Yuji's choice for Sukuna proved Mahito wrong in Jujutsu Kaisen

Modified Nov 05, 2024 09:30 GMT

Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Jujutsu Kaisen protagonist Yuji Itadori underwent considerable character development through the course of the series. His journey was one of opposing the darkness within himself and in the world as well. This was especially evident when it came to Ryomen Sukun and the despicable Cursed Spirit, Mahito.

The manga's ending, showcasing Yuji's attempt to offer redemption to Ryomen Sukuna, was profoundly significant. It was highly impactful story-wise but more importantly, it challenged Mahito’s philosophy. A Curse born of human malice, Mahito believed that he existed as a manifestation of humans' hate for each other.

He loved to toy with them and maintained that individuals were driven by their inherent shortcomings, eventually giving in their inner turpitude. However, Yuji’s final stance on Sukuna refuted such a cynical worldview and proved the Curse wrong. Here's a closer look.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji proves Mahito wrong by his ultimatum to Sukuna

Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Following a long-drawn and destructive battle in Shinjuku, Team Jujutsu High managed to edge out the Demon King. With Megumi Fushiguro regaining the will to fight back, Nobara Kugisaki's return and Yuji's final push, Sukuna was removed from his host, Megumi. He appeared as a fleshy mass with eyes and a mouth, nothing akin to the Curse he once was.

But after all this, Yuji placed an ultimatum before him—go back inside Yuji and continue living or die. The King of Curses was far too proud to even consider such an offer from a lowly being like Yuji. Hence, he chose death and the final finger was placed at its original location—an attraction for Cursed Spirit but not powerful enough to revive Sukuna.

Yuji providing Sukuna with an ultimatum proved what Mahito told him was wrong. This referred back to when Yuji faced Mahito and the Cursed Spirit compared himself to Yuji. He wanted to make Yuji aware and have him accept his role as a Curse-killing sorcerer. At the other end, Mahito was a human-killing Curse who took pleasure in indiscriminately torturing humans.

Initially, Yuji denied that they were similar and the pair exchanged a clash of fists and ideals. But at the end, during the Shibuya Arc, Yuji defeated Mahito and finally accepted what was said about him. This stayed true for a large part of the series, since it was never addressed again. However, Akutami masterfully flipped the script towards the series' conclusion during the final showdown.

By offering Sukuna a chance at life again, Yuji proved that he was not like Mahito and had developed or changed. Despite the havoc Sukuna caused, Yuji was still willing to allow him continue living, inside him. He believed that Sukuna could change too. Yuji had his grandfather beside him, which was why he turned out as he did. But Sukuna did not have anyone, rather choosing to be alone.

Moreover, Yuji’s final choice with Sukuna showcased the boy refusing to give in to anger and hatred. He didn't see Sukuna as an irredeemable evil, but believed in his potential to change. This underscored Yuji’s compassion and belief in personal agency, contrasting Mahito’s damaged view of humanity. Where Mahito saw flaws as destiny, Yuji saw choice even in the case of Sukuna.

Final Thoughts

Yuji’s ultimatum to Sukuna drew out vital themes like choice and humanity in Jujutsu Kaisen. Through this, Yuji proved that even the worst was not bound to their destructive natures. This was a point that directly opposed Mahito’s cynical worldview. Instead of malice, Yuji chose empathy, pointing out that one's inner darkness doesn't define them, but rather the choice to change.

The Yuji-Mahito dynamic showcased Yuji's growth beyond Mahito’s influence, symbolizing hope and the drive to reject inner darkness. Ultimately, though he seemingly accepted it, Yuji defied Mahito and reinforced his belief in redemption, growth, empathy and resilience.