Did Kenjaku return to life in Jujutsu Kaisen finale? Mystery explained

Modified Sep 28, 2024 09:00 GMT

Did Kenjaku return to life in Jujutsu Kaisen finale? Mystery explained (Image via MAPPA)

As Jujutsu Kaisen fans delved into the final chapters of the manga, Gege Akutami delivered several twists, one of which left readers buzzing with speculation. Chapter 270, in particular, reignited curiosity about one of the series' most enigmatic characters Suguru Geto, or rather, his body.

The chapter dropped a tantalizing clue about a hidden identity when Takaba and an unknown companion were having a quiet meal. It is worth noting that Takaba's companion bore striking similarities to Geto. Fans have since been debating the character’s true identity, wondering if the villainous Kenjaku, who once controlled Geto’s body, had somehow made a return.

The possibility of Kenjaku’s return sparked intense discussion, but as the series reached its conclusion in chapter 271, it became clear that Jujutsu Kaisen would leave this mystery unresolved.

Gege Akutami teased a character resembling Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 270

Fumhiko Takaba as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

In chapter 270, the story briefly shifts to Takaba, who is seen enjoying a meal with someone whose identity remains obscure. The figure’s broad frame, hair, and posture immediately reminded fans of Suguru Geto, the body that Kenjaku had once possessed to devastating effect.

While Akutami cleverly avoided showing the character's face, the hairstyle — a distinctive half-up, half-down look closely mirrored that of both Geto and Kenjaku when he used Geto’s body.

Given Takaba’s previous interaction with Kenjaku during the Shinjuku Showdown arc, the scene further fueled the theory that the man dining with Takaba could be none other than Kenjaku himself.

The image of Geto’s iconic hairstyle, combined with his powerful presence in the plot, suggested that Kenjaku might have found a way to return even after the climactic battle. For many fans, the teaser felt like a deliberate attempt by Akutami to create suspense.

Kenjaku had manipulated Geto's corpse before, and with the sorcerer’s body seemingly revived, it wasn’t unreasonable to assume the cunning villain might be pulling the strings once more.

However, despite these clues, Jujutsu Kaisen’s final chapter, 271, did not confirm Kenjaku’s return. Hence, it is safe to assume that the character had died during the Shinjuku Showdown arc.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The unresolved identity of the mystery character from chapter 270

The mysterious character behind the conversation bubble was thought to be Kenjaku (Image via Shueisha)

As the series wrapped up, the figure dining with Takaba was never unmasked, leaving fans to wonder if they were witnessing a revived Geto, a new character in possession of Geto’s body, or merely a lookalike meant to troll observant readers.

The chapter’s ambiguous framing, with the face hidden behind a text bubble, only added to the intrigue. While the possibility of Kenjaku’s return had many excited, the final chapter provided no direct information about his fate or any potential revival.

Kenjaku as shown in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

This decision to withhold the truth about the mysterious character fits Akutami’s storytelling style. Jujutsu Kaisen has always been about balancing action-packed sequences with deeper philosophical questions about life, death, and fate.

By leaving this particular question unresolved, Akutami leaves room for readers to speculate and interpret the ending in their own ways. Perhaps it was a deliberate move to create an open-ended conclusion, allowing fans to explore multiple possibilities for Geto’s future and Kenjaku’s legacy.

Takaba was shown sitting with a mysterious character in chapter 270 (Image via Shueisha)

Ultimately, the final chapter provides no confirmation that Kenjaku made a last-minute return. Although the teaser in chapter 270 strongly hints at his involvement, the manga concludes without definitively answering who Takaba’s companion truly was.

Whether it was Geto’s body under new control or merely a visual trick played on readers, Akutami closes the door on the series with this final mystery left unsolved.

Final thoughts

In the end, Jujutsu Kaisen concludes with plenty of lingering questions, and the identity of the mysterious figure with Takaba remains one of the most tantalizing. Akutami’s choice to leave this thread hanging suggests that not all answers need to be given, leaving fans to imagine what could have been or what might still come in the future, should the story continue in some form.