The atmosphere of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime has undergone a complete transformation since its first installment. The use of comedy for relief is now much less frequent, particularly in the Shibuya Incident arc. This shift is evident in the recent episode, which featured a bone-chilling moment that left the entire fanbase in shock.
The death of Kugisaki Nobara was a devastating blow, especially for Yuji Itadori, who appeared to be the most affected by her loss. It's easy to forget that he is just a teenager, considering all the hardships he has faced, from the loss of his grandfather to becoming the vessel for Sukuna, the King of Curses.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Fans sympathize with Yuji Itadori as he watches his close friend die before his eyes
After being informed that his only purpose in life was to help others and to defeat Sukuna, it became clear that his life was expendable. The tragic deaths of Nobara Kugisaki, Nanami's annihilation, and Gojo's capture have left fans concerned for the protagonist, prompting many to turn to social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) to share their sympathy.
Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen have recognized the suffering that Yuji Itadori has endured from the very beginning of the series. His first major loss, after the death of his grandfather, was Junpei, who was killed by Mahito. It left him in deep emotional pain and distress.
Fans acknowledge Yuji's grief and devastation (Screengrab via X)
Mahito, known to fans of Jujutsu Kaisen, is widely regarded as one of the most despicable characters in the show. He takes pleasure in witnessing others lose what they hold dear. Mahito was responsible for the brutal murder of Junpei in front of Yuji, played a part in Nanami's death, and ultimately killed Kugisaki Nobara.
The anguish and terror in Yuji's voice as he desperately urged Nobara to flee were palpable. It was clear from his expression that Yuji would go to great lengths to ensure Nobara's safety. The series' protagonist, typically known for his cheerful demeanor and infectious smile, appeared noticeably different in the recent episode.
The fans' discontent even extended to the mangaka of the series, Gege Akutami. It's clear that Yuji Itadori holds a special place in the hearts of fans, and they simply couldn't stand to see him being mistreated.
Readers are calling for Gege Akutami to show more compassion towards the character and avoid subjecting him to life-changing and distressing experiences. Online users flooded the comments section with messages of "you will regret this" aimed directly at Gege Akutami.
Fans are expressing their disappointment with the mangaka for his treatment of Yuji in the manga (Screengrab via X)
Fans got what they wanted in a way - a significant portion of the fanbase had been hoping for Jujutsu Kaisen to delve into darker themes. However, the unexpected early deaths of some main characters came as a surprise. It is certainly disheartening to see beloved characters die so soon, particularly with the protagonist bearing witness. Nevertheless, the author succeeded in establishing a grim atmosphere, intensifying the sense of vengeance. Many fans have expressed that seeing Mahito's downfall will surely be one of the most satisfying aspects of the show.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
As a devoted fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I am deeply affected by the tragic loss of Yuji Itadori's dear friend, Kugisaki Nobara. The anime's shift in tone, with its decreased reliance on comedic relief, has created a more somber and intense atmosphere. The recent episode featuring Nobara's death was particularly devastating, leaving the entire fanbase in shock and grief.
Yuji's reaction to Nobara's death was heartbreaking, showcasing his profound emotional pain and vulnerability. Despite all the hardships he has faced, including the loss of his grandfather and becoming a vessel for Sukuna, it's easy to forget that he is still just a teenager. The weight of his perceived expendability, coupled with the tragic deaths of Nobara, Nanami, and Gojo's capture, has left fans deeply concerned for Yuji's well-being.