How Many Times Did Yuji Itadori Die? Complete Analysis of Jujutsu Kaisen Protagonist's Death Events
In the work "Jujutsu Kaisen," which is filled with cruelty and death, no one is absolutely safe, not even the protagonist Yuji Itadori. His journey has been closely tied to death from the very beginning, and he has even faced the abyss of death multiple times.
How many life-and-death crises has this boy, who became the vessel for the "King of Curses" Ryomen Sukuna, experienced in the story? This article will deeply analyze Yuji Itadori's death and resurrection events, exploring the profound impact these experiences have had on his character growth.
Yuji Itadori's Fate: Entangled with Death from the Start
Yuji Itadori's story begins with a foundation in death—his grandfather's dying words became the core motivation for him to embark on the path of a jujutsu sorcerer and save others. However, ironically, by swallowing Sukuna's finger, he was sentenced to death by the higher-ups of the jujutsu world from the very beginning.
Death seemed to be Yuji's destined outcome from the start.
Yuji Itadori's First Death: The Tragic Choice of Having His Heart Ripped Out by Sukuna
Yuji's first death occurred during the mission at the juvenile detention center early in the story. During this mission, Yuji, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki encountered a special-grade cursed spirit far beyond their expectations.
The Price Paid to Protect His Comrades
To protect Megumi, who was on the brink of death, Yuji resolutely handed over control of his body to the Sukuna within him. Although Sukuna easily exorcised the special-grade cursed spirit, his true intention was to seize freedom.
To coerce Yuji, Sukuna cruelly ripped out and destroyed Yuji's heart right in front of Megumi. By the time Yuji regained control of his body, he was already in a fatal state without a heart.
To prevent Sukuna from continuing to wreak havoc and harm his comrades, Yuji chose to accept death calmly, shedding his final tears in front of Megumi Fushiguro before collapsing.
The Binding Vow with Sukuna: A Devil's Deal for Resurrection
After death, Yuji's consciousness entered Sukuna's innate domain. Unwilling to perish, Sukuna proposed an exchange: resurrect Yuji at the cost of a "binding vow."
The specific terms of this contract were: - When Sukuna chants "Enchain," Yuji must relinquish control of his body for one minute - During this time, Sukuna cannot harm or kill anyone - Yuji will forget the existence of this contract
Initially, Yuji rejected this unsecured proposal, but under Sukuna's overwhelming power, he was ultimately forced to accept, miraculously reviving on the dissection table.
This death and resurrection not only gave Yuji a profound realization of his own weakness but also planted the seeds for future major troubles.
Yuji Itadori's Second Death: The Strategic Fake Death After the Shibuya Incident
After the tragedy of the "Shibuya Incident," the jujutsu higher-ups blamed the large-scale destruction on Yuji, as Sukuna's vessel, and once again issued and insisted on carrying out his death sentence.
The Truth Behind the Execution by Yuta Okkotsu
The executor this time was the special-grade jujutsu sorcerer—Yuta Okkotsu. In the battle with Yuta, Yuji was defeated by his overwhelming strength, ultimately having his heart pierced and facing "death" once again.
However, this death was an elaborately staged act. After Yuta pierced Yuji's heart, he immediately used "Reverse Cursed Technique" to heal him, successfully deceiving the jujutsu higher-ups' surveillance and creating the illusion that Yuji was dead.
Thus, this was a nominal "fake death," but it was a crucial turning point for Yuji to escape pursuit and continue forward.
Will Yuji Itadori Truly Die? Ending Prediction Analysis
As a core character in "Jujutsu Kaisen," Yuji Itadori's fate has always gripped readers' hearts. From an ordinary, cheerful high school student, he was forced into the cruel jujutsu world, burdened with the heavy destiny of being Sukuna's vessel.
His kindness stands in extreme contrast to the evil within him, making every battle and decision full of struggle.
Based on author Gege Akutami's interviews and the story's tone, many fans predict that the ending of "Jujutsu Kaisen" may not be a traditional happy one. The wish Yuji inherited from his grandfather also seems to hint that he might ultimately choose to sacrifice himself to save everyone.
Regardless of the outcome, Yuji's brief and intense life has profoundly illustrated what it means to be "cursed" and to "live."
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: How many times has Yuji Itadori died in total?
A: Yuji Itadori has experienced 2 death events: the first was a true death after having his heart ripped out by Sukuna, followed by resurrection; the second was a strategic fake death executed by Yuta Okkotsu.
Q2: How did Yuji Itadori come back to life?
A: After his first death, Yuji made a "binding vow" with Sukuna to be resurrected. Sukuna can gain one minute of body control when he chants "Enchain," but he cannot harm anyone during that time.
Q3: Why did Yuta Okkotsu try to kill Yuji?
A: Yuta Okkotsu was ostensibly carrying out the jujutsu higher-ups' death sentence, but in reality, it was to protect Yuji. He used Reverse Cursed Technique to create a fake death, allowing Yuji to escape pursuit.
Q4: Will Yuji Itadori die in the end?
A: Based on the story's tone and author interviews, many fans speculate that Yuji might sacrifice himself to save everyone, but the exact ending has not yet been revealed.
Summary: Yuji Itadori's Life-and-Death Experiences Shape His Growth
In summary, Yuji Itadori has indeed experienced two key "death" events in the plot:
- First True Death: After having his heart ripped out by Sukuna, resurrected through a "binding vow"
- Second Strategic Fake Death: A protective execution carried out by Yuta Okkotsu
These two experiences are not only important turning points in the plot but also tempered Yuji's will, transforming him from a naive boy into a jujutsu sorcerer with resolve and the courage to take responsibility. The mystery of his life and death, and his ultimate fate, are undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of "Jujutsu Kaisen."