Why did Toji not like Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained

Modified Nov 07, 2024 13:30 GMT

Gojo Satoru and Toji Fushiguro (Image via MAPPA) — Gojo Satoru and Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Jujutsu Kaisen's Gojo Satoru and Toji Fushiguro stand as immensely loved characters from the series. Quite literally at the opposite ends of the Jujutsu spectrum, fate had them matched up against each other during the Star Plasma Vessel Incident.

While Toji did not particularly dislike Gojo himself, it was his disdain for Jujutsu society and sorcerer families as a whole that made him target Gojo. Gojo was the modern day's strongest sorcerer, born with a silver spoon while Toji aka the "Sorcerer Killer," was born with zero Cursed Energy (CE) and ostracized.

Such a divide did not sit well with Toji and he did what he had to escape his fate and thus further cemented himself as an outcast. Their encounter marks the presence of an intense rivalry that was short-lived but impacted the series in a significant way.

Toji's role and status in sorcerer society

Toji Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Toji Fushiguro occupied a unique role in sorcerer society. Being born without any CE meant he was viewed as an anomaly. Moreover, born into the Zenin Clan, a prominent sorcerer family, he was labelled a disappointment and mistreated. Eventually, he chose to abandon the clean and deflected, opting to live outside the traditional sorcerer society.

However, there was a trade-off, i.e., in return for no CE, Toji had Heavenly Restriction. This meant that his physical abilities were enhanced to an inhuman level, thus allowing him to become a powerful fighter and an assassin despite not being a sorcerer. His relationship with sorcerer society stayed antagonistic for the duration of his life.

He went on to become a mercenary, leveraging his skills to hunt and assassinate sorcerers for monetary gain. His disdain for the Jujutsu world was evident as he aligned with parties who opposed Jujutsu society’s norms. His mission to kill the Star Plasma Vessel led him to a clash with Gojo. This showcased his complicated bond with sorcerer society - an outsider capable of rattling its foundations.

Decisively, Toji is the embodiment of what happens to those who do not fit the rigid structure and norms of Jujutsu society.

Gojo's role and status in sorcerer society

Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Gojo Satoru stood at the pinnacle of Jujutsu society and was regarded as the strongest sorcerer of the modern day. Born into the prominent Gojo Clan, he was the first in 400 years to inherit both Six Eyes and Limitless. This set him apart from his clansmen and sorcerers as a whole. Needless to say, this also gave him immense control over CE and nearly immeasurable power.

Within the Jujutsu world, Gojo is viewed more than just for his combat prowess. The title of "the strongest" means he was a pillar holding Jujutsu society up. As stated by Geto in his iconic dialogue, Gojo was viewed as being the most powerful and not Gojo himself. But even so, he had a goal - to bring about reform by preparing the sorcerers of tomorrow. Hence, he carefully nurtured and shaped his students.

He also challenged traditional Jujutsu practices, staunching and believing that they were outdated. Moreover, he wasn't afraid to oppose the higher-ups, even killing them in an attempt to bring about change.

Gojo and Toji's relationship in Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo Satoru and Toji Fushiguro share one of the series' most intense and vehement rivalries. It is underscored by their contrasting backgrounds and beliefs. Toji was born with no CE, leading to him being ostracized and rejected by his clan hence fostering a deep resentment for Jujutsu society. Elsewhere, Gojo was at the pinnacle of Jujutsu society, born with considerable power and influence.

Their clash in Gojo's Past Arc depicts the animosity of their relationship. Toji was hired by the Time Vessel Association to assassinate Riko Amanai. But to do that, he needed to deal with Gojo first. Hence, his plan to take care of Gojo was successful, revealing his weakness and awakening him to his full power.

In the end, Gojo defeats Toji with his new Hollow Purple. But this encounter left a lasting impression on both fighters. For Gojo, Toji embodied an indomitable man determined to oppose the hard reality of Jujutsu society. For Toji, Gojo represented the privileged sorcerers he disliked. Their clash highlighted the line between talent and grit, making their dynamic one of Jujutsu Kaisen's most significant.