Principal Yaga's death in Jujutsu Kaisen reflects the dark reality of the world

In the latest installment of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, one of the most heartbreaking moments to date occurred, with Principal Masamichi Yaga's execution. It represents an impactful storytelling choice that extends well beyond the world of fiction itself. For viewers who have invested in the series over time, the passing of the former Principal of Tōkyo Jujutsu High carries deep meaning.

What makes the loss of Yaga even more tragic is the resemblance to a repeated occurrence in our own past. There have been many instances of scientists developing inventions that were then used as weapons or in ways that did not benefit mankind.

In any case, he possessed an extraordinary power within the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, utilizing his Cursed Corpse Creation curse technique that could produce sentient entities (like Panda) that have independent thought processes because of his own use of cursed energy to accomplish this. This frightened the higher-ups considerably and thus prompted them to become even more anxious regarding the extent of his capabilities.

The jujutsu authorities demanded Yaga reveal his secrets. They were trying to make a bunch of soldiers from cursed corpses. Yaga said "No" to them. He thought of the dead bodies he made as a kid, not weapons or tools.

The tension between the creator and the government reminds us of the tragic history of others getting killed by their own peaceful inventions. Many scientists have watched their good ideas turn into things that kill other people, and there have always been wars throughout time.

A Father's Final Stand in Jujutsu Kaisen

Episode 5 of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 portrayed Yaga's last moments with devastating clarity. The principal of the Kyoto Jujutsu High, Gakuganji, killed Yaga because of orders from his corrupt superiors. Instead of following the orders of the upper echelon and doing their will, Yaga chose to die.

Yaga explained his technique to Gakuganji before dying. Yaga called it a curse he put on Gakuganji, the person who killed him, knowing that this action would weigh on Gakuganji as a moral obligation. Yaga's actions showed Gakuganji that Yaga understood how power can corrupt someone.

Takeru's scene exhibited Yaga's real intent - he used his power to create cursed corpses to help families who were going through grief find peace. The cursed corpse gave Kusakabe's sister comfort when she lost her child.

Panda was also able to see his father right before he died, expressing that "even pandas cry," which made many people connect with Panda even more than they did with their official counterparts that ordered Yaga's execution.

The Price of Principle of Tokyo Jujutsu High

Jujutsu Kaisen shows how tragic and necessary Yaga's choice was. In refusing to hand over his creations to the higher-ups, he protected them from becoming disposable soldiers in a war.

In the real world, many inventors had to make similar difficult choices. Some scientists worked on developing weapons for the military; others couldn't do anything about their peaceful research being converted to military use.

The way the story of Jujutsu Kaisen portrays Yaga’s death isn’t sugarcoated. It shows how difficult it is to go against authority. The higher-ups view his knowledge as a threat because they can’t manipulate it.

Through Yaga’s secret forest, where his “children” (cursed corpses) resided, he was able to create a space where they could live without persecution from the higher-ups and their plan of turning them into an army of cursed corpses.

Legacy Beyond Death in Jujutsu Kaisen

The sacrifice Yaga made was not wasted; not only did he share his knowledge, but he also put Gakuganji under a burden of conscience. His technique was revealed to Gakuganji during this time, and as a result, Gakuganji was forced to experience and confront some difficult realities.

To create the cursed corpse, three compatible souls were required. These three souls would stabilize each other and eventually create self-awareness. After three months, the cursed corpse would be able to generate its own cursed energy.

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This information puts a lot of weight on Gakuganji in Jujutsu Kaisen. He has the same decision that Yaga wouldn't make: go along with the hogwash the higher-ups were trying (to destroy stuff), or hold on to what the technique was designed to do (the good stuff).

Panda represents the greatest accomplishment Yaga would have ever had: a cursed corpse that is sentient, and a reflection of everything Yaga thought to be important; he is a being with independent thought, feelings, and makes his own choices.

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