"He's coming back": Akutami's new Jujutsu Kaisen art hints at a major character's return, and it's not Gojo

Jujutsu Kaisen volume 27 is slated to be released on Thursday, July 4, 2024. However, days before its official release, the volume's first page has leaked online. Interestingly, the leaked page included an illustration of Kenjaku in Geto's body, with blood visible on his forehead.

The picture has led fans to believe in the ancient sorcerer's return in some way or another. Notably, Yuta Okkotsu killed Kenjaku in the Shinjuku Showdown Arc. Before his death, the ancient sorcerer added a new rule to the Culling Game, giving the authority of activating the Merger event to Megumi.

Later, it was revealed that Yuta had Rika consume Kenjaku's head to acquire his Cursed Technique, which he used as a last resort against Sukuna. That said, the latest illustration has sparked interesting debates in the fandom, with some speculating that Kenjaku's return is imminent in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen manga.

Gege Akutami's official art for Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen volume 27 hints at the sorcerer's return

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An X user, @Go_Jover(Myamura) shared a leaked illustration from Jujutsu Kaisen volume 27, on Friday, June 28, 2024. The volume is set to be released on July 4, 2024. The illustration, which the user claimed is from the volume's initial page, featured Kenjaku, one of the major antagonists of the story.

The illustration depicts Kenjaku in Suguru Geto's body, with the stretch mark visible on the forehead. The sorcerer has an evil grin on his face, and he appears to be in his usual malevolent self. Interestingly, fans have pointed out that Kenjaku has blood on the stretch mark of his forehead.

Kenjaku, as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

As such, several fans feel that the sorcerer might return, even if he has perished in the manga. Considering Kenjaku is one of the most cunning villains of all time, fans believe he has what it takes to return in the narrative.

On this note, fans should know that Yuta Okkotsu sliced off Kenjaku's head in Jujutsu Kaisen after the sorcerer fought a comical battle against Takaba. Later, he stabbed his forehead, ensuring he died.

Yuta slices off Kenjaku's head in the manga (Image via Gege Akutami/Shueisha)

The latest chapters in the manga also confirmed that Yuta had Rika eat Kenjaku's head, which allowed him to acquire the sorcerer's Cursed Technique to take over bodies. That's how he took over Satoru Gojo's lifeless body to fight a death battle against Ryomen Sukuna.

Yet, the latest illustration from Gege Akutami has injected a foreboding feeling among fans, who are worried about the ancient sorcerer's return to the manga. While it's unlikely, knowing Gege Akutami as a mangaka, he can surprise fans in multiple ways.

How fans reacted to Gege Akutami's latest Jujutsu Kaisen art

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Jujutsu Kaisen fans are worried about Kenjaku's return to the narrative. The latest illustration from volume 27 has only sparked interesting discussion among fans. While some fans predict the sorcerer's revival, others have commented on the antagonist's evil aura.

"IS THAT BLOOD COMING OUT OF HIS FOREHEAD? KENJAKU IS COMING BACK" - A fan said.

"Kenjaku is going to come back i can feel gege cooking" - Another fan speculated.

"His smile is so evil and unsettling" - Another fan said.

Some ardent fans of the series have also praised Gege Akutami's artwork, mentioning how he has managed to bring out his best, despite his poor health condition. Besides that, some fans feel the merger is in the cards, especially with Gege drawing Kenjaku, whose final dream before his death was to ensure the Merger happened.

"Awesome. Gege can't stop cooking even when he's bedridden." - A fan praised Akutami's art.

"I bet he’s gonna somehow comeback through the merger" - A fan speculated.

"Time for Tengen Merger" - Another fan said.

Final thoughts

Kenjaku in Geto's body (Image via MAPPA)

Undoubtedly, Gege Akutami's latest illustration for Kenjaku has sparked an interesting discussion in the fandom. The image exudes the antagonist's menacing aura, giving fans an unsettling vibe. As such, they feel that the merger must be on the cards, and the ancient sorcerer could somehow return to Jujutsu Kaisen.