The shocking developments in JJK Chapter 243 have left fans reeling. While Kenjaku’s abrupt death was certainly a surprise, perhaps we should have learned by now to expect the unexpected from Gege Akutami.
But could Kenjaku – an undeniably masterful schemer so critical to the overarching narrative – really be killed so easily? While some readers accept Kenjaku’s death at face value, others question whether we’ve truly seen the last of the sinister sorcerer. There may be more at hand than immediately meets the eye.
In particular, Kenjaku’s final words force us to reconsider the possibility of his death. Though we’re not sure what exactly he meant, he said something along the lines of his will being inherited. What exactly does he mean by inherited? Is he even dead?
Here’s why Kenjaku is still alive in Jujutsu Kaisen
Kenjaku is certainly an unusual character – his body-hopping ability makes him unlike any other cursed spirit we’ve seen. With his actual form being a disembodied brain capable of possessing new hosts, physical defeat doesn’t necessarily mean the end for him.
- Even when Yuta seemingly delivered a decisive blow by slicing off his current host Geto’s head, we can’t assume Kenjaku himself perished. Unless Yuta properly exorcises that ancient, scheming brain in the next chapter, it would be premature to think a villain who has survived over a millennium would leave such an obvious weak spot unaccounted for.
Kenjaku likely has a failsafe in place to preserve his spirit even if a host body is damaged beyond repair. He didn’t spend centuries plotting and preparing only to be thwarted in such a straightforward manner. So while the loss of Geto appears genuine, we suspect the real Kenjaku still lurks, disembodied but ready to emerge in a new form when opportunity strikes. Only a decisive spiritual blow, not just physical, could stop him for good.
What is Kenjaku’s will?
At first, Kenjaku’s dramatic final words about his “will” seemed to refer to his grand plan to escalate the conflict between sorcerers and curses. Even in death, that chaotic vision could live on, though the schemer behind it would be gone.
- But upon reflection, we wonder if there might be more literal meaning there – perhaps he was hinting at his actual ability to body-hop from host to host, preserving his spirit across generations. As an immortal sorcerer who has survived over a millennium by possessing others, transferring his consciousness could allow him to cheat death once more.
When he referenced “inheritance” and will, maybe he meant the next unlucky soul who would inherit his spirit and sinister drive. But who could that be?
Will Kenjaku take over Gojo’s body?
- What if his next target is Gojo, whose body lies incapacitated in Shibuya near the brewing Yuji/Sukuna battle?
We realize that’s wildly speculative – there’s no concrete evidence for it yet. But with a crafty mastermind like Kenjaku, few options seem too far-fetched! He may have wanted us to wrongly assume his “will” referred to ideological legacy, when in reality, he was foreshadowing far more literal plans for continuation via a new, formidable host.
Conclusion:
The unexpected death of Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 243 has left fans questioning if it truly marks the end of this cunning character. His ability to transfer between bodies hints at a potential return, despite his apparent defeat.
Gege Akutami’s storytelling keeps fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding plot, questioning whether Kenjaku’s demise is final or if he has devised a method to continue through a new vessel. The true extent of his plans and their impact on the Jujutsu Kaisen world remain an intriguing mystery awaiting further revelations.