In the thrilling finale of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, the much-anticipated afterlife scene of Sukuna, the fearsome Cursed Spirit has mesmerized followers all over the globe. This crucial moment not only offers a deep resolution to Sukuna's arc but also acts as a robust reminder of an earlier, equally significant scene where the powerful Curse, Jogo, took center stage.
Through this clever narrative mechanic, Gege Akutami, the mangaka, has intertwined a narrative that's both emotional and full of character growth, deeply affecting readers.
Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 271's callback to Jogo's farewell
In chapter 116 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, during the climactic Shibuya Incident arc, Sukuna faced the powerful Curse, Jogo. During the grueling fight, Sukuna's intimidating flames overwhelmed Jogo, who had to accept the inevitability of his death.
In a very meaningful dialogue, Sukuna exhibited gratitude and respect for Jogo, saying "Stand proud" and urging him to leave the world with pride. This scene carries a heavy emotional weight and reveals a more nuanced side of Sukuna's character — one that's not purely evil but, instead, has a human side.
The same vital scene is echoed in chapter 271, where the afterlife is revisited, but this time Sukuna takes the lead role. Accompanied by his loyal servant, Uraume, Sukuna is in a reflective mood, struggling to come to terms with a newly emerged sentiment: the feeling of defeat.
The similarity between Jogo's feelings and Sukuna's emerging emotions is not just a narrative device but also a deep exploration of how these characters have grown.
Sukuna's evolving perspective throughout the Jujutsu Kaisen series
As Uraume, overwhelmed with emotion, starts to cry, Sukuna’s response signifies a shift from his earlier treatment of Jogo. Rather than ridicule these unguarded moments, Sukuna offers a comforting presence to Uraume.
By placing his hand on Uraume’s shoulder and leading them down the path together, this tender gesture marks a departure from Sukuna’s usual ruthless demeanor, signaling a quiet transformation within the Cursed Spirit.
In his encounter with Jogo, Sukuna couldn't grasp the emotion of defeat, as he had never experienced it himself. However, his own defeat at the hands of Yuji Itadori seems to have opened a new door in Sukuna's psyche. Seeing Uraume’s tears — an expression of vulnerability he had previously neglected — now evokes compassion in the once-callous Cursed Spirit.
Jujutsu Kaisen: The significance of Akutami's narrative choices
Gege Akutami's decision to weave these parallel scenes is a testament to the his masterful storytelling. By drawing a connection between Jogo's farewell and Sukuna's afterlife experience, Akutami not only heightens the emotional impact of these moments but also highlights the nuanced character development of Sukuna himself.
The subtle shift in Sukuna's perspective, from his initial dismissal of Jogo's emotional state to his empathetic reaction towards Uraume, speaks volumes about the complexities of the Cursed Spirit's psyche.
This narrative choice underscores the author's ability to craft a rich and compelling character arc, one that challenges the readers' preconceptions and invites deeper reflection on the nature of power, defeat and the human condition.
Final thoughts
The afterlife scene in the Jujutsu Kaisen finale, which greatly reminds the audience of Jogo's farewell, is the best part of Gege Akutami's epic storytelling.
By connecting the tools of these touching scenarios to a single whole, like the cross-off of Sukuna's story arc, the author also inspires us to reflect on the deep meanings behind power, loss and the human condition.
As the story of Jujutsu Kaisen comes to an end, this narrative strategy will be a fundamental reminder of the richness and profundity of Akutami's world crafting.