Dramatic Consequences: Kento Nanami's Demise Sparks Mahito's Terrifying Battle Against Yuji and Nobara in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 18

In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18, also known as Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 42, a beloved character meets their demise. This marks Kento Nanami's departure from the living world, signaling the beginning of the third and final act of the Shibuya Incident arc.

Episode 18 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 adapts a slower pace, covering only 2.5 chapters. The episode delves into Nanami's final moments and provides additional details to Mahito's battle against Yuji and Nobara. Despite the slower pace, the episode maintains its quality.

Previous in the episode, Megumi used Mahoraga to fight Shigemo in a exorcism ritual. Sukuna arrived in time to defeat Mahoraga and save Megumi, but unfortunately killed Shigemo shortly after. After bringing Megumi to Shoko, Sukuna gave control back to a shocked Yuji. Kento Nanami was spotted in a partially burnt state while walking through Shibuya Station. Please be advised that this article contains analysis and references to violence often found in this series. Reader discretion is advised.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 shows Nanami’s final moments as Yuji and Nobara separately confront Mahito

Nanami in his vision in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 (Image via MAPPA)

In episode 18 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, titled "Right and Wrong", Yuji walks through Shibuya Station and reflects on the words of Megumi, Gojo, Yaga, Nobara, Nanami, and Sukuna. He is drawn to the sound of fighting and rushes towards it, finding Nanami and Mahito. The episode continues from the post-credit scene of the previous episode, showing Nanami encountering a group of Transfigured Humans as he walks through Shibuya Station, lost in thoughts about his retirement plans to go to Malaysia.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18: The death of Kento Nanami

Nanami longed to escape to Kuantan, where he could reside in a quaint beach cottage, indulge in reading all day, and revel in the tranquility that the ocean offers. However, his thoughts were interrupted by the realization that he must save Megumi and find out what happened to Maki and Naobito. In Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18, a poignant montage depicts Nanami navigating through the Transfigured Humans while envisioning his idyllic retirement by the stunning Malaysian coastline.

Nanami's final moment (Image via MAPPA)

After defeating the last Transfigured Human, Nanami becomes aware of Mahito standing behind him and touching his back. When questioned, the Cursed Spirit admits to being there the entire time, waiting to take Nanami by surprise. Understanding that he has been bested, Nanami hopes that his efforts have been sufficient.

He catches sight of Haibara standing in front of him, gesturing towards Nanami, who Yuji has coincidentally just come across. Nanami hesitates to say anything to Yuji before parting ways, fearing that his words could bring misfortune to the boy. However, Haibara urges him to do so. Just before Mahito strikes, Nanami looks at Yuji and leaves him with his famous words: "I leave the rest to you."

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18: Yuji Vs. Mahito, round 2

Yuji's Scar from Mahito (Image via MAPPA)

Shocked and filled with rage, Yuji charges at Mahito, engaging in a fight that ends with Mahito inflicting the infamous scar on Yuji's face. With disbelief, Yuji questions Mahito's lack of remorse for toying with lives. Mahito mockingly suggests that he might start counting the lives he takes from now on and further torments Yuji by creating a replica of Junpei and stabbing it through the head. He cruelly informs Yuji that they are the same, both killers on opposite sides of morality.

Without understanding this basic truth, Yuji will never be able to overcome Mahito. Their confrontation continues as they clash with each other. By 11.19 pm, Mahito makes a swift retreat towards the Dogenzaka Gate of Shibuya Central. Yuji gives chase and encounters two bystanders at the scene.

As he attempts to guide them to safety, Mahito suddenly appears from the midst of the onlookers and launches an attack on Yuji. He brandishes a blade against a nearby civilian’s throat, understanding that taking more innocent lives is the most effective way to weigh down and ultimately crush Yuji’s spirit.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18: Yuji Vs. Mahito, round 2

Mahito splits into two (Image via MAPPA)

Additionally, Mahito mentions having a secret weapon. In a flashback during Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18, it is revealed that at 9:30 pm, after the Cursed Spirits agreed to pursue Yuji separately, Mahito unveiled his new ability to divide his body into two. One of the bodies went underground, and this is the version that ultimately confronted Yuji in the present.

The other figure emerged from the ground, appearing at Dogenzaka Alley at 11:16 pm. This second Mahito encounters Nobara Kugisaki, who had just brought Akari Nitta to safety. Recognizing Mahito from Yuji’s description, Nobara is determined to avoid his Idle Transfiguration abilities.

As they engage in battle, Nobara recalls her victory over the Death Painting and uses her Hairpin technique to injure Mahito, much to his surprise. Realizing that Nobara is important to Yuji, Mahito decides to kill her in order to mentally torment the boy.

Final thoughts

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18 brought some changes to Nanami’s final moments, extending it and adding more imaginative details. This made the impact of his death on Yuji more understandable. Nanami had been Yuji’s mentor, in some ways more than Gojo, and losing him so soon after the horrifying events of the Shibuya Massacre unbalanced Yuji more than anything else.

In a sense, Mahito is right, and until Yuji can acknowledge the fundamental similarity between Jujutsu Sorcerers and the Curses they hunt, he will never be able to access the rationality needed to take a life. Throughout this episode, he frequently hesitates to harm those he believes are innocent, even if they are beyond saving. This tendency, although noble, has been shown to be inappropriate for a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Nobara engages in a battle with Mahito in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18. It's worth mentioning that Nobara and Yuji are both at Dogenzaka, suggesting a potential encounter between them. Additionally, when Yuji arrives at the Dogenzaka gate, Nobara has already been facing off against the other Mahito for 3 minutes.

Nobara wields her Hairpin in the fight (Image via MAPPA)

Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that she is faring poorly. Actually, injuring Mahito with the Hairpin is quite an accomplishment, and even Mahito acknowledges that it was not supposed to happen. Nobara, with her Straw Doll Technique that affects her opponent’s soul, appears to be the ideal opponent for Mahito, who can manipulate and alter the shape of one’s soul. The outcome of this battle in episode 19 is still to be determined.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Kento Nanami's death in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 18. On one hand, I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a beloved character. Nanami was a fan favorite for his cool and collected demeanor, his strategic thinking, and his unwavering dedication to protecting others. His death is a huge blow to the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, and it will be interesting to see how the story progresses without him.

On the other hand, I appreciate the way in which Nanami's death was handled. It was a powerful and emotional moment that had a profound impact on the story and characters. His final words to Yuji, "I leave the rest to you," were both heartbreaking and inspiring, and they perfectly encapsulated Nanami's character.

Overall, I think that Nanami's death was a necessary and impactful moment in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2. While I am sad to see him go, I am excited to see how his legacy will continue to shape the story.