The third season of Jujutsu Kaisen centers on the “Culling Game,” a high-stakes, nation-wide battle royale masterminded by the series’ primary antagonist, Kenjaku. Following a high-octane two-episode premiere that explored the fallout of the Shibuya Incident and the return of Yuta Okkotsu, Episode 3—appropriately titled “About the Culling Game”—delves into the mechanics of this deadly tournament while introducing three essential characters who will define the arcs ahead.
Note: The following contains major spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Episode 3, and the corresponding manga chapters.
The episode begins with Yuji Itadori and his allies—including Megumi Fushiguro, Yuki Tsukumo, Yuta, and Maki Zenin—seeking an audience with Master Tengen. Within the depths of the Tombs of the Star Corridor, the immortal entity explains the ramifications of failing to merge with a Star Plasma Vessel 12 years prior. Through a detailed breakdown of Kenjaku’s grand design and the intricate rules of the Culling Game, the sorcerers begin to strategize their next move.
Crucially, Tengen identifies a specific participant named Hana Kurusu, also known as “Angel.” Her Innate Technique possesses the rare power to “extinguish” other cursed techniques. This makes her the group’s only hope for unsealing Satoru Gojo from the Prison Realm, as her abilities could theoretically nullify the seal. While Tengen cannot interfere directly in the games, he provides the group with Hana’s general location, positioning her as a vital potential ally.
The moniker “Angel” refers to the Heian-era sorcerer who shares a body with Hana, granting her access to ancient and formidable jujutsu. While her full combative depth is revealed gradually, she eventually proves her mettle in a clash against Sukuna alongside Yuji and Maki at the Tokyo No. 1 Colony. During this engagement, Hana utilizes devastating moves such as “Maximum Output: Jacob’s Ladder,” a purifying light that cleanses cursed energy. Beyond her offensive utility, Hana’s altruism shines through as she uses her wings to fly injured civilians to safety, marking her as a rare beacon of compassion in the tournament.
The episode concludes by teasing two other significant players: Kinji Hakari, a powerhouse student currently under suspension from Jujutsu High, and Fumihiko Takaba, a struggling comedian who was forcibly awakened as a sorcerer by Kenjaku. These introductions signal a massive expansion of the narrative scope of Jujutsu Kaisen, setting the stage for an increasingly complex war between humanity and the evolving forces of evil.
New episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 are available to stream every Thursday on Crunchyroll.
Source: Polygon
