Chapter 254

is the two hundred and fifty-fourth chapter of Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen.
==Summary==
Atsuya Kusakabe vs. Sukuna!? Against his lackadaisical nature, Kusakabe follows in the footsteps of his students and gives his all in the fight to stop the King of Curses.
==Plot Details==
Opening a Simple Domain and activating Evening Moon Sword Drawing, Kuaskabe steels himself as he confronts Sukuna. Noticing Kusakabe's stance, Sukuna wonders why the grade 1 sorcerer is using sword-drawing against him despite his ranged slashing attacks. Furthermore, as an anti-domain and anti-barrier technique, Simple Domain can negate a domain's guaranteed-hit effect, but not neutralize a cursed technique by itself. Nonetheless, a Simple Domain is still a domain, and Sukuna decides to test Kusakabe's prowess by launching a single Dismantle his way.
With a swift sword-draw, Kusakabe deflects the flying slash with his katana. By using Evening Moon Sword Drawing, Kusakabe's cursed energy output increases and Sukuna's cursed techniques are slightly weakened while within his Simple Domain. Additionally, by incorporating his own programming into the domain, Kusakabe can automatically intercept anything that enters its range with his blade, easing the process of anticipating the flying slashes as he had been relying on reading Sukuna's motions and occurrences of cursed energy up until now. Suddenly, Kusakabe barely deflects a slash aimed at his face, causing him to realize that Sukuna activated his cursed technique without any motion. Sukuna teasingly tells Kusakabe to prepare for his next attack, which the latter assumes to be a slash that cuts the world. 
At some point in the past, Mei Mei, Kento Nanami, and Satoru Gojo are asked why they believe Kusakabe to be the strongest grade 1 sorcerer. Mei Mei stated that while she and Nanami were above Kusakabe in terms of raw strength, Kusakabe was highly versatile. Nanami clarified that he found it harder to imagine Kusakabe losing than winning, as Kusakabe is a master swordsman with a wide variety of techniques, including barrier techniques. Furthermore, he boasted great analytical and decision-making skills due to his knowledge of jujutsu. Gojo stated that unlike beginners who can only use Simple Domain by forming a binding vow, such as Kasumi Miwa who needs both her feet on the ground to activate it, Kusakabe's Simple Domain has a wide range and can be used without a binding vow.
In the present, Kusakabe goes on the offensive and expands the range of his Simple Domain to include Sukuna, who realizes that he did so to expand the target of his cursed technique. As part of her interview, Mei Mei stated that while New Shadow Style's sword-drawing techniques are meant as counters to lure in opponents, Kusakabe's expanded Simple Domain coupled with his program makes him a formidable grade 1 sorcerer despite having no cursed technique. Back in the present, Kusakabe repeatedly slashes Sukuna at high speeds, injuring the surprised King of Curses.
The barrage of attacks eventually breaks Kusakabe's katana, who quickly throws his coat in Sukuna's face before punching him. Retaliating, Sukuna uses Dismantle to cut apart the coat but misses Kusakabe, who ducks down and kicks Sukuna away before pursuing him. As the two battle through the streets of Shinjuku, Kusakabe wonders why he is fighting so hard before realizing that he is doing so to not disappoint Yaga. The three interviews concluded with the interviewed sorcerers unanimously agreeing that despite his complaining, Kusakabe is a kind-hearted man. Dodging a flurry of Dismantles, Kusakabe resolves to put his life on the line and uses Hazy Moon to restore his katana's blade before rushing at Sukuna. However, Sukuna predicted the target of his attack, his own injured heart, and caught the katana with his fingers.
Kusakabe is subsequently cut down by Sukuna and left to bleed. As Ui Ui appears to teleport him away, Sukuna suddenly appears behind him and remarks how annoying his presence has been. However, Ui Ui quickly disappears, causing his attacks to miss. Looking into the distance, Sukuna notes that he does not recognize Ui Ui's rescuer. Standing on a building and looking down on Sukuna, Miguel mocks him for his limited knowledge for not knowing who he is.
==Character in Order of Appearances==
==Battles & Events==
*Jujutsu Sorcerers vs. Sukuna
==Locations==
*Tokyo
**Shinjuku
==Jujutsu==
==Navigation==