Yuji and Sukuna's concurrent development in Jujutsu Kaisen's Shinjuku Showdown arc cements Akutami's authorial skills

Modified Aug 31, 2024 20:23 GMT

Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji and Sukuna's concurrent development (Images via MAPPA)

Alleged spoilers of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268 concluded the Shinjuku Showdown arc, with Yuji's domain essentially scraping Sukuna's off of Megumi's body. Although the conclusion of the fight has received mixed reactions, many fans revisited the entire arc and noticed how Yuji and Sukuna essentially switched their ideologies throughout the fight.

Sukuna's entire philosophy revolved around his overwhelming sense of self, and valuing himself as the sole individual of concern to him. This philosophy was eventually broken down due to Sukuna's own growing attachment to Gojo, while Yuji simultaneously developed a very similar philosophy during the arc.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji and Sukuna's switched roles

Sukuna as shown in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

Sukuna was established as an individual completely detached from humanity and cursed spirits, not referring to even himself as a cursed spirit, as he consistently reaffirmed his status above humans through his conceited demeanor and dialogue. Sukuna stated that his value as an individual is determined solely by himself; others can neither define his worth nor impose any role or title on him.

All of his arrogant dialogue, along with his actual abilities, established his identity as “Sukuna.” However, this “overwhelming sense of self” started to erode during his fight against Gojo.

Gojo as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

This confrontation left him more eager to face Gojo than any other sorcerer. Even during the early chapters of the Sukuna vs. Higuruma fight, Sukuna appeared visibly bored, as Gojo had essentially given him an identity as “Gojo’s opponent.”

Gojo’s relentless taunts and talent chipped away at Sukuna’s identity, forcing a role upon him and making Gojo someone of value to Sukuna. In his dying breath, Sukuna finally referred to himself as a “curse,” thus abandoning his identity as “Sukuna.”

Yuji as shown in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Simultaneously, Yuji underwent an opposite transformation. He initially viewed himself as a “cog” in the world, fulfilling a role without any individual identity or value. However, throughout his fight against Sukuna, Yuji reaffirmed his own value and the value of every person as an individual, acknowledging that many aspects of an individual matter more than any role they may have.

During the Shinjuku Showdown arc, Yuji abandoned his previous mentality of seeing himself as a mere cog with a predetermined role, finally beginning to recognize the inherent value within himself. Meanwhile, Sukuna, who had always valued himself above humans and cursed spirits, was forced to embrace his “role” as a “curse.”

Final thoughts

Yuta Okkotsu as shown in the anime (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Sukuna met his end in chapter 268 of the manga at the hands of Yuji. While it has been stated that Sukuna's soul will not be able to survive in the single remaining finger due to all 19 fingers suddenly getting purged, there is a very slight possibility of a plot twist by Gege which might pave the way for a continuation into a part 2.

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 268 will officially be released on September 1, 2024. The upcoming chapters will mainly serve as an epilogue to the manga, with chapter 271 being the final chapter.