Akutami’s Early Hints at Yuji’s Secret in Jujutsu Kaisen

In recent times, Jujutsu Kaisen has been experiencing a surge in popularity due to its well-written character development and captivating plot twists. The most recent installments finally delivered the highly anticipated and long-awaited moment of protagonist Yuji Itadori’s explosive awakening. He achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the record for the most consecutive Black Flashes with 8, showcasing his unwavering determination.

Ryomen Sukuna was taken aback by the unexpected change in power. The Demon King proceeded to share Yuji’s backstory, confirming him as his nephew through a flashback. In addition, a statement from one of the manga’s translators confirmed a previous speculation that Yuji had possessed one of Sukuna’s fingers from birth.

Despite everything that has occurred in Jujutsu Kaisen up to this point, author Gege Akutami had actually hinted at Yuji’s true identity from the very beginning of the series. However, this detail went unnoticed by many readers upon initial inspection.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Gege Akutami reveals Yuji’s true nature in chapter 1

Megumi notices Yuji for the first time in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Gege Akutami, Shueisha)

Gege Akutami’s brilliance once again deserves recognition, as revealed in Chapter 257 where Sukuna discloses that Yuji’s father, Jin Itadori, was actually the reincarnation of the twin he devoured in their mother’s womb. What’s more, Kenjaku, who possessed Kaori Itadori’s body, fathered Yuji with Jin, making him Sukuna’s nephew.

Shortly thereafter, the location of Sukuna’s final finger was also uncovered. Many speculations were proven false when translator known as Lightning confirmed that Yuji was actually born with the final finger. This realization also helps to explain his innate physical prowess prior to his knowledge of Cursed Energy (CE).

Despite returning to praising the author’s brilliance, it appears that Gege Akutami actually disclosed this information early on in the series. In other words, in chapter/episode 1, there is a subtle hint that Yuji possesses a finger of Sukuna’s within him.

Ryomen Sukuna's fingers in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA) — Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

In the first chapter/episode, Yuji amazes everyone by throwing the shot put into a nearby goalpost. Afterwards, he goes to the hospital to see his grandfather. As he leaves the school through the gate, he encounters Megumi Fushiguro. Megumi, being a sorcerer with heightened perception of cursed energy and objects, senses something as the pink-haired boy runs by.

Additionally, he encounters Yuji at the hospital and engages in a brief conversation, during which he reveals how the overwhelming number of deaths were caused by the birth of Curses from negative emotions. It is during this encounter that Yuji casually gives him the box containing Sukuna’s finger.

However, it turned out that the box was empty. This particular detail confirms that Yuji was indeed born with the final finger.

Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Therefore, Gege Akutami was able to foreshadow Yuji’s truth from the very start of the story. As a result, many other aspects of the story also become clearer with this information.

Despite the fact that Yuji is a super-powered being with the attributes of both Sukuna and Kenjaku, he possessed incredible physical abilities even before awakening or becoming aware of CE.

It is probable that Yuji’s ability to resist Sukuna and easily consume the fingers is a result of his body having already adapted to acting as a vessel. Even Gojo Satoru was surprised by the level of control Yuji had over the Demon King within him. Additionally, his capacity to perceive Curses and Megumi’s Shikigami may also be connected to this same factor.

Final thoughts

The confirmation first from Sukuna himself and later from translators remains consistent with the plot developments. This ultimately reveals the explanation behind Yuji’s abilities and actions.

This entire situation exemplifies Gege Akutami’s knack for creating unpredictable plot twists. It demonstrates the author’s talent for hinting at significant revelations through seemingly insignificant details. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of even the tiniest details in the overall plot.