The Spectacular Rise of Jujutsu Kaisen: Unveiling the Phenomenal Shibuya Arc
The Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen revolutionizes the story, demolishing the status quo and unleashing chaos Yuji Itadori's life worsens as the strongest character gets sealed, the villain group suffers heavy losses, and major revelations unfold With well-paced action, character development, and long-lasting consequences, this arc solidifies Jujutsu Kaisen as a groundbreaking shonen manga
The Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen has completely upended the storyline, disrupting the established order and significantly impacting Yuji Itadori's life. This arc has revolutionized Jujutsu Kaisen's narrative and the wider world of shonen manga, by removing its most powerful character, leaving Shibuya in ruins, and eliminating several long-standing villains.
The Shibuya Incident has unquestionably altered the atmosphere in Jujutsu Kaisen. Issues that once seemed distant are now directly confronting the main characters, resulting in numerous casualties and branding Yuji and his allies as fugitives. This arc stands as one of the most suspenseful and distressing arcs in the realm of contemporary shonen manga and anime.
Disclaimer: Due to the ongoing Shibuya Incident Arc in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, this article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga and discussions regarding canon-typical violence. It is important to note that all opinions expressed in this article are specific to the author.
How Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc elevates the manga to greatness, explained
It shatters Jujutsu Kaisen's status quo
Gojo shows up, and defeats villains (Image via Our Website)
In Jujutsu Kaisen, the status quo involved keeping the existence of curses, Cursed Objects, and jujutsu energy a closely guarded secret from the public. This was done to protect them from harm. It was crucial to carefully manage any acts of murder or property destruction to prevent the spread of curses in a particular area and to avoid causing mass panic.
Maintaining this delicate balance relied on the Six Eyes and Limitless techniques, which were primarily possessed by the Gojo clan. Similar to All Might's role in My Hero Academia, Satoru Gojo played a vital role as the linchpin of the jujutsu world. It was emphasized in Jujutsu Kaisen episode 34 by Takuma Ino and Megumin that removing this linchpin would result in the worst-case scenario: the complete destruction of humanity in Japan.
The state of affairs in Jujutsu Kaisen takes a drastic turn as Gojo, the powerful jujutsu sorcerer, falls victim to Kenjaku's sealing technique. This unfortunate event sets off a chain reaction of calamities in Japan, leaving Shibuya in ruins and causing the tragic loss of countless lives. To make matters worse, millions of curses run rampant throughout Tokyo, transforming the once vibrant city into a breeding ground of darkness. As a result, the authorities are forced to label Tokyo as a no man's land, compelling the mass evacuation of its inhabitants.
Life was forever changed following the Shibuya Incident. Yuji found himself on the run, without any form of safety net, and both sides experienced significant losses. The villains suffered casualties such as Nanako, Mimiko, Hanami, Jogo, Dagon, Mahito, the Ogami family, and Haruta, along with over 1,000 cursed humans and curses. Among the fallen heroes were Nanami, Nobara, Naobito, and Mechamaru.
It sealed away the strongest character
Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen takes a unique approach in the realm of shonen anime. It defies expectations by removing the influential mentor and the most formidable character, Satoru Gojo, who played a central role in the lore and narrative. Similar to All Might in My Hero Academia or Goku in Dragon Ball Z, Gojo's absence spells doom for everyone involved.
The statement may seem exaggerated, but think about the significant disruptions in these three universes when these three heroes were no longer active:
The Hero Society in My Hero Academia crumbled due to heightened scrutiny of pro-heroes, the devastating aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War, the exposure of Endeavor and Hawks' dark secrets by Dabi, and All for One's escape from prison following All Might's retirement.
The Z fighters were practically overrun by the Androids and Cell. The dark future that Trunks had warned about was avoided only because Goku was given the antidote, and the androids were solely focused on killing him. However, Cell's actions resulted in the deaths of entire towns.
Yuji, marked for death, was seemingly killed by Yuta and isolated from his allies. In a decision to eliminate him, Maki wiped out the entire Zen'in clan. Gojo was forbidden from being resurrected, and Masamichi Yaga, the principal of Jujutsu High, was targeted for death. With countless curses unleashed and the commencement of the Culling Game, the situation became even more dire.
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As previously mentioned, the status quo was that the villains swiftly escaped upon Gojo's arrival, as evidenced in the Kyoto Goodwill Event arc. It is evident that throughout the series, the villains consider Gojo to be their primary adversary, with Sukuna potentially even being an accomplice. Every detail was meticulously orchestrated to ensure Gojo's eventual confinement.
The villain group takes heavy losses
It came as a surprise to numerous fans when they reevaluated Gojo's character and began to regard him solely as "the strongest." They started to see Yuta Okkotsu as a more suitable protagonist or lead character than Yuji Itadori. The decision to seal away Gojo actually enhanced the storytelling in Jujutsu Kaisen because it compelled viewers to shift their focus onto Yuji, preventing him from being overshadowed by the main character.
The villains prior to the Shibuya Incident (Image via Our Website)
The Shibuya Incident arc in Jujutsu Kaisen doesn't only result in significant losses for the heroes, but also causes the villains to suffer a substantial decrease in their numbers. Previously, the heroes had to put in enormous efforts to confront one of the main antagonists, be it Geto in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Hanami in the Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc, Mahito during the Fearsome Womb Arc, or Eso and Kechizu in the Death Painting Arc.
The same can be said for the Shibuya Incident arc, where the situation takes a turn for the worse for the villains. It's not often that the tables are turned in arcs that bring about significant changes to the status quo; usually, it is the heroes or society as a whole that suffer the consequences. This is especially evident when it involves a villainous group, like the Akatsuki from Naruto: Shippuden.
The villains that remain after the Shibuya Incident (Image via Our Website)
The Akatsuki faced a long process of attrition in order to decrease their numbers in Naruto. However, in Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc, Kenjaku's formidable faction of curse users and curses suffered heavy losses. The arc began with Gojo exorcising Hanami and concluded with Mahito being absorbed by Kenjaku and killed. In total, 16 (or 17 if we include the revived Fushiguro) curses, curse users, and so on were eliminated, leaving only two remaining (Kenjaku and Uraume).
While neither Kenjaku nor Sukuna would be concerned about losing subordinates, this illustrates the significant victories achieved by the jujutsu sorcerers against this sinister conspiracy. Additionally, the dwindling numbers of the villains allows Jujutsu Kaisen's narrative to concentrate on the main villain duo of Kenjaku and Sukuna, while also highlighting Sukuna's own self-centered and greedy motives.
Major reveals that make sense
Kenjaku revealed (Image via Our Website)
Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc unveils some significant revelations. What sets it apart from other shonen manga is that all of these revelations are logically explained. The reason behind the stitches on Geto's head and how he managed to survive after being killed in Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is that he was possessed by Kenjaku.
The identity of the traitor who shares information with the curses is revealed to be Kokichi Muta, also known as Mechamaru. In exchange for a normal body, he collaborates with Mahito and Geto. Although he makes every effort to kill Mahito, his own death leads to copies of himself passing crucial information to Yuji and his companions, ultimately playing a vital role in defeating some of the adversaries.
Several significant discoveries were made (Image via Our Website).
Choso's recollection of moments when Yuji and his siblings had a harmonious relationship hints at yet another revelation orchestrated by Kenjaku: Kenjaku has been taking control of individuals for numerous decades, potentially even centuries. This fact was also unveiled towards the conclusion of the Shibuya Incident saga, leading to yet another unsettling disclosure: Kenjaku had assumed the identity of Yuji's mother for a considerable period of time.
It's well-paced despite its length
In addition, we witness the incredible power of Megumi's ultimate summon known as Mahoraga. Although it appears only once during the confrontation with Sukuna, its sheer potency becomes evident as it effectively tests the limits of the malevolent King of Curses. To achieve victory, Sukuna is compelled to exert an excessive amount of energy, necessitating an expansion of his Malevolent Shrine Domain. This demonstration exemplifies why Mahoraga is only employed as a last resort, as its utilization would have resulted in the demise of Megumi and all participants involved in the ritual.
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The Shibuya Incident arc in Jujutsu Kaisen was the series' longest arc before the Culling Game arc, spanning over 50 chapters. The length of an arc plays a crucial role in how it is remembered. If an arc is too drawn out, especially if a single fight extends over several chapters, it can feel tedious. On the other hand, if an arc is too short, it risks being overshadowed by other storylines.
The pacing of this story is maintained throughout its 57 chapters, making it enjoyable for many readers. With the constant presence of the tickling clock, the narrative never slows down significantly. The events of the story unfold within a span of a few hours, starting at 7 pm on October 31 and concluding around 11:50 pm or potentially at midnight on November 1. This sense of time and urgency is evident whenever a new location is introduced.
The pacing and sense of time in this story are gripping! With its 57 chapters, the narrative never loses momentum. From the captivating start at 7 pm on October 31 to the nail-biting climax around 11:50 pm or maybe even at midnight on November 1, readers will find themselves entranced by the constant presence of the ticking clock. #MustRead
The time and date motif were typically used in a brief manner to introduce an incident, usually occurring in a confined location like a school or a haunted house. However, the Shibuya Incident breaks this pattern by unfolding throughout the entire night of Halloween and encompassing the entire Shibuya area, resulting in a substantial shift in scale.
In a series that typically revolves around battles involving no more than four people initially, the expansion to multiple teams fighting across an entire city is a refreshing change. Some have compared the length of this arc to other notable arcs such as the Chimera Ant arc from Hunter x Hunter or the Paranormal Liberation War arc from My Hero Academia. Though lengthy in manga form, this arc is undoubtedly worth the investment.
Multiple fight scenes
In Jujutsu Kaisen's Shonen Battle manga, fight scenes are plentiful, particularly in this arc. The total number of combatants includes 24 Jujutsu Sorcerers and 17 members of Kenjaku's faction. Sukuna, on the other hand, is fighting both factions, along with thousands of transformed humans and lesser curses. As a result, numerous fights unfold throughout Shibuya, ranging from subway stations to the Shibuya C tower. These battles vary in nature, from one-on-one duels (such as Yuji vs. Choso or Sukuna vs. Mahoraga) to individuals facing impossible odds (like Gojo against the special grades). Additionally, there are three-on-three clashes (featuring Ino, Megumi, and Yuji against the Ogami family) and instances where multiple individuals challenge a single opponent (such as Team Zenin against Dagon or the remaining sorcerers against Kenjaku and Uraume, and Nobara, Yuji, and Todo against Mahito).
Several intense battles take place throughout the arc, adding an undeniable sense of urgency and escalating the excitement in the series. These confrontations include the long-awaited clash between Yuji and Choso, Gojo fiercely fighting off Kenjaku's formidable forces and ultimately destroying Hanami, Mahito finally facing his match and being defeated by Yuji and Todo, and even Megumi engaging in a battle against his resurrected father.
Yuji's character develops
In addition to the typical or expected fights, these encounters serve a crucial purpose by showcasing the abilities and strengths of the remaining cast members. Mechamaru exhibits remarkable determination as he unleashes all his abilities to confront Mahito. Dagon, on the other hand, impresses everyone with its formidable prowess against Team Zenin. Nobara leaves a lasting impact by piercing Mahito's soul, causing him significant harm. Lastly, Haruta seizes the opportunity to engage in a fierce battle.Expand Tweet
When it comes to shonen anime, one key factor in a narrative full of unexpected turns is how it impacts the main character. In Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Incident arc, Yuji Itadori undergoes a significant mental breakdown. Previously, Yuji was an individual who firmly believed in meeting his demise honorably, enduring numerous traumatic events but managing to recover from them.
The Shibuya Incident devastates Yuji, relentlessly subjecting him to a series of traumatic events like being struck by a semi-truck. Sukuna hijacks his body, compelling him to commit unspeakable acts, slaughtering not only enemies like Jogo but an entire block in Shibuya. To compound the suffering, his mentors Gojo and Nananmin are sealed and killed before his very eyes. As if the pain weren't enough, Yuji witnesses the mortally wounded state of Nobara, courtesy of Mahito, right before him.
Yuji's spirit shatters and then rebuilds itself. (Image via Our Website)
Yuji's reaction to Aoi Todo and Mahito in chapter 127 is understandable. He becomes almost catatonic and struggles to even stand in their presence. Todo's encouraging words eventually motivate him to regain his composure, but Yuji is forever changed by this experience. He starts operating on autopilot, focusing solely on making amends for what occurred.
However, it is not until he is almost killed by Yuta and engages in a lengthy conversation with Megumi that he is able to break free from this depressive state. The immense amount of death, loss, and pain overwhelms him, pushing him into a more pessimistic mindset that takes several weeks to fully recover from.
Nobody wins, except Kenjaku
Kenjaku's overall victories, and Sukuna's rampage (Image via Our Website)
Gojo's sealing is crucial, but it is not the sole event impacting the story. The Shibuya Massacre, caused by summoning the Malevolent Shrine to defeat Mahoraga, inflicted immense destruction on a 140-meter area in Shibuya. It reduced the area to rubble and resulted in the loss of Toge Inumaki's arm.
Kenjaku's faction suffered significant losses during this event. Despite Sukuna's terrifying power, Yuji does not completely lose his sanity or fall into despair. However, it takes some time for him to mentally recover. The jujutsu society suffers a major setback, with the death of important figures like Naobito Zenin and the loss of limbs for promising individuals like Todo and Inumaki.
Kenjaku manages to flee (Image via Our Website).
Additionally, the Jujutsu Council's higher-ranking officials have lifted the ban on Yuji's death. Consequently, this severs Yuji's connections with his allies and support, as evident in Jujutsu Kaisen's Itadori Extermination arc. Throughout this arc, both Yuji and Choso navigate the streets of Tokyo in an attempt to rescue individuals before being intercepted by Yuta Okkotsu and Naoya Zenin.
Kenjaku emerged as the sole victor, successfully sealing Gojo and orchestrating The Culling Game, which unleashed even more catastrophic consequences upon the story of Jujutsu Kaisen. Despite the deaths of his allies, he seemingly obtained everything he desired. It is a rarity for an arc to culminate with a single clear victor amidst the multitude of casualties, injuries, and traumas.
Longer lasting consequences
The events in Jujutsu Kaisen, as well as many other shonen anime, have a ripple effect. Each battle brings Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara closer to mastery of their techniques, allowing them to hold their own against the students from Kyoto school and defeat the two Cursed Womb Paintings.
The Shibuya Incident marks the culmination of all preceding events and the villains' schemes in Jujutsu Kaisen. It becomes evident that the Kyoto Goodwill incident served as a distraction for Mahito to pilfer essential components. Choso seeks revenge for the tragic demise of his siblings at the hands of Nobara and Yuji. The repercussions of this incident extend beyond Gojo's sealing and the release of millions of curses, ultimately resulting in the devastation of the Zenin clan.
In this arc, Naobito Zenin, the leader of the Zenin clan, suffered fatal injuries resulting in his death. As a result, Megumi was chosen as the new head of the clan due to certain conditions added by Gojo. However, this decision was met with strong opposition. Maki and Mai's father joined forces with others to carry out a plan to kill Maki, Mai, and Megumi.
The plan, which was outlined in the Perfect Preparation arc, had devastating consequences for one of the prominent sorcerer families known as the big three. The act of exposing Maki and Mai to cursed spirits led to Mai sacrificing herself in order to save Maki's life. In her dying moments, Mai entrusted Maki with the mission to obliterate the entire Zenin clan as per her final wish. Consequently, the clan was completely eradicated, including their parents, elders, and even the notoriously arrogant Naoya.
On a related note, the Kamo Family was transformed into a marionette, manipulated by Kenjaku's perverted aspiration, subsequent to his secretive massacre and substitution of the clan. Undeniably, the equilibrium of authority within Jujutsu Kaisen gravitated towards the malevolent forces, in one way or another.
Preparing for the Culling Game
The battle and strategy (Image via Our Website)
During the Itadori Extermination and Perfect Preparation arcs of Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji and his companions found themselves isolated without any support due to the Jujutsu council's order to eliminate Yuji. In order to discuss their next steps, Yuji, Yuta, Yuki, Choso, Maki, and Megumi secretly convened with Master Tengen. It was revealed that Kenjaku's grand scheme was the Culling Game, intending to forcefully merge every being with Master Tengen and unleash curses worldwide.
Further ramifications unfold as these meticulously crafted strategies come into play (Image via Our Website)
Masamichi Yaga was ordered to be killed by Principal Yoshinobu Gakuganji, with no further assistance offered. Hakari, on the other hand, only agrees to help the heroes after they defeat him and promises to legitimize his underground fight club due to the changing regulations and restrictions on Jujutsu Sorcery following the Shibuya Incident.
The Culling Game in Jujutsu Kaisen was an incredibly chaotic and nightmarish arc in itself. It was filled with death, violence, and the release of Sukuna in his entirety. The conclusion of this arc also resulted in Gojo being set free, but that's a story for another time. What's important to mention is that none of this could have occurred without the events of the Shibuya Incident.
The Shibuya Incident arc in Jujutsu Kaisen is a transformative and impactful narrative. It not only alters the course of the story, but also shakes the foundations of the Jujutsu Kaisen world by removing the safety provided by Satoru Gojo and plunging Japan into turmoil.
From this point onward, Yuji's days of returning to Jujutsu High for relaxation or spending time with Nobara and Megumi are gone. Both heroes and villains suffer heavy casualties during and after the incident, forever changing the landscape of the story. Undoubtedly, the Shibuya Incident stands as the pinnacle of Jujutsu Kaisen's excellence.
