Suguru Geto's true identity as the main antagonist, Kenjaku, was not revealed until much later in the story of Jujutsu Kaisen. Initially mistaken as the enemy due to his appearance, what stood out about him were the stitches across his forehead. Viewers were further shocked when he undid the stitches and revealed a brain with a mouth, leaving many wondering about the mysterious transformation.
Jujutsu Kaisen: How did Kenjaku die?
Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
Kenjaku, an ancient sorcerer from a thousand years ago, has managed to persist throughout the centuries thanks to his Innate Technique. This special ability allowed him to transfer his brain into other individuals, effectively taking control of them. Throughout his long existence, he has switched bodies, assumed various identities, and continued living on.
In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 243, Kenjaku met his demise at the hands of Yuta Okkotsu. After a confrontation with Fumihiko Takaba, Kenjaku failed to detect Yuta's presence and was ultimately struck down. While it is widely believed that he is now truly dead, his cryptic final words leave the possibility open for something else.
Who is Kenjaku?
Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
Kenjaku, an ancient sorcerer from over a thousand years ago, sought to advance humanity through Cursed Energy and usher in a Jujutsu Golden Age similar to the Heian era. His unique ability to switch bodies over time allowed him to pursue this grand ambition. Throughout history, Kenjaku has inhabited several bodies, including Noritoshi Kamo, the creator of the Cursed Womb: Death Paintings, Kaori, the mother of Yuji Itadori, and currently, Suguru Geto. With each new host, he acquires their abilities and can seamlessly blend in as them.
It is yet unknown what he might have originally looked like. The only distinguishing features of Kenjaku are the stitches and scars that circle the top of his host's head.
Kenjaku's final words
The final words of Kenjaku are featured in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Gege Akutami, Sheuisha)
Chapter 243 kicks off with Kenjaku and Takaba taking center stage as a comedy duo, with the goal of bringing laughter to the audience. The entire scene revolves around Takaba's Cursed Technique, which reflects his aspiration to become a successful comedian and bring joy to people.
Kenjaku successfully achieved the technique's objective, leading to the duo's success. The chapter then reveals Yuta appearing suddenly behind Kenjaku and cleanly severing his head. Takaba, who did not kill people, is shown to have been a distraction. The chapter concludes with Kenjaku uttering the words, "But my Will... will be carried on!!"
Final thoughts
The chapter left the question of whether the ancient sorcerer is truly dead unanswered, but it's almost certain that he is unable to continue fighting in Geto's body after his head was severed. However, his final words hint at another person continuing his plan for the Great Merger. It is clear that the Culling Games were just one part of his plan, as he aimed to merge regular Japanese civilians with Tengen to create a powerful being.
Finally, his words indicate that he did indeed have a contingency plan prepared. It's still too early to determine what or who that entails, but for now, Kenjaku has been eliminated from Jujutsu Kaisen.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was thrilled to finally learn the truth behind Kenjaku's identity and his ultimate demise. The revelation that Suguru Geto was merely a vessel for the ancient sorcerer's consciousness was a mind-blowing twist that added a whole new layer of complexity to the story. Kenjaku's intricate plan to advance humanity through Cursed Energy and usher in a new Jujutsu Golden Age was both ambitious and terrifying, and it kept me on the edge of my seat as I eagerly awaited each new chapter.
The final confrontation between Kenjaku and Yuta Okkotsu was nothing short of epic, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief when Yuta finally managed to sever Kenjaku's head. However, his cryptic final words left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty. Could it be that Kenjaku's plan is still in motion, even after his apparent defeat? The possibility of another mastermind lurking in the shadows adds an exciting element of suspense to the story and keeps me eagerly anticipating what comes next in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.