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Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 was published in Weekly Shonen Jump issue 25 on Monday, May 22, at 12 AM JST. The chapter finally began the long-anticipated battle between Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna. While readers expected an attempt at saving Megumi Fushiguro, the chapter provided no such respite.
In the previous chapter, Sukuna prepared for the battle by consuming all of his remaining fingers but one, while Gojo learned about everyone they have lost. Yuji’s Cursed technique was hinted at as he trained with Kusakabe. Kenjaku planned to take down the remaining Culling Game player while Gojo and his allies would be busy with Sukuna. Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 is titled “Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 1”.
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 shows Gojo going directly into an offense against Sukuna as Utahime’s Cursed Technique is revealed
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Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 begins with Gojo and Ijichi arriving at Shibuya. Gojo learns that after his battle at Level B5, his Cursed Energy residue had prevented other curses from preying on humans. The non-sorcerers affected by his Infinite Void have all been cured. In turn, he tells Ijichi that time inside the Prison Realm is both condensed and prolonged.
A flashback reveals Gakuganji confessing to Gojo that he killed Yaga and lamenting that nobody took him to task for his misdeed. Gojo revealed that he knew the older man was just following orders. Blaming himself for getting sealed when his allies needed him, Gojo refused to point fingers and asked after Yaga’s last words as Panda eavesdropped on their conversation.
After learning that Yaga had divulged the secret of making Cursed Corpses to Gakuganji, who hadn’t yet reported it to the Headquarters, Gojo mused that things would go much smoother if the older man was at the top. Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 showed that the higher-ups had all been murdered. Back in the present, Ijichi sets up a barrier around Gojo as Utahime begins using her Cursed Technique.
Utahime’s Cursed Technique, Solo Forbidden Area, increases the Cursed Energy reserve and out for any sorcerer of her choosing, including herself, as long as they stay within her range. Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 explains that a sorcerer’s skill can be gleaned from how many necessary steps, such as hand signs and incantations, they omit before the activation of their Cursed technique.
However, both Utahime and Gojo observe every single step to activate their respective Cursed Techniques in this instance, allowing Utahime to utilize her technique at a 120% effectivity, resulting in Gojo increasing his Cursed Energy output to 200%. He then aims a Hollow Purple at Sukuna, who has arrived at Shinjuku with Uraume.
Uraume has been complaining that they know nothing about the time or venue of the proposed battle, but Sukuna remarked it to unnecessary given that he can sense Gojo’s Cursed Energy. Sukuna tries to stop the Hollow Purple but miscalculates its strength due to Ijichi’s Barrier and gets his right arm burned off. Gojo proclaims that he is the current strongest sorcerer, and Sukuna is but the challenger for the position.
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 analysis and review
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 created quite the ripple primarily for three things. Firstly, the long-anticipated battle between Sukuna and Gojo started without any preamble or discourse. Such a straight jump into action is unprecedented in the battle-Shonen genre but is exactly the thing mangaka Akutami is known for. While many fans have not taken kindly to not expanding upon the emotional undercurrent of Gojo’s return, others remain hopeful that flashbacks will serve fairly well in that regard.
Another intriguing point in this chapter is clearly the assassination of the Jujutsu Society Higher-ups. While the chapter hints that Gojo could be responsible for their demise, the scene of Yuta and Inumaki from chapter 222 implies that they might have performed the task instead. It is equally possible that Kenjaku has massacred the ruling body to create a vacuum for when he succeeds in ending the culling game.
Another interesting revelation was the disclosure of Utahime’s Cursed Technique. Many had expected Utahime’s technique to be more powerful instead of empowering. However, a technique that can strengthen her comrades will come in handy against not only Sukuna but also Kenjaku.
However, the most controversial issue in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 was Gojo going directly into an attack against Sukuna, that too with a 200% Hollow Purple, while apparently not doing anything to save Megumi. Many have speculated that after his experience with Geto and Kenjaku, Gojo has learned to prioritize the good of the many against his own need. Either way, this kind of nonchalant attitude towards the possession of his ward seems uncharacteristic of Gojo.
Final thoughts
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 223 does not show Yuji, Yuta, or other allies of Gojo. It can be assumed that they are standing as a backup in case Gojo needs help, but some of them, Hakari and Kirara especially, could have gone after Kenjaku.
Yuta and Yuji both claimed to have plans to save Megumi, therefore it seems unlikely that Gojo would try to triumph over Sukuna without having any intention of saving his student. It appears that Mangaka Akutami has not yet snuffed out the dwindling hope of Megumi’s survival.
Be sure to keep up with all Jujutsu Kaisen anime news and manga updates.
