Analyzing the Power Gap: Why Gojo Failed to Overcome Sukuna

Highlights

In the highly anticipated battle in Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna and Gojo finally clashed, and it certainly lived up to all expectations. However, it was Sukuna who emerged victorious, thanks to his unparalleled understanding and expertise in Jujutsu sorcery.

Sukuna was able to secure victory by utilizing his cursed technique, Dismantle, effectively. This was made possible by studying Mahoraga's assaults on Gojo's Limitless technique, which enabled Sukuna to redirect his attacks towards the area where Gojo occupied rather than directly attacking Gojo himself.

Although Gojo ultimately suffered defeat, his impact continues to reverberate throughout the world of Jujutsu. He has succeeded in nurturing a new cohort of formidable sorcerers who are committed to upholding his principles and challenging Sukuna's beliefs.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Jujutsu Kaisen 236, "The South" by Gege Akutami, translated by John Werry, and Lettered by Snir Aharon, available in English from MangaPlus.

The battle between Sukuna and Gojo was highly anticipated from the very beginning of the Jujutsu Kaisen story. It was one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in modern anime. With the manga's build-up spanning over 200 chapters, hinting at an eventual clash between the current era's strongest sorcerer and the King of Curses, this fight was destined to go down in history. Starting from Chapter 222 until Chapter 236, this epic battle certainly lived up to the hype.

How Did Sukuna Win?

Despite the relentless exchange of spells and the impressive sorcery skills exhibited by both Gojo and Sukuna, they finally confronted each other with all their might in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 235. In this chapter, it appeared that Gojo had the upper hand. However, it wasn't until the subsequent chapter that we discovered Sukuna had actually emerged victorious. Shockingly, Sukuna hadn't even exerted his full power, effortlessly defeating Gojo without unleashing his true strength. Although it may be difficult to comprehend, there are two primary factors that account for Sukuna's triumph.

Sukuna possesses unparalleled knowledge and mastery of Jujutsu sorcery. Unlike other powerful characters in the series, he has been alive for approximately 1000 years, enabling him to accumulate an extensive understanding of cursed techniques and Jujutsu sorcery in general. Consequently, he is able to fully comprehend any cursed technique upon witnessing it. This is precisely demonstrated when he encounters Megumi's Ten Shadows technique.

Throughout the entire battle against Gojo, Sukuna appeared to be on the defensive and hesitant to initiate attacks, particularly with his own cursed technique. As a result, he relied heavily on Mahoraga to carry out most of the fighting on his behalf. While many fans mocked him for this, Sukuna had his reasons. It was later revealed that his technique was ineffective against Gojo's Limitless, which led him to employ Mahoraga as a blueprint.

Mahoraga possesses a unique ability to adapt to any opponent he faces, given enough time. As he adapted to Gojo's Limitless technique, he was able to deal significant damage to Gojo. This allowed Sukuna to observe and modify his own cursed technique, Dismantle, to mirror Mahoraga's adapted attacks.

Consequently, a highly powerful ability was created - a Dismantle slash capable of cutting through space itself. As Limitless can nullify all attacks against it, Mahoraga's adaptation revealed to Sukuna that the only way to surpass Limitless was not by targeting Gojo directly, but by targeting the very space Gojo occupied.

Sukuna's Philosophy

Think of a dot drawn on paper with a pen or permanent marker. While an eraser cannot remove the dot, tearing the paper at the location of the dot can. This level of perception and complete mastery over sorcery is the primary reason why Gojo could not surpass Sukuna's level, despite Gojo being an immensely powerful individual himself.

In Gege Akutami's remarkable storytelling, the characters he has created find themselves dwelling in a world where their strength knows no equal. This immense power naturally exposes them to a profound sense of isolation, a recurrent theme that profoundly shapes the character arcs of Gojo and Hajime Kashimo. These extraordinary individuals stand so far above the rest that they cannot help but feel detached even from their closest comrades.

Despite being much stronger than both of them, Sukuna is a character who refuses to let alienation and isolation define him. In a dream sequence following his battle with Kashimo, Sukuna reveals that there was someone who tried to teach him about love and why he, of all people, can never experience it. However, he rejected this notion completely.

Sukuna explains to Kashimo that both he and Gojo were being selfish by feeling alienated, and that it was their own fault for allowing these feelings to limit their power. According to Sukuna, their perspectives were warped, and they did not need someone else on their level to understand what it means to be loved. As the strongest individuals who have won countless battles and defeated numerous opponents, they are loved and respected by those they have conquered.

According to Sukuna, they were all adored for their formidable power. This is why numerous individuals willingly engaged in battles against them, hoping to prove their own strength. By confronting the mightiest adversaries, these people demonstrated their affection by sacrificing their lives. Sukuna, in turn, reciprocated this sentiment by honoring their desire to perish at their hands. He emphatically states that if this isn't love, then he is unsure what love truly is.

What Does This Mean for Gojo?

It is an awe-inspiring and deeply touching moment that truly defines Sukuna as a character. Above all else, he yearns for power and refuses to let emotions shape or hinder him. He follows his own desires, which is the reason why his capacity to develop and become stronger is truly remarkable.

Although Satoru Gojo is undoubtedly the second strongest character in the entire Jujutsu Kaisen universe, he never stood a chance against the King of Curses. Gege Akutami made it quite apparent in manga Chapter 236 and beyond that Sukuna had yet to unlock his most powerful form, despite Gojo putting up an impressive fight.

Nevertheless, Gojo's impact on the Jujutsu world will endure indefinitely. Although he couldn't replicate Sukuna's accomplishments or embrace his way of life, Gojo achieved something that will ultimately bring about Sukuna's downfall. Through the meticulous plan he initiated from the very beginning of the series, Gojo has paved the way for a new, even more formidable breed of Jujutsu sorcerers who uphold his ideals.

Right from the start, Gojo aimed to revolutionize the entire Jujutsu realm by forging powerful alliances that not only share his beliefs but also combat evil in direct opposition to Sukuna's beliefs. With the next generation armed and prepared solely thanks to Gojo's efforts, we eagerly await the implications for the King of Curses.

Read Jujutsu Kaisen for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps via Viz Media. The highly anticipated Chapter 240 of Jujutsu Kaisen is scheduled to release on October 29, 2023.