Unveiling Gege Akutami's Untapped Potential: The Crucial Role of Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen

As the chapters of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga unfold, the situation for the Jujutsu sorcerers becomes increasingly dire. Their ongoing struggle for survival against Sukuna leads to devastating losses. The defeat of Satoru Gojo, a key figure in the Jujutsu society, has left the protagonists facing an especially grim outlook.

Amidst Sukuna's relentless attacks on the Jujutsu sorcerers, it appears that they have little hope of stopping him. Many fans have expressed worry about the direction of the current storyline.

Jujutsu Kaisen fans criticize Akutami for prioritizing Sukuna over Itadori's potential love interest

Gege Akutami's fixation on Sukuna seems to have overshadowed important plotlines for other characters, leading to dissatisfaction among fans who were hoping for more development, particularly in terms of Yuji Itadori's potential romantic relationships.

Yuji Itadori has undeniably endured an immense amount of hardship throughout the events of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Since assuming the role of a Jujutsu sorcerer, his circumstances have gone from bad to worse. In the span of just a few months, he witnessed the brutal deaths of his friends and mentors right before his eyes, without being able to prevent it. Additionally, he carries the weight of guilt for the thousands of individuals who tragically lost their lives in the Shibuya massacre on October 31, 2018.

In light of the Shibuya arc's detrimental impact on Itadori, fans have fervently appealed to mangaka Gege Akutami for the character to find happiness, perhaps through romantic entanglements. With hindsight, however, it appears that the window of opportunity has closed for the much-adored protagonist.

Yuji Itadori and Yuko Ozawa during their Junior High days (image via MAPPA)

Prior to the Shibuya arc in the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Itadori's Junior High friend, Yuko Ozawa, attempted to confess her feelings to him. Seeking help from Nobara Kugisaki, who agreed after learning about their shared past, Ozawa had been overlooked by her peers in Junior High due to her weight. Despite this, Itadori saw admirable qualities in her that others did not, leading her to develop romantic feelings for him and wanting to share her sentiments.

Yet, she refrained from expressing her emotions, acknowledging that she didn't want to win his affection solely based on her outward appearance. Before departing, she entrusted her contact details to Kugisaki, sparking speculation among fans that this might not be the final appearance of her character in the series.

Unfortunately, it ended up being her final appearance in Jujutsu Kaisen for now. Fans are outraged not just because it would have brought a refreshing change to finally see Itadori find happiness with a potential love interest, but also because it made perfect sense for the two of them to eventually get together.

Yuji Itadori as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen (image via MAPPA)

Additionally, Itadori's ability to identify Ozawa despite her significant physical transformation years after Junior High was a compelling example for fans of the missed opportunity. Itadori's popularity among fans is attributed to his genuine nature and charming personality, leading them to hope for his happiness and the possibility of finding a meaningful relationship.

The ship appears to have sailed, as Itadori is currently locked in a deadly battle for survival against Ryomen Sukuna, who is making light work of the remaining Jujutsu sorcerers in the recent chapters of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Some fans feel that Akutami should have dedicated more time to developing the personal lives of the characters, particularly Itadori's love life.

Final Reflections

Throughout the narrative, Itadori has suffered the loss of numerous individuals who held significance in his life, inevitably leaving a profound impact on his mental and emotional well-being. Though the current circumstances appear grim for him in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, enthusiasts remain optimistic that he will eventually encounter the joy and contentment that he truly deserves.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am deeply invested in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen and the intricate narratives woven by Gege Akutami. While I understand the significance of Sukuna as a formidable antagonist, I can't help but feel a tinge of disappointment with the recent developments in the manga. The relentless focus on Sukuna's battles has left me yearning for a more balanced exploration of other characters and their personal journeys.

The plight of Yuji Itadori particularly resonates with me. His character has endured immense suffering and loss, and I genuinely wish for him to find some semblance of happiness. The missed opportunity with Yuko Ozawa felt like a cruel twist of fate, especially considering their shared history and the potential for a heartwarming romance. It's disheartening to see Itadori constantly embroiled in life-or-death struggles without a glimmer of respite or personal fulfillment.