Warning: SPOILERS for chapter #271 of Jujutsu Kaisen
Gege Akutami’s hit manga,Jujutsu Kaisen, has finally ended with chapter #271. The series has left a lasting impact on the shōnen 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 brief narrative, leaving many characters—who could have been given deeper development—largely unexplored, including the main villainSukuna.
Among those most affected areJujutsu Kaisen’s villains. While the main antagonist, Ryomen Sukuna, may not have been asenigmatic as Kenjaku—who stands as the clearest example of a character brimming with untapped potential—Sukuna still carries mysteries that could have been further delved into to enrich the story. As the central villain of a shōnen manga, Sukuna lacks a fully fleshed-out backstory that explains how he evolved into the malevolent force he is.
However, that doesn’t mean that the series totally doesn’t explore this foundation, as the final arc and, more poignantly, the final chapter of the series, have laid down many hints that suggest that behind Sukuna’s path to villainy, there is a deep and tragic foundation.
Sukuna’s Aversion of Love Drove Him To Become the Villain He Is
Sukuna’s origins are scarcely mentioned in the series, with one of the two significant references occurring right after theKing of Curses defeated GojoIn chapter #237 ofJujutsu Kaisen, titled “Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 15”, when Hajime Kashimo asked whether he was born the strongest sorcerer, Sukuna responds that although he doesn’t remember his birth, he describes himself as a “creepy kid.” While the official translation doesn’t delve deeply into this statement, some fans have translated this meaning to a deeper level, hinting thatSukuna was referring to himself as an “unwanted 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 therevelation in Chapter #257, thatSukuna consumed his twin in the womb, which is also subtly highlighted in Sukuna’s true form—featuring four arms, two mouths, and multiple eyes.
Additionally, Sukuna’s chilling comment about consuming his other half because his mother might have been starving 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 history of neglect, painting a tragic picture of Sukuna’s origin. Born disfigured, possibly unwanted by his parents, and subjected to circumstances that deprived him of love and care, Sukuna’s journey into villainy feels inevitable.
This speculation about Sukuna’s origins would explain the two choices he referenced in the final chapter of the series, highlighting why, despite having the option, he ultimately chose to walk an evil path. In the closing pages ofChapter #271, Mahito speculates that Sukuna harboreda desire for revenge against those who labeled him an abomination. Given the possibility that Sukuna was born disfigured and perceived as a monster by society, he became the very thing people feared—a creature that devours humans.
This transformation subtly reflects Gege Akutami’s recurring theme: that curses are born from societal rejection and fear. Sukuna’s statement about it being “in his nature” further solidifies this idea. However,Sukuna also mentions that he had two other choices in life, and it is implied that it is related to Yoruzu and Uraume. As the series has revealed, Yoruzu was obsessed with Sukuna and sought to teach him love, using any means necessary. Sukuna could have thus 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 might have had the opportunity to nurture Uraume, showing them the care that was absent from his own upbringing. However, Sukuna ultimately rejected these possibilities, as he explained thathe feared being consumed by his own curse—his aversion to love.
HadJujutsu Kaisentaken the opportunity to explain Sukuna’s backstory and his tragic path to villainy, and possibly extended 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 toJujutsu KaisenCould Help Greatly Understand Sukuna’s Complexity
A Glimpse Into the Heian Era?
The final panel ofJujutsu Kaisenhints that Sukuna’s influence may not be entirely extinguished, as evidenced by the lingering presence of his remaining finger, which is now a protective talisman. It may be farfetched, but the possibility of a sequel or one-shot featuring Sukuna as a central character remains viable. Near the end of his conversation with Mahito, Sukuna expresses remorse, 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.
What Happens to Sukuna’s Final Finger in Jujutsu Kaisen and Can He Ever Return?
Jujutsu Kaisen’s finale is here and the final chapter has at last explained what happened to Sukuna’s last remaining finger after his defeat.
A sequel or one-shot forJujutsu Kaisencould delve further into the Heian Era that the series has mentioned too many times and still ignored, and explore the bond Sukuna and Urauame share. 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.
Ultimately, a follow-up toJujutsu Kaisencould offer a more nuanced portrayal ofSukuna’s character, deepening the reasons behind why he became the series' primary villain beyond the hints and brief moments shown in the finale of the series.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisenis a Japanese anime and manga series created by Gege Akutami. The story is set in a world where Cursed Spirits, born from negative human emotions, prey on humanity. It follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after swallowing a cursed talisman—Ryomen Sukuna’s finger—and becomes the host for one of the most powerful curses. Yuji joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to learn how to combat curses while searching for the remaining fingers of Sukuna to exorcise him permanently.
