In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20, also known as Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 44, viewers discover the fate of Nobara Kugisaki and witness the ongoing battle between Mahito and Yuji, which is interrupted when Aoi Todo arrives to rescue Yuji. Additionally, the episode bids farewell to Mechamaru. This episode adapted chapters 126-128 and a portion of chapter 133, with Studio Mappa once again altering the timeline to align more closely with the original chronology intended by Mangaka Gege Akutami. Despite this adherence to the source material, the episode's pacing was notably quicker than in the preceding two episodes.
In the last episode, Mahito's doppelganger deceived Nobara, causing her to lower her defenses as the Original used Idle Transfiguration on her. Nobara expressed sorrow over not being able to reunite with her friends Fumi and Saori. Before succumbing to her injuries, she shared some emotional parting words with Yuji.
Please note that this article contains analysis and references to typical violence in the series. Reader discretion is advised.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20 shows Aoi Todo’s entry and Mechamaru’s farewell
Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara in the past (Image via MAPPA)
The 20th episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 is called "Right and Wrong, part 3." It starts with a flashback of Yuji and Megumi's time in school with Nobara, where they bonded over accidentally ruining Gojo's costly shirt.
The scene opens with Nobara lying motionless on the ground and Yuji beside her, visibly distressed. The narrator describes how the ongoing trauma of the recent massacre, defeat by Choso, and loss of Nanami has taken a toll on Yuji's willpower. Nobara's death proves to be the breaking point, causing Yuji to completely lose his resolve to fight.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20: The sparks of black
Mahito seized the opportunity and unleashed Black Flash on Yuji. The narrative exposed that, with the right skill and ability, even a Curse could unleash Black Flash. Mahito taunted Yuji for coming to Shibuya with the intention of wiping out insignificant Curses as if the sorcerers were engaged in pest control.
With his wavering determination, Yuji failed to grasp that this was a battle between Curses and humans; between truth and the narrow view of justice held by sorcerers. It was a clash between the instinct of a Curse to kill without hesitation and the human inclination to save without hesitation. This clash would determine which species would prevail as dominant.
Mahito observed that Yuji never tallied the number of Curses he had "killed," much like how Mahito never kept track of the humans he had killed. As Yuji lay still, defeated, Mahito attempted to deliver the final blow. However, he suddenly found himself on the opposite end of the platform as Aoi Todo used his Boogie Woogie technique to switch their positions.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20: We are the exception
Mahito identified Todo as the one who had previously fought Hanami. Yuji lamented that he had set out to assist others, only to lose the people he cared about and become an instrument for a massacre. Todo reminded him that they were Jujutsu Sorcerers with a duty to uphold the will of those who had passed. Their actions impacted not only themselves, but a larger community.
A sorcerer's pursuit of a rational and honorable death may not be possible. Despite the noble search for such an end, a Jujutsu sorcerer must continue to fight until they meet their fate. To live is to battle; this is the destiny of a Jujutsu sorcerer, and the will of Yuji's comrades that he has been entrusted with.
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20, Todo and Arata enter the Shintoshin platform at 11:09 pm to find that pseudo-Geto (Kenjaku) has escaped with Gojo and the Prison realm. Their mission shifts from rescuing Gojo to saving their fellow Jujutsu sorcerers. Despite Yuji's condition, Todo chooses to keep this information to himself.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20: Arata Nitta and Nobara Kugisaki
Arata heals Yuji (Image via MAPPA)
Arata Nitta, a first-year at Kyoto High and Akari’s brother, accompanied Todo. Arata’s Cursed Technique could freeze injuries at their current state, preventing them from worsening and stopping any bleeding. However, any future damage would affect Yuji as usual. Arata used the technique on both Yuji and Nobara. Despite Nobara’s lack of pulse and breath, Arata reassured Yuji that her chance of survival wasn’t zero.
Arata fell back with Nobara while Yuji regained his determination. As Todo and Mahito clashed, Yuji intervened and struck the Curse with Black Flash. The skirmish persisted as Todo also landed a blow on Mahito with Black Flash.
The narration in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20 revealed that all three combatants had unleashed 120% of their capabilities. Mahito observed that Todo’s soul was intact, while Yuji's soul was only at 10%. Mahito himself had 40% of his soul remaining, sustaining damage from Nobara's attack.
To widen the scope of the battle, Mahito broke the roof of the station and brought all three of them above ground as the fight continued.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20: Mechamaru’s farewell
As depicted in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20, Mechamaru bid farewell to Miwa. Meanwhile, on a train departing from Shibuya, Miwa was located by one of Mechamaru’s drones. The drone conveyed to her that Mechamaru had arranged for Miwa, Mai, Momo, Kamo, and Utahime to board the train away from Shibuya in order to ensure their safety.
Todo was permitted to go because of his survival capabilities, and Arata was allowed to accompany him because of his valuable Cursed Techniques. This made Miwa question whether Mechamaru had never sought help due to her perceived weakness and lack of utility.
However, Mechamaru reassured her that his reluctance was not due to her, but rather, his inability to bear the idea of her coming to harm. With his remaining cursed energy fading, Mechamaru said his last goodbye to Miwa. As she sobbed, the rest of the Kyoto group made the decision to head to Shibuya.
Final thoughts
Yuji and Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 20 (Image via MAPPA)
The 20th episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 provided a much-needed sense of relief for fans following a series of setbacks. Additionally, the episode offered a glimmer of hope for Nobara. Throughout the narrative, there were subtle reminders not to completely give up on Nobara's survival, which kept audiences hopeful. While the manga had not been as ambiguous about character deaths before, Mangaka Akutami's approach has left many fans optimistic about Nobara's potential return. Conversely, the episode solidified the finality of Nanami's fate, with Yuji finally coming to terms with his loss.
Yuji's recollection of Nanami in episode 20 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 shed light on the crucial role Todo plays in Yuji's life. Todo's words, unwavering belief, and strength not only uplifted Yuji but also motivated him to overcome his challenges. Similarly, Yuji's presence serves as a catalyst for Todo to surpass his own limitations.
As the Culling Game arc unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Yuji has been deeply affected by the events in Shibuya, but has repressed his trauma. This unresolved issue is bound to resurface. However, in the meantime, he finds the strength to fight with the help of Aoi Todo. The upcoming episode will showcase Mahito's remarkable evolution and adaptability, and is expected to conclude the battle with the iconic "Yuji Chasing Mahito" scene. If Mappa maintains this pace, the second season may encompass the entirety of the Shibuya Arc.
Related Links:
Episode 21 release date
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Complete Schedule
Major Deaths in the Shibuya Arc
Shibuya Arc Timeline
Shibuya Arc locations
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was thrilled to watch the latest episode, "Right and Wrong, part 3." The episode delivered intense action, emotional moments, and thought-provoking themes. The arrival of Aoi Todo to save Yuji from Mahito's clutches was a highlight, showcasing Todo's unique abilities and unwavering loyalty to his fellow sorcerers. The episode also provided closure to Nobara's storyline, with her emotional farewell to Yuji adding a touch of poignancy to the intense battle.
The exploration of the clash between Curses and humans, truth and justice, was particularly intriguing. Mahito's perspective challenged Yuji's beliefs, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of their world. The idea that a Curse's instinct to kill is matched by a human's inclination to save without hesitation raises profound questions about the nature of conflict and the consequences of one's actions. The episode also emphasized the weight of being a Jujutsu sorcerer, with Todo reminding Yuji of their duty to uphold the will of those who have passed and the impact of their actions on the larger community.