Gojo stans, with the latest Jujutsu Kaisen chapter out it's clear we are going to have to wait awhile to see if Gojo is permanently gone. But don't lose hope, Gege Akutami has already hinted at Satoru Gojo's return in JJK.
Spoilers ahead for anyone not caught up on the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.
JJK 252 has begun circulating on the internet and while it provides an interesting look at the ongoing battle with Sukuna there is still no sign of Satoru Gojo. Gojo, who was killed by Sukuna in Chapter 236. Fans all over the world were shocked, as no one expected Gege Akutami to kill his most popular and powerful character. After so much build up to Gojo being the strongest, he met with a bizarre and frankly unsatisfying end. This led many fans, like myself, to uncover if it was possible for Gojo to return. And if we are being honest– anime (manga) math and plarmor are real things, so anything can happen.
However, there is actual evidence from the mangaka himself that Gojo can and will return before the end of Jujutsu Kaisen. Not only has Gege alluded to this possibility in current chapters as well as the scene itself, but he's laid the groundwork for Gojo's return going all the way back to The Hidden Inventory Arc.
Gojo Satoru's Death – How did Gojo die?
During The Culling Game arc, Gojo was finally released from the Prison Realm where he was sealed away during The Shibuya Incident. It's clear the two are more evenly matched in strength, compared to other opponents they have faced, and the battle waged on. Gojo wasn't able to body Sukuna in one move as he had done in the past with other sorcerers and cursed spirits. Despite Sukuna having Megumi's body and access to his 10 Shadows Technique, Sukuna was unable to get the upper hand on Satoru. As Gojo predicted back when Yuji asked him if he could beat Sukuna, Gojo dominated for most of the fight.
“Nah, I'd win.”
Except, he eventually lost. However, Gojo's death was in the most uneventful, lame manner ever. It seemed out of place, anticlimactic, given the buildup to this fight and the powers Gojo possesses. Readers everywhere felt like if Gojo was meant to die it would have to be done in a better way. When Toji “killed” him before, it was far more dramatic even though it obviously wasn't Gojo's true end.
Like it or not, Gojo has died in the manga, after his body was chopped in half. Since Chapter 236, the story has shifted to focus on different fights without a mention really of what happened to Gojo, or at the very least where his body may have ended up. Is Gojo really dead? The answer is not as conclusive as you might think. In the world of manga/anime, no one is ever truly dead unless you see them completely disintegrate (ahem Nobara could still be alive). While this isn't Star Wars or Dragon Ball, Gege Akutami has laid the groundwork for Gojo's return, starting with his death scene.
Gojo's Return
First let's look at the pages surrounding his death in Chapter 236. Gojo was seen on a plane of existence, hovering between life and death. This isn't unusual as most characters in JJK experience this at the time of their deaths. He is shown speaking with his friends and those he has been closest to during his lifetime. At this moment, there is a mention of going north and south. Those who are content with their ending (and lives) go north while anyone that seeks change goes south. All of his friends head north, and Gojo tells them goodbye, it seems he is choosing to go south. One, it is odd that he says goodbye to his friends if he plans on spending the afterlife with them. (note: this could be a mistranslation) Two, this concept of north and south is tied to Buddhism, something Gege has already shown is tied to Gojo, Geto, and others. South in Buddhism is meant for enlightenment, which could point to Gojo coming back stronger than ever as he has finally reached an enlightened state.
Kashimo also arrived immediately after the battle to face Sukuna which could give Gojo the time he needs to heal himself or allow someone like Ui Ui to get Gojo to Shoko for healing.
Fight With Toji Fushiguro
Second, there is evidence from Gojo's fight with Toji Fushiguro that points to him not actually being dead. During The Hidden Inventory Arc, Toji killed Gojo by stabbing him through the neck. However, Gojo makes a surprising return, revealing that his impending death allowed him to unlock the ability Reversed Curse Technique (RCT) which he used to heal himself. In short, if Toji had cut his head off, this wouldn't have happened. Gojo may be cut in half, but his head is still very much attached.
Baka Survivor – Gojo’s Revival
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 239 is titled Baka Survivor and it focuses on the fifth between Kenjaku and Takaba. What's interesting about this is the title Gege chose to use. Gege is a fan of the anime/manga Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Bo x 7 or Bo-bobo), and the song Baka Survivor served as the second opening for the series. Taking inspiration from other works is common, but this title could mean something more for Gojo. One of the characters of that manga, Tokkoro, meets a sudden death that seemingly happened without much explanation. Tokkoro was also sliced in half like Gojo, dying in the story. However, Tokkoro was revived later in the story.
Is Satoru Gojo Really Dead?
Honestly, we don't really know. Now that may make me and others sound delusional but I feel like there is strong evidence to support his return. I have a feeling he will return stronger than ever and firmly take his place as the strongest when he wipes up the page with Sukuna, or at the very least helps Yuji (the overlooked MC, sorry Yuji) truly defeat this evil.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available to read via Viz Media. Find it on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps.
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