Why I Can’t Forgive Jujutsu Kaisen for Excluding the Shibuya Incident Scene and Wasting Its True Potential

Season two of Jujutsu Kaisen anime has undoubtedly captivated audiences, yet certain pivotal scenes could have benefited from deeper exploration and development. This season notably adapts some of the most vital story arcs: the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc, also recognized as Gojo’s Past Arc, and the highly awaited Shibuya Incident Arc.

Portraying these beloved narratives in anime is no simple feat, which meant that not every plot point could be fully realized. Nevertheless, one scene from the Shibuya Incident involving Gojo and Geto’s complex relationship stands out for its missed potential, as it could have significantly influenced the overall storyline.

Expanding a Key Geto Scene in the Jujutsu Kaisen Anime

Geto’s Struggle Against Kenjaku During the Shibuya Incident

The pivotal manga panel noted by u/ShalkaScarf on Reddit occurs amidst one of the series’ most tense moments. Here, Kenjaku and the Disaster Curses corner Gojo at Shibuya Station with the intent of sealing him in the Prison Realm, aiming to eliminate him from the confrontation and facilitate Kenjaku’s sinister plan. At this juncture, Gojo remains unaware of Geto’s true fate, mistakenly believing his former best friend had died during events shown in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film, right before his eyes.

Upon recognizing Geto’s face, Gojo is momentarily taken aback. However, his astute observation leads to the realization that the individual before him is merely an impostor, declaring, “My six eyes tell me you’re Suguru Geto. But my soul knows otherwise!” This poignant statement emphasizes the depth of their friendship, illustrating Gojo’s refusal to be deceived by Kenjaku’s guise. Despite Kenjaku exerting control over Geto, there remains a flicker of resistance as Geto attempts to fight back by strangling himself—an act showing a desperate effort to rid himself of Kenjaku’s influence.

How Geto’s Regaining Control Could Have Shaped the Narrative

Potential to Heal Geto and Gojo’s Frayed Relationship

Kenjaku revealing his brain while opening Geto's head

Unfortunately, aside from his initial struggle, Geto does not make another effort to reclaim his body, leaving fans disheartened by the unrealized potential of this scene. Gojo is swiftly sealed within the Prison Realm, effectively sidelined for over 100 chapters, and tragically, he and Geto never share another moment after this.

This fleeting moment of resistance from Geto briefly surprises Kenjaku, prompting the comment, “This a first for me!”—an indication that no other vessel had previously posed such a challenge to him. While this encounter is brief and seemingly inconsequential, the fact that Geto retains some semblance of awareness even in Kenjaku’s clutch could have dramatically altered the trajectory of the Jujutsu Kaisen narrative. It is established that Kenjaku implanted his own brain into Geto’s body, but fragments of Geto’s consciousness appear to persist. Hearing Gojo call out his name, “Suguru,”ignites an emotional response in Geto, intensifying his struggle against Kenjaku.

The Heartbreaking Decline of Gojo and Geto’s Friendship

A Missed Opportunity for Reconciliation

Had Geto successfully regained full control, the Shibuya Incident scene could have unfolded quite differently, potentially preventing Gojo from being sealed away. The sight of his former closest friend could have unlocked latent memories within Geto, prompting a subconscious drive to protect Gojo, whom he once cherished deeply. With Gojo’s support, it is feasible that they could have expelled Kenjaku together, leading to a significant plot twist that would reshape the narrative and the dynamics of Gojo and Geto’s fraught relationship.

The tragic deterioration of Gojo and Geto’s bond explored in the Gojo’s Past Arc stands as one of the series’ most heart-wrenching narratives. Initially, both jujutsu sorcerers were best friends, but a fundamental disagreement tore them apart. Gojo was committed to exorcising cursed spirits, while Geto sought to eradicate non-sorcerers, whom he deemed the source of evil. This ideological rift culminated in Geto forming a cult, leading to his portrayal as a villain, and effectively shattering their friendship—though hints of lingering affection remained on some level.

The Impact of Geto’s Death on the Narrative

The Poignant Significance of His Death

Geto holding the prison in Jujutsu Kaisen

Geto meets his demise in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film after a fatal encounter with Yuta Okkotsu, culminating in Gojo, his once closest friend, being the one to end his life. This absence of reconciliation between Gojo and Geto looms large, and the earlier scene of Geto attempting to strangle Kenjaku could have served as a poignant moment for potential reunion.

Had Gojo intervened to aid Geto in reclaiming his body from Kenjaku, viewers might have witnessed a long-awaited reconciliation and forgiveness, a desire echoed among the fanbase until the story’s end. With a narrative spanning nearly 300 chapters by its September 29, 2024 conclusion, it is understandable that Gege Akutami couldn’t delve into every storyline to the extent fans might crave. Nonetheless, the missed opportunity presented by this Kenjaku moment reflects just one of many critical alterations that could have redefined the shonen narrative. Yet, as it stands, permanently leaving Geto dead carries profound emotional significance. This loss ultimately infuses the story with somber depth, underscoring the harsh realities of the war depicted throughout Jujutsu Kaisen.

Source: u/ShalkaScarf on Reddit

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