Introduction
The highly anticipated clash between Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen left fans in shock and awe. But how exactly did Sukuna manage to defeat the powerful sorcerer Gojo, who was widely regarded as the strongest in the series? In this article, we'll delve into the complex battle dynamics, Sukuna's techniques, and the implications of this stunning victory.
Sukuna's Long Game: Orchestrating the Perfect Setup
Sukuna's victory was not a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of a meticulously crafted plan set in motion long before the battle in Shinjuku. From his first encounter with Gojo in chapter 1, Sukuna recognized the challenge Infinity posed and began formulating a counter-strategy. This cunning foresight is a hallmark of Sukuna's character, evidenced by his tendency to prolong fights, not for pleasure, but to meticulously analyze his opponents and exploit their weaknesses. Sukuna's plan involved several crucial steps, each carefully executed over numerous chapters.
Step 1: The Binding Vow - Securing Megumi
Megumi Fushiguro, with his powerful Ten Shadows technique and the potential Sukuna saw in him, was central to the King of Curses' plan. Sukuna recognized that Megumi possessed the potential and tolerance to become a vessel unlike Yuji, who acted as a cage. He orchestrated the binding vow with Yuji in chapter 11, not just to secure his own freedom, but to create an opportunity to acquire Megumi as his vessel. This vow, cleverly exploiting Yuji's selflessness, allowed Sukuna to take control for one minute without harming anyone, a condition Yuji would later forget. This set the stage for Sukuna to later take control and force-feed Megumi one of his fingers, initiating the process of making Megumi his vessel.
Step 2: Acquiring the Trump Card - Mahoraga
Mahoraga, the pinnacle of Megumi's Ten Shadows technique, proved to be the key to overcoming Gojo's Infinity. Sukuna's interest in Mahoraga was piqued during his observation of Megumi's fight against the shikigami in chapter 123. He recognized the shikigami's unparalleled adaptive ability, its capacity to adjust to any technique and break through it. Sukuna used this knowledge to his advantage, manipulating events to acquire Mahoraga for himself. This was achieved through the strategic possession of Megumi, granting him access to the powerful shikigami and its game-changing ability.
Step 3: Breaking Megumi - Ensuring Complete Control
Sukuna understood that simply possessing Megumi was not enough; he needed to ensure complete dominance over his new vessel. This involved crushing Megumi's spirit, leaving him with little will to resist. The death of Megumi's sister, Tsumiki, at the hands of Sukuna himself, served as the devastating blow that pushed Megumi into despair. This cruel act not only weakened Megumi's resolve but also allowed Sukuna to further test Mahoraga's power against Yoru, proving its efficacy against a formidable opponent.
Step 4: Adapting to Infinity - The Birth of a World-Ending Technique
The final piece of Sukuna's plan fell into place during the intense confrontation with Gojo. While Sukuna displayed his power throughout the fight, he deliberately held back, strategically utilizing Megumi's techniques to create opportunities for Mahoraga to adapt to Gojo's Infinity. This calculated approach ensured Gojo would underestimate Sukuna's true strength, leaving him vulnerable to the final, devastating blow. Sukuna waited patiently for Mahoraga to evolve its adaptive ability, eventually witnessing it target not Gojo himself, but the space and existence around him.
This revelation was Sukuna's Eureka moment. He replicated Mahoraga's strategy, infusing his Dismantle cleave technique with the ability to cut through space itself. This resulted in the "World Splitting Slash", a technique so potent that it bypassed Gojo's Infinity and cleaved him in two, marking the end of the strongest sorcerer. Though the logic of this technique has been debated by fans, its effectiveness in the narrative is undeniable. Sukuna, aided by a perfectly executed plan and a calculated understanding of his opponent's abilities, achieved what was deemed impossible, cementing his place as the undisputed king of curses.
The Aftermath: A World Without Gojo
Gojo's demise has left a gaping hole in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. His death, while controversial among fans due to its off-screen depiction and the questionable logic behind Sukuna's final technique, marks a significant turning point in the narrative. The balance of power has irrevocably shifted, and the remaining sorcerers face an uphill battle against a foe who has proven himself capable of slaying the seemingly invincible. The story now navigates a world grappling with the loss of its strongest protector, with the looming threat of Sukuna's unchallenged reign hanging heavy in the air.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sukuna's domain expansion?
Sukuna's domain expansion, Malevolent Shrine, is unique in that it doesn't create a traditional barrier but rather affects everything in its effective range with deadly precision. It's this ability that gives him a strategic edge over most opponents.
How did Sukuna defeat Gojo's Limitless technique?
By using domain amplification and targeting the weaknesses in Gojo's techniques, Sukuna effectively nullified Gojo's Limitless abilities during key moments, preventing him from executing his full power.
What happens to Megumi now that Sukuna inhabits him?
Currently, Sukuna has full control over Megumi's body, creating a complex situation where allies must consider how to free Megumi without provoking Sukuna's wrath.