Warning: This contains SPOILERS for Jujutsu Kaisen's Chapter #271.5 Epilogue.

In the newly updated epilogue of Jujutsu Kaisen, creator Gege Akutami addresses several unresolved character arcs that were not fully explored in the original series' final chapter. This new epilogue not only provides closure for these characters but also answers lingering questions about the next generation of sorcerers and the future development of the Jujutsu Sorcery community.

In the chapter dedicated to Panda, we learn that everyone's favorite lovable cursed corpse is alive decades after the climactic defeat of Ryomen Sukuna and Kenjaku. More teddy bear than the powerful Grade 2 Jujutsu Sorcerer he once was, Panda is now under the care of his classmate Yuta Okkotsu. Just as interesting as Panda's "happily ever after" story is how he came to be in Yuta's care. Specifically, the Jujutsu Sorcery community officially transferred "custody" of Panda to Yuta after he became the head of the Gojo Clan. That is, Yuta not only temporarily took over Gojo's body during the fight with Sukuna, but later also took over his position in the community.

Satoru Gojo Was Jujutsu Kaisen's True Chosen One

In Life And Death, The Enigmatic Sorcerer Ruled Over The Jujutsu Community

Despite not being physically present for much of the story, Satoru Gojo dominated the series. No other manga or anime hero has had such a profound impact on a story while appearing so sporadically. While Gojo played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of Kenjaku and Sukuna, their downfall does not mean that Jujutsu Sorcery has come to an end. In fact, with the deaths of so many sorcerers, the community is arguably in a more chaotic state than before. There remains a pressing need for leadership. Indeed, although it’s a relatively peaceful time for Jujutsu Sorcerers with Sukuna and Kenjaku gone, their work of protecting the world is far from over.

Yuta becoming Gojo's successor was always a possibility – in fact, Gojo envisioned him, along with Hakari, as a potential successor. However, over the course of the series' final chapters, Yuji Itadori clearly emerged as the most likely successor, if not the only one. This was particularly evident in how Yuji ultimately not only defeated Sukuna, but also provided the King of Curses with an opportunity for redemption. Through these actions, Yuji demonstrated a level of leadership and strength that seems perfectly suited for the new age of Jujutsu Sorcery – an age defined by personal power rather than by inherited power from clans, families, and seniority.

Yuta Was Destined To Take Satoru Gojo's Position

As the epilogue makes clear, and artist Myamura brings to life an excellent piece of fan art posted to his Yuta is the last remaining Special Grade Sorcerer. Although he didn’t retain Gojo’s powers after the brain swap, he did retain some of the experiences and insights gained during the transfer.

Perhaps what makes Yuta the best choice to replace Gojo is that, within a community built on traditions, he embodies the best of those traditions. He understands how the Jujutsu Sorcery community functions, possesses an extensive network of connections, including international links such as his relationship with Miguel Oduol, and, as demonstrated during the planning for the fight with Kenjaku and Sukuna, he is not only a leader but also inspires others to follow him. In short, Yuta is the ideal replacement for Gojo on nearly every level, a choice that Gojo himself would undoubtedly agree with. His ascension as Gojo's replacement is the perfect conclusion to a key Jujutsu Kaisen storyline.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #271.5 Epilogue was released with its final bound volume, which is out in Japan on December 25, 2024. The English version of the volume will be published at some point in 2025.

Source: @Gojo_Jover