The Unforgettable Scene That Makes Yuji the Epitome of a Refreshing Hero in Jujutsu Kaisen

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode #8! Despite appearing as a typical Shonen hero, Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen stands out for one remarkable trait. This distinct quality was hinted at in the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen season 1 and continues to shine through in the Shibuya Incident. As the arc progresses, Yuji will have further opportunities to showcase this particular attribute.

In episode #8 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, Yuji engages in a battle against a colossal grasshopper curse, effortlessly overcoming it. This repugnant Devil had callously devoured a human right in front of Yuji and possessed an aggravating fixation on intellect. However, despite the Curse's despicable nature, Yuji is depicted in a subsequent scene mourning over the creature's lifeless body, repenting for his necessary actions. This exemplifies Yuji's ability to empathize and feel remorse even towards inhuman and vile adversaries, distinguishing him from many other Shonen protagonists.

Yuji Mourns for His Enemies in Jujutsu Kaisen

Many Shonen protagonists typically refrain from intentionally killing their enemies. Luffy from One Piece serves as a prime example of this, as the series' mangaka Eiichiro Oda believes that crushing the dreams of the villains in One Piece's world is more devastating than simply ending their lives. While there are some Shonen protagonists who do kill their enemies without remorse, Denji from Chainsaw Man stands out as a notable example. He effortlessly eliminates countless demons without a second thought. It is easier for readers to accept this because these demons are not human and lack sympathetic or relatable qualities for the most part.

Curses, which often desire to inflict suffering upon humans, do not garner much sympathy from fans of Jujutsu Kaisen. As a result, their deaths are not met with much remorse. This is particularly beneficial because Yuji is regularly forced to eliminate these enemies in order to maintain safety in Japan. However, Yuji himself does not share this indifference towards Curses and usually feels regretful when he is compelled to destroy them. This was previously demonstrated in season 1 when he and Nobara were forced to kill a pair of brothers who exploited their familial bond. However, in the case of the grasshopper curse, there were no redeeming human qualities present, and yet Itadori still offered a prayer for it.

Yuji Continues To Prove Why Jujutsu Kaisen's Hero Is Unique

This act displays Yuji's profound empathy and compassion towards others, even towards non-human monsters. Despite the heinous acts committed by the villains in the series, such as indiscriminate killings and torture, Yuji's perspective serves to prevent the anime from becoming excessively grim. It remains uncertain whether Yuji will maintain this noble and compassionate attitude as Jujutsu Kaisen delves further into the Shibuya Incident, or if the cruelty of his enemies will compel him to alter his beliefs.

Streaming of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 is available on Crunchyroll.