The Hidden Inventory arc can be a bit confusing initially because the tone and the setting of Jujutsu Kaisen suddenly changes at that point shifting the focus from Itadori, Megumi and Nobara.
Instead we have Gojo and his best friend….GETO?? The sight of Geto, who was aligned with the curses, now engaging in playful banter with Gojo can be quite perplexing. To add to it both of them look younger (doki doki)?
What exactly is happening in the Hidden Inventory arc?
Well, to be honest, it is not as confusing as I paint it to be. It won’t take long for you to guess that the Hidden Inventory arc narrates the past of Gojo and Geto.
Related: Why couldn’t Itadori switch back with Sukuna?
Naturally, one cannot help but wonder how Geto ultimately succumbed to evil. However, before we explore that, let us address the matter of timelines to alleviate any confusion.
It is worth noting that Geto Suguru’s malevolence is already established in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which was released prior to the Hidden Inventory arc. Consequently, doubts arise concerning the precise placement of each arc within the chronology of Jujutsu Kaisen.
So, without further ado, let’s unravel the tangled threads of the timeline and try find some clarity.
Where does Hidden Inventory fit into the Jujutsu Kaisen Timeline?
As I mentioned before, Hidden Inventory focuses on Gojo and Geto’s past when they were students at Tokyo Jujutsu High. The events that we see unfolding in this arc actually happened 12 years prior to the main timeline.
Check out the list below to get a better understanding:
| Sr. No | Incident/Arc | Date |
| 1 | Hidden Inventory arc | 2006 -2007 |
| 2. | Jujutsu Kaisen 0 incidents | 2017 |
| 3. | Itadori eats first Sukuna finger | June 2018 |
| 4. | Shibuya Incident | October 31st, 2018 |
So, chronologically speaking, the Hidden Inventory arc comes first, followed by the events of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (the prequel), and then comes Itadori eating Sukuna’s finger.
I’m currently working on a detailed Jujutsu Kaisen Timeline, and will post it soon on the site.
Why does the Hidden Inventory arc come at this point?
The Hidden Inventory arc nestles between the Origin of Obedience arc, where Yuji and Nobara achieve the Black Flash, and the thrilling Shibuya Incident.
While some welcome it as a refreshing change of pace, many argue that it deviates from the original story, creating an unnecessary disruption.
However, it is essential to recognize the significance of the Hidden Inventory arc and its prequel, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, in shaping the events of the Shibuya arc and the subsequent Culling Game arc.
Therefore, disregarding or criticizing the Hidden Inventory arc just because of its placement is ill-advised.
Moreover, despite its departure from chronological order, the events of the Hidden Inventory arc align perfectly with the current narrative. By already establishing the characters of Gojo and Geto, the manga lays some crucial groundwork to explore their past relationship.
Furthermore, placing the arc just before Shibuya intensifies the impact of a significant event within it. Without Hidden Inventory, or even JJK 0, it wouldn’t have the same impact it had. Cries in Geto and Gojo.