Jujutsu Kaisen has been on break due to mangaka Gege Akutami's health conditions. While fans have been sending their best wishes to the author, there is also quite a noticeable tension regarding the story itself.
The most recent chapter witnessed Yuta/Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna engage in a Domain battle. However, this time, the Demon King quickly approached and landed a blow directly on Yuta/Gojo. To make matters worse, the chapter concluded with the sight of Rika howling while clutching Yuta's lifeless body.
Given the complications associated with Yuta's boldness, there could be something that everyone is missing - Yuta might need to die for Gojo to return.
Disclaimer: This article is speculative in nature.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuta dying might be the key to Gojo's return
Diving straight in, a theory has been formulated that Gojo's return may depend on Yuta kicking the bucket. While this might seem cruel, it could be the only way to finally stop the Demon King, considering that every possible method and plan has been exhausted.
To begin with, Yuta Copying Kenjaku's technique and transferring it into Gojo's body was a massive risk in itself. As listed by Mei Mei, the consequences spelled death for Yuta in 2 of 3 possible outcomes. Moreover, in one of the outcomes, no one knew what would happen once the 5 minutes of Rika's full manifestation were up.
Although Yuta Copied Kenjaku's technique, he likely possessed little knowledge. Only Kenjaku knew perfectly well how to use it, evidenced by his long life. Further, despite having access to Gojo's arsenal of techniques, he is likely unable to wield it well, considering that he has already taken a hit.
Thus, Yuta may have known these facts and yet taken the risk. He could have been aware that quite literally jumping into Gojo's shoes might not be enough. So, in a bid to move towards beating Sukuna, he possibly entered into a Binding Vow - His and Rika's death would result in Gojo's return, i.e., getting revived.
As per Jujutsu Kaisen, Binding Vows are contracts that can result in greater power or achieving a goal. In this case, Yuta and Rika sacrifice themselves to allow Gojo to return to life. Given the different types of vows, something like this is unheard of and would catch even Sukuna off guard.
If this happens, it will stand as the "True Price of Love." In one way, Yuta's death will cause Rika to vanish, as stated in the series' lore. But in another sense, Yuta's love for his sensei will push him to make the ultimate sacrifice, something Sukuna can never begin to understand.
Final thoughts
This theory takes place among the plethora of Jujutsu Kaisen postulations that surfaced as the story progresses. There were numerous ifs, buts, and whats, and each time, it turned out to be an absolute curveball, thanks to the genius and skillful writing of Gege Akutami.
In any case, Yuta already looks to be having a bit of a hard time against Sukuna, and a theory like this seems plausible. If it turns out to be true, it will be a one-of-a-kind Binding Vow. If not, the worst will materialize as fans will finally find know what happens after the crucial 5 minutes.
Related links:
- Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 261: Yuta returns to fight Sukuna as Gojo and Kenjaku's deaths become final
- Did Yuta doom himself by doing the unthinkable in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explored
- Yuta's death in Jujutsu Kaisen could open the doors for Yuji to achieve his Domain Expansion