Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 might end with the greatest cliffhanger in the series

The third season of Jujutsu Kaisen is entering one of the most important periods of the story, with the upcoming adaptation of the much-anticipated Shinjuku Showdown arc in the manga. The comeback of Satoru Gojo is one of the most pivotal moments in the entire series. Because of that, the timing of his return in the anime has become a major point of debate.

Historically, the anime has adapted the manga at varying speeds. With the Culling Game already in production, the adaptation structure of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 will determine how close the narrative gets to Gojo’s return. The correlation between episode count and chapter count is therefore crucial in predicting how the season might end.

For a standard 18- to 20-episode season, adapting around 55–60 chapters would naturally place the ending at Gojo’s reappearance. This matches the manga’s progression, where Gojo returns around chapter 221. If the season includes all key Culling Game sequences up to that point, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 will need to move at a faster pace than the Shibuya arc in season 2. Whether the production committee opts for this high-density pacing will ultimately determine if the season ends on that same dramatic cliffhanger.

In season 1 of the anime, 63 chapters were adapted in 24 episodes on average (2.6 chapters per episode). Season 2 adapted about 63 chapters in 23 episodes, averaging 2.7 chapters. Season 3 needs to cover approximately 48 chapters (173–221) to reach chapter 221 by the end of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3. This requires a pace of roughly 2.7–3 chapters per episode, even with an 18-episode season. That density is close to the Hidden Inventory arc’s adaptation style.

The plot of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 is currently at the Culling Game arc. It features long, detailed fights with heavy choreography. These include the initial battles of Yuji and Megumi, the Takaba vs. Hakari comic fight, and the Angel-related storyline that connects to Gojo’s return. Because the anime becomes pacing-intensive during action-heavy stretches, slowing down too much creates stricter pacing constraints. Even so, if MAPPA maintains a steady adaptation rate, the season can still build toward the Shinjuku setup.

Episode structure is another key factor. Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 is expected to have between 18 and 22 episodes, though the official count is not yet confirmed. If the season ends up on the higher end of that range, Gojo’s return becomes far more achievable.

Gojo’s release from the Prison Realm is an extremely effective narrative cliffhanger, aligning perfectly with the moment’s tension. Structurally, this would mirror how season 2 ended with the dramatic conclusion of the Shibuya Incident.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 adaptation path

In order to fulfill the chapter benchmark required for Gojo’s return, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 needs to trim down several sequences within the Culling Game. The manga includes multi-chapter battles that can be shortened without harming the narrative flow. The anime can also merge some character-specific chapters into a single episode, similar to how the Kyoto Goodwill Event arc was handled. When the adaptation removes extended internal monologues or panel-based comedy beats, the pacing becomes less jarring.

Nevertheless, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 must preserve critical moments. These include Megumi’s fall into conflict, the introduction of new powers in the colonies, and Sukuna’s major movements. These chapters serve as essential transitions leading directly to chapter 221.

The challenge is to maintain narrative clarity while still pushing the story forward at a steady pace. With an average of three chapters per episode, the anime can reach Gojo’s reawakening by episode 17–19.

Another factor needed to conclude Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 with Gojo’s return is production timing. MAPPA has a history of aligning key events with the pauses between seasons to maximize audience impact.

The final chapter of the season would be chapter 221. This would allow season 4 to begin with massive conflicts in its first episode, continuing on the trajectory established by seasons 1 and 2. Production-wise, Gojo’s return is a climax that carries significant value.

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To sum up, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 can conclude only when the pacing is considered through the specified adaptation structure with Gojo returning. The number of chapters to be used is about 48. On average, this should be three chapters per episode, meaning the season can comfortably go up to chapter 221 when effectively directed.

The length and density of the Culling Game will be a challenge for the production team. Yet arriving at this cliffhanger would provide one of the most anticipated moments of the series. Through pacing and structural planning, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 will be able to end with the dramatic resurrection of Satoru Gojo. This would make it one of the most powerful season finales in the franchise.

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