Warning: Contains spoilers for chapter #259 of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Jujutsu Kaisen is best known for its brutal deaths that even fan-favorite characters aren’t exempt from; however, the series may have failed to do justice to its latest big character death. The series’ creator Gege Akutami has never had qualms about killing off characters, often to fans’ devastation. That said, even Jujutsu Kaisen‘s latest chapter ruined what could have been its most tragic death since Gojo.

In chapter #259, Choso sacrifices himself to save Yuji from Sukuna’s Divine Flame technique which instantly incinerates Choso who dies tragically thanking Yuji for being his brother. Despite being emotionally loaded the chapter barely gives fans or Yuji any time to properly process Choso’s death as Todo arrives on the battlefield.

Despite his crucial role in Yuji’s character arc and the story, Choso’s death is treated as an inconsequential event and arguably ruins his character which thus far had been incredibly well written. Choso’s rushed death also undermines his importance to Yuji, who rightfully should have been devastated at the loss.

Choso’s Rushed Death Undermines His Character

Jujutsu Kaisen created by Gege Akutami, chapter #259 “Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 31”

Despite the strange start to their relationship, Choso and Yuji had one of the most wholesome brotherly bonds in the series, not unlike the relationship between Todo and Yuji. While they may have been only half-brothers, Choso was the closest thing Yuji had left to his family and his loyalty and protectiveness towards Yuji quickly endeared his character to many fans.

Given this loyalty to Yuji, Choso’s sacrifice does not come as much of a surprise. One might even argue that Choso had fulfilled his narrative purpose of teaching Yuji Blood Manipulation and giving him the support he very much needed after the events of the Shibuya Arc. However, the way the series quickly brushes past his death treats Choso like the minor character he was prior to Shibuya, ignoring the connections and contributions he has made since, and the central role he has come to occupy in Yuji’s life.

Ideally, Choso’s death should have fueled Yuji’s rage just as much as Nobara and Nanami’s deaths at Shibuya did, maybe even giving him an additional push not to lose hope against Sukuna, regardless of how many more surprises the King of Curses has left up his sleeve. In fact, a glance at the series’ other emotionally packed deaths reveals exactly what was missing from Choso’s final moments.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Other Character Deaths Prove What was Lacking in Choso’s Case

Nobara, Mai, and Nanami’s Deaths Were Given Weight and Closure

Jujustu Kaisen has had its fair share of tragic character deaths over the years, some more shocking and abrupt than the rest. That said, every character’s death thus far has held weight to it with its effects and implications on the surrounding characters portrayed clearly in the moment. For instance, even though Nobara’s death was never explicitly confirmed, the series did give Yuji plenty of time to process what had happened at Shibuya itself. Yuji’s brief yet vague conversation with Megumi later in chapter #144 also provided some closure on the matter.

Both Nanami and Nobara’s deaths are some of the most impactful, evocative moments in the series, mainly because fans and Yuji were given time to process the loss. The deaths of these characters felt as though they would leave a lasting effect on the world of the series because they were given time to play out and tug on the right emotions. Even Gojo’s rather abrupt death was given due closure with the entire scene at the airport dedicated to the purpose.

Another interesting comparison is Mai’s brutal death in Jujutsu Kaisen, which draws many parallels to Choso’s death but was arguably handled much better. Maki also picks herself up rather quickly after Mai’s death, much like Yuji. However, even though Maki does not explicitly express her sorrow, her grief is easy to see and is reflected in her actions as she takes revenge on the Zenin Clan.

Chapter #259 acknowledges that Choso’s death caused Yuji to waver for the very first time on the battlefield. But, unlike Mai and Maki, Choso’s death doesn’t seem to have any visible effect on Yuji’s actions or behavior beyond a few moments. The battle simply carries on, instantly taking on a much lighter tone as Todo joins in, and thus, the series never properly acknowledges Choso’s death in any way or provides any closure.

Choso’s Death Signals Trouble For the Finale of Jujutsu Kaisen

Gege Akutami May Be Rushing the Final Battle and the Finale

The handling of Choso’s death is a clear-cut signal that Gege Akutami is picking up the pace even more than before for the battle, as well as the finale of Jujutsu Kaisen. The series visibly quickened its pace after the Culling Games and, as a result, many plot points were never wholly fleshed out or discarded entirely. It is clear that Akutami is trying to end Jujutsu Kaisen as quickly as possible, but this may end up taking away from the quality of what could be an amazing ending to what has been a spectacular story.

While the tides finally appear to be shifting against Sukuna, the pacing of the final leg of the battle will be crucial and, if handled hastily, could ruin the finale of the series and all that the battle has built up so far. It is still unclear whether the battle at Shinjuku has more tragic deaths in store, but fans can only hope they are handled better than Choso’s.

Overall, Choso’s death has left fans of Jujutsu Kaisen equally sad and disappointed, but hopefully, the anime can do justice to Choso’s character and not allow his death to go in vain. With any luck, when the dust has settled at Shinjuku, Yuji will be given a moment to grieve, allowing readers to do the same, but for now, one can only hope that Yuji himself survives until the end to do so.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available from Manga Plus and Viz Media.