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Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo are the two main characters inJujutsu KaisenSeason 2. Their rivalry forms an important backdrop to the series' plot dynamics. Under the tutelage of Yaga Masamichi, they fought alongside each other in many battles against curses.
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However, their perspectives on the world of Jujutsu and their roles within it diverge significantly. Theirgreat rivalryis not only physical but also philosophical, reflecting their contrasting views on how to deal with the societal problems within the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Gojo & Geto’s Ideological Differences
Gojo and Geto. Geto and Gojo. As students, you couldn’t mention one without the other. The prodigious pair were inseparable, both blessed with incredible talents and destined for great things in the world of Jujutsu sorcery. However, it was the ‘O’ and the ‘E’ in the letters of their names that would hint at the deep chasm between them.The ‘O’ in Gojo would stand for ‘optimism’ whereas the ‘E’ in Geto can be interpreted as a representation of ‘extremism.’
Of course, this interpretation isn’t an official explanation or a deliberate design by the author. It’s just a clever and intriguing way to look at their names, a playful hint at the ideological gap. While Gojo wants to reform the system from within to make it more equitable and less harsh for sorcerers, Geto seeks to dismantle it entirely. Even as high schoolers, Gojo urged the less gifted students to challenge themselves and reach new heights.
Geto, however, was haunted by those he saw suffering. His ideology eventually evolves into a plan to eradicate all non-Jujutsu sorcerers from the world. In essence,Geto Suguru’s ideology is about exclusionand destruction for the sake of a better world, whileGojo Satoru’s ideology is about inclusionand reform for the sake of a better world. Their story serves as a reminder that what we perceive as right often clashes with the justice seen by others.
Geto Fails To Catch Up
The death of Riko Amanaihad a profound negative impact on Geto. While Gojo processed his grief in a healthy way and continued honing his skills, Geto began to stagnate, resting on his laurels rather than pushing himself further. The divide between the once-close friends widened afterToji’s deadly attackspurred Gojo to unlock incredible new powers, catapulting him far ahead of Geto.
Meanwhile, Geto retreated into isolation, feeling utterly defeated. Rather than using Gojo’s growth as inspiration to better himself, Geto allowed his grief to consume him. Unable to cope with Riko’s passing in a constructive way, Geto fell further and further behind Gojo in both mindset and ability. Thus, her death set Geto on a downward spiral that ultimately led him to reject Gojo’s path.
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Geto then makes a dramatic power grab, taking control of theStar Religious Group. The massacre Geto orchestrates reveals his true colors. In a brazen terrorist attack, he unleashes chaos on the streets of Kyoto and Shinjuku. The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons lives up to its sinister name as Geto’s army clashes with Jujutsu High. Faced with the consequences of his abhorrent actions, Geto duels his former ally Gojo in a climactic confrontation. Their ideological clash comes to a head in this fateful battle between friends turned foes. In the end,Geto’s extremism leads to his undoing.
Gojo Moves Ahead
In Season 2, Episode 5 of Jujutsu Kaisen, Geto poses a deeply thought-provoking question to Gojo as he fades into the crowd:“Are you the strongest because you’re Satoru Gojo? Or are you Satoru Gojo because you’re the strongest?“This subtle but powerful inquiry confronts Gojo with an existential quandary. It’s not simply about the measure of his strength, which both he and Geto are acutely aware of. Rather, it’s a question of the substance of his identity and the meaning behind his strength.
DoesGojo exist as ‘the strongest,’ forever shouldering the expectations of those above him while serving as a perpetual beacon of reliability for those weaker? Or can he be an authentic Gojo, a man who is strongest (strong enough) to define his path? Thus, Geto’s question becomes a catalyst for Gojo’s evolution. Now he began to see himself as Satoru first.
This introspection leads Gojo to realize that he doesn’t want to be remembered only for his strength but also for the change he can bring about in the jujutsu world. Therefore, Gojo chooses to mentor a new batch of youngjujutsu sorcererswith the hope of equipping them to be even greater than him.This way, Gojo’s legacy will not only be about his strength but also about the transformative impact he had on the jujutsu world.
