Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, titled "Thunderclap," premiered on November 9, 2023. This episode showcased two intense battles: Fushiguro's fight and Sukuna facing off against Jogo. It adapted chapters 113-116 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, skillfully incorporating important plot points from those chapters.
Unlike previous episodes, season 2 episode 16 expertly condensed two fights into one episode, eliminating the need for multiple manga chapters. Additionally, it cleverly included a touching moment between Panda and Atsuya Kusakabe.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 sees Megumi vs. Toji, and Sukuna stomp Jogo
The battle of the Fushiguros
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, the Fushiguro fight is depicted differently in the manga for comparison (Image via Our Website).
Labeling Megumi's experience as a "battle" would be an exaggeration, considering he was essentially fleeing for his life from Toji. Even when employing Rabbit Escape, Megumi knew it would only buy him a brief moment, as engaging his father head-on would undoubtedly result in his demise. In the manga, we see Megumi desperately running. On the other hand, the anime takes this confrontation to new lengths.
In the manga, Megumi races through a tight alleyway, desperately trying to escape with only Rabbit Escape. Meanwhile, in the anime, he employs various tactics to fight back while on the run. These include ambushing Toji in a parking garage with the help of the rabbits, summoning Nue after soaking Toji in water inside an office building, and trying other clever maneuvers. Unfortunately, even tricking Toji into attacking a noncritical area proved unsuccessful.
Toji contemplated selling Megumi to the Zenin Clan due to his financial struggles and lack of concern for Megumi. However, upon hearing his son insist on keeping his last name, Toji made the decision to end his own life in peace. Megumi, unfazed by this revelation, attempts to extract himself from the vicinity.
Sukuna vs. Jogo
Sukuna vs Jogo in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 (Image via Our Website)
Sukuna vs. Jogo was a prominent highlight that spanned over two chapters in the manga. While Sukuna usually dominates his fights, he surprisingly offered words of encouragement to Jogo and even exerted some effort. The intense battle between them took place throughout the district, and in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, it was beautifully portrayed and concluded within the same episode.
In this matchup, Jogo showcased his ability to shoot fire bullets at Sukuna, who skillfully evaded them and proceeded to forcefully tear his own hands apart. This differs from chapter 115, where Sukuna's hands are merely torn. The anime effectively depicts the immense destruction caused by Jogo's Maximum Meteor technique, demolishing entire buildings and even distorting and melting one to form the meteor.
Panda and Atsuya vs. Geto's two groupies
One notable highlight was the intense confrontation between Jogo and Sukuna, where Jogo was fiercely thrown down floor by floor, accompanied by a striking display of the escalating temperature. However, the outcome remained consistent: Sukuna emerged triumphant after challenging Jogo to a fiery duel and ultimately paying him a visit in the realm beyond. Additionally, Sukuna's encounter with Uraume filled him with genuine delight.
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, Panda and Atsuya are pitted against Geto's group in an intense battle. However, what makes this scene even more intriguing is the depiction of the desolate surroundings. As Panda and Atsuya explore Shibuya Station in search of any remaining individuals, it becomes evident that the area is devoid of people. This is a stark contrast to the previous episode, where Toge Inumaki was seen struggling to manage the large crowd consisting of both humans and transfigured beings.
Apparently, he was successful in relocating them, as Panda and Atsuya were unable to locate anyone in the area. Panda made an effort to find them, but Atsuya was not eager to risk his life attempting to rescue Gojo. While this may be perceived as cowardly, considering the current timeline of the Shibuya Incident and Atsuya's concern for others who may need assistance, it is understandable.
Regardless of Atsuya's perspective, the two encounter two Grade 1 sorcerers aligned with Geto. One of them bears a resemblance to Aizen. The unnamed pair even receives a flashback with Nanako and Mimiko, suggesting that a confrontation with Panda and Atsuya is imminent. However, Sukuna intervenes, halting their fight and compelling everyone to flee from Jogo's Meteor.
Shibuya devastated, Megumi injured, Shigemo still alive?
Villains, devastation, and Megumi injured in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 (Image via Our Website)
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, it is worth mentioning the significant devastation caused in Shibuya as a result of the intense fight between Jogo and Sukuna. Initially, the destruction was limited to the subway located beneath Shibuya station. Although there were unfortunate civilian casualties caused by the transformed humans, efforts were made to contain the situation.
However, the confrontation between Sukuna and Jogo has brought an end to any possibility of concealing or downplaying the events that unfolded. Fortunately, Shoko's medical checkpoint was located far away from the affected area, ensuring that Ino and Ijichi will be able to recover. Unfortunately, Megumi, who was on his way to check on the well-being of others, was unexpectedly attacked by Haruta Shigemo.
Final thoughts
Shigemo and Nanami's situation in episode 12 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 was a source of hatred for some viewers. However, episode 16 unveils the truth that Shigemo is actually alive but severely injured. Although he managed to wound Megumi, Shigemo himself is unfortunate enough to still be in harm's way. In a state of panic, he retreats while realizing that Megumi is unable to come to his aid.
Get ready for an intense ride with Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, as it is the first half of a gripping two-part story. Titled "Thunderclap Part 2," the upcoming episode will reveal what Shigemo is up against. While manga readers might already have a clue, anime watchers will have to patiently wait for another week to unveil the mystery.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 was filled with intense action, marking the beginning of the notorious Shibuya Incident. It witnessed the demise of the long-standing adversary Jogo, showcased Sukuna's immense power, and displayed Megumi's remarkable ability to stand against Toji.
The upcoming episodes will undoubtedly unravel the true significance behind The Shibuya Incident. Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen can look forward to additional updates on the anime and manga.
Editor's P/S
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16, titled "Thunderclap," the anime adaptation made significant changes to the Fushiguro fight, elevating it to new heights. In the manga, Megumi's encounter with Toji primarily consisted of him desperately fleeing for his life. However, the anime expanded upon this confrontation, showcasing Megumi's resourcefulness and determination as he employed various tactics to fight back while on the run. Despite his efforts, Toji's overwhelming strength and skill ultimately proved to be too much for Megumi to handle.
The battle between Sukuna and Jogo was another highlight of this episode. The anime effectively captured the intensity and destruction of their clash, showcasing Sukuna's dominance and Jogo's desperate attempts to defeat him. The animation during this fight was top-notch, with fluid movements and dynamic camera angles that enhanced the impact of each blow. Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 16 was a thrilling and action-packed episode that did justice to the source material, while also adding its own unique flair to the story.