Jujutsu Kaisen has captivated a global audience, becoming a leading force in anime and manga. The series reached a fever pitch with the highly anticipated Gojo vs. Sukuna battle, culminating in the shocking death of Gojo Satoru in chapter 236. This pivotal moment sent ripples through the fanbase, sparking intense discussions and theories.
In a confrontation that redefined the limits of Jujutsu sorcery, Gojo, the seemingly invincible sorcerer, was defeated by Sukuna. The King of Curses unleashed a devastating attack, amplified by Mahoraga, that cleaved not just Gojo, but space itself. While many anticipated a difficult fight for Gojo, the manner of his death, particularly an off-screen depiction, left many fans feeling underwhelmed and seeking answers. How could Gojo’s seemingly impenetrable Limitless technique be bypassed? The question on everyone’s mind became: “How Did Gojo Die?” after the release of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 236, which brought the epic clash to a definitive, albeit controversial, end.
Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, specifically chapter 236. Proceed with caution if you are not caught up.
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 236: Unpacking Gojo’s Defeat Against Sukuna
The release of Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 236 sent shockwaves through the anime and manga community. Gojo Satoru, a beloved and central character, met his demise in a brutal showdown with Sukuna. This battle, long-awaited and heavily theorized, finally delivered a conclusion that was as impactful as it was divisive. Fans immediately searched for answers, desperate to understand the specifics of Gojo’s defeat.
The core question echoing across the internet was, “How did Gojo die?”. The answer lies in the intricacies of the battle strategy employed by Sukuna, specifically his reliance on Mahoraga, the Adaptable General. From the beginning of their clash, it was evident that Sukuna’s strategy hinged on exploiting Mahoraga’s unique abilities to overcome Gojo’s seemingly invincible Infinity Technique.
Read more: Why does Gojo wear a blindfold in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Mahoraga’s role was absolutely crucial in Gojo’s death. Sukuna strategically used Mahoraga to target and disrupt Gojo’s Infinity. Mahoraga’s power wasn’t about brute force; it was about adaptation. It began adapting to Gojo’s Cursed Energy, specifically focusing on neutralizing the very foundation of the Infinity Technique. This subtle yet profound manipulation of Cursed Energy around Gojo was the initial step in rendering his ultimate defense vulnerable. This set the stage for the devastating attack that would ultimately lead to Gojo’s tragic end.
The decisive moment unfolded in chapter 235, where Mahoraga unleashed a slash attack that was unlike anything Gojo had faced before. This wasn’t merely a powerful physical attack; Mahoraga’s adaptation allowed his slashes to transcend conventional boundaries. Instead of just targeting Gojo’s body, the slash extended its reach to the concept of space itself.
Read more: Where is Gojo from & where did he live as a child in Jujutsu Kaisen?
This ability to manipulate and cut through space meant that Gojo’s Infinity Technique, which relied on manipulating space to create an untouchable barrier, was rendered completely ineffective. Mahoraga’s attack bypassed the very principle upon which Infinity was built, leading to a fatal blow that Gojo could not defend against.
Chapter 236 depicted the grim aftermath. Sukuna stood over Gojo’s bisected body, delivering a chilling statement that underscored the futility of even Infinity against the power to cleave the world itself. This moment solidified Sukuna’s victory and marked the definitive end of Gojo Satoru as the strongest jujutsu sorcerer.
Sukuna gazing at Gojo’s sliced body (Image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami)
The shocking nature of chapter 236, where Sukuna definitively surpassed Gojo, left fans reeling. Despite the creator’s known sentiments towards the character, Gojo remained a fan favorite. This made his death even more impactful, yet the off-screen presentation of such a monumental event felt like a disservice to many. The strongest sorcerer of the modern era, defeated in a way that happened outside the reader’s direct view, fueled disappointment and debate.
Read more: Akutami could be setting up a Gojo vs Sukuna rematch in Jujutsu Kaisen
The unexpected and heartbreaking death of Gojo has left a significant void in Jujutsu Kaisen. Fans are now left to grapple with the series’ future without his presence, eagerly anticipating how the narrative will unfold. Amidst the grief and shock, a glimmer of hope, however faint, remains. Could there be a possibility of Gojo’s revival? Speculation surrounding the Reverse Cursed Technique (RCT) has emerged, fueled by the fact that Gojo’s head remained attached to his body, suggesting a potential path for healing.
Final Thoughts: The Unlikely Revival of Gojo
Ryomen Sukuna in Yuji’s body (Image via MAPPA)
Ultimately, Mahoraga’s adaptability and manipulation of Cursed Energy were the keys to Gojo’s downfall. Its spatial slashes overcame Gojo’s defenses, proving that even the seemingly absolute power of the Infinity Technique could be surpassed. This echoed abilities seen in other manga, like Yami’s dimension-slashing in Black Clover, highlighting a narrative trope of attacks that ignore conventional defenses.
Despite fan hopes, Gojo’s revival appears improbable. While comparisons to Gojo’s near-death experience against Toji, where he unlocked his full potential, offer a sliver of optimism, the circumstances are drastically different. The arrival of Kashimo and others to capitalize on Sukuna’s weakened state further diminishes the likelihood of Gojo’s immediate return. Furthermore, the widely known sentiment of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s creator, Gege Akutami, towards Gojo makes a miraculous comeback feel even more unlikely.
Unless a significant plot twist is on the horizon, Gojo Satoru’s death seems to be a definitive turning point in Jujutsu Kaisen. The series moves forward, irrevocably changed by the loss of its strongest sorcerer, leaving fans to ponder the future and the void left by Gojo’s absence.
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