Jujutsu Kaisen fans are misunderstanding why Kusakabe said "It's Gojo's fault for not killing Itadori"

Modified Sep 26, 2024 13:06 GMT

Gojo and Yuji as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen anime (Image via MAPPA)

In the latest Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 269, Kusakabe's remark, “It's Gojo's fault for not killing Itadori,” has sparked significant debate within the fan community. With mangaka Gege Akutami's acclaimed manga series nearing its conclusion and only two chapters remaining, this comment from Kusakabe has left a majority section of the fandom unsettled.

Kusakabe's statement not only appears to criticize one of the series' most pivotal characters Gojo, but also comes across as particularly harsh and insensitive toward Yuji, as it's made right in front of him. Many fans have taken to social media sites to voice their disapproval, feeling that the remark is out of place and disrespectful given the situation.

However, Kusakabe's comment may have been misunderstood. While it may seem blunt and cold on the surface, the intention behind it might not be as insensitive as it initially appears. Instead, it could serve a deeper narrative purpose.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Readers' discretion is advised.

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 269: Kusakabe's "It's Gojo's fault" remark may carry a deeper meaning than it appears on the surface

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Jujutsu Kaisen has finally concluded the jujutsu sorcerers' final battle with Sukuna, which ended in Sukuna's demise. As the series approaches its end, the remaining chapters are tying up loose narrative threads.

In chapter 269, when the protagonist trio, Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara, reunite with the other sorcerers, Yuji attempts to apologize. However, Kusakabe cuts him off with the controversial statement:

"It's Gojo's fault for not killing Itadori way back when."

This remark by Kusakabe has sparked intense reactions in the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom. Many fans find his comment cold, insensitive, and unnecessary, stirring up discussions and frustration for its timing and harsh tone.

A closer look at why Jujutsu Kaisen fans are upset over Kusakabe's comment

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Firstly, fans view Kusakabe's comment as both uncalled for and insulting toward Gojo, a beloved character who played a crucial role in weakening Sukuna before the other sorcerers continued the fight after Gojo's death. Many claim that Kusakabe's contributions to the battle were minimal, making his criticism of Gojo seem out of place and even comical.

Additionally, many find Kusakabe's suggestion that Gojo should have killed Yuji sooner to be highly insensitive. They feel it's unfair to blame Gojo for giving Yuji (someone Kusakabe himself calls a "kid") a chance at life, rather than following the Jujutsu society higher-ups' decision to execute him.

Fans believe Gojo's decision to give Yuji an opportunity should not be seen as a fault, and criticize Kusakabe for making such a cold statement. Fans also find Kusakabe's comment particularly cold and cruel towards Yuji, as it implies that it would have been better if Gojo had killed him from the start.

Not only is it harsh to suggest killing a young "kid" who mistakenly ingested Sukuna's finger, but making such a blatant remark right in front of Yuji himself makes the statement all the more insensitive. Given these factors, the fandoms' reactions to the comment are understandable.

Assessing how Kusakabe's remark might be misinterpreted and could actually carry a harmless implication

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That said, Kusakabe's statement might have been misinterpreted. Another perspective suggests that his comment wasn't intended to support Yuji's early execution or to blame Gojo but rather to reassure Yuji and alleviate his guilt.

Kusakabe might have meant to emphasize that the events weren't Yuji's fault and that the responsibility lies with the adults who failed to protect them. And Kusakabe's later statement supports this notion:

"Itadori is a victim of Kenjaku's jujutsu terrorism."

He implies that everyone's actions influenced the outcome and it was beyond Yuji's control. As such, the younger generation, including Yuji, Megumi, or Yuta, shouldn't feel guilty. Instead, he asserts that the adults should shoulder the responsibility and be blamed for the situation.

This perspective suggests that Kusakabe's words may have been intended to offer support to the younger generation and shift the focus of responsibility, rather than serving as a harsh critique as it initially seemed.

Gojo had always tried to take away the burden from young sorcerers to let them enjoy their youth. He didn't want anyone else to face the pressure and stand up to the unnecessary expectations of the Jujutsu higher-ups. In putting the blame on Gojo and making them feel less responsible about the incidents that transpired because of Kenjaku and Sukuna, Kusakabe was also honoring the legacy of Gojo.

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Edited by Dishani Dutta