Intense Showdown: Unleashing Heian-Era Sukuna - Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238

In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 238, the expectations were high for an intense battle between two powerful sorcerers from the past. However, Mangaka Akutami surprised readers by killing off yet another character off-screen. Furthermore, the long-awaited showdown between Ryomen Sukuna and Yuji Itadori was teased, along with hints of Yuji's Cursed technique.

The previous chapter introduced Hakari and Uraume entering the battlefield, beginning their own fierce battle. Just before being trapped in Hakari's Domain, Uraume passed a weapon to Sukuna through their ice. This weapon appeared to aid Sukuna in recovering his original body and potentially killing Megumi. Sukuna then confronted Kashimo, who had unleashed his own Mythical Beast Amber Cursed Technique.

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 238 is titled “Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 15.”

Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 238 marks the final moment of Hajime Kashimo as Itadori and Higuruma enter the battle with Sukuna

In Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238, an image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami showcases Sukuna's form. Kashimo affirms that Sukuna's form is flawless. Despite the distortion of his body, Sukuna can freely use two hands to sign while still having two hands available. Additionally, even if he chants with one mouth, he can still breathe through the other without any hindrance to his bodily functions.

Using his two weapons, Kamutoke and Hiten, Sukuna exterminated the Sun and Moon squad as well as the Five Void Generals of the Northern Fujiwara clan. He also emerged victorious against the Angels and the Desshi Pacification Squad of the Abe Clan, the remnants of the Sugawara clan. In a series first, Sukuna employs his chants for the Dismantle attack, which cleaves the ground in half. Kashimo realizes that this devastating attack has put an end to Satoru Gojo. Although he puts up an entertaining fight, Kashimo is unable to escape the onslaught of Sukuna's consecutive Cleave attacks.

In Kashimo's Vision, Sukuna serves as a reminder that as the most powerful, the only form of affection they experience is through the trials posed by others. To reciprocate this love, one must defeat their adversary with utmost respect.

Sukuna firmly embraces his hedonistic dominance and confidently declares to Kashimo that love holds no value. The narrative then shifts back to the battleground following the presumed downfall of Kashimo. Hakari's Domain barrier shatters, yet his facial expression during his descent implies that he remains unconquered.

Higuruma Hiromi and Itadori Yuji daringly leap down alongside them, with Yuji's forearms appearing to morph into savage claws and an exoskeleton. As soon as Sukuna lays eyes on Yuji, he promptly begins to ridicule him.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238 analysis

Kashimo jumped down onto the battlefield (image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami)

In chapter 237, Hakari emerges above Uraume as Yuji and Higuruma descend from a higher point. This suggests that the viewing room is positioned directly above the battlefield, likely protected by a barrier or someone's Domain. This would explain Yuta's belief that he could reach Gojo in time in chapter 235, despite lacking any teleportation abilities.

The battle between Hakari and Uraume appears to have caused no injuries, indicating that its purpose was to prevent interference. Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238 does not clarify the victor between Hakari and Uraume, but it does suggest that Yuji simply shattered the Domain itself, as he had previously done with Mahito's Domain.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238 showcases Sukuna uttering his chants for the first time, highlighting their significance. Interestingly, he did not find it necessary to employ them against Gojo, raising questions about whether he needed his original body for this ability. The fate of Kashimo also remains ambiguous, but there are strong indications that he meets an untimely demise off-screen.

Yuji and Higuruma make an appearance (Image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami)

Yuji's forearms appeared to possess a distinct, bony protrusion, resembling sharp edges, while his hands displayed the growth of claws. As Chapter 222 hinted at a potential association between Yuji's Cursed Technique and body-swapping, the specific nature of his technique remains unclear.

There are three primary theories surrounding this Transfiguration. The first theory proposes that it is an Imprint of Sukuna's Technique. The second theory suggests that Yuji consumed the last finger and has found a way to harness its powers. The final theory is linked to his identity as a Death Painting Womb.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 238 review

Sukuna on love (Image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami)

Sukuna's perspective on love provides valuable insights into his mindset. Chapter 238 of Jujutsu Kaisen emphasizes that Sukuna values strength itself, but not necessarily the individuals who possess it. Despite this, he acknowledges Kashimo and Satoru as the strongest alongside himself, despite their inferiority.

Sukuna is resolute in his beliefs, unapologetic and unwilling to change himself for the sake of being understood. Unlike Gojo and Kashimo, he is not concerned with loneliness and does not feel compelled to seek companionship from others.

While Sukuna remains passive, simply reacting to whatever comes his way without actively seeking anything, it is this very aspect of his character, combined with Yuji’s appearance and the gripping fight sequence, that could have made Chapter 238 of Jujutsu Kaisen one of the series' finest. Unfortunately, Akutami undermined his own efforts by unexpectedly killing off Kashimo without showing it on-screen.

Final thoughts

Gege Akutami's proficiency in writing emotional scenes is undeniably impressive; however, he often struggles with providing his readers with the necessary breathing space to fully digest and process these moments. In essence, Akutami excels in building up the intensity but often neglects to allow for a gradual descent. This tendency is evident in the Shibuya Incident arc, serving as a prime example of this recurring pattern from our highly talented Mangaka.

The demise of Gojo in chapter 236 (Image via Shueisha/Gege Akutami)

Within just three chapters, Akutami has mercilessly ended the lives of two beloved characters, along with one who was quickly gaining a devoted following. Furthermore, he has woven in a startling twist involving Sukuna's Original form, while also delivering an equally astounding revelation through the utilization of Yuji's Cursed technique.

There must be space for all of this to be processed. Although Akutami cannot provide that emotional space through his characters' reactions, readers will have a chance to reflect on the deaths of Gojo and Megumi as the manga takes a break next week. Hopefully, when the manga returns in Weekly Shonen Jump issue 46, it will not introduce yet another death. Stay tuned for more anime news and manga updates as 2023 continues.