The dynamic between Gojo and Geto in Jujutsu Kaisen stands out as one of the most compelling aspects of the series. Mangaka Gege Akutami has meticulously developed the dynamic between these two best friends, making it one of the most heartfelt and noteworthy elements of the show.
Despite the duo's fate meeting its end long before the main narrative begins, their bond continues to be a major topic of discussion in the fandom. Even after they go their separate ways toward the end of Gojo's Past Arc, Gojo and Geto's bond remains evident and its impact is felt throughout the story.
While other dynamics, like Yuji and Megumi or Yuji and Todo, emerge later in the narrative as the story progresses, the significance of Gojo and Geto's bond remains unmatched. It stands as the most powerful and carefully crafted duo in Jujutsu Kaisen, cementing its dynamic as one of Akutami sensei's finest creations in the series.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion and contains spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Readers' discretion is advised.
Gojo and Geto's dynamic in Jujutsu Kaisen is a testament to mangaka Gege Akutami's brilliant storytelling
Shonen series are often defined by their compelling character dynamics, with iconic examples like Kishimoto-sensei's Naruto-Sasuke or Kakashi-Obito, Oda-sensei's Sanji-Zoro, Togashi sensei's Gon and Killua, and Horikoshi-sensei's Deku-Bakugo, among others.
Akutami-sensei's Jujutsu Kaisen is no exception, featuring a range of character dynamics throughout the story. However, the most significant of these is the relationship between Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto.
Although their bond began to deteriorate after Riko Amanai's death, leading to Geto's eventual downfall and their separation, the connection between Gojo and Geto remains until Geto's final moments, and perhaps even beyond.
After choosing the path to eradicate all non-sorcerers and create a world exclusively for sorcerers, Geto experienced a profound transformation. This change was not just in his ideology but also in his physical appearance. He donned a Buddhist robe (kesa) and grew his hair longer, crafting a new persona to fit his role as a cult leader to create his ideal world.
While the Buddhist robe was part of the "showmanship" to suit his new position, as Geto himself admitted, his long hair stands in stark contrast to the Buddhist principle of cutting one's hair as a symbol of renouncing the ego.
In Geto's case, his long hair signifies his unwillingness to let go of his ego in his quest to build the world he sought. Geto isn't the only one who experienced significant changes in appearance. His former best friend, Gojo, also went through transformations, most notably adopting his signature blindfold.
While it is said that Gojo wears it to alleviate the strain his immense power places on his eyes, the symbolism of a blindfold resonates with the fact that, for ten years, Gojo literally "turned a blind eye" to Geto's actions, choosing not to seek him out or confront what he had become.
As an adult, Gojo adopts a more mature attitude, though his goofiness remains, but in a more controlled manner than in his youth. While he seems more approachable, this contrasts with the loneliness of being the strongest.
His lighthearted demeanor acts as a barrier, keeping others at a distance and preventing them from truly understanding him. It's a way of shielding himself from forming deep connections, especially after what happened with Geto.
Gojo typically hides his eyes behind his blindfold, emphasizing his "strongest" persona. However, when he arrives to find Geto in his last moments, he does so without his usual mask, (without the blindfold or "I'm the strongest" attitude, or his usual goofy personality), both literally and figuratively.
Similarly, Geto's cult leader facade begins to slip, though not completely as his ideals, which remain until the end. He reflects on his past and his true feelings towards Gojo. As Gojo speaks his final words to Geto, his eyes as well as his words remain hidden from the audience, as if they're intended solely for Geto.
In his last moments, Gojo's words make Geto's true self emerge, the shy, almost joyful persona, in contrast to his previous facade. Gojo's words make him blush and smile one last time, giving them both a chance to show their real selves to each other one final time on that day.
In Shibuya, both Gojo and Geto once again appear without their usual 'masks.' For Gojo, this initially highlights his powers, but later reveals his vulnerability as Geto's memory becomes his only weakness, leading to his eventual sealing.
In Geto's case, a flashback shows him in casual clothes for the first time as an adult, relaxing with his adoptive daughters, Mimiko and Nanako. Without his cult-leader persona, his aura is soft and calm as he lovingly spends time with them, speaking fondly of Gojo – someone who once was one of the closest people in his life.
To conclude
The evolution of their connection is carefully crafted, with each interaction revealing more about their complicated history and emotional ties. On the other hand, other relationships in the series, such as those between Yuji and Todo or Yuji and Megumi, while still significant, don't receive nearly the same level of detail or complexity in their development.
These dynamics, although important, lack the intricate emotional layers and depth found in the bond between Gojo and Geto. As a result, Gojo and Geto's relationship was one of Akutami-sensei's most profound creations. Theirs is a dynamic that no other Jujutsu Kaisen pair can surpass.
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