During the Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori faced Mahito once again. Previously, their encounter had left Yuji furious over Mahito's actions towards Junepei Yoshino. However, their battle had remained unresolved and the Cursed Spirit had managed to escape.
In Shibuya, Yuji finally had the opportunity to confront Mahito. With Mahito responsible for the deaths of Junepei, Nobara Kugisaki, and Kento Nanami during the incident, he was at the top of Yuji's list. A significant moment occurs at the end of their fight, as depicted in a scene where Yuji is seen chasing Mahito. This moment holds substantial significance upon closer examination.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Mahito terrified by Yuji's determination
Yuji Itadori vs Mahito recap
Sukuna summons the Malevolent Shrine to confront Mahoraga in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
After the intense battle between Sukuna and Mahoraga, Yuji finally snaps back to reality and is overwhelmed by the devastation caused by the fighting using his own body. With a steely resolve, he forces himself to keep fighting and stumbles into Shibuya Station, only to witness Mahito attacking the heavily wounded Kento Nanami.
Tumbling over the brink, Yuji charges toward Mahito, sparking an intense battle. The two clash and sustain injuries, yet continue to fight on. Meanwhile, in a narrow alley, Nobara comes face to face with Mahito's doppelgänger. Upon recognizing him, she too confronts and engages in combat with him.
Nobara Kugisaki in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
The students overwhelmed Mahito, causing both Mahitos to flee and meet in a station hallway, facing the students. In a tragic turn of events, Mahito touches Nobara's face, causing her to collapse in front of the pink-haired boy.
Seizing the opportunity, Mahito knocks Yuji back and moves in for the finishing strike. However, a clapping sound changes the situation as Todo Aoi, Yuji's "brother", enters.
Encouraging Yuji to stand his ground, the two engage in a fierce struggle against the formidable Cursed Spirit. It is during the climax of this confrontation that a dramatic scene unfolds, depicting Yuji in hot pursuit of Mahito.
The significance of "Yuji chasing Mahito"
Yuji Itadori in a battered and broken state in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
This can be considered one of the standout moments in Jujutsu Kaisen. Considering everything that Yuji had been through, this scene was inevitable and marked a significant turning point. From his defeat against Choso, Sukuna's rampage, the deaths of Nanami and Nobara, and a grueling battle, it all became too much for Yuji.
He had lost all motivation to get back up after suffering physical and mental damage. But Todo Aoi manages to inspire his fellow student to rise once more. Todo explains that jujutsu sorcerers live on through their allies and are not held back by their mistakes, igniting Yuji's will to fight. Seeking logic in death would disrespect the memory of the deceased and goes against what Yuji has been entrusted with. He is determined to keep moving forward until he finds the answer, seeing it as the only true punishment for sorcerers. Todo's words and Arata's belief in Nobara's survival give Yuji the strength to rejoin the battle.
After a intense physical confrontation, Mahito comes to understand the power of the student duo's Black Flashes. With Todo's help, Yuji delivers a crushing blow to Mahito, causing him to revert to his original form. It is in this moment that Mahito witnesses Yuji's unwavering determination to fulfill his duty as a sorcerer, prompting Mahito to attempt to escape.
The significance of this scene lies in Yuji's newfound understanding of his duty. He has come to terms with the inevitable loss of comrades and the daunting challenges ahead. Mahito was particularly unnerved by the sheer determination in Yuji's eyes - a look of unadulterated contempt that mirrored Mahito's own demeanor.
This was the gaze of someone who had embraced their destiny and was prepared to do whatever it took to confront it. The Cursed Spirit acknowledged that victory was no longer an option, made even more formidable by the sorcerer's burgeoning and formidable potential.
In conclusion
Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)
The Shibuya Incident in Jujutsu Kaisen dealt a significant blow to the sorcerers, resulting in the loss of several powerful fighters. The sealing of Gojo only compounded the problem, and the absence of key figures like Kento Nanami, Nobara Kugisaki, Kokichi Muta (Mechamru), and others added to the grim situation. However, amidst the tragedy, there were some positives, such as the survivors and Yuji coming to terms with his role as a sorcerer. The remaining sorcerers were better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. As Yuji's suspended death sentence loomed and the Jujutsu world descended into chaos, the stage was set for what was to come next.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I was thrilled to read about the significance of Yuji's pursuit of Mahito in the Shibuya Incident. This scene marked a pivotal moment in the series, showcasing Yuji's growth and determination as a jujutsu sorcerer. The intensity of their battle and the emotional weight behind it left a lasting impact on me.
Yuji's relentless pursuit of Mahito, despite the physical and emotional toll he had endured, was a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to protecting those he cared about. The scene where he chases after Mahito, fueled by anger and a desire for justice, was particularly powerful and captured the essence of Yuji's character. It highlighted his unwavering determination to confront the darkness and fight for what he believed in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.