Warning: SPOILERS for chapter #226 of Jujutsu KaisenA fundamental theory of physics holds that time is relative, and this is especially true in how long Jujutsu Kaisen sorcerer supreme Satoru Gojo spent sealed in the Prison Realm. Whether his time "incarcerated" lasted 19 days, as measured in manga time, or over three years in real-time, or anywhere from a moment to an eternity in theory, Gojo clearly emerged a changed man, and that clearly has made a difference in his duel with Sukuna.

Gojo was sealed in the Prison Realm in Chapter #90 (October 31 in the manga's time), by Kenjaku with a little help from his "friend" Mahito. Kenjaku saw Gojo as the most serious threat to his plan to bring about a new "Golden Age of Sorcery". Believing that even he could not defeat Gojo, Kenjaku chose rather eliminate him by sealing him in the Prison Realm, a special-grade cursed object with the ability to seal a person within its pocket dimension for eternity. Once sealed, reference in the story was made to how time within its confines was different from time outside it. Gojo himself suggests in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #91 that "time doesn't " in the Prison Realm. Ultimately, he was released from the Prison Realm in Chapter # 221 or November 19 in manga time.

Gojo Got An Unexpected Power-Up From His Time Inside Prison Realm

To be sure, as soon as Gojo exited the Prison Realm he was ready to take on Kenjaku and Sukuna. His confidence was at astronomical levels, and it's also evident that he did indeed upgrade his abilities. As Gojo's students make clear in Chapter #221, while inside the extradimensional space of the Prison Realm, Gojo learned the ability to manipulate similar spaces. He uses this ability to shrink his domain to the size of a basketball, thereby not only limiting Sukuna's physical attacks but also reducing his abilities.

One possible ability he "learned" or developed while isolated in the Prison Realm is the increased manipulation of his Blue and Red Curses Technique. Considering the threats he already knew he'd be facing if he was ever released from the Prison Realm, another ability he probably would consider improving, if possible, is the "Six Eyes". These are just a few of the ways he used his time in the Prison Realm to improve himself. However, one fact can be certain: the Satoru Gojo that exited the Prison Realm is better than ever.

Gojo Used His Time "In Prison" To Become Even Stronger

Gojo certainly was not scared while inside the Prison Realm. Moreover, as powerful and dedicated a sorcerer as he is, regardless of the amount of time he actually spent in the Prison Realm, Gojo certainly made the most of a bad situation. Whether that meant improving on his own skills, contemplating the skills of his opponents, learning new skills from his environment, or all of the above, Gojo surely exited his incarceration more focused and more powerful than he's ever been in Jujutsu Kaisen, almost like he experienced his own personal "time skip" - the common tool in manga for a character to level up.

Jujutsu Kaisen is now available from Viz Media.