This Wednesday, avid fans of Jujutsu Kaisen were treated to the anticipated spoilers for chapter 236. The fierce Shinjuku battle had been the central focus for readers over the last three months, with the fight between Satoru Gojo and Sukuna stealing the spotlight.
***SPOILERS AHEAD!!! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK***
Chapter 235 left many believing Gojo had emerged as the victor. His strategic advantage and consistent dominance throughout their bout made his triumph seem almost guaranteed. Yet, just when fans thought the tide was turning in his favour, chapter 236 brought a jaw-dropping twist.
Set to be officially released on 11 September 2023 in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump issue 41, this chapter is bound to leave a lasting impact on the series’ fandom, especially Gojo fans.
A fan-favourite since his debut, Gojo’s battles never cease to impress. Freed after his sealing in the Shibuya Incident arc, he wasted no time confronting Sukuna. Their epic battle saw Gojo deploy a series of high-powered techniques, culminating in his Hollow Purple that dealt significant damage to Sukuna.
#jjk236 gojo going all the way back to his teenage years to have a final conversation with geto in the afterlife is so beautiful and heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/ipcQLcwNba
— SAT☆RU HAS WON (MEGUMI COMEBACK 🔜) (@goatoruclitjo) September 20, 2023
However, chapter 236 begins on a surreal note, with Gojo plunged into an illusion where he reunites with Geto. Startled by Geto’s casual greeting, Gojo reflects on his teachings, especially the notion that a Jujutsu Sorcerer dies alone – a belief he now challenges.
Their exchange deepens when Gojo shares his concerns about the repercussions of his death on his father. Interestingly, Shoko takes responsibility for these unresolved matters. As their conversation shifts to Gojo’s recent clash with Sukuna, he admits the King of Curses’ formidable strength. Gojo even speculates that Sukuna might have emerged victorious without leveraging Megumi’s Cursed technique.
oh suguru crying when gojo said he wished he could have been there to cheer him on hits harder when u realize he thought gojo hated him for those ten years….. #jjk236 pic.twitter.com/2fZ2tMla9S
— rae //DHMU🥀🖤 (@gaytouu) September 20, 2023
However, Gojo’s main regret remains: while he poured his heart and soul into the fight, Sukuna held back, depriving both of their full battle experience. Yearning for Geto’s support, Gojo wishes his best friend had witnessed the duel alongside his students.
As the narrative unfolds, Nanami enters the frame, recalling Geto’s once profound dedication to Gojo. Notably, Gojo’s passion for fighting isn’t driven by a duty to the Jujutsu Society but his sheer love for combat. His demise at the hands of a superior opponent brings him solace, contrasting with a potential death by disease.
Nanami, albeit mocking Gojo’s samurai-esque rhetoric, can’t help but express sympathy for his end. He reminisces about Mei Mei’s advice, which guided him in a pivotal life decision, and extends gratitude to Haibara for his unwavering support.
The scene reaches its climax as Gojo bids a heart-wrenching farewell to an assembly of significant figures, including Geto, Yaga, Nanami, and others. The setting, later unveiled as an airport waiting room in Okinawa, adds a layer of melancholy.
logging off. i am contacting my provider as we speak to cancel my plan. i no longer plan to be on the internet. i’ve decided to retreat to the woods. i want to connect with nature. i’ll be directing all my energy to finding god. hope you understand. #jjk236 #jjkspoilers pic.twitter.com/WZn2tgaMbo
— angela ☆ (@artdiseasee) September 20, 2023
The chapter’s emotional climax occurs when fans are confronted with the shocking image of Gojo, previously considered invincible, lying lifeless in the ruins of Shinjuku.
As the narrative unfolds, Sukuna delves into Mahoraga’s unique adaptability. As it turns out, this trait enabled Mahoraga to evolve and eventually counter Gojo’s defences. The bleak visuals of Gojo, gravely injured and half-severed, stands as one of the manga’s most poignant moments to date.
The chapter ends with Thunder God Kashimo’s entrance. He’s determined to face Sukuna, unfazed by the recent tragedy. Readers can look forward to chapter 237, releasing 2 October 2023, as the battle saga continues.
As the dust settles in Shinjuku, the weight of Gojo’s absence is palpable. A pillar of strength now leaves a void that reverberates deeply in the hearts of those who cherished him, ending a chapter none foresaw.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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