Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 Recap and Ending Explained: Did Toji Kill Gojo? What happens to  Riko?

The intensity is still evident as the new episode takes up where the exhilarating last episode left off.

Gojo suffers a brief setback as his method fails during a heated struggle with one of the clone curse users.

Nevertheless, despite the epic failure, his unwavering spirit triumphs, and he is able to deliver Amanai from the grasp of the powerful foe.

But the triumph is short-lived, for in the midst of the chaotic encounter, distressing news reaches Gojo’s ears – Kuroi has been abducted.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 Recap: what happens while they are on the escort mission?

Suguru feels remorseful for leaving Kuroi behind without fully considering her significance to their enemies. He sincerely apologises to Riko and Gojo for his negligence.

Satoru, the astute strategist, suspects that now their enemies will probably demand a hostage exchange, the usual thing that happens in kidnapping cases. Recognising that they have the upper hand in the negotiation since Amanai is with them, he plans a strategy to work with the foes and rescue Kuroi. 

Riko, on the other hand, urges Gojo to become a part of the rescue strategy since she hasn’t said goodbye to her yet and is afraid that the merging might happen before they can interfere.

Recognising that the enemy will most likely approach soon and listening to Riko’s concerns, Satoru decides to tag Riko along with them since her presence will not put Kuroi in danger, but with a promise to leave her behind if it endangers Kuroi’s chances of survival.

The following scene abruptly transports us to Okinawa’s beach. 

For a brief moment, we were perplexed by the abrupt shift in mood!

A fleeting pause amidst the grave situation at hand.

Kuroi accepts responsibility for her kidnapping by the Star Religious Group Q, apologising to Geto for the situation they all find themselves in. She is humiliated at the prospect of being duped by a non-sorcerer from that group.

Flashbacks offer a glimpse of how Satoru and Geto encountered the formidable group and rescued Kuroi before their much-needed break on the beach.

To this end, Geto affirms, amidst the sandy shoreline, that she is not at fault as it was an ambush and that they chose an aircraft as their mode of transportation to prioritise safety on this risky expedition.

As they brace themselves for the high-stakes meeting that lies ahead,  the beach provides a brief haven, a place to contemplate and gain strength before facing the unknown perils that await them.

Puzzled by the Star Religious Group Q’s choice of Okinawa for the exchange, the Geto wonders what the reason behind their decision is. Kuroi believes they chose this spot to keep Riko from fulfilling tomorrow’s full-moon deadline. 

Geto, on the other hand, takes a contrary stance, contending that if that were the case, the organisation would have chosen a remote location with a deficient transportation system. 

Kuroi then immediately questions the airport’s safety, pondering what would happen if they attacked the airport. Geto points out that other first-year students from Jujutsu High have arrived to assist them in the expedition. Their presence will deter the enemies from attempting to seize control of the airport. 

This is where the first-year students of Jujutsu High School appear for the first time this season. One of them has already had a significant role in the first season, but the other is making his debut. 

I’m talking about Nanami and Haibara, the two polar opposites put together. Nanami is grumpy as always, and Haibara is the perky one, who is always enthused with energy and excitement, unlike Nanami. 

We see Gojo and Riko enjoying their brief vacation to the fullest, goofing around like children until Geto interrupts their playful antics, stating that it is time to leave. Seeing Gojo play around with Riko shows how much he cares for her and that he is attempting to ease the situation for her, distract her, and allow her to enjoy her life for the time being. 

Seeing Riko immediately pout about it, Gojo humorously recommends staying in Okinawa for an extra day, pointing out that there are fewer cursers there than in Tokyo. 

Geto, after observing Gojo for the past few days, expresses concern at this, thinking that Satoru could be exerting too much effort. Unfazed, Satoru assures Geto that he need not fear since he can face any difficulties that arise as long as Geto is by his side. 

We catch glimpses of everyone exploring various spots in Okinawa, soaking in the sights and experiences. They return to Jujutsu High, Mushiroyama Foothills, four hours after her bounty is lifted as they begin the third day of their protection mission, prepared to face any difficulties that may arise. 

Geto congratulates everyone for their good work in successfully keeping the Star Plasma Vessel safe and delivering it unharmed to Master Tengen. Since they are inside Jujutsu High, no curse user can possibly attack them anymore. So, they are finally safe in their truest sense. At least, this is what they believed in. 

With the mission almost complete, Satoru deactivates his infinity technique. 

Bad decision, Satoru. Never lay down your guard. 

This is the moment when, out of the blue, Gojo is stabbed from behind. But how is that possible when they are inside the Barrier? 

The season’s main antagonist, Toji Fushiguro, stabs him. 

This is the scene everyone was desperately waiting for. The face-off between Gojo and Toji. 

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 Ending Explained: what is the outcome of the intensive bout between Toji and Gojo? What happens to  Riko?

Toji stabs Gojo by infiltrating the school’s barrier. Toji’s dictionary does not include the term “impossible.”

Fushiguro reminisces about his past visit to Satoru when he was just a child. He was intrigued by Satoru’s unique Six Eyes ability, noting how he was the first and the last one who had ever detected him standing quietly behind him. That is what made him employ others to wear down Satoru.

Suguru attacks Toji with one of the cursed spirits that devour him and runs to aid Satoru. Satoru reassures him that his condition isn’t critical, as Toji missed his vital organs. To prevent more damage, he used cursed energy to fortify his strength. Satoru instructs Suguru to escort Riko to Master Tengen’s location while he deals with the assassin.

Together with Riko and Kuroi, they make their exit as Toji fiercely slashes his way out of the massive curse and exorcises it.

Toji looks for the Star Plasma Vessel while bemoaning his inability to take down Satoru in a single strike. Toji discloses that he was the one who took down the reward when Satoru taunts him by saying that the bounty on Amani has been lifted. They travelled to Okinawa, which Toji finds hilarious. He then describes how he leveraged the appearance of goals and the time constraint to create an opening. Satoru’s sorcerers weren’t slain, but Toji was able to coerce him into turning off his cursed technique.

Satoru uses Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue on Toji, attempting to send him flying, but Toji’s incredible speed allows him to evade the technique effortlessly. Satoru realises that Toji possesses zero cursed energy and that he is using the physical talent of Heavenly Restriction. 

Despite finding it difficult to anticipate Toji’s actions, Satoru succeeds in pushing him back with a counterattack. He feels that Toji is aware of the Limitless move and believes that his opponent is working with a strategy.

Gojo, who is full of himself, teases Toji, saying that his cursed tool won’t be able to harm him, only to realise that he has disappeared. 

Since Toji has no cursed energy, Gojo is unable to sense him, which poses a great challenge when fighting him. However, he soon finds a way out of it. 

The cursed tool on his shoulder will make it easier to track his movements. The fact that Toji is unbelievably fast is getting on his nerves. He decides to use Cursed Technique Lapse – Maximum Cursed Energy Output: Blue to eliminate any potential blind spots in the region.

Gojo suspects Toji is hiding in the forest when a swarm of Fly Heads appears, possibly connected to Toji’s cursed spirit. With his view blocked again by this mock chaff grenade, Satoru suspects Toji could have pursued Riko as he prepares to employ Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue once more. 

In the midst of his distraction, Toji emerges behind him out of nowhere. Satoru makes an effort to defend himself, but Toji quickly strikes with his special-grade cursed instrument, the Inverted Spear of Heaven, nullifying Gojo’s technique and killing him by stabbing him in the neck and ripping him with it, inflicting several wounds on his body. This instrument dismantles all cursed spells. 

The sight of Gojo, drenched in his own blood, lying defenceless and perhaps even lifeless, sent shivers down our spines. The indomitable, strongest sorcerer falls victim to a mere non-sorcerer. Unbelievable! The very foundation of our beliefs and expectations has been shattered, leaving us in a state of awe and disbelief at this dramatic and unexpected turn of events. 

Kuroi says her last goodbyes to Riko in the caverns under Tokyo Jujutsu High. Tearfully, they express their everlasting love for each other. Riko is led to the Main Hall of the Tombs of the Star by Suguru, who is waiting nearby to finish the escort.

Suguru directs Riko to Master Tengen, who is protected by a special barrier that only those who have been invited inside can pass through. Master Tengen will protect her until the merger. 

Riko’s face remains stoic, concealing the turmoil within. Though the situation is entirely beyond her control, she refuses to accept it, vehemently rejecting the reality forced upon her. 

But Suguru offers her another deal. He comes as a cloud with a silver lining. You can also turn back and go home with Miss Kuroi. 

Before the mission, Satoru and Suguru decided to abort the mission if the Star Plasma Vessel didn’t consent, even if it meant facing the wrath of Mater Tengen and fighting him. He says that their instructor, Yaga sensei, had portrayed the mission of erasing the Star Plasma Vessel as morally questionable. We are the strongest. No matter what choice you make, we will secure your future. 

Riko has experienced isolation and the sensation of being outside of everyone else her whole life. She convinced herself that leaving everyone behind would be the best course of action after losing her parents. But as the escort mission unfolds and she spends time with her friends, something inside of her starts to stir. She eventually reveals her actual sentiments as tears start to fall down her cheeks. 

As she is at her most helpless, Suguru reaches out and offers to take her hand and guide her back to where she can call home. This act of compassion and support moves her to her very core.

But who knew destiny had prepared something else for Rika? 

When she is about to give her hand to Suguru, she is shot in the head by Toji. 

Suguru stands before Riko’s lifeless body, leaving him utterly stunned and incredulous. Toji emerges from the shadows, declaring that it’s time to conclude their business. Overwhelmed by emotions, Suguru questions why, to which Toji delivers the devastating news—I killed Gojo Satoru. 

Amidst the harrowing chaos of the Escort Mission gone awry, Suguru’s heart burns with a fierce determination to avenge the deaths of his best friend, Gojo and Riko. Due to an overwhelming desire to kill Toji, fueled by a burning thirst for vengeance, he unleashes two of his most powerful curses.

The battlefield has been taken over by a battle of sorcery and physical might, and everyone’s fate is at stake, leaving the viewers on a cliffhanger.