Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 23: Yuta Okkotsu's Return Concludes the Shibuya Arc
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 concludes the intense Shibuya arc as Yuji and Yuta make contrasting choices, leading to dramatic consequences The Culling Game takes center stage, while Yuta's long-awaited return adds another layer of excitement Prepare for the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident in this gripping finale
In the final episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, episode 23 (also known as Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 47), the Shibuya Incident arc comes to a close and brings Yuta Okkotsu back into Yuji Itadori's life as they return to Japan. The episode covers chapters 136-137, with a few pages from chapter 138 to wrap up the season. Some fans were disappointed by the omission of Naoya Zen'in's debut and felt that the pacing was slower than expected. Additionally, extra scenes were added to highlight the magnitude of the incident.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 shows the end of the Shibuya arc and Yuji and Yuta choose opposite ways forward
In the preceding installment, Pseudo-Geto assimilated Mahito. Choso disclosed his true identity as the individual who previously inhabited Noritoshi Kamo. The Kyoto Students, Yuji, and Choso engaged in a battle against Pseudo-Geto while Uraume made a return to the battlefield. Yuki Tsukumo also reappeared and rescued Yuji from imminent peril.
Yuki Tsukumo in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 (Image via MAPPA)
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 is titled “Shibuya Incident: Closing the Gate”.
Continuing from episode 22, Yuki and Pseudo-Geto engage in a quiet debate regarding the most effective method to advance the next stage of human evolution. Yuki argues that breaking away from Cursed Energy is the key, while Pseudo-Geto believes in maximizing its potential.
Yuki points out that Japan has a significant advantage in Cursed Energy due to its high number of Curses and Sorcerers. She warns Pseudo-Geto that manipulating Master Tengen's barriers, which uphold the country's balance, to optimize Cursed Energy will turn the people of Japan into mere energy sources.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 – The Culling Game
The endless well of power opening up to the global superpowers will not leave them idle, and Japan is set to become the epicenter of chaos. Despite knowing all this, Pseudo-Geto is determined to proceed, as his objective is neither peace nor the eradication of Curses.
Kenjaku triggers Idle Transfiguration in the 23rd episode of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 (Image via MAPPA)
His attempts to reach his objective through frequent body changes have always fallen short of his potential. Consequently, he requires something more to surpass his limitations. Pseudo-Geto discloses that he deliberately waited for Mahito to evolve through his battle with Yuji before absorbing him, as this would enhance his Cursed Technique.
He then employs Mahito’s Idle Transfiguration on the ground, activating the technique from a distance on two groups of people: those who have consumed Cursed Objects (such as Yuji), and those who possess the potential for sorcery but lack the ability (like Junpei). He transmutes their brains to bestow upon them the ability to perform Sorcery.
Pseudo Geto discloses that the Cursed objects are the remains of Sorcerers from ancient times, with whom he has established certain binding vows. However, all vows became invalid the moment he switched bodies. He asserts that this is the future of humanity.
In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23, Tsumiki is seen in a comatose state in her hospital room. As the seal on the Cursed Objects is broken, she falls into one of the two categories and opens her eyes. Pseudo-Geto then reveals his intention to have the awakened sorcerers participate in a Culling Game to strengthen them to Yuki.
He refutes Yuki's belief that humans are too rational to kill each other on command. Uraume informs him that Choso's blood was poisoned, causing the Frost Calm to collapse and freeing Yuji and the others.
Pseudo-Geto then unleashes a multitude of Curses as he and Uraume escape. He mocks Yuji with the Prison realm and reminds Sukuna that "It" is beginning. As they vanish, he reveals that his aim is to revive the Golden Era of Jujutsu, the Heian Era.
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 – The return of Yuta Okkotsu
Inumaki, at the end of Shibuya in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 (Image via MAPPA)
Following the Shibuya Incident, the Japanese government is in disarray as curses continue to wreak havoc and harm civilians. With nearly all of Shibuya destroyed, the district becomes uninhabitable, leading to significant discord among government factions.
Some officials advocate for making the presence of curses known to the public, while others push to limit the chaos to Tokyo alone. As predicted by Mei Mei, the value of the Yen drops sharply. Meanwhile, heavy media censorship contributes to widespread confusion and chaos among the citizens.
In the midst of the commotion, episode 23 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 directs its attention to a young girl who is being targeted by a Cursed Spirit. Fortunately, Yuta Okkotsu arrives just in time to rescue her. Surprisingly, it is discovered that Yuta has managed to regain control of Rika and has also reclaimed his Special Grade status.
Upon safely getting the girl to safety, he is confronted by the leaders of the Jujutsu Society. Despite being a student of Gojo, he accuses Yuji of severing Inumaki's arm in Shibuya and boldly declares, "I will personally take care of Yuji Itadori."
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 – The aftermath of the Shibuya Incident
In the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Higher-ups issue a notice with five points:
Suguru Geto’s Survival has been confirmed and he has been sentenced to death again.
Satoru Gojo has been labeled as an accomplice and permanently banished. Any attempt to break the seal on the prison realm will be viewed as a criminal offense.
Masamichi Yaga has been sentenced to death for instigating Gojo and Geto.
The suspension of Yuji Itadori’s execution has been revoked and it is to be carried out immediately.
Special-grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu has been appointed Yuji Itadori’s Executioner.
Yuji Itadori, in the aftermath of Shibuya, receives assurance from Yuki Tsukumo that she will take care of the injured comrades and remaining civilians. She clarifies that she is not on their side but will meet with Tengen to discuss the situation further. She then asks Yuji what the boy will do.
Yuji Itadori, in the aftermath of Shibuya (Image via MAPPA)
Check out the post-credit scene of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23 to see Yuji walking through Shibuya on the bright morning of November 1, 2018. He takes a deep breath and claps his hands, determined to eliminate the stray curses in the city.
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled to witness the conclusion of the Shibuya arc in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 23. The return of Yuta Okkotsu adds another layer of excitement to the already intense storyline. However, I must admit that the omission of Naoya Zen'in's debut and the slower pacing left me slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, the extra scenes effectively highlighted the magnitude of the Shibuya Incident.
The philosophical debate between Yuki Tsukumo and Pseudo-Geto regarding the future of human evolution was particularly intriguing. Yuki's argument for breaking away from Cursed Energy resonated with me, as it emphasizes the importance of preserving our humanity in the face of overwhelming power. On the other hand, Pseudo-Geto's belief in maximizing Cursed Energy's potential raises concerns about the potential consequences of unchecked ambition.
