Kusakabe's Role in Supporting Yuji Itadori's Execution in Shibuya: A Closer Look

The Shibuya incident in Jujutsu Kaisen has had a profound and far-reaching impact on both the Jujutsu World and its fans. It introduces a new dynamic to the series and effectively sets the stage for the upcoming Itadori's Extermination Arc.

With Gojo absent and Jujutsu society plunged into turmoil, the authorities will reinstate Yuji Itadori's suspended death sentence. Yuta Okkotsu, the designated executioner, will be given the task of eliminating Yuji, Pseudo-Geto, and Masamichi Yaga. However, following the Shibuya incident, there is another individual who supports Yuji's sentencing.

Jujutsu Kaisen: What made Kusakabe support Yuji Itadori's execution?

Atsuya Kusakabe in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Atsuya Kusakabe is one of the many voices calling for Yuji Itadori's execution. As a Grade 1 Jujutsu sorcerer, he supports the decision to eliminate the young sorcerer following the Shibuya incident. While his stance may seem surprising, the events in Shibuya may have influenced his decision.

What happened to Atsuya Kusakabe in Shibuya?

Stationed outside Jr. Shibuya Station, the patrol team, Kusakabe and Panda (Team Kusakabe), had a conversation. Kusakabe made it clear to Panda that he had no intention of going back inside the barrier, citing the presence of special-grade cursed spirits in the Hikarie building's basement.

Atsuya Kusakabe and Panda are shown in the midst of the Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

The battle commenced at 9:22 pm as teams Nanami, Zenin, and Kusakabe all joined in simultaneously. A fierce encounter unfolded, with the first two teams engaging in combat while Team Kusakabe focused on rescuing survivors. Kusakabe displayed quick thinking by deceiving Panda and guiding him away from B5F, in order to avoid confronting the special grade cursed spirits and to prevent being isolated in such a perilous situation.

When they encountered Toshihisa Negi and Manami Suda, allies of Pseudo-Geto, Kusakabe attempted to avoid conflict. However, the situation intensified when Jogo, battling Sukuna nearby, unleashed his devastating Maximum: Meteor technique. Kusakabe urgently urged everyone to flee, but their escape was hindered when Sukuna, inhabiting Yuji's body, threatened to kill anyone who moved without his permission. Despite the perilous circumstances, Team Kusakabe narrowly evaded disaster and miraculously survived.

The Shibuya Incident left a lasting impression on Kusakabe

Not only that, but Kusakabe himself had witnessed the death and devastation caused by Sukuna and was determined to continue causing. In the midst of the Shibuya Incident, he had to focus on doing his best to survive, but mentally, it was hard for him to accept that Sukuna was capable of such destruction, leading him to believe that exterminating Yuji as soon as possible was the best option, despite never really meeting or knowing Yuji before.

One of the most notable interactions between the two in Jujutsu Kaisen is when Sukuna emerged and immobilized them as Maximum: Meteor came crashing down. It was clear that Kusakabe was deeply affected by the devastation caused by Sukuna during the battle with Jogo.

Final thoughts

Sukuna challenged Jogo to a fire fight in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Atsuya Kusakabe, inherently fearful, prioritized self-preservation above all else. In the Shibuya Arc of Jujutsu Kaisen, he betrayed Panda in order to save himself, yet he also displayed bravery by rescuing Miwa from Pseudo-Geto's Maximum: Uzumaki. Based on his experiences in Shibuya, it's understandable that he would support Yuji's execution, considering his natural inclination to avoid danger and the fact that he had no prior knowledge of Yuji or his circumstances. It's plausible that he simply wants to ensure that the threat of Yuji/Sukuna is eliminated as soon as possible.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I find the Shibuya Incident to be a pivotal moment in the series that has had a profound impact on the characters and the overall narrative. The incident has brought about significant changes and challenges, and it's intriguing to see how the characters navigate these new circumstances.

The decision to execute Yuji Itadori is a controversial one, and I can understand why Kusakabe supports it. The Shibuya Incident was a devastating event that caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and it's understandable that Kusakabe would want to do everything in his power to prevent something like that from happening again. However, I also feel sympathy for Yuji, who is ultimately a victim of circumstances and is struggling to control the immense power within him. The ethical implications of executing Yuji are complex, and I'm curious to see how the series will address this issue moving forward.