Jujutsu Kaisen fans rejoice as Satoru Gojo is finally freed from prison in chapter 221, which promises an emotional upheaval and intense conflict for the protagonist. After spending 1,184 days in the Prison Realm, Satoru is released and immediately confronts one of the main antagonists of the series, Ryomen Sukuna. Sukuna has taken control of Megumi Fushiguro, one of Satoru’s students and proteges, and Satoru now has the daunting task of battling the two powerful foes.
The chapter begins with Yuji and his friends at the hospital, where Yuji explains the danger of releasing Satoru in public. They then move to an abandoned mine in Saitama prefecture to prevent any unwanted incident from occurring. There, Angel and Hana Kurusu use the Jacob’s Ladder technique to free Satoru. Hana reveals that time moves differently within the Prison Realm, and no one knows how long Satoru has been there. With Toge Inumaki’s help, Hana activates Jacob’s Ladder behind the Prison Realm, and when the dust clears, they realize that Satoru is not there.
However, Satoru suddenly appears near Kenjaku and threatens to kill him, but Sukuna intervenes and takes control of Megumi’s body. Satoru confronts Sukuna in a heated fight and even attacks Uraume before Kenjaku joins the fray. Satoru demands that Sukuna keep his promise to fight him on December 24th, and with that, chapter 221 ends.
The return of Satoru to the story is both surprising and impactful, as he faces the harsh reality that his protege Megumi has fallen into Sukuna’s hands and has become even stronger with Megumi’s Shadow Technique. Satoru’s ability to adapt and face hostility head-on is highlighted in this chapter, showcasing his unwavering determination to protect those he cares for, even if it means harming the body of his enemies.
Besides the emotional turmoil that Satoru must face upon his return, his release from the Prison Realm reveals a bigger theme and plot in Jujutsu Kaisen. The battle between Sukuna and Kenjaku foreshadows the conflict between the protagonists and their enemies, and Satoru’s reappearance is a turning point that could benefit the heroes in the story.
Moreover, Akutami’s decision to free Satoru after more than three years indicates that the battle between Sukuna and him will be more balanced than anticipated. With Sukuna’s current form perhaps more effective against Rikugan users like Megumi, Satoru’s life might also be at stake in the imminent fight.
While the cliffhanger in chapter 221 leaves fans hanging, they can look forward to the next chapter after Golden Week’s hiatus, hoping to witness the intense battle between two powerful forces in the Jujutsu Kaisen world.
