Jujutsu Kaisen's Next Chapter: Reinventing Sukuna's Dark Origin

As the curtains begin to close on Gege Akutami's monumental Jujutsu Kaisen manga, fans are already envisioning what comes next. While the current narrative brings a powerful conclusion to the Shibuya Incident and its aftermath, a tantalizing possibility looms on the horizon: a sequel that could redefine one of anime's most iconic villains, Sukuna, the King of Curses.

The current manga has depicted Sukuna as a force of nature, an embodiment of pure malevolence with a chillingly pragmatic worldview.

His origin remains largely shrouded in mystery, hinted at through brief flashbacks and cryptic remarks about his life during the Heian Era. However, a potential sequel, perhaps even a prequel, offers a golden opportunity to peel back these layers, transforming him from a simple antagonist into a figure of profound tragedy and complexity.

Imagine a series that delves deep into Sukuna's human life, exploring the circumstances that forged him into the terrifying entity we know today.

Was he always evil, or was he a product of a brutal world, forced to embrace and master the darkest aspects of Jujutsu to survive? This narrative approach could elevate his character significantly, moving beyond the archetype of pure evil to one with understandable, albeit twisted, motivations. It's a chance to explore the 'why' behind the 'what,' enriching the entire Jujutsu Kaisen lore.

Akutami sensei has already shown a willingness to explore past events and character backstories, as evidenced by the highly successful Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which delved into Yuta Okkotsu's poignant origin.

This precedent suggests that a deep dive into Sukuna's past is not only plausible but could be incredibly impactful, providing context that re-frames his present actions and perhaps even elicits a degree of empathy from the audience – a stark contrast to the terror he currently inspires.

Other shonen giants have successfully given depth to their seemingly irredeemable villains.

One Piece masterfully explored Kaido's motivations and origins, turning him into a tragic figure driven by a thirst for a glorious death. Even Dragon Ball Z, in its later stages, provided Frieza with a clearer (though still self-serving) motive for his galactic conquests. Jujutsu Kaisen could follow suit, offering a complex exploration of Sukuna's rise, potentially revealing him as a tragic anti-hero rather than a one-dimensional harbinger of destruction.

By exploring Sukuna's pre-curse life, his initial mastery of Jujutsu, and the events that led to his transformation into a malevolent spirit, a sequel could provide new interpretations of his ruthless philosophy and his nihilistic view of humanity.

This isn't about excusing his actions, but about understanding the intricate tapestry of cause and effect that created the King of Curses. It would be a bold narrative choice, one that promises to captivate fans and leave an indelible mark on the legacy of Jujutsu Kaisen.