Gojo: How Gojo's shocking loss in Jujutsu Kaisen shaped Yuji for the final battle, explained

How Gojo's shocking loss in Jujutsu Kaisen shaped Yuji for the final battle, explained

Modified Oct 15, 2024 17:30 GMT

Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Jujutsu Kaisen's Gojo Satoru is arguably one of animanga's most popular characters since the series' inception. It took the character very little to wow viewers and leave a lasting impression on fans and non-fans alike. Gifted with seemingly untouchable abilities, he stood as the "Strongest Sorcerer of the Modern Day."

Mentor to protagonist Yuji Itadori, Gojo faced an unfortunate fate. Due to his overwhelming strength, he was cast aside (via him being sealed) for a substantial while and then later bowed out (death) of the series completely. Of the 3 times that Gojo faced defeat, it was the Shibuya Incident that impacted his mentee, Yuji, and prepared him for the final showdown.

This article will focus on how Gojo's loss in the Shibuya Arc led to Yuji Itadori developing and being shaped for the final bout against Ryomen Sukuna.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Gojo's defeat in Shibuya moulded Yuji for the final clash

Gojo face-to-face with the Prison Realm (Image via MAPPA)

To begin with, the Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen was a major turning point. It practically paved the way for the rest of the series to flow. Kenjaku knew that in order for the Culling Games to begin, the biggest obstacle, i.e., Gojo Satoru, had to be removed. Since he did not have the means to kill him, the next best option was sealing him away.

Hence, the cunning sorcerer devised a plan to isolate the Six Eyes user and leverage the body he was inhabiting (Suguru Geto) against Gojo. Given Gojo and Geto's past, it was obvious that Gojo couldn't react fast enough and was sealed away. With the biggest hurdle out of the way, Kenjaku had no one to stop him. But Gojo's sealing was also significant in Yuji's growth.

From the very beginning, Yuji and Gojo had been shown to have a close relationship. Teacher and student aside, they shared something deeper and unique. He wanted to protect the boy from the execution ordered by the higher-ups, even going as far as to conceal Sukuna's final finger in an attempt to delay it indefinitely.

At Yuji's end, he viewed Gojo as more than a mentor. He saw Gojo as a close friend and as a figure he could rely on at any moment. But the information of Gojo's sealing was akin to getting hit in the chest. This incident set off the chain events that took place during the Shibuya Incident, which fans know led to Yuji breaking.

He did not witness the actual sealing but definitely felt a surge of anguish. The one he looked up and relied upon was now gone. The stranger who took him in and protected him and the teacher who taught him the ways of the Jujutsu world fell as he watched on helplessly. Even though he was the strongest, Kenjaku showed that Gojo could be toppled.

It was this revelation of Gojo's defeat that shook Yuji. The subsequent incidents just further contributed to breaking his spirit. But even through all this, Yuji came out with one goal—save Gojo. He did not have time to lament, only accept. That is exactly what he did. He understood that the villains were unpredictable and powerful and couldn't be afforded any leeway or hesitated against. He developed a sort of courage that contributed significantly in the latter half of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Final Thoughts

Yuji's bond with Gojo was unique in the way Gojo bonded with Megumi Fushiguro. He acted as sensei and protector of the pink-haired boy, ever present to lend him a hand when needed and impart valuable lessons. But Gojo's fall was the push that compelled Yuji to stand strong against the overarching threats.

According to the overall picture, Gojo being sealed was necessary for Jujutsu Kaisen to proceed. Had it not happened, he would have likely been able to mitigate a lot of the damage caused. Moreover, Kenjaku would have a much tougher time kicking off the Culling Games, having his hands full with dealing with Gojo.