Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Chapter 38

   

 Summary:

The battle between Panda and Mechamaru begins! Panda initially believes they are both cursed corpses, but Mechamaru is being controlled remotely by a wizard who cannot use their own bodies. In a clash of ideals, Panda pulls out all the stops to ensure victory. But is Panda... really Panda?

Plot:

Inside the secluded location, a heavily bandaged Kokichi recalls Panda saying they are both cursed corpses. Kokichi hates this and claims that Panda is nothing more than a doll. Remotely controlled, Mechamaru switches to Sword Option with Boost On and attacks Panda with Ultra Spin. Panda dodges it, but the attack has enough raw power to topple a nearby tree completely.

Panda is amazed at Mechamar's strength, not knowing much about him, Kasumi, or Momo. Panda asks what Mechamaru's rank is, and to his surprise, Mechamaru is a semi-grade 1. Panda is able to withstand Mechamaru's next attack, a beam of concentrated cursed energy called the Ultra Cannon. Mechamaru immediately recognizes that his firepower is useless if he can't hit Panda's core.

Panda is a cursed corpse with a sudden mutation that was born sentient and developed emotions. He is the greatest creation of the leading practitioner of puppet jujutsu, Director Yaga. A man-made cursed corpse like Panda has a core of cursed energy instead of a heart. In close combat, Panda has a clear advantage against Mechamar. He realizes that Mechamaru is controlling Kokichi's main body somewhere outside the arena, meaning his only option is to crush Mechamaru here and now.

Kokichi reveals that he has a Heavenly Limitation that grants him large levels of cursed energy in place of his useless body. His skin cannot handle sunlight, he is missing both legs and an arm. The fact that Panda can live carefree as a doll makes Koichi very angry, which manifests in Mechamaru's Albatross Mode.

Mechamaru grabs Panda, who decides to launch an attack to protect Nobara, who is in the line of fire. Panda is shot down by Mechamar's full power ultimate cannon, making the latter believe he has won. Mechamaru comments that the doll is not worth dying for, but Panda's voice emerges from the dust, shocking Mechamaru. As the smoke clears, Panda expresses his anger and reveals his new form: Gorilla Mode!