Unveiling the Unconventional Final Battles in Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen

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Summary

  • The final battles in Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen begin with supporting characters, not the main protagonists, initiating the fights.
  • The middle portions of the battles involve numerous supporting characters joining the fight before the main characters confront the antagonists.
  • The final confrontations in all three series see the main characters delivering the finishing blows to weakened villains after intense battles involving supporting characters.

Initially hailed as the “new triumvirate” of Shonen Jump, shows like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, were at the forefront, dominating both sales and global popularity. However, their reign didn’t endure as long as their predecessors. Each of these cherished series published their final chapter and wrapped up their stories. Demon Slayer concluded in 2020, while Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia are set to finish in 2024.

It’s perfectly acceptable for an author to wrap up a series when they believe the story has naturally run its course. Not every series needs to span over 500 chapters like the Big 3 did in the past. However, it’s worth noting that despite Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen having unique narratives with separate conflicts and character interactions, their conclusions share more similarities than you might initially think, especially when it comes to the final battle.

The Battle Doesn’t Begin with the Main Character

Typically in epic stories, it’s customary for the main hero to confront the primary villain during a climactic showdown, while secondary characters engage the antagonist’s high-ranking officers. Series like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Bleach follow this pattern. However, it’s worth noting that the villain might engage other characters initially, but it’s usually the protagonist who takes on the final battle against the ultimate adversary. This traditional structure is not followed in the latest trio of blockbusters.

Demon Slayer

In the anime titled “Demon Slayer,” Tanjiro Kamado serves as the principal character. The primary villain is Muzan Kibutsuji. The climactic battle unfolds during the Sunrise Countdown arc. Initially, Tanjiro is present at the onset of the conflict and manages to launch some assaults against Muzan. However, it’s noteworthy that Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, takes the most active role in the fight. He engages Muzan, delaying him until the other Hashiras arrive. Throughout the battle, Tanjiro largely assists Giyu.

“I do not remember a single human being I have killed. Flesh dies and that is the end.”

–Muzan Kibutsuji, Chapter 201

Jujutsu Kaisen

In the anime titled “Jujutsu Kaisen, “Yuji Itadori” serves as the primary character, while “Ryomen Sukuna” assumes the role of the main adversary. The climactic confrontation, known as the Shinjuku Showdown arc, initiates the battle between the most powerful Curse Spirit ever known, Ryomen Sukuna, and the most formidable Jujutsu Sorcerer in contemporary times, Satoru Gojo. In contrast to Tanjiro who stays near his enemy Muzan, Yuji Itadori is positioned far from this conflict. He, along with other Jujutsu Sorcerers, waits on standby for their chance to engage with the formidable foe.

My Hero Academia

In contrast to other shows, “My Hero Academia” features a unique cast of characters. While Izuku Midoriya is undeniably the primary protagonist, Tomura Shigaraki serves as the main adversary. Yet, it’s also worth noting that Katsuki Bakugo plays a significant supporting role, and All-for-One assumes the position of secondary antagonist.

In the climactic Final War, the final battle unfolds. Our heroic figures manage to split the two antagonists, but an unexpected event causes Izuku to be transported to a distant location, away from the primary conflict. This leaves Tomura Shigaraki engaged in combat with Bakugo and other heroes, while All-for-One faces off against Endeavor and his allies.

The Villain Has to Fight Numerous Supporting Characters

Instead of the central figure engaging directly with the primary adversary during the conflict’s midsection, these three next-generation manga leaders opt for introducing formidable secondary characters who take center stage initially.

Demon Slayer

Following the initial clash between Muzan and Giyu, along with Tanjiro, two additional Hashiras, Mitsuri Kanroji (the Love Hashira) and Obanai Iguro (the Serpent Hashira), leap into the battle. Even ordinary Demon Slayer corps members charge in, attempting to create a moment’s respite for the Hashiras. However, Muzan Kibutsuji proves to be an incredibly formidable adversary.

At last, it’s a relief to see the two remaining Hashiras, Sanemi Shinazugawa (Wind Hashira) and Gyomei Himejima (Stone Hashira), make their appearance in this decisive battle. Interestingly, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Kanao, and Nezuko have also joined the fray. Unfortunately, Tanjiro is unable to participate as he’s gravely ill due to Muzan’s poison.

Jujutsu Kaisen

The duel lasting the longest involves Satoru Gojo and Ryomen Sukuna. It’s no overstatement to consider that roughly half of the climactic fight consists of these two characters. After the world’s most powerful sorcerer collapses, other Jujutsu Sorcerers who had been waiting in the wings gradually enter the fray.

The following sorcerer set to face Gojo next is Hajime Kashimo, who hails from the past. Following him are Yuta Okkotsu, Maki Zen’in, and their companions. Throughout this battle, Yuji Itadori briefly joins and leaves the fray, while the primary focus remains on Sukuna engaging the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerers.

Here’s a more friendly and straightforward rephrasing of the given sentence: “I’m going to split you apart, young one. After that, I’ll eliminate the people you care about deeply.”

This version retains the original meaning but presents it in an easier-to-understand way, with less formal language.

–Ryomen Sukuna, Chapter 265

My Hero Academia

In the anime “My Hero Academia”, there are two significant conflicts unfolding concurrently, with two primary antagonists: All-for-One and Armored All Might. While Endeavor leads the charge against All-for-One, a diverse group of heroes, including Hawks and Kamui Woods, as well as students from U.A. High such as Earphone Jack and Tsukuyomi, are all involved in this battle. The fight inflicts significant damage on All-for-One, but he ultimately manages to escape with his life. Following this encounter, it’s Armored All Might who faces All-for-One next, only to sustain severe injuries but miraculously survive the ordeal.

In the fight against Tomura Shigaraki, key participants include Bakugo, Edgeshot, and Mirko. Backing them up are Eraser Head and numerous other heroes and students. Regrettably, despite having his quirks suppressed by Eraser Head, Shigaraki still inflicted fatal injuries on some heroes. In this battle, Bakugo came very close to losing his life. Meanwhile, Midoriya is racing towards Shigaraki’s position as quickly as he can.

The Hero Fights a Weakened Villain

In these series like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia, it’s common to see the final battle unfold in a specific way. Firstly, as other characters engage, the main character takes center stage for the climactic part of the fight. Secondly, the villain becomes significantly weakened during this time. This pattern is consistently observed in these popular animes.

Demon Slayer

In the end, the battle boils down to Muzan vs Tanjiro, with several Hashiras bravely persisting even though they’re severely wounded. Primarily, it falls on Tanjiro to vanquish Muzan Kibutsuji.

Despite Muzan’s remaining danger, a constant assault by five Hashiras, other Demon Slayers, and the potent effect of Tomoyo’s poison have significantly weakened him. The combined efforts, along with Tanjiro’s completed Sun Breathing technique, have pushed Muzan to his breaking point. As the sun rises, it will ultimately obliterate Muzan from existence.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Despite Ryomen Sukuna being the most powerful cursed spirit ever known, his battle against Satoru Gojo has clearly taken a significant toll on him. Moreover, subsequent fighters are no pushovers either; two rounds with Yuta Okkotsu inflicted considerable damage on Sukuna. Now, it’s Yuji’s turn to step up and complete the task at hand.

To everyone’s astonishment, Yuji launched an unrelenting series of Black Flash attacks on the already wounded Sukuna. These assaults undeniably caused pain to Sukuna. The pivotal moment that led to Yuji ultimately defeating Sukuna was when Megumi Fushiguro managed to regain awareness and successfully ejected the King of Curses from his body. Without a host and weakened by sustained injuries, Sukuna met his end.

My Hero Academia

At the climactic point of their struggle, the outcomes for the two antagonists vary significantly. Tomura Shigaraki remains relatively unscathed, skillfully repelling the efforts of the heroes to halt him. Conversely, All-for-One hangs precariously in the balance. The collective damage inflicted on him is simply too overwhelming, yet he still possesses the power to wreak havoc.

The final contestants are those who remain fit (Midoriya versus Tomura Shigaraki) and those who are badly hurt (Bakugo against All-for-One). Both battles promise intensity and difficulty, but when Midoriya and Bakugo finally unleash the full power of their abilities, these two young warriors will emerge victorious against their adversaries.

“Sure, fine! As long as it takes, I’ll keep destroying…you…this country…everything!”

–Tomura Shigaraki, Chapter 414

It’s clear that even though each series tells a completely distinct tale, they all share a similar pattern in their climactic battles. The ultimate confrontation starts with a secondary character making the first move. Other supporting characters then join the action, engaging the main adversary collectively. Eventually, the main protagonist delivers the decisive blow to the weakened enemy. Despite following this common structure, each series creatively designs an exciting and captivating final battle. Consequently, although they follow a similar blueprint, these battles remain intriguing to experience.

Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen are available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-01-29 19:26