Unraveling the Connection between Kenjaku and Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori, the protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, remains a mystery to readers. The series opens with him at his grandfather's deathbed, where he dismisses the chance to learn about his parents, leaving their identity unknown. As the story progresses, hints begin to suggest a connection between Yuji and a familiar figure, Kenjaku, sparking intrigue about their possible relationship.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The ties between Kenjaku and Yuji Itadori

Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

In the early stages of Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori amazed everyone with his impressive physical abilities, despite having no knowledge of Cursed Energy or Techniques. Likewise, Kenjaku remained a mystery until his true identity was unveiled.

With the information available, there is a strong possibility that Kenjaku is Yuji Itadori's parent. However, it is important to understand Kenjaku's past before exploring this further.

Who is Jujutsu Kaisen's Kenjaku?

Kenjaku in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Kenjaku, an ancient sorcerer, dedicated his life to obtaining complete knowledge of Cursed Energy and Cursed Spirits. His relentless thirst for knowledge led him to commit unspeakable acts and make sacrifices in order to achieve his goal.

This pursuit demanded an immeasurable amount of time, but Kenjaku had an advantage - he was able to prolong his lifespan by transferring his brain to another body. This allowed him to take on the physical appearance and abilities of the individual, furthering his quest for knowledge.

How are Kenjaku and Yuji Itadori related?

It goes without saying that he acquired a wide array of techniques through his ongoing research. He became identifiable by the distinctive stitches on the victim's forehead, as was evident in the case of Suguru Geto. One of his aliases was Noritoshi Kamo, the leader of the Kamo family. His nefarious deeds and actions ultimately led to him being dubbed the "Most Evil Sorcerer."

The parental background of Yuji in the Jujutsu Kaisen story is shrouded in mystery, with his upbringing being primarily attributed to his grandfather. Nonetheless, subtle hints and flashbacks, such as those in chapter 143 of the manga, offer glimpses into the teenager's familial lineage.

The content features an endearing scene of baby Yuji being held by his father, Jin Itadori, as they engage in a conversation with his grandfather about his wife. Wasuke warns Jin to stay away from "that woman," and then a woman, likely Yuji's mother Kaori, appears with a familiar stitch marks on her forehead.

In chapter 203 of Jujutsu Kaisen, Choso confronts Kenjaku in a battle and questions his intense interest in Yuji. Although Kenjaku does not confirm or deny being Yuji's parent, he does acknowledge that Yuji's existence was necessary for a specific purpose.

Once more in chapter 208, it was revealed that Kaori was indeed the boy's mother and was believed to be deceased by that time. Additionally, he performed a maneuver that corresponded with Kaori's Anti-gravity ability. Connecting the dots points to the conclusion that it was actually Kenjaku who had taken control of her body.

Finally, while assuming the identity of Noritoshi Kamo, Kenjaku conducted inhumane experiments on an innocent woman, resulting in the creation of nine Cursed Womb: Death Paintings which can technically be considered his "offspring." Three of these offspring - Choso, Eso, and Kechizu - evolved into powerful special-grade Cursed Spirits. Eso and Kechizu were ultimately defeated in battle against Yuji and his allies, leading Choso to seek revenge. As the eldest sibling, Choso possesses the greatest recognition of their familial bond, as evidenced by his desire for retaliation and a vision of them sharing a meal, all of whom are the offspring of Kenjaku.

Final thoughts

Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Based on current knowledge, it is highly likely that Kenjaku is Yuji's biological parent. However, further investigation is necessary to fully validate this theory. At this time, the primary concern is the complete resurrection of Ryomen Sukuna, with Gojo absent and Yuji and the remaining sorcerers at the forefront. Overall, the enigma surrounding Yuji Itadori's family hints at the possibility that he could emerge as the most formidable of all.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I am intrigued by the enigmatic connection between Yuji Itadori and Kenjaku. The hints and revelations throughout the series have left me captivated and eager to uncover the truth behind their relationship. The possibility that Kenjaku is Yuji's parent adds a layer of complexity to the story and raises questions about Yuji's origins and destiny.

The character development of Kenjaku has been particularly fascinating. Initially portrayed as a mysterious and malevolent figure, his past and motivations have gradually been unveiled, revealing a complex and ruthless individual driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His ability to transfer his brain to different bodies has allowed him to accumulate vast knowledge and techniques, making him a formidable adversary.