Few moments in manga history have shaken readers as much as Gojo Satoru’s death in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 236. Released on September 24, 2023, the chapter confirmed that the fan-favorite sorcerer was killed by Sukuna, immediately after being declared the winner in chapter 235.
Now, two years later, fans are still debating whether this “out-of-nowhere” twist was a masterpiece of storytelling or a wasted opportunity.
Gojo’s death was not surprising in concept—many expected that even the strongest sorcerer might eventually fall—but the execution frustrated readers.
- Fake victory: Chapter 235 declared Gojo the winner, only for chapter 236 to open with his death. To many, this felt like forced shock value.
- Off-screen defeat: The manga never showed how Sukuna overcame Gojo’s Limitless technique and Six Eyes. Instead, fans only saw the aftermath, leaving key questions unanswered.
- Lack of aftermath: Despite Gojo’s central role, other characters barely reacted to his passing. There was no funeral, no real farewell, just a fleeting remembrance by Yuji.
Instead of a heroic send-off, Gojo’s death left fans with confusion, bitterness, and endless speculation about possible resurrection.
Over time, many readers have come to terms with Gojo’s death as a narrative device. In most shonen stories, the main villain is defeated by the protagonist, not the mentor figure.
Gojo’s death served to:
- Weaken Sukuna enough to make him vulnerable.
- Shift focus from the strongest sorcerer to Yuji and the new generation.
- Raise stakes, showing that even the seemingly invincible can fall.
While the execution was divisive, his death pushed the story into a new phase where collaboration, not individual power, became the key to victory.
The tragedy of Gojo’s death isn’t just his loss—it’s the failure of his vision. He dreamed of reforming the Jujutsu world, tearing down its corrupt traditions, and building a new future for his students.
Yet, in the sequel series Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, society still clings to old hierarchies. Gojo’s family continues its cycle of cruelty: his descendants Yuka and Tsurugi are rejected and burdened by family expectations. Prejudice between the “strong” and the “weak” remains, and the overall strength of sorcerers has declined after Sukuna’s defeat.
Gojo’s sacrifice gave his students a chance to survive but not the world he envisioned.
Two years after his shocking death, Gojo Satoru’s legacy still casts a shadow over Jujutsu Kaisen. His passing was divisive, abrupt, and unsatisfying for many, yet it served its role in advancing Yuji’s journey.
Sources: GameK
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