Nobara's Childhood Friend Saori Explored: Unveiling the Mystery in Jujutsu Kaisen

Viewers of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen may have been taken by surprise with the introduction of Saori, a character from Nobara's past. Who is this enigmatic woman, and what role does she play in the previously quiet life of the hammer-wielding girl? As tension mounts in Shibuya, questions arise about Saori's whereabouts.

Saori was actually a childhood friend of Nobara, despite being seven years older, from the same village as her and their other friend, Fumi. While leading what appears to be a typical life, Saori's mother had a keen interest in spirituality and organic foods, leading to speculation that Saori herself may be the daughter of a Sorcerer. Eventually, she left the village to relocate to Tokyo.

Saori in Jujutsu Kaisen - Nobara’s big sister figure

Nobara as a child. (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Saori, Nobara, and Fumi formed a strong bond during their childhood in the village where the latter two grew up. Despite the age gap, the three became inseparable. There was speculation among fans that Saori had fallen victim to a Curses incident, as Fumi only remembered Nobara crying when Saori left town. However, it was later revealed that Saori was safe and sound.

Following the Shibuya Incident, a brief scene depicts Saori, now a regular office worker, discussing the attack with a coworker. They ponder whether it was a terrorist attack, offering a rare look into civilian life in Jujutsu Kaisen. Saori also reflects on her past in the village, feeling the pressure to impress her friends. She worries that they may see her as just another boring adult.

How Nobara’s friends are important to her

Saori as she appears in the latest episode. (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Nobara left her small village hometown as a teenager in search of city life, promising Saori and Fumi that they would reunite in Tokyo one day. Unfortunately, as Jujutsu Kaisen fans are aware, this may be challenging due to the grievous wound Nobara suffered during the Shibuya incident at the hands of Mahito. The scene with Saori in Jujutsu Kaisen offers another perspective on Nobara's friendships beyond her main group of Yuji, Megumi, and other Jujutsu High students.

Fumi has a moment where she recalls her time with Nobara, playing video games and watching her leave their hometown.

Saori, Nobara's childhood friend, has no connection to curses. While she may have ties to a sorcerer, she leads a more "normal" civilian life and offers an outsider's perspective on the world of curses. As a counterpart to Nobara, who has the high-energy life she always desired, Saori finds her city life rather dull.

Nobara's absence from Jujutsu Kaisen following the Shibuya Incident may complicate fulfilling her promise to Saori and Fumi. However, there is no certainty that she has disappeared for good. It is possible that Nobara is biding her time for a triumphant return to be reunited with her friends. Saori still holds dear to that childhood friendship, and if Nobara comes back, she will ensure that their reunion takes place.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I'm excited to see the exploration of Nobara's childhood friend Saori in Jujutsu Kaisen. It's clear that Saori is a significant figure from Nobara's past, and I'm curious to learn more about their relationship. I'm also interested in seeing how Saori's experiences as a "normal" civilian will contrast with Nobara's life as a jujutsu sorcerer.

Overall, I think the introduction of Saori adds a lot to the story of Jujutsu Kaisen. She's a complex and intriguing character, and I can't wait to see what happens to her next. I'm also hopeful that we'll get to see more of Nobara and Saori's friendship in the future.