In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Ryomen Sukuna stands as the most powerful and feared cursed spirit in history. Known as the King of Curses, his overwhelming strength has made him nearly invincible. While Satoru Gojo, the strongest modern Jujutsu Sorcerer, posed a significant challenge, even he ultimately fell to Sukuna’s might. Yet, despite his unmatched power, Sukuna meets his end at the hands of a group of Jujutsu Sorcerers. How did this come to be? Below, we explore the main reasons that led to Sukuna’s defeat, highlighting his critical mistakes in the final battle.
1. Underestimating His Opponents: The “Small Fry” Mindset
Sukuna’s first mistake was underestimating the Jujutsu Sorcerers. He viewed Yuji Itadori and the others as insignificant—mere “small fry” that posed no real threat. To Sukuna, only Satoru Gojo was worthy of his full attention and power. This arrogance blinded him to the true potential of those he dismissed.
Despite his view, the sorcerers proved to be far more capable than Sukuna anticipated. The battle against Gojo took a toll on Sukuna, leaving him vulnerable. When Yuji and the other sorcerers joined forces, they demonstrated that even minor, coordinated attacks could inflict damage, especially on an already weakened Sukuna. This was something the King of Curses did not foresee. By dismissing their strength and fighting with less caution, he opened himself up to defeat.
2. Fighting Alone: A Matter of Pride
Another significant factor that contributed to Sukuna’s downfall was his insistence on fighting alone. For powerful cursed spirits, pride often dictates that they battle independently. To them, teaming up signifies weakness. Sukuna was no exception—his ego prevented him from joining forces with others, even when it could have given him a strategic advantage.
The Jujutsu Sorcerers, on the other hand, fought as a cohesive team. They combined their unique abilities to create relentless and coordinated attacks, wearing Sukuna down over time. Had Sukuna set aside his pride and fought alongside his allies or even his loyal servant, Uraume, the outcome might have been very different. Uraume, with her powerful ice techniques, could have provided defensive support, allowing Sukuna to focus solely on offense and secure a faster victory. However, Sukuna’s refusal to collaborate was a critical mistake that played a part in his defeat.
3. Miscalculating His Opponents’ Strength
Sukuna’s arrogance led to another major miscalculation: underestimating the power and determination of Yuji and the other sorcerers. During his fight with Gojo, Sukuna learned just how formidable the strongest sorcerer could be. However, he failed to adjust his strategy in the subsequent battle against Yuji and the others.
Sukuna did not anticipate that Yuji, despite being considered less powerful, could grow and adapt so quickly. Yuji’s combat abilities had evolved significantly by this point. His mastery of Black Flash and his newly discovered cursed technique proved to be critical weapons in the battle. The sheer intensity and coordination of attacks from multiple sorcerers, including special-grade and Grade 1 fighters, further overwhelmed Sukuna. The sorcerers’ relentless assault and strategic teamwork turned what seemed like minor wounds into mortal injuries over time.
The Role of Yuji and His Allies
One of the key moments in the final confrontation was Yuji’s unyielding spirit and growth as a fighter. Despite being viewed as weaker by Sukuna, Yuji’s repeated use of Black Flash and newly acquired techniques caught the King of Curses off guard. The teamwork among all the sorcerers, including strong fighters like Yuta Okkotsu, Maki Zen’in, and Kinji Hakari, added to the challenge. They combined their efforts in a way that multiplied their effectiveness, proving that Sukuna’s approach of viewing them as “all the same” was a fatal oversight.
Yuji’s battle cry, “We all worked together to last this long, so we can win this!!” (Chapter 255), encapsulated the spirit of their fight. It showed that even when individually outmatched, unity and perseverance could prevail against an overwhelmingly powerful foe.
Lessons from the Fight with Gojo
Sukuna’s miscalculations began even earlier, during his battle with Satoru Gojo. Although Sukuna knew Gojo was powerful, he underestimated just how dangerous he could be. Instead of using his full power from the beginning, Sukuna chose to test Gojo’s abilities. This caution, or perhaps arrogance, allowed Gojo to dictate the pace of the fight. The result was a drawn-out battle that left Sukuna severely weakened.
Had Sukuna unleashed his full strength and summoned all his shikigami from the start, he might have ended the fight sooner and with less damage. His decision to fight strategically but not decisively at first cost him dearly in terms of energy and injuries.
Sukuna’s Final Battle Against the Jujutsu Sorcerers
When Sukuna faced Yuji and the remaining Jujutsu Sorcerers, he was already worn down from his fight with Gojo. Despite being weakened, he still believed he could easily defeat Yuji and the others. This overconfidence led to his downfall. The sorcerers, led by Yuji, launched a continuous, well-coordinated assault that kept the pressure on Sukuna. With every passing moment, the King of Curses received injuries that added up to significant damage.
Yuji’s growth, marked by his consistent use of Black Flash and his newly awakened cursed techniques, turned the tide. The combined efforts of the special-grade and Grade 1 sorcerers surrounding him added to Sukuna’s struggle. Even the King of Curses could not withstand an attack on all sides when his energy was already depleted.
Conclusion: Sukuna’s Three Fatal Mistakes
In the end, Sukuna’s downfall can be attributed to three main mistakes:
1. Underestimating his opponents: Viewing Yuji and the other sorcerers as insignificant led him to let down his guard.
2. Fighting alone: His pride prevented him from accepting help, leaving him vulnerable to the teamwork of the sorcerers.
3. Miscalculating the strength of others: Sukuna did not realize the true potential of his enemies until it was too late.
These errors, combined with the sorcerers’ unity and determination, sealed Sukuna’s fate. The King of Curses fell not because he lacked strength, but because he underestimated the power of those he deemed weak. This final battle serves as a reminder that true power lies not just in raw strength but in recognizing and adapting to challenges.