Why Gojo's strongest forte against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen might have been wrong all along, explored

Modified Dec 16, 2024 11:30 GMT

Why Gojo's strongest forte against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen might have been wrong all along, explored (Image via Shueisha)

The intense battle between Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga left fans amazed, sparking debates about who was truly stronger. At first glance, Gojo seemed to dominate in close combat, with his Limitless-enhanced attacks overpowering Sukuna at key moments.

However, this interpretation might oversimplify the fight. Sukuna’s struggles were not due to weakness but rather because he focused on a specific strategy involving Mahoraga’s adaptation. This raises questions about whether Gojo’s edge in close combat was his ultimate strength or merely a temporary advantage based on the circumstances.

Misconceptions about Gojo’s superiority in Jujutsu Kaisen

Sukuna and Gojo fight in the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Many fans believe Gojo surpasses Sukuna in hand-to-hand combat due to moments when Gojo landed powerful blows during their fight. With his enhanced body and mastery of Cursed Energy, Gojo appeared unmatched. Panels showing Sukuna struggling or taking damage added to the belief that Gojo’s combat skills and physical stats were far superior.

At first, this seems like a fair conclusion. Gojo’s physical strength, combined with his Limitless Technique and Blue-powered attacks, made him look unbeatable. However, this view doesn’t consider Sukuna’s strategy and his choices during the fight.

Sukuna’s strategy in his fight against Gojo

One key reason Sukuna seemed weaker in close combat was his focus on Mahoraga’s adaptation process. To adapt Mahoraga to Gojo’s Limitless technique, Sukuna had to avoid using Domain Amplification, which could nullify Gojo’s Infinity and allow direct attacks. Without this tool, Sukuna struggled to fight back effectively in close combat, leaving him open to Gojo’s attacks.

This choice wasn’t a sign of weakness but rather a strategic decision. Had Sukuna prioritized direct combat over adaptation, he could have used Domain Amplification to counter Gojo’s Infinity and fight on equal terms. This plan shows Sukuna's tactical intelligence rather than a lack of physical or technical ability.

Gojo’s temporary advantage against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo uses his Domain Expansion (Image via MAPPA)

Gojo’s dominance in close combat was also constrained by the circumstances of the fight. Inside the domain, he had only three minutes to inflict enough damage to force Sukuna to deactivate his domain. This time limit pushed Gojo to adopt an aggressive approach.

Conversely, Sukuna’s strategy was to survive this three-minute window while allowing Mahoraga’s adaptation to progress. If Sukuna had managed to endure just a little longer, the fight’s outcome might have changed entirely. Gojo’s domain would have collapsed, leaving him vulnerable to Sukuna’s Malevolent Shrine and other powerful techniques.

This narrow timeframe highlights how close the battle really was, suggesting Sukuna’s calculated risks were far from reckless.

Comparing Gojo and Sukuna's physical stats

Sukuna in his Heian Era form (Image via MAPPA)

The idea that Gojo is physically superior to Sukuna also needs rethinking. While Gojo’s tall, muscular build gives him an edge, Sukuna’s strength and resilience, demonstrated even while using Megumi’s weaker body, are remarkable. Sukuna kept up with Gojo and even landed critical blows despite this disadvantage.

Sukuna’s mastery of Cursed Energy Reinforcement and his innate physical power are undeniable. His striking strength is comparable to Gojo’s. For instance, Gojo’s Blue-enhanced punches devastated durable fighters like Hakari and Yuta, just as Sukuna’s hits had a massive impact on Yuji, who is known for his extraordinary physical strength.

Final Thoughts

The battle between Gojo and Sukuna wasn’t just about strength or technique, it highlighted their versatility and intelligence. Gojo, known for his mastery of the Limitless and Infinity, also excelled in hand-to-hand combat and raw power. Similarly, Sukuna, famous for his brute strength and cursed energy control, showed incredible strategic thinking and adaptability.

Their fight revealed a balance rather than clear superiority in any one area. Sukuna’s ability to hold his own in close combat, despite his limitations, challenges the idea that Gojo is unquestionably better in this aspect. Instead, their battle shows how evenly matched they were, with the outcome hinging on razor-thin margins.