WARNING: Spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga!!

Jujutsu Kaisenseason 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with shocking moments, heartbreaking losses, and thrilling fights. Among the most devastating events was the apparent demise of Nobara Kugisaki, one of the series’ most beloved protagonists. Her fate in the anime left many fans heartbroken and speculating about whether she would return inJujutsu Kaisenseason 3.

With the anime heading into theCulling Gamearc, manga readers already know the truth about Nobara’s condition. While her status remains a secret to anime-only watchers,she has officially returned in the manga’s chapter 267. So thequestions remain about what happened to Nobara, what the manga reveals about her future, and whether season 3 will bring her backinto the spotlight.

Nobara with a hole in her face

What Happened to Nobara in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2?

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Saw the Deaths of Several Major Characters, But What About Nobara?

InJujutsu Kaisenseason 2,Nobara faced off against Mahito during theShibuya Incident,one of the anime’s most intense and tragic arcs.While her skills as a sorcerer were undeniable, she was ultimately outmatched when Mahito touched her face, activating his Idle Transfiguration technique. This ability allows Mahito to reshape the souls of those he touches, resulting in near-instantaneous and fatal damage.

Jujutsu Kaisen May Not Want a Sequel, But It Opened the Perfect Door for One

Jujutsu Kaisen’s manga has officially ended, but the story leaves off with a Tokyo in ruins, setting up for the perfect sequel opportunity.

Following the attack, Nobara suffered a severe wound to her face, collapsing and dying in front of Yuji Itadori. The moment was marked by a gut-wrenching emotional breakdown from Yuji, who had already witnessed the loss of other allies.Although she was seemingly killed on the spot,Jujutsu Kaisennotably left her fate ambiguous, never showing a definitive confirmation of her death. This lack of closure led to widespread speculation among fans about her possible return.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s special grade sorcerers - Yuki, Gojo, and Geto

Does Nobara Return in the Manga?

Nobara Makes a Comeback in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 267

Despite her apparent death inJujutsu Kaisenseason 2, the manga shockingly brings her back fully alive. While much of the series kept her fate ambiguous following theShibuya Incident, her reappearance in the manga confirms that she survived her seemingly fatal injuries. Nobara was kept hidden away as she recovered, likely under the care of medical professionals who were able to stabilize her condition.Even though Akutami, the series' creator, was intentionally vague about her fate, they eventually brought her back in chapter 267 for good.

Nobara’s return in the manga was a huge moment for the story and fans. She was able to reunite with her allies and play a role in the final battles of the series. While the manga did not go into a ton of detail about her condition and combat abilities after her supposed death, her survival meant that she could play a large part inJujutsu Kaisen’sepic finale. With her strong will and fierce personality,Nobara came back and was stronger than ever, and fans are thrilled about it.

Collage of Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen

Will Nobara Return in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3?

While Nobara Will Return to the Anime Eventually, Will Season 3 Reach That Point?

SinceJujutsu Kaisenseason 3 is expected to adapt theCulling Gamearc, the likelihood of Nobara making a grand return remains uncertain. While the manga has already officially confirmed her revival, the anime may take the opportunity to tease her reappearance through flashbacks, medical updates, or unexpected twists since the anime will likely not get to chapter 267 in the upcmoing third season.

One major factor supporting her return is her popularity. Nobara is one of the most beloved characters in the series, and many fans believe her journey ended too soon. Given thatJujutsu Kaisenhas often subverted expectations and has made some changes from the manga, a comeback for Nobara would be a fitting surprise. However, even if she does return, which is unlikely to happen in the third season, it is unclear whether she will be in fighting condition or if she will play a more reserved role in the story.

Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Poster

Ultimately, whether or not Nobara returns inJujutsu Kaisenseason 3 depends on how faithfully the anime adapts the manga. If the adaptation remains true to the original material, she may not make a direct return just yet, but will in later seasons.

Ultimately, whether or not Nobara returns inJujutsu Kaisenseason 3 depends on how faithfully the anime adapts the manga. If the adaptation remains true to the original material, she may not make a direct return just yet, but will in later seasons. However, given her ambiguous fate, Studio MAPPA could add scenes hinting at her recovery, keeping the hope alive for a future comeback for fans who have only watched theJujutsu Kaisenanime.