In the Jujutsu Kaisen series, it is suggested that Nobara Kugisaki may have tragically met her end. The final time she was illustrated alive in the manga was in Chapter 125. The sequence of events leading up to this implied demise involved a fatal encounter with Mahito’s Idle Transfiguration in chapter 124. Following this tragic hit, Nobara was flooded with memories, reflecting on her journey up until that crucial moment. In her potentially final words to Yuji Itadori, she courageously stated, “Tell them… it wasn’t so bad!”
Then the next panel in the manga reveals the horrifying sight of her left eye ripped away from her face. As the subsequent chapter unfolds, she collapses to the ground, blood spurting from the void where her once beautiful left eye resided. This ghastly transformation fills Itadori with immense anguish, for she now appears lifeless, devoid of any trace of vitality.
Strong implications suggest that Nobara’s death has occurred, although no definitive confirmation has been provided. The most recent mention of her was in Chapter 144, where Yuji asked of Megumi regarding her fate. However, Megumi’s lack of response, coupled with his impassive reaction, offers no discernible clue regarding her condition, leaving her current state shrouded in uncertainty.
As the subsequent chapters progress, the characters refrain from mentioning her, giving the impression that her presence within the story has concluded. Therefore, it is presumed that Nobara may have met her ultimate end.
The Possibility of Nobara Coming Back
Although the prospects of her survival appear grim, there remains a glimmer of hope that Nobara might return in the anime. Despite her prolonged absence from the manga, spanning over a hundred chapters, her actual death has not been definitively established, unlike the unfortunate fate suffered by other characters like Nanami Kento and Mahito, both of whom perished during the Shibuya Arc.
In Chapter 127, Arata Nitta provides a subtle hint that Nobara’s death may not be a certainty, stating that her chances of survival are not entirely absent. However, he also advises Yuji against raising his expectations. This dialogue presents a significant indication regarding Nobara’s fate, yet no subsequent updates were given regarding her condition. Nevertheless, it instills a flicker of hope that she might find a way to return once she has fully recovered.
It is plausible that Nobara is undergoing a healing process of some kind. Following the events of the Shibuya Arc, numerous unresolved matters demanded the attention of the sorcerers. With everyone entangled in their own pursuits and fighting for survival, it is understandable that discussions about Nobara ceased. Furthermore, the current predicament of Gojo being sealed in a box, along with the significant number of casualties among the sorcerers, likely diverted their focus away from Nobara alone.
Who Is Nobara Kugisaki?
Nobara Kugisaki, first appearing in the manga’s third chapter and the second episode of the anime, is a character loved and admired for her lively and bold persona. Her funny interactions with Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro, give her an endearing quality. Although she faced bullying during her early years in her rural hometown, she displayed a tough skin and a deep-rooted aspiration to escape to the metropolis of Tokyo, armed with the sorcerer teachings she received from her grandmother.
At the tender age of 16, Nobara found herself stepping into Jujutsu High, initially keeping her fellow classmates, particularly Yuji, at arm’s length. However, as time passed, their relationship evolved, blossoming into a deep-seated friendship. During a turbulent period when Yuji was presumed dead, Nobara attempted to keep up her resilient exterior. However, her true feelings shone through upon learning of his survival, showing a mix of relief, anger, and genuine concern for him.
Nobara, a first-year student at Jujutsu High, possesses a Grade 3 sorcerer rank. She showcases extraordinary potential, demonstrated during her various missions undertaken alongside her classmates.
The sudden and tragic implication of Nobara’s death left an undeniable impact on her fellow friends and of course, the fans of the series. The acceptance of her presumed death has been a challenging reality for many to confront. This just goes to show how deeply Nobara Kugisaki’s character has touched the hearts of many.
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Nobara’s Abilities
Nobara possesses a unique cursed technique known as the “Straw Doll Technique.” This ability utilizes a set of essential tools, including a straw doll, hammer, and nails. The technique itself can be employed in two distinct ways: Hairpin and Resonance.
Nobara’s Hairpin technique exhibits a straightforward yet effective approach. By channeling her cursed energy into nails, she punctures her adversaries, allowing the infused energy to permeate their bodies. With a simple snap of her fingers, the stored cursed energy is unleashed upon her opponent, causing further damage and amplifying the impact of her attack.
While for Nobara’s Resonance technique, it showcases a greater level of intricacy. By employing her straw doll as a conduit, she establishes a link with her adversaries, requiring a physical “piece” of her opponents, such as a lock of their hair. Through this connection between the straw doll and her opponent, Nobara gains the ability to inflict harm upon them by manipulating and damaging the straw doll, akin to the concept of a voodoo doll. This allows her to deliver targeted attacks and afflict her opponents with corresponding injuries.
Nobara exhibits a commendable level of physical strength, evident by her remarkable pain tolerance, as demonstrated in Episode 24 of the anime. During the intense battle between Nobara, Yuji, and Eso, she endured the impact of Eso’s Wing King attack, which left her absorbing his blood and facing a mere 10 minutes to live. Rather than succumbing to the imminent threat of death, Nobara saw this dire situation as an opening to unleash her cursed technique, Resonance.
In a resourceful display of her determination to survive, Nobara improvised by utilizing her own body as a conduit when she lacked a straw doll. By inflicting self-inflicted attacks, she managed to inflict pain upon both Eso and his brother, Kechizu. This tenacious refusal to accept death and her unwavering will to stay alive is a defining aspect of Nobara’s character. Her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity is one of the primary reasons why fans adamantly refuse to accept the that she would merely perish following the events that unfolded in Chapter 125.
What Does the Future Hold for Nobara’s Fate?
The question of Nobara’s destiny remains uncertain. Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, typically communicates openly when a character meets their demise. However, in the case of Nobara, there is a distinct lack of clarity regarding her current status. This ambiguity has sparked hope among fans, as it suggests that Akutami might have intentions of reintroducing her character to the story in the future.
There are ongoing speculations surrounding the potential for Nobara’s future return, emphasizing that her absence from the manga does not necessarily rule out her eventual comeback. One plausible theory revolves around Nitta and his cursed technique. While his abilities remain unexplained, there are indications that he possesses the ability to hinder the full impact of a cursed technique on someone’s body. In this scenario, it is conceivable that Nitta intervened and prevented Mahito’s attack from completely disfiguring Nobara, although her missing left eye remains a significant issue.
If this theory holds true, it raises the possibility that Nobara could have been entrusted to Shoko Ieiri, who serves as a doctor within the Jujutsu High. It is likely that Shoko’s healing expertise could have been utilized to heal Nobara’s physical injuries and aid in her recovery, offering a potential explanation for her absence from the story.
An alternative theory revolves around the concept of the “Reverse Cursed Technique,” which involves the combination of negative cursed energies to generate a positive cursed energy capable of healing. Notable users of this technique include Satoru Gojo, Sukuna Ryomen, Yuuta Okkotsu, Uraume, and even Shoko Ieiri herself. While it remains uncertain whether this technique can be applied to Nobara’s situation, there exists a possibility that she has been placed under Shoko’s care temporarily for the purpose of healing.
In such a scenario, the Reverse Cursed Technique may play a crucial role in improving Nobara’s condition, offering hope for her eventual recovery. However, it is essential to note that these are mere speculations, and until official information is provided, the true fate and potential return of Nobara Kugisaki remain uncertain.
Overall, the future of Nobara and whether she will make a comeback remains undetermined and without a definitive answer. However, the presence of ambiguity surrounding her condition allows room for hope among fans that she may still be alive.
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