Gege Akutami is known for making unexpected decisions throughout the Jujutsu Kaisen series. The charismatic character of Satoru Gojo tops that decision-making, which might be because they simply hate him the most or maybe because he is the strongest sorcerer. They could have made him the ultimate villain of the series if they hadn’t made the decision to spare Yuji Itadori’s life.
Early in the series, when Gojo decided to use Yuji Itadori to fight against the King of curses Sukuna, there was much opposition from higher-ups who thought keeping him alive would be a bad decision for all. Which became quite right in terms of Gojo’s demise.
As the series progressed, it was shown that Atsuya Kusakabe’s perspectives didn’t align with Gojo’s decision. He was the perfect opposite of Gojo. Not only that, the decision also led to many chains of events throughout the jujutsu world.
Gege Akutami’s Crucial Choice for Jujutsu Society
Only a few characters wield as much influence as Satoru Gojo in the Jujutsu Kaisen. Being the strongest jujutsu sorcerer of his era, his decisions shape not only the narrative but the very fabric of jujutsu society. One of his most impactful decisions was sparing Yuji Itadori‘s life. Rather than executing Yuji for becoming the vessel of Sukuna, Gojo opts to mentor him.
However, according to a recent post by an X user, @BocchiTheCrock points out that from the initial decision of Gojo, Atsuya Kusakabe was against his decision. The manga panel shows Kusakabe countering Yuji’s apology for not being able to save Gojo, saying it was Gojo’s fault for not killing Yuji when he got the chance. Readers also got to know it was because of Yaga, that he let Gojo’s decision slide.
Kusakabe was portrayed as someone who prioritizes his own safety more than others, which might be a big reason for denying Gojo’s decision. Even in the Shibuya Incident, he repeatedly lied to Panda to keep him around for protection, while deliberately diverging from Gojo’s sealed position. Even then, he is a grade 1 jujutsu sorcerer and master of the New Shadow Style.
Gojo’s decision to protect and train Yuji reflects his philosophy to nurture the next generation of sorcerers including Megumi and Nobara. He seeks to create powerful allies who can reshape Jujutsu society, rather than following the path of Geto.
Satoru Gojo’s Moral Dilemma of Having Ultimate Power
Gojo was often seen acting independently when making big decisions that affected the entire jujutsu world. It has been exemplified in his dialogue, where he expresses his belief that “throughout heaven and earth, I alone am the honored one.”
His God-like status only leads to his moral dilemma. Does the ultimate power grant the right to decide the fate of others? His choice to spare Yuji without consulting the higher-ups goes against Jujutsu’s protocols. It demonstrates how his powerful influence allows him to bypass any decision-making, for better or worse.
All in all, Kusakabe’s stance on Yuji’s execution provides a significant counterpoint to Gojo’s decision. It not only highlights Gojo’s disagreements with whatever the high-ranking sorcerers put in but also demonstrates the complex web of relationships and ideologies at play within and outside of the narrative.
Jujutsu Kaisen manga is currently available to read on Viz and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
