Gege Akutami has artfully orchestrated the clash between Yuji Itadori and Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen. It was clear from the outset that Yuji would inevitably confront his ultimate adversary. But the looming question remains: will he emerge victorious in their impending confrontation?
While it is undeniable that Yuji possesses unparalleled knowledge of Sukuna's abilities in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, his potential ties to the ancient sorcerer from the past may still render him vulnerable to defeat against the formidable King of the Curses.
The possibility of Yuji being a reincarnation of a sorcerer from the Heian period may backfire against Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen
There has been speculation among fans about Yuji potentially being from the Heian period alongside Sukuna. If Gege Akutami follows this line of thinking, it adds further credence to the idea that Yuji could ultimately meet defeat at the hands of Sukuna.
Yuji Itadori, the protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, experienced a series of sinister events that not only bolstered his mental resilience but also strengthened him physically. The devastating loss of his dear companions, Megumi, Gojo, and Nobara, fueled an unwavering determination within him to eliminate the curses.
Especially following Gojo's demise in Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji was compelled to take matters into his own hands. In chapter 238, fans witnessed him leaping into the battlefield alongside Higurama to confront his ultimate adversary, Sukuna. Intriguingly, the concluding panel of chapter 238 depicted Yuji's hands mirroring Sukuna's claws.
Yuji Itadori, as shown in Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Gege Akutami/Shueisha)
There are several fan theories speculating that Yuji may have successfully accessed his own cursed technique or acquired some of Sukuna's techniques, given the fact that the curse used to inhabit his body.
In addition, some fans have contemplated the idea that Yuji could be the reincarnation of a sorcerer from the Heian era, as his powers seem to share similarities with Sukuna's abilities. Potential support for this theory can be found in Chapter 214, where the King of the Curses was surprised by Yuji's formidable strength and recognized him as someone from his era.
While Gege Akutami hasn't explicitly stated or confirmed this theory, it remains an intriguing concept worthy of exploration. If Yuji were indeed a sorcerer reincarnated from the Heian period, it would present a formidable challenge for him to prevail over Sukuna.
Sukuna during the Heian era (Image via Gege Akutami/Shueisha)
Why would Yuji lose to Sukuna if he hailed from the Heian era? Fans know that Sukuna was renowned as the most powerful sorcerer during that time. He was an embodiment of terror, delighting in causing chaos above all else. In fact, Sukuna dominated all other sorcerers during his era, establishing his authority.
Chapter 238 of Jujutsu Kaisen further uncovers Sukuna's perfection, as his physical attributes gave him an advantage over all other sorcerers of his time. As the strongest, Sukuna annihilated the Sun, Moon, and Stars squad, as well as the five void generals of the northern Fujiwara clan.
As seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (Image via Gege Akutami/Shueisha), Sukuna showcased his formidable strength by expelling both the Dessichin Squad of the Sugawara clan and the angels from the Abe Clan. It is worth noting that Sugawara no Michizane, an ancestor of Satoru Gojo and Yuta Okkotsu from the Sugawara clan, which highlights Sukuna's immense potential as a sorcerer.
Given the aforementioned facts, defeating Sukuna would require more than a simple cursed technique for Yuji. It seems as though Gege Akutami has intentionally positioned Yuji for a loss against the King of the Curses.
However, considering Yuji's knowledge of the innate abilities possessed by the King of the Curse, he remains the best candidate to potentially overcome Sukuna. Several Jujutsu Kaisen theories propose that Yuji may be able to access his true potential or uncover what Sukuna referred to as "True Jujutsu".
There's a strong possibility that Yuji could ultimately attain his own Domain Expansion, serving as a contrasting counterpart to Sukuna's Malevolent Shrine, considering the striking similarities and subtle distinctions in their personalities.
Regardless, Yuji may initially suffer defeat in the first round of the battle; however, he will inevitably discover a strategy to overcome his arch-nemesis in Jujutsu Kaisen. It would be intriguing to witness Yuji's utilization of his Heian-era techniques in conjunction with his body-swapping ability. Although this remains mere speculation for now, it may potentially grant Yuji a slight advantage over Sukuna. Stay tuned for further updates on anime news and manga releases throughout the progression of 2023.