Warning: Contains spoilers for chapter #255 of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Summary

• Sukuna's vulnerabilities are exposed, giving hope to the sorcerers, despite the battle not being over yet.
• The return of Yuji, Maki, and Choso injects new life into the repetitive and predictable final battle.
• While Yuji's growth is evident, he still needs to make his mark on Sukuna for the battle to reach its climax.

battle against Sukuna seemed like it was running out of steam, but the latest chapter finally signals some hope for the sorcerers with some much-needed fresh perspective.

Chapter #255 of Jujutsu Kaisen finally reveals how the battle against the sorcerers has affected Sukuna and also features Yuji, Choso, and Maki re-entering the battlefield, much to the surprise of Sukuna as well as the readers. Despite Uraume's claims that Sukuna was still not taking the battle seriously only a few chapters earlier, the latest chapter finally reveals the toll the battle has actually taken on Sukuna.

The chapter confirms that Sukuna is unable to use Reversed Cursed Technique, his Domain, or even the slash that cuts the world now that Maki has severed another one of his arms, preventing him from performing the hand signs necessary. While this hardly ensures victory for Yuji and the others, it is safe to say that the story very much needed this perspective on Sukuna's real condition to prevent the battle from getting any more frustrating.

Jujutsu Kaisen's Final Battle Signals Hope of Victory for the Protagonists

Created by Gege Akutami, chapter #255 "Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 27"

After losing so many sorcerers in a flash and every single part of their plan going wrong, the battle against Sukuna had begun getting repetitive, predictable, and quite frustrating, so it is safe to say that the latest chapter is a welcome change in pace. While the chapter ends on an ominous note with Sukuna about to perform another Black Flash, Maki, Choso and Yuji's return has single-handedly revived hopes of their victory— hopes which Yuji also begins to have in the latest chapter.

Maki's survival is especially surprising as she seems to be completely fine even after taking a Black Flash from Sukuna at point-blank range and being flung into a building. Even Yuji's recovery comes as quite a pleasant surprise as he appeared to be in poor shape in chapter #252 and was coughing up blood after getting caught in Sukuna's slash. This may also bode well for some of the injured sorcerers who have been taken away from the battlefield by Ui Ui, though hoping for their immediate return may still be a little too optimistic.

Jujutsu Kaisen Finally Manages To Strike the Balance

While the fight hasn't turned around completely, seeing even some impact of the sorcerers' efforts feels quite rewarding. Ever since Gojo's death, the battle at Shinjuku was starting to get hopeless with every new chapter, as Sukuna continued to cut down even the sorcerers with the most potential, like Higuruma and Yuta. The latest chapter has leveled the playing field even if only a little, making Sukuna feel at least somewhat beatable.

One common criticism of the final battle was that Sukuna would simply be left with no one to fight once he made his way through the main cast, leaving the fate of the series hanging. ittedly, chapter #255 reveals a glimpse of Miguel's abilities which do seem unique, but they most likely wouldn't have sufficed against the King of Curses for very long and Miguel would probably meet the same fate as many of Sukuna's opponents until now. As such, bringing back any sorcerers who could still realistically be able to fight like Yuji and Maki was quite necessary.

While there is nothing wrong with having an overpowered antagonist (and these kinds of characters are arguably the most popular in other shōnen series), it is simply natural for readers to want the protagonists or "the good guys" to win. Jujutsu Kaisen's sorcerers badly needed a win, no matter how small, especially after the many sacrifices and deaths involved.

The Battle Against Sukuna is Still Missing One Key Element

Itadori Yuji is yet to leave his mark

Yuji's ability to use Reversed Cursed Technique proves how far he has come and just how much he has improved in the short preparatory period before the battle at Shinjuku. However, Yuji is yet to truly make an impression on Sukuna, who continues to mock him even after being forced to his knees by a single punch from Yuji in chapter #255. Yuji has also yet to re-establish himself as the protagonist of the series or undergo the significant character development that usually accompanies climactic battles of the sort.

Safe to say, Jujutsu Kaisen's current battle has had its ups and downs, but the latest chapter proves that the series still has a good chance for redemption. Sukuna is undoubtedly an intriguing, charismatic villain and the fight against him has the potential to be the best fight in Jujutsu Kaisen if executed well.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available from Manga Plus and Viz Media.

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