Toji Fushiguro, the formidable antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, makes his impactful return in episode 26, “Hidden Inventory 2,” of the first season. His reappearance marks a pivotal turning point in the Hidden Inventory Arc, profoundly affecting the lives of Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto.
The Shocking Return: Unpacking Episode 26
The resurgence of Toji isn’t a simple resurrection; it’s a meticulously crafted plot point tied to Idle Transfiguration, Mahito’s innate technique. His body, though deceased, is reanimated and compelled to act on primal instincts, primarily violence. This isn’t the Toji Fushiguro who meticulously planned assassinations; it’s a puppet controlled by residual instincts, creating a horrifying mirror of his former self. Episode 26 masterfully builds tension, revealing his presence gradually through subtle hints and escalating confrontations. The visual storytelling and the impactful soundtrack amplify the shock and dread surrounding his reappearance. The episode culminates in a brutal confrontation, solidifying Toji’s resurrected presence and setting the stage for devastating consequences. This encounter isn’t merely a fight; it’s a clash of ideologies and a testament to the enduring impact of past actions.
The Mechanics of Resurrection: Idle Transfiguration’s Role
Understanding Idle Transfiguration is crucial to comprehending Toji’s revival. Mahito’s technique manipulates the soul’s shape, allowing him to alter the physical body. In Toji’s case, a weak sorcerer using Idle Transfiguration stumbled upon Toji’s corpse. Drawn to the sheer strength of the body’s residual instincts – the desire for battle and the inherent drive to eliminate strong sorcerers – the sorcerer reanimated him. Critically, this isn’t a complete resurrection of Toji’s personality or memories. It’s a twisted echo, a shell driven by instinct, making him both a tragic figure and a terrifying threat. This process highlights the terrifying potential of Idle Transfiguration and its ability to warp even the strongest individuals.
The Immediate Aftermath: Gojo’s Near-Death Experience
Toji’s return precipitates a near-fatal encounter for Gojo Satoru. Having recently achieved a deeper understanding of his powers, Gojo is still vulnerable. Toji, with his Heavenly Restriction that grants him superhuman physical abilities while negating all cursed energy, is the perfect counter. The fight that ensues is a brutal display of skill and strategy, pushing Gojo to his absolute limit. This confrontation is not only visually stunning but also pivotal in shaping Gojo’s future. He learns to push past his limitations and further refines his control over his cursed technique, solidifying his path toward becoming the strongest sorcerer. The episode serves as a crucible, forging Gojo into the powerhouse he becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toji’s Return
Here are some frequently asked questions to further elaborate on Toji Fushiguro’s return in Jujutsu Kaisen:
FAQ 1: Is the revived Toji the same as the original Toji?
No, the revived Toji is not the same. While he possesses the same physical body and fighting skills, his personality and memories are largely absent. He’s driven primarily by residual instincts and the compulsion to fight strong opponents. Think of him as a highly skilled automaton, mimicking the movements of the original but lacking his full cognitive abilities and motivations.
FAQ 2: What is Heavenly Restriction, and how does it affect Toji?
Heavenly Restriction is a binding vow that grants an individual extraordinary physical abilities in exchange for something else, typically cursed energy. In Toji’s case, he has zero cursed energy but possesses superhuman strength, speed, and senses. This makes him an incredibly effective assassin against sorcerers who rely heavily on their cursed techniques. His Heavenly Restriction is the key to his success and his ability to challenge even the strongest sorcerers like Gojo Satoru.
FAQ 3: Why was Toji’s body still around to be reanimated?
After being defeated by Gojo Satoru during the Hidden Inventory Arc, Toji’s body was not properly disposed of. The specifics of its retrieval and preservation are not explicitly detailed, but the prevailing implication is that it was recovered by someone seeking to exploit his power, however briefly, which led to his eventual reanimation.
FAQ 4: Did Suguru Geto know about Toji’s revival beforehand?
There’s no indication that Suguru Geto had prior knowledge of Toji’s revival. His focus was primarily on his own disillusionment with the jujutsu world and his growing resentment towards non-sorcerers. Toji’s return is a completely separate event that adds to the chaos and tragedy of the Hidden Inventory Arc.
FAQ 5: How does Toji compare to other villains in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Toji stands out among other villains due to his unique fighting style and motivations. Unlike curse users who rely on cursed techniques, Toji uses pure physical prowess and strategic planning. He’s not driven by a desire for destruction or domination, but rather by a cynical pragmatism and a desire for personal gain. His effectiveness as an assassin and his impact on Gojo’s development make him a particularly memorable and impactful antagonist.
FAQ 6: Does Toji remember his son, Megumi Fushiguro, during his revival?
During his reanimated state, Toji’s memories are fragmented and incomplete. Initially, he doesn’t appear to recognize Megumi. However, a brief moment of clarity surfaces during their battle, hinting at a flicker of recognition and possibly regret, before he ultimately succumbs to his primal instincts. This scene is poignant, highlighting the tragedy of his situation and the enduring connection between father and son.
FAQ 7: How does Toji’s return impact Megumi’s development as a sorcerer?
While their interactions are brief, Toji’s return leaves a lasting impact on Megumi. Witnessing his father’s immense power and the consequences of his choices likely contributes to Megumi’s own ambition to become a strong sorcerer. It also provides him with a glimpse into his family’s complicated history and motivates him to forge his own path.
FAQ 8: Could Toji have been fully resurrected with all his memories and personality intact?
While theoretically possible within the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, a full resurrection would require a far more potent and controlled application of Idle Transfiguration or another comparable technique. Given the circumstances of his revival, it’s unlikely that a complete resurrection was ever intended or feasible. The focus was on exploiting his physical capabilities, not restoring his consciousness.
FAQ 9: What weapons does Toji use, and why are they significant?
Toji primarily uses a cursed tool called the Inverted Spear of Heaven, which nullifies cursed techniques upon contact. This weapon is particularly effective against sorcerers who rely heavily on their techniques, making him a formidable opponent for even the strongest. He also carries a variety of other weapons stored within his cursed tool, Inventory Curse, showcasing his strategic approach to combat.
FAQ 10: How does Toji’s fighting style differ from other characters in the series?
Toji’s fighting style is characterized by his incredible speed, agility, and precision. He relies on pure physical prowess and strategic use of weapons rather than cursed techniques. His movements are fluid and efficient, making him a difficult opponent to track and predict. He’s a master of close-quarters combat and excels at exploiting vulnerabilities in his opponents’ defenses.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of Toji’s defeat in the Shibuya Incident Arc?
Toji’s defeat in the Shibuya Incident Arc serves as a closure of sorts. It demonstrates Megumi’s growth and the culmination of his training. It also allows Toji’s spirit, or what remained of it, to finally rest. This fight highlights the cyclical nature of violence and the importance of breaking free from the patterns of the past.
FAQ 12: What if Toji hadn’t died the first time, would he have been able to raise Megumi?
This is purely speculation, but given Toji’s pragmatic and somewhat cynical personality, it’s debatable whether he would have genuinely committed to raising Megumi in a conventional sense. He likely would have trained him to be a strong fighter, but his unconventional methods and lack of emotional attachment might have created a complex and potentially strained relationship. The idea remains a thought-provoking “what if” scenario that allows for interesting character analysis.