Introduction to Suguru Geto's Legacy
In the vast lore of Jujutsu Kaisen, few characters possess a narrative arc as complex and heartbreaking as Suguru Geto. Initially introduced as the series' primary antagonist, his legacy is inextricably linked to Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer. Geto was not born a villain; he was a man of high ideals who believed that jujutsu sorcerers existed to protect the non-sorcerers, or "monkeys," as he would later call them. However, the weight of this responsibility and the constant exposure to the ugliness of humanity eventually led to the Geto downfall. His transition from a compassionate protector to a genocidal curse user remains one of the most significant events in the jujutsu world, setting the stage for the Shibuya Incident and the Culling Game.
The Hidden Inventory Arc: A Turning Point
The Hidden Inventory arc serves as the definitive origin story for Geto’s ideological shift. During their second year at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Geto and Gojo were tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel, to ensure her successful merger with Master Tengen. At this time, Geto was the moral compass of the duo, constantly reminding Gojo of their duty to the weak. This arc highlights a period of relative innocence where Geto’s faith in the jujutsu system was still intact. However, the mission ended in a brutal failure that shattered Geto’s worldview, proving that even the strongest could not protect everyone from the malice of ordinary humans.
Rise of a Special Grade Sorcerer
Suguru Geto was recognized as a Special Grade sorcerer, a title reserved for those with the power to single-handedly overthrow a nation. His unique cursed technique, Cursed Spirit Manipulation, allowed him to swallow and control defeated curses. While this made him incredibly powerful, it came at a psychological cost. To tame a curse, Geto had to consume it, a process he described as swallowing a rag used to wipe up vomit. As he rose in rank and power, the physical and mental toll of constantly ingesting the manifestations of human malice began to erode his sanity. The disparity between his immense power and the perceived worthlessness of those he protected became a growing source of internal conflict.
Encounter with the Star Religious Group
The catalyst for Geto's hatred of non-sorcerers was his encounter with the Star Religious Group. This organization of non-sorcerers opposed the merger of the Star Plasma Vessel and eventually celebrated the death of Riko Amanai. Witnessing a crowd of ordinary people cheering over the corpse of an innocent girl was the moment Geto’s "monkeys" philosophy began to take root. He realized that the very people he worked to protect were often the ones responsible for the suffering and deaths of his fellow sorcerers. This encounter sowed the seeds of resentment that would eventually sprout into a full-scale rebellion against the status quo.
The Breaking Point and Geto's Downfall
The final stage of the Geto downfall occurred during a solo mission to a remote village. Upon discovering two young sorcerers, Mimiko and Nanako, being imprisoned and tortured by the villagers, Geto finally snapped. He chose to slaughter all 112 inhabitants of the village, marking his definitive exit from the world of jujutsu sorcery. He abandoned his friends, his school, and his former identity to lead a cult of curse users. His goal became the eradication of all non-sorcerers to create a world where jujutsu sorcerers would no longer have to suffer or die to protect those he deemed inferior. This descent was not a sudden turn to evil, but a tragic surrender to despair.
Consequences for the Jujutsu World
Geto’s defection had catastrophic consequences for the jujutsu world. It left Satoru Gojo as the sole "strongest," creating a power imbalance that made Gojo a target for isolation. Furthermore, Geto’s collection of thousands of cursed spirits became a lingering threat that culminated in the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. Even after his death, Geto’s body was hijacked by the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku, who used Geto’s Special Grade status and identity to seal Gojo and orchestrate the Culling Game. The tragedy of Geto is that his desire to save sorcerers ultimately provided the tools for their greatest suffering.
Conclusion: The Tragic Path of a Fallen Hero
The tragedy of Suguru Geto lies in the fact that his villainy was born from a place of distorted love for his own kind. He was a hero who looked too deep into the abyss of human nature and let the abyss consume him. From the events of Hidden Inventory to his final moments, his path was one of isolation and sorrow. Understanding the Geto downfall is essential for any fan of the series, as it serves as a cautionary tale about the burdens of power and the fragility of even the strongest moral convictions. In the end, Geto remains a figure of pity as much as one of terror—a fallen star in the dark universe of Jujutsu Kaisen.
