Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 21 Hints at Sukuna's True Form with Clever Easter Egg

In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, the final showdown of the Shibuya Incident Arc was set up as Mahito faced off against Pseudo-Geto. During the intense battle between Yuji Itadori and Mahito, eagle-eyed fans may have caught a discreet easter egg hinting at Sukuna's true form, cleverly inserted by the animation team as a nod to the manga.

Despite his infrequent appearances, Ryomen Sukuna plays a major role as the series' main antagonist. In season 2, he not only shattered Yuji Itadori by taking countless lives, but also intervened to save Megumi and set in motion a complex plan yet to be fully revealed in the anime. The enigmatic Sukuna made a surprise cameo in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21, adding to his mysterious allure.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21: Mahito's Domain Expansion hints at Sukuna's true form

Ryomen Sukuna depicted in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Shueisha)

The recent chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen's manga showcased Ryomen Sukuna beginning his metamorphosis into his true form. This pivotal event unfolded in chapter 237 during the intense battle between the King of Curses and Hajime Kashimo. It was revealed that Sukuna's right side exhibited the initial signs of transformation, apparent through the emergence of two eyes and a protrusion, while his left side remained unchanged.

Given the pace at which MAPPA was adapting the anime, fans expected it would be years before they saw Sukuna's true form. However, in a surprising twist, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 dropped an easter egg that gave fans a glimpse of Ryomen Sukuna's true form.

Mahito as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 (Image via MAPPA)

During the battle between Mahito and Yuji & Todo, Mahito decided it was time to unleash his Domain Expansion. However, he had to be cautious as Sukuna had previously proven to have a stronger domain than him. To outsmart Sukuna and still use his domain expansion, Mahito utilized a trick he had picked up from Satoru Gojo. Just before his defeat, Gojo briefly activated his domain expansion for 0.2 seconds, resulting in the deaths of numerous transfigured humans.

Mahito realized that a domain expansion of such a small fraction of time was possible. Hence, he used the same to attack Todo's arm and confront Sukuna.

This transition animation of domain expansion showcased a series of abstract designs, each briefly revealing glimpses of Sukuna's true form from the manga. By doing so, the animation team effectively teased Sukuna's true form in the anime, potentially years before it would be featured in the television adaptation.

Mahito and Sukuna as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 21 (Image via MAPPA)

The animation team did not provide a reason for including the Easter egg, but it is possible that they wanted to create excitement among manga fans about future animations. Additionally, the team experienced scheduling issues with the anime, leading some animators to vow to no longer work for MAPPA. This uncertainty about the series' future may have prompted the animators to include the Easter egg.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was thrilled to see the hints of Sukuna's true form in season 2 episode 21. The easter egg was a clever way to tease what's to come in the anime, and it got me even more excited for the upcoming episodes. I can't wait to see how Sukuna's transformation unfolds and how it will affect the rest of the characters in the series.

I also appreciate the attention to detail that the animation team put into this episode. The transition animation during Mahito's domain expansion was beautifully done, and it perfectly captured the essence of Sukuna's true form. It's clear that the animators are passionate about the series and want to do it justice, and I'm grateful for their hard work.