukuna as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

However, empathizing with someone entails acknowledging their flaws. Clearly, Ryomen Sukuna had never confronted weakness, perceiving Itadori’s mercy as the utmost insult. In retaliation, Sukuna plotted to eliminate everyone Yuji cherished.

Ultimately, Sukuna rejected Itadori’s invitation to coexist as a human, remaining authentic to his curse-like essence. Thus, regardless of fans’ differing opinions on the conclusion, Sukuna’s narrative could not have concluded in a manner more aligned with his fundamental nature.

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