Jujutsu Kaisen Surprises Fans with Key Element in Its Epilogue: Discover the Details

Fans of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga have widely expressed disappointment regarding the series’ conclusion, claiming that its final arcs felt rushed and left numerous character arcs unresolved. In response to this sentiment, author Gege Akutami announced the release of Volume 30, including an epilogue that reveals the fates of various characters post-manga. Among the many discussions, the treatment of one character—Panda—sparked particular controversy.

Panda’s Ending Reveals Hidden Depths

Reassessing Panda’s Fate

Initially, readers viewed Panda’s conclusion as somber; left in a storehouse by his ally Yuta Okkotsu, he could only awaken briefly. This portrayal led many to believe that the storyline concerning cursed corpses lacked significance. However, a different perspective has emerged through a theory proposed by Reddit user u/MyPrivateCollection, suggesting that Panda’s fate may indeed possess a deeper meaning.

Panda’s status in Jujutsu Kaisen’s epilogue seems dire; stored as an artifact in Gojo’s Family Storage, he exists in a state where he can activate only occasionally—17 years after the main story ended—due to having lost the cores that Kashimo had destroyed. Yet, the theory posits that these moments of activity may indicate that Panda has met the criteria for becoming a fully independent cursed corpse once again, potentially because of the energy imparted by Yuta’s grandchildren.

Furthermore, Panda’s ability to communicate with Yuta’s grandchildren suggests that he retains his identity and memories, maintaining a semblance of his former self. This interpretation aligns with Masamichi Yaga’s revelation in Chapter 147 of Jujutsu Kaisen, which states that self-aware cursed corpses form through the synergy of three compatible souls that have consistently observed one another. Given Yuta’s implied marriage to Maki, it stands to reason that their grandchildren’s interactions with Panda could inadvertently rejuvenate his cursed energy through their shared lineage—an optimistic prospect that could ultimately restore Panda’s autonomy.

A New Hope for the Jujutsu Kaisen Universe

Panda’s Potential Satisfaction with His Story

In Chapter 147, Gakuganji conveys to Yaga that understanding how to create independent cursed corpses opens the door to potentially creating an army. However, 62 years later, and with Gakuganji likely deceased, the secrets of their creation remain obscured. This is reinforced by Satoru Gojo in Chapter 223, who points out Gakuganji’s growth and his decision to keep the method for creating Panda a mystery, even at the cost of leaving him unrevived.

The absence of this knowledge could be tied to what is termed Yaga’s “curse,” a sense of regret following Yaga’s actions leading to a fallen comrade. Additionally, Gakuganji’s dialogue in Chapter 270 suggests a shift in his worldview toward a more hopeful vision for the sorcery community, indicating a belief that solutions will arise regarding Tengen’s barrier without need for haste.

Furthermore, Gakuganji may have been unaware that Panda would cease to function by 2035. However, since Panda was present during discussions between Gakuganji and Gojo, it confirms that he is aware of the possibility for reinvention as an independent cursed corpse but has chosen to remain passive, awaiting a natural conclusion to his existence akin to that of any mortal being. This nuanced attention to detail underscores Gege Akutami’s storytelling prowess, helping Jujutsu Kaisen maintain its status as one of the most significant shōnen manga in recent memory.

Source: u/MyPrivateCollection on Reddit.

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