Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 13: Jaw-Dropping Brilliance Unleashed!

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13, also known as Red Scale, has received high praise since its release on October 19, 2023. The animation, intense fight between Choso and Yuji, and attention to detail have contributed to its memorable impact.

Within the ongoing chaos of Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc, this particular fight holds significance beyond the participating characters. Despite some minor setbacks, the Shibuya Incident arc stands out as superior compared to previous story arcs, and episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 serves as a prime example of its excellence.

Disclaimer: The forthcoming analysis will entail spoilers for the manga Jujutsu Kaisen, particularly the Shibuya Incident arc, and for episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. Discussion of violence consistent with the canon will be present. All viewpoints expressed are solely those of the author.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 features Choso vs. Yuji, plus a few surprises

The focal point of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 centers around the exhilarating confrontation between Choso and Yuji. Entrusting the topside situation to Inumaki, Yuji swiftly descends to Shibuya Station only to be caught off guard by Choso's sudden ambush. With his quick reflexes, Yuji narrowly manages to deflect Choso's Piercing blood beam, then swiftly closes in to strike him with the powerful Divergent Fist technique.

Just a reminder, Choso and Yuji are encountering each other for the first time. They are both unaware of each other's true capabilities. Before this encounter, Yuji had to face many curses, cursed users, and chaotic situations. While Choso may be a blood mage who has lived for over 150 years, Yuji already possessed great athleticism and strength even before consuming one of Sukuna's fingers.

The ensuing battle between them is intense, with both exchanging powerful blows. Although Yuji takes a beating, he still manages to land several significant hits on Choso. Finding shelter becomes a fortunate opportunity, and the most thrilling part of the fight occurs when Choso becomes cornered and must think on his feet to survive, as Yuji would've otherwise killed him.

Choso's strengths and weaknesses

Choso in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 (Image via Our Website)

Mechamaru's explanation, as well as the insights provided throughout the episode, warrant their own dedicated section. Unlike Noritoshi Kamo, Choso is not particularly skilled in close-quarters combat and relies on his blood art to do the fighting for him. However, Choso's extensive training over the span of 150 years has made him a more formidable and threatening opponent.

Furthermore, Choso possessed several advantages over Yuji. Since his involvement in the sealing of Gojo was minimal, he did not suffer as severe a beating as Jogo and Hananmi. This allowed him to heal and patiently await Yuji's arrival. Meanwhile, Yuji had already endured battles against the Grasshopper curse, Awasaka, and numerous transfigured humans prior to facing Choso.

Despite all these advantages, such as his ability to anticipate strikes and feints, Choso is not impervious.

Yuji, on the other hand, excels in close combat situations. By luring Choso into the bathroom, he successfully inhibits Choso's offensive capabilities since Choso is unable to instantly kill Yuji with blood outside of his body due to the presence of water. Simultaneously, Choso puts himself at risk of thrombosis by relying on blood inside his body, resulting in multiple injuries.

Yuji's strengths and weaknesses

Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 (Image via Our Website)

To further emphasize the previous paragraph, let's delve into Yuji's strengths and weaknesses. Throughout Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji has showcased remarkable speed and sufficient strength to harm formidable curses, even before consuming Sukuna's finger. As a jujutsu sorcerer, his capabilities have only grown stronger.

These factors are significant in relation to the Shibuya Incident and Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 for various reasons. By this point, Yuji had already faced off against Mahito, inflicting damage on him in previous encounters and ultimately vanquishing the grasshopper curse. Alongside Megumi, he engaged in battle against Awasaka and even managed to confront Choso, successfully defending against his blood beam that tore through the subway system.

One notable aspect of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 was the impressive display of resilience from both Yuji and Choso. The battle was not one-sided, as Yuji showed remarkable determination even after sustaining a gunshot to the liver. Despite Choso ultimately emerging as the victor, Yuji and Mechamaru managed to push him into a corner multiple times and inflict significant damage on the special grade curse.

The fight is just a fight

The fight portrayed in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 (Image via Our Website) is characterized by its straightforward nature. Yuji's confrontation against Choso unfolds without any significant digressions, such as extensive flashbacks or lengthy inner monologues. Moreover, there are no interruptions to showcase other ongoing conflicts or shortcuts employed to swiftly conclude the battle.

In any other anime, this would pose as a major issue, particularly if there were multiple ongoing fights or a significantly overpowering character pitted against a weak opponent. While it does disrupt the manga's chronological order to some extent, as these events are meant to unfold at different times, it makes for an exceptional episode that centers around this critical battle.

What sets this episode apart is that the fight commences and concludes within a single episode. There is no unnecessary prolonging; it is resolved swiftly. Considering the chaos of previous episodes, it is refreshing that episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 focuses primarily on the protagonist. It is also gratifying to witness the main character experience occasional defeat, although Choso does not emerge unscathed.

The animation and many symbolic camera shots

Jujutsu Kaisen is renowned for its stunning animation. Whether it's the intricate details of Gojo's eyes without the blindfold, or the entirety of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13, Studio MAPPA has clearly put in their best effort to make this show truly remarkable.

In episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, every frame of animation is exceptional, leaving little room for criticism. The portrayal of the grotesque consequences of the transfigured humans' killings, along with the nostalgic animation style for Choso's flashbacks, demonstrates the meticulous attention given to Yuji and Choso's fight scene.

The symbolism of the sign imagery has been discussed previously, but it is worth emphasizing. The juxtaposition of signs directing people and Choso's blood art is intended to illustrate the disparity between the two. Prior to encountering Choso, numerous foreshadowing and warning signs are present, such as a stop sign that is sliced and stained with blood.

Final Thoughts

Season 2 episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen brings about both aftermath and anticipation for an impending storm. This episode is a visual and auditory delight, particularly for those who appreciate thrilling battles. Additionally, the post-credit scene featuring Nanako and Mimiko's appearance, as well as Choso's false memories, serve as significant clues for attentive fans and viewers. Although Yuji may currently be incapacitated, this does not imply his defeat.

Regarding Sukuna, some individuals may question his whereabouts. However, astute observers will take note of the severed, blood-stained stop sign. This impactful shot serves as the last scene of the episode, providing a preview of the Shibuya Massacre that awaits in the subsequent installment, discernible to manga enthusiasts.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 13 shines not only for this reason. It also presents a compelling scenario where the absence of divine characters necessitates others to take up the fight. To witness the unfolding events and the worsening situation in Shibuya, fans eagerly await the next episode.

Fair warning, it only gets bloodier from there.