The conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14 has sparked speculation about Megumi's release of Mahoraga in Shibuya. While initially thought to be targeting Haruta, a closer look at the publisher's summary has brought new perspectives to light. This has made the topic a focal point of discussion in both the manga and anime communities.
Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14: The publisher's summary unveils Megumi's true motives behind unleashing Mahoraga
As the show's fans actively participate in conversations, speculations, and arguments across different social media channels, the topic might be perplexing for certain viewers. Hence, this piece endeavors to offer lucidity and perspectives on the subject.
The showdown between Sukuna and Mahoraga in the recent season 2 of the anime has been praised as a truly epic battle in the Shibuya Arc. In episode 17 of the anime's season 2, which corresponds to chapter 117 of Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14, Megumi finds himself ambushed by Haruta Shigemo.
Tired from battling special grade curse Dagon and the resurrected Toji Fushiguro, and then getting injured by Haruta, Megumi is at his breaking point. With few options left and the feeling of impending death, Megumi resorts to his final, desperate move. He starts the ritual with the unbeatable shikigami, the Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga, forcing Haruta to participate.
Megumi's true objective as per the publisher's summary in Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14
Before, Megumi was criticized by fans for using his most powerful shikigami against a weaker opponent. However, a new perspective is presented in the publisher summary for Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14. It states:
"While Sukuna is causing chaos in Shibuya after being temporarily unleashed, Fushiguro suffers a serious injury from a curse user who caught him off guard. Fushiguro devises a desperate plan to handle both the rampaging Sukuna and the curse user, but it comes with serious consequences..."
Megumi calls forth Mahoraga (Image via Mappa)
This comment has led fans to speculate that Megumi's summoning of Mahoraga was not just to defeat Haruta, who is seen as a cowardly villain by the community. Instead, there is a growing belief among fans that his main goal was to confront the raging Sukuna.
Shortcomings of this hypothesis
Amidst Megumi's confrontation with Toji, he detected the presence of Sukuna's finger, fueling speculation among fans that he had foreseen Sukuna's revival. This calculated maneuver by Megumi highlights his remarkable foresight.
Haruta confronts Mahoraga (Image provided by Mappa)
That being said, this hypothesis has its shortcomings. Some fans have highlighted certain details that undermine these theories. Considering that Mahoraga would vanish alongside Megumi and Haruta's demise, bringing the ritual to a close, it seems implausible for the divine general to engage in a battle with Sukuna.
Final thoughts
In addition, Megumi could not have foreseen whether Sukuna would appear during the Shibuya Incidents or confront Mahoraga in battle, even if he did appear. Although it was previously mentioned that Megumi sensed Sukuna's finger, this alone does not confirm that Sukuna would play a central role in Shibuya.
The ritual is initiated by Megumi (Image via Mappa)
However, the fan base largely perceives Megumi's choice as a noble one. Confronting his impending demise, his effort to bring down his adversary with him instead of perishing alone garners admiration from fans.
Some fans have noted that these notes are not directly from the mangaka, Gege Akutami, and therefore dismiss them as non-canonical. Conversely, supporters of the theory argue that a publisher's synopsis should be considered official. The current perspective on the matter hinges on individual fans' judgment, as they await potential clarification from the mangaka in the future.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I found the recent revelation about Megumi's true intentions in summoning Mahoraga to be a fascinating twist in the story. Initially, it seemed like Megumi was simply trying to defeat Haruta, a cowardly villain who had caught him off guard. However, the publisher's summary for Jujutsu Kaisen volume 14 suggests that Megumi's plan was actually to confront the raging Sukuna.
This new perspective makes a lot of sense, considering that Megumi had just detected the presence of Sukuna's finger during his confrontation with Toji. This suggests that he may have foreseen Sukuna's revival and was trying to take him out before he could cause any more chaos. It also explains why Megumi was willing to sacrifice himself and Haruta in order to bring down Sukuna, as he knew that the divine general Mahoraga would vanish alongside them.