Will Nobara Kugisaki be replaced in Jujutsu Kaisen manga?

Nobara Kugisaki plays a central role in the Jujutsu Kaisen series as part of the main trio of characters. While she has been a significant part of the anime, her character has taken a backseat in the manga, leaving her fate uncertain. Despite her initial cold and arrogant demeanor, she has formed strong bonds with her teammates and genuinely cares for them. However, her absence in the manga has left fans questioning if she has been replaced by new characters introduced in the latest arc of the series.

Exploring Nobara Kugisaki's current status in Jujutsu Kaisen manga: Did she get replaced?

Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen (image via MAPPA)

Regrettably for her supporters, Nobara Kugisaki tragically met her demise at the hands of Mahito during the Shibuya Incident. Despite her courageous struggle, she made the critical error of dropping her guard, allowing Mahito to make contact with part of her face. This resulted in half of her face being destroyed, seemingly marking the end for her character.

At the time, it was believed that she still had a chance of survival, but later Megumi Fushiguro hinted that she had succumbed to the attack. Since then, there have been few mentions of Kugisaki in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, leaving her fate uncertain. Despite rumors and speculation, it seems unlikely that the story will focus on her return in the near future, given the current narrative of the manga.

After the Shibuya arc concluded, several new characters were introduced to the series. The Culling Games arc brought back fan-favorite Yuta Okkotsu and introduced new characters such as Hajime Kashimo, Kinji Hakari, Hiromi Higuruma, and Hana Kurusu, leading many fans to speculate that Hana Kurusu could be a potential replacement for Nobara.

Similar to Yuji Itadori, Hana has Angel, a reincarnated ancient sorcerer from the Heian Era, residing within her. Her primary goal in the Culling Games is to enable Angel to track down and eliminate Sukuna. Hana also shares a strong bond with Fushiguro, who once rescued her from a curse when she was held captive many years ago.

In chapter 210 of the manga, Itadori appeared distant towards Hana, which did not escape Fushiguro's notice. When questioned about his behavior, Itadori confessed that he was troubled by the idea of Hana taking Kugisaki's place. This heartfelt moment showcased Itadori's deep appreciation for Kugisaki's friendship, although her current role in the manga remains uncertain.

While the Culling Games arc introduced several compelling new characters, it is clear that none of them are intended as a replacement for Kugisaki. As one of the original main characters of Jujutsu Kaisen, Kugisaki has left an indelible mark on the story and its audience.

Final Reflection

The impact of Nobara Kugisaki's passing lingers throughout the series. In Episode 19 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, fans will have the opportunity to see her one final time on screen, providing a heartfelt farewell to the cherished character.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I feel a deep connection to the character of Nobara Kugisaki in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Her bold and confident personality, combined with her fierce fighting style, made her an instant favorite among fans. Her chemistry with Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro created a dynamic that was both entertaining and heartwarming.

However, the recent events in the manga have left me feeling conflicted. Nobara's tragic demise at the hands of Mahito was a devastating blow, and her absence in the subsequent chapters has left a void that cannot be easily filled. While the introduction of new characters like Hana Kurusu has brought excitement to the series, it is clear that she is not intended to replace Nobara.