Warning: Spoilers for chapter #271 of Jujutsu Kaisen
Gege Akutami’s hit manga, Jujutsu KaisenFinally finished with chapter #271. The series had a lasting impact on the Shounen genre, with its intense action sequences and thrilling battles, cementing its reputation as one of the finest battle manga. However, this focus on action has also resulted in some notable shortcomings. One of the most frustrating aspects of the series is its relatively short story, which leaves many characters – who could have been given deeper development – largely unexplored, including the main villain Sukuna.
Among the most affected are Jujutsu KaisenS villains. Although the main antagonist, Ryomen Sukuna, may not have been as enigmatic as Kenjaku – who is the clearest example of a character brimming with untapped potential – Sukuna still carries mysteries that could be further delved into to enrich the story. As the main villain of a shōn manga, Sukuna lacks a fully fleshed out backstory that explains how he evolved into the evil force he is.
However, this does not mean that the series does not explore this foundation, because the final arc and, more poignantly, the final chapter of the series, laid many hints that suggest that behind Sukuna’s path to villainy, there is a deeper and Tragic foundation.
Jujutsu Kaisen Hints that Sukuna had a potential poignant history before becoming a villain
Sukuna’s aversion to love drove him to become the villain he is
Sukuna’s origins are barely mentioned in the series, with one of the two significant references coming right after the King of Curses defeated Gojo in chapter #237 of Jujutsu Kaisenwith the title “Inhuman Makio Shinjuku Showdown, Part 15“, when asked by Hajime Kashimo if he was born the strongest magician, Sukuna responds that although he does not remember his birth, he describes himself as a “creepy child.” Although the official translation does not go deep into this statement, some fans have translated This meaning to a deeper level, hinting that Sukona described himself as an “unusual child”.
This interpretation is supported by the kanji used in the original Japanese text, which carries deeper cultural implications. The wording suggests that Sukuna may have been born disfigured or even conjoined. This theory gains more weight with the revelation in Chapter #257, that Sukuna carried his twin in her wombWhich is also subtly highlighted in Sukona’s true form – featuring four arms, two mailers, and multiple eyes.
Additionally, Sukuna’s chilling comment about consuming his other half because his mother may have starved further hints at a troubled birth. It suggests his mother may not have wanted to bear children or was unable to care for them properly, implying a story of abandonment, painting a tragic picture of Sukuna’s beginnings. Born disfigured, possibly unwanted by his parents, and subject to circumstances that deprived him of love and care, Sukuna’s journey into villainy feels inevitable.
Sukuna’s approach to villainy probably stems from his aversion to love
The speculation about the origins of Sukuna would explain the two choices he referenced in the final chapter of the series, highlighting why, despite the option, he ultimately chose to follow an evil path. In the closing pages of Chapter #271, Mahito speculates that Sukuna harbored A desire for revenge against those who labeled him a villain. Given the possibility that Sukuna was born disfigured and perceived as a monster by society, he became the very thing that people feared – a creature that devours humans.
This transformation subtly reflects Gege Akutami’s recurring theme: that curses are born of social rejection and fear. Sukuna’s statement about it being “in his nature” further solidifies this idea. however, Sukuna also mentions that he has two other choices in lifeAnd it is implied that it is related to Yoruzu and Uraume. As the series revealed, Yoruzu was obsessed with Sukuna and sought to teach him love, using any means. Sukuna may thus have chosen a path of love and connection with her.
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The other choice likely involved Uraume, to whom Sukuna could have offered the parental love he never received. He could have had the opportunity to educate Orum, showing them the concern that is absent from his own upbringing. However, Sukuna finally rejected the possibilities, as he explained that He was afraid of being consumed by his own curse – his aversion to love.
did Jujutsu Kaisen Taking the opportunity to explain Sukuna’s backstory and his tragic path to villainy, and possibly extending the series in the process, it could have revealed a character with a more poignant foundation, similar to many classic villains. Perhaps this could be fixed in the possible sequel that the series has hinted at and fans are demanding.
A sequel or a one-shot too Jujutsu Kaisen May help to understand the complexity of Sukuna
A glimpse into the Heian era?
The final panel of Jujutsu Kaisen Hints that Sukuna’s influence cannot be completely extinguished, as evidenced by the continued presence of his remaining finger, which is now a protective talisman. It may be fixed, but the possibility of a sequel or one-shot with Sukuna as a central character remains viable. Near the end of his conversation with Mahito, Sukuna expresses regret, suggesting that if given the chance to live again, he would change his ways, implying that Sukuna might choose to become a parental figure to Uraume.
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A sequel or one-shot for Jujutsu Kaisen Can delve further into the Heian Era that the series has mentioned too many times and still ignored, and explore the bond between Sukuna and Urauame. By providing a more thorough understanding of Sukuna’s history and motivations, such a continuation could also address the “second choices” theme that the series hinted at through Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara’s final mission.
Finally, a follow up to Jujutsu Kaisen may offer a more nuanced picture of Sukunas character, deepening the reasons behind why he became the first villain of the series beyond the hints and brief moments shown in the final of the series.