Jujutsu Kaisen Theory: Foreshadowing of Yuji and Sukuna as One and the Same

Ever since its release, the Jujutsu Kaisen series has captivated fans with its intriguing elements such as the binding vow systems, the Six Eyes, and Kenjaku’s true identity. The dynamic connection between Yuji Itadori and Sukuna has been a constant topic of discussion among fans.

From the very beginning of the series, it becomes clear that Yuji is a selfless individual who prioritizes the well-being of others over his own interests. In stark contrast, Sukuna is portrayed as selfish and driven solely by his own desires and amusement.

Please note: This article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series.

Yuji’s Purpose: Replacing Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Gege Akutami has consistently highlighted a mysterious bond between Yuji and Sukuna, transcending their intense animosity towards each other, through character panels, manga covers, and additional illustrations.

Despite their opposing mindsets, it is impossible to overlook Sukuna’s intense hatred towards Yuji. Sukuna disregards all of Yuji’s accomplishments and instead praises any sorcerers who happen to fight alongside him.

Despite not fully revealing Yuji’s origins and the reason for his creation by Kenjaku, it was mentioned by Kenjaku that he held great expectations for Yuji. Despite multiple versions of Kenjaku being shown, none of them were the original due to the visible stitches.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Sukuna during his fight against Jogo (Image via MAPPA)

Despite the unknown origins and intentions of the individual attempting to create human curse hybrids, their plans remain a mystery. It is possible that their ultimate goal is to create a being capable of defeating Sukuna, or perhaps even another Sukuna-like entity.

In chapter 256, Yuji Itadori successfully executed a nearly intentional Black Flash on Sukuna, with the chapter concluding with a close-up of Yuji’s eyes. While this has occurred multiple times before, one noteworthy development was that Yuji’s eyes became indistinguishable from Sukuna’s eyes consistently portrayed in the manga.

Despite the numerous theories surrounding Sukuna and Yuji’s relationship, one of the most widely accepted explanations is that the Jujutsu Kaisen narrative follows a recurring cycle in which Yuji is destined to become the successor of Sukuna.

Following Gojo’s death in chapter 235 of the manga, Sukuna revealed that he was unaware of his parents and had been deemed unwanted. Additionally, it was discovered that he possessed the remarkable skill of swiftly analyzing and replicating complex cursed techniques with only a single glance.

The use of Sukuna’s “Fuga”technique has been widely speculated by fans to be a real cursed technique involving fire. This was demonstrated when Sukuna used it against Jogo, after the King of Curses challenged him to a battle using his signature move.

It is likely that Fuga was a command for his eyes, allowing him to replicate Jogo’s cursed technique. Sukuna’s ability to quickly learn and use Mahoraga’s World Cutting Slash against Gojo may also be attributed to his eyes.

This is comparable to Yuji’s mastery of the Black Flash technique, which developed into his capability to anticipate and execute Black Flashes at his own will. The enigmatic strength of Yuji’s heavenly restriction may be elucidated if it is revealed that Kenjaku specifically created Yuji with the goal of surpassing or replacing Sukuna, ultimately becoming the dominant force of the modern era.

Conclusion

The highly anticipated one-on-one battle between Yuji and Sukuna will finally take place in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 257, set to release on April 22, 2024 at 12 am JST. This fight is made even more exciting by the fact that all other sorcerers on the field are too fatigued to challenge Sukuna, with the exception of Yuji.