Jujutsu Kaisen: Will Gojo Come Back?
As Volume 26 of Jujutsu Kaisen is soon set for release (April 4th), fans are speculating about potential hints regarding the return of Gojo Satoru.
It has become yet another divisive topic in the community, but many aren’t taking into account what his would mean for the story. Gojo may certainly be able to lend significant hand towards the defeat of the King of Curses, but at what costs?
From the beginning, Gojo aimed to nurture a new generation of sorcerers with the potential to surpass him someday. He envisioned a future where he would cultivate sorcerers capable of bringing great change to the jujutsu world.
Gojo Satoru could overthrow the higher-ups if he wished, but they’d only be replaced and he’d just be exiled from jujutsu society, which would have led to serious repercussions and his dream for the future all for naught. B
Examining Gojo’s defeat
From the dialogue, themes, character interactions, and the overall setting, Chapter 236 marked the conclusion of Gojo’s character arc and it was where his tale needed to end. He was unable to defeat Ryomen Sukuna nor save Megumi, but that job was entirely left for his students to finish.
In his final moments, Gojo shows neither worry nor concern for the students’ fate. Despite realizing Sukuna had been holding back, he doesn’t dread the situation they’ll come to face. Whether label it as being selfish or painfully unaware, Gojo maintains undying faith in his students’ abilities. Even in death, he places absolute trust in them, a testament to his unwavering belief
For the sake of the plot, Gojo’s loss was necessary
It’s worth recognizing the dilemma of having the pinnacle of power alongside the protagonists. With near-impenetrable abilities that can eliminate any and all threats in the verse. Essentially, the main problem is Gojo Satoru was too convenient.
So convenient that it served as a crutch for not only the plot, but for the characters as well. His presence in the way for high stakes to be made. So long as the Six-Eyes was around, there was nothing to worry about. Gojo was The Strongest, but he cannot always be there to solve every one of the character’s problems.
This presents a narrative challenge, diminishing any opportunity of tension and conflict to be effective within the story.
Much of his introduction in Jujutsu Kaisen played into the fact he could do anything and come out victorious. He’s a natural talent, yet skillful sorcerer with extraordinary abilities.
When Gojo was sealed into the prison realm, it set off an adversarial reaction. Every character, including readers were patiently awaiting for his return so he could deal with Sukuna, save Megumi, take out Kenjaku and give Geto a proper burial.
And he achieved none of that. It was never his role.
So, in order for Jujutsu Kaisen to properly develop, Gojo cannot return.
Despite all odds, there’s still hope
Gojo may have lost the fight, but his will continues to live on through his students, including the likes of Yuta, Hakari, Maki and Yuji.
Second to Gojo in unusual abilities, Yuta Okkotsu display impressive feat against the King of Curses.
The rebellious Hakari, restless gambler with superior RCT prowess, rivaling even Gojo Satoru and Ryomen Sukuna.
Maki, comparable to the likes of Toji Zenin, simiarly granted with a body of the Heavenly Restriction. Durable enough to even withstand a black flash.
And Yuji Itadori, Jujutsu Kaisen’s main character with an unbreakable will.
“Nah, I’d win”
Gojo lost the fight, but his ideals will win the war vicariously through his students, like he intended.
:Personal Commentary:
Based on this article, it’s quite clear where I stand on the matter.
Like many others, Gojo was one of my absolute favorite characters of the series. I loved how he was written from start to end.
The spread with his back to the ground will be forever ingrained into my memory.
This may be a hot take, but his off-screen demise is fitting.
Of course, it made no sense at first. After all, he should have been able to see the cursed energy welling up, having the Six-Eyes and all.
But he didn’t.
Sukuna’s world-cutting dismantle split him unexpectedly, much like how his defeat came for us readers. Using that angle, it makes a lot more sense in my opinion. And I’m not sure how else Gege would have been able to communicate that.
Now, I completely understand the discourse surrounding his possible return. The situation is looking PRETTY ROUGH. Every new contender has met the same fate and their plans are falling through.
But no matter how bad it looks, Gojo cannot return.
If he were, then it would mean the death of everything he stood for and that kind of shoehorn would only hurt the story.
