While Jujutsu Kaisen enjoys fervent adoration from fans, its protagonist, Yuji Itadori, hasn't garnered quite the same level of affection. However, solely blaming the fans for this difference wouldn't be fair. Instead, the creator, Gege Akutami, might bear responsibility for not portraying Yuji as precisely as expected for a shonen manga protagonist. Yuji has often found himself sidelined, prompting some fans to question his status as the primary character, with figures like Satoru Gojo and Megumi Fushiguro stealing the spotlight.
However, the recent release of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #257, "Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 29" has shed new light on why Gege Akutami selected Yuji Itadori as the series' protagonist. Delving deep into Yuji's origins, the chapter unveils a startling connection.
A converstaion between Sukuna and Uraume involing Yuji's origin from Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 257
Yuji possesses a soul akin to that of Sukuna, the fearsome king of curses. This revelation not only highlights Yuji's importance but also suggests his immense potential. Sukuna feels uneasy at the thought that Yuji, out of all sorcerers, could become his rival or even surpass him in power.
Yuji possesses a soul akin to that of Sukuna, the fearsome king of curses. This revelation not only highlights Yuji's importance but also suggests his immense potential. Sukuna feels uneasy at the thought that Yuji, out of all sorcerers, could become his rival or even surpass him in power.
Chapter #257 of Jujutsu Kaisen Reveals Yuji's Central Role as the Main Character By Showcasing His Potential to Defeat Sukuna
Sukuna acknowledges that Yuji's tenacity stems from their shared similarity in soul.
yuji and sukuna back to back in jujutsu kaisen with yuji surrounded by black flash sparks and sukuna using his fire arrow techniqiueCustom Image by Merlyn De Souza
Chapter #257 of Jujutsu Kaisen begins with a flashback, delving into a conversation between the King of Curses, Sukuna, and his apprentice, Uraume. They discuss Yuji's origin, with Sukuna revealing that he was almost born a twin but consumed his other half in the womb. Sukuna explains that the lingering soul of his twin eventually reincarnated, and Kenjaku "mated" with it.
This conversation strongly suggests that Yuji is Sukuna's descendant, potentially harboring the soul of the twin Sukuna prevented from being born. Further evidence surfaces later in the chapter when Yuji demonstrates using the Shrine cursed technique. This revelation occurs as Yuji hurls a pillar using the King of Curses' innate cursed technique, followed by a relentless barrage of Black Flash attacks. Sukuna, visibly pushed to the brink for the first time, is seen enraged as Yuji relentlessly maintains the pressure.
Could Yuji Defeat Sukuna And Claim His Position as the Protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen?
The possibility of Yuji being Sukuna's other half could indeed hold the key to Sukuna's potential defeat.
While Jujutsu Kaisen possesses its unique flair within the category of shonen manga, it may still follow the classic trope of the protagonist ultimately overcoming the overpowering antagonist. Inevitably, Sukuna's defeat by the main character, Yuji Itadori, aligns with this expectation. However, the true intrigue lies in how Yuji will achieve this victory, a question that chapter #257 of the series has now answered, unveiling the intricacies of their connection and paving the way for an epic showdown.
Gege Akutami seems to be crafting Yuji as a formidable counterpart, a better version of Sukuna.
Yuji emerges as the missing half of Sukuna, a revelation that introduces a fascinating dynamic to the series. Possessing the same talent and potential as the king of the curses, Yuji could perhaps also be the better version of Sukuna with the backup of his friends and the desire to save others, unlike Sukuna who has only selfish desires. Moreover, the involvement of Kenjaku in Yuji's lineage adds another layer of complexity to his character.
While Sukuna has yet to taste defeat and stands as the pinnacle of sorcery, Gege Akutami seems to be crafting Yuji as a formidable counterpart, a better version of Sukuna. By positioning Yuji as the protagonist, Akutami not only hints at an eventual confrontation. The creator also highlights the inherent contrasts between Yuji's altruism and Sukuna's selfishness, ultimately shaping Jujutsu Kaisen's compelling trajectory.