In the vast landscape of anime, a plethora of stories revolve around enigmatic beings possessing an insurmountable power. “Jujutsu Kaisen,” embroidered with dark fantasy and supernatural elements, thrives on exploring the philosophical battles that define the destinies of its characters.
Amidst its enthralling narrative, the enigmatic Satoru Gojo’s disdain for the established hierarchy unfolds a tale of rebellion deeply rooted in past tragedies. While often shrugged off as an overpowered protagonist designed for fan service, a closer inspection of Gojo’s interactions with the higher-ups reveals a profound character fueled by the passion to reform the orthodox Jujutsu world.
Diving into Satoru Gojo’s Resolute Ideologies
In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” the canvas of Jujutsu society is tainted with rigid hierarchies and unwavering protocols, controlled by those sitting at the zenith—the higher-ups. The decisions flowing from the top govern the fate of Jujutsu sorcerers, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. This rigid control is what irks the immensely powerful Satoru Gojo, whose vision of a reformed and liberal Jujutsu society clashes with the iron-fisted rule of the higher-ups.
Fear of these Special Grades is 110% warranted. The higher ups must piss themselves whenever 1 turns dark like Geto.. 💀
Like imagine Yuki actually doing something before Geto & Gojo came up.. pic.twitter.com/HYT2jBxw1O
— Shadz (@ShadzMangaOnly) September 12, 2023
The friction between Gojo and the governing authorities isn’t a mere dispute over power or control; it’s a reflection of Gojo’s deeper mission to protect and nurture the new generation of sorcerers. This narrative is epitomized when Gojo, despite having the might to eliminate the higher-ups, chooses to educate and foster a generation capable of instigating meaningful change.
Revisiting the Scars of the Past: The Catalysts of Rebellion
The rigidity and cold indifference of the higher-ups aren’t merely theoretical grievances for Gojo; they bear the echoes of haunting realities. His life journey reflects a chronicle of loss, despair, and the dire consequences of an unjust system. For instance, the tale of Riko Amanai, though not a sorcerer, manifests the sinister face of Jujutsu society, where her life became an expendable entity in a larger scheme.
There is even a point earlier in the manga where he states that killing them would be the easy choice and would only lead to more chaos, which is why he decided to teach: to create a generation that could change the world for the better.
Furthermore, the harrowing descent of Gojo’s lifelong companion, Suguru Geto, into a genocidal sorcerer, spotlighted the detrimental mental toll Jujutsu society can have on its members. Gojo’s anguish and desire to prevent such tragic fates for his students reflect a boundless empathy contrasting with the apathy of the higher-ups.
satosugu were exploited & used as child soldiers by those in power, putting them in situations they should've never been in & it makes me sad knowing they didn't have anyone who stuck up for them & weren't afraid to go against higher ups like gojo is when it comes to his students pic.twitter.com/rVuiQGkgMs
— cami is shadow banned 😭 GOJO REVIVAL ARC SOON (@yuujievents) September 16, 2023
A Mirror to Morality: Analyzing the Rotten Veins of Jujutsu Kaisen Society
“Jujutsu Kaisen” isn’t shy about painting its governing bodies as a representation of a rotten and morally bankrupt system. This is encapsulated through various characters and situations within the lore. Take Mei Mei’s opportunistic attitude or the harrowing tales of abuse in the Zen’in clan, showcasing the dire need for a shakeup in the existing societal framework.
Gege Akutami has made a lot of efforts to show that the world in Jujutsu Kaisen is rotten and morally broken, which is shown through the higher-ups’ unwillingness to change and other elements.
The story of Nanami Kento sheds light on another victim of the rigid system, whose attempt to escape the vicious cycle ends in a tragic demise during the Shibuya Incident. These narratives provide a fertile ground for Gojo’s revolutionary ideals, making his clash with the higher-ups a crusade against an ingrained moral decay.
Jujutsu higher ups: Who could love a nuisance like Gojo?
Megumi, Yuji, Yuta: Nanami-sensei? Permission to kill?
Nanami, grinding teeth, taking out his weapon: Permission granted.
— Caroline_Blythe (@Caroline20BB) September 17, 2023
Conclusion: A Riveting Juxtaposition of Ideologies
The saga of Satoru Gojo and the higher-ups isn’t merely a struggle for power; it’s a battle of ideologies highlighting the fissures within Jujutsu society. As Gojo’s backstory interweaves with his rebellious stance against the authorities, a complex character emerges from the veil of an overpowered sorcerer. The character’s journey, pitted against a stringent and ruthless system, unveils an enthralling narrative that holds a mirror to the many shades of morality within “Jujutsu Kaisen.” Through Gojo’s relentless quest for change, the tale of “Jujutsu Kaisen” attains a deeper philosophical resonance, promising a riveting exploration of more uncharted territories in the episodes to come.
