Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 261: Discarding Your Humanity in Order to Win
Chapter 261, probably the most anticipated chapter to date, reveals Gojo Satoru returning to the battlefield.
Kind of, but not really. Sorta.
To what Sukuna thought was [once] The Strongest Sorcerer rising up from the grave was actually Yuta Okkotsu in Gojo’s body.
It’s an uneasy revelation.
This was a chapter I had to sit with for a couple hours. As I didn’t feel entirely stoked nor did I thought the reveal was underwhelming. Without a doubt, this is one of the more crazier chapters, but it’s just like “damn.”
If anything, I’m shocked by the lengths they’re willing to go to fare against Ryomen Sukuna, and it certainly shows in this chapter. It simultaneously begs the question:
What does it means to be a monster in the world of jujutsu?
Gojo, Sukuna, Mahito, Toji and arguably Maki are all individuals who threw it all away to reach new heights, separating themselves into a class of their own. Sukuna stands at the pinnacle, having once been a human who discarded all of his humanity.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a tragedy within the story’s subtext. There is an element of inherent unfairness that plagues every character. If you’re weak, it’s due to one’s own birthright. If you’re strong, then you’re expected to shoulder the responsibility and be used as a weapon.
Gojo Satoru represented the latter and it still rings true even after his death. Outside of being a teacher, much of his value came from the strongest sorcerer around.
And, arguably, Yuta Okkotsu understood his teacher best and knew what needed to be done in the event Gojo died. In a room full of his comrades who stood in opposition, Yuta exclaims that they shouldn’t always place the burden on Gojo to become a monster. He’s willing to take on the mantle of if it means they will have a chance.
And in his final breaths, Yuta became something inhumane. After all, he’s up against a calamity known as the King of Curses. In a last-ditch effort, Yuta is putting his life on the line.
I don’t expect Yuta to win. The one advantage he may have in the domain clash is his ability to apply the sure-hit effect onto a specific target. Theoretically, this should allow Yuji and Todo to be inside Unlimited Void without risk. And assuming Yuta manages to win the domain tug-of-war, then it should bring Sukuna closer to being incapacitated, therefore saving Megumi, etc.
A bigger issue is Yuta’s fate by the end of this. Mei Mei states that he likely die within 5 minutes (due to his Copy technique) or live on in Gojo’s body forever. Regardless of the outcome, I cannot picture Yuta remaining in his sensei’s corpse by choice.
Knocking over Yuji, a crazed Sukuna shows acknowledgment towards Yuta, stating he’s underestimated him. Amazed at the inhumane role Yuta has taken on, Sukuna prepares for battle.
Interestingly enough, we’ll get an answer to…
