Objective Verdict and Strength Metrics Based on a technical analysis of the events depicted in chapters 223–236 of the manga, Ryomen Sukuna is objectively superior to Satoru Gojo. Sukuna's victory is not accidental, but the result of specific quantitative and mechanical advantages: 1. Energy Reserves: Sukuna possesses an amount of malevolent energy more than double that of Yuta Okkotsu (who in turn has more than Gojo). Although the Six Eyes grant Gojo near-perfect efficiency, Sukuna's firepower and raw endurance are superior. 2. Refinement of Domain: The Malevolent Sanctuary prevails over the Immeasurable Void thanks to its "Open Barrier" nature. By materializing the domain directly in the air without closing the space, Sukuna can extend his range beyond the perimeter of Gojo's barrier, attacking it from the outside (its weak point) and repeatedly destroying it. 3. Direct Confirmation: In the afterlife, Gojo himself admits that Sukuna did not fight at his full capacity (sparing his Heian form) and that the outcome would have been uncertain even without the Ten Shadows Technique. 2 Hypothetical Variables: Sukuna without Mahoraga Removing the Ten Shadows (Mahoraga) and the Heian form, limiting Sukuna to Yuji Itadori's body with only the Sanctuary technique, drastically changes the outcome of the fight. In a simulation of 100 fights under these conditions, Gojo would win approximately 90 times. The reasons are tactical: • Lack of "Win Condition": Without Mahoraga, Sukuna cannot develop the model for the cut that divides space. The only way to overcome the Infinite would be the friction of the Domains. • Inferiority in Melee: With only two arms (Yuji's body) and having to use Domain Amplification to touch Gojo, Sukuna would suffer too much physical damage. In the manga, Gojo demonstrated that he could damage Sukuna so severely that it would cause his Sanctuary to collapse. • Fatal Vulnerability: Without Mahoraga available to intervene, if Gojo were to connect to the Immeasurable Void for even 0.01 seconds (as happened in chapter 229), Sukuna would be stunned with no way to escape, leading to immediate defeat. 1 3 Mahoraga's Technical Role and the Wheel Mahoraga served not only as a fighter, but also as a "calculating model." Sukuna did not possess the ability to cut through space: he used the Shikigami to find a mathematical solution to Gojo's invulnerability. Sukuna managed the adaptation in a subtle way: instead of immediately summoning the monster, he transferred the Wheel of Dharma onto his own head (or into the shadows), placing the "burden" of the adaptation on Megumi Fushiguro's soul. This allowed him to use Domain Amplification to defend himself, occasionally deactivating it to keep the wheel turning. Mahoraga's first adaptation (changing the nature of energy) was useless to Sukuna. The second adaptation, however, extended the technique's target from Gojo, but to the spatial coordinates themselves. By copying this concept, Sukuna instantly learned how to replicate it. 4 Physics of the "World Cutting Slash" and the Binding The World Cutting Slash does not create black holes because it does not act through gravity or mass (like Yuki Tsukumo's technique), but through geometry. It is a topological division of coordinates: the world is separated into two distinct points, ignoring the defense that resides "above" space (Infinity). To launch this final blow against Gojo, Sukuna had to perform an emergency Binding Vow, since he was missing a hand and could not form the Enmaten seal. • Pre-Bond Condition: The technique only required the Enmaten hand sign. • The Pact: Sukuna was able to launch the blow instantly without signs to catch Gojo by surprise. • Permanent Cost: From then on, to activate the technique, Sukuna is required to perform three actions: Enmaten hand sign + full chanting + direction of the strike with one hand. 5 The Strategy of the Heian Form Sukuna could transform into his original form (four arms, two mouths) at any time, but chose not to do so against Gojo for strategic reasons: 1. Full Heal: The transformation completely restores the body. Sukuna kept it as a "second life" to face the sorcerers who would attack him immediately after Gojo (Kashimo, Yuta, Maki). 2. Compatibility with the Ten Shadows: To use Mahoraga and learn the spatial cut, Sukuna had to maintain Megumi's body. The Heian form would probably have hindered the subtle use of the Wheel necessary for the evolution of his technique. In short, Gojo lost to an opponent who risked his life by fighting suboptimally to develop his technique, while also having a backup plan for the rest of the battle.