Jujutsu Kaisen’s Sequel Confirms Yuji Is Anime’s Most Tragic Hero

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter #20

Unlike many shōnen manga protagonists, Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen doesn't have a happy ending. Although after the Battle of Shinjuku, Yuji seems to have achieved the best outcome for himself and his friends, in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, fans were presented with his true fate, which was far more tragic than they could have ever anticipated.

Although Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo is set almost seven decades after the main series and focuses on new characters, Yuji Itadori made his official appearance in chapter #19. While Yuji is stronger than ever and appears as if time has stood still for him, the Jujutsu sorcerer is now a broken character, haunted by a past that both shaped and destroyed him.

Yuji Itadori's Tragic Fate in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, Explained

In Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, it was revealed that Yuji Itadori cannot age. While the reason is not explained, given that Yuji's aura resembles that of a kalyan (which are similar to cursed spirits), it's safe to assume that his body changed after consuming the Death Paintings, granting him an extended life span.

This apparent immortality prevented Yuji from fulfilling the promise he made to his grandfather to die surrounded by friends. It also condemned Yuji to outlive his friends, affecting him to the point of isolating himself and completely avoiding contact, as he could no longer bear to see another of his loved ones die.

That's what makes Yuji's first appearance in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo so heartbreaking. Yuji, who was once Jujutsu Kaisen's most cheerful character, is now visibly depressed and indifferent. Although he controls both the Jujutsu sorcerers and the aliens before they clash and seems to be aware of the entire situation, he has no interest in intervening beyond what is strictly necessary.

Yuji Has Been Surrounded by Misfortune Since Birth

Some anime characters have sad pasts, having lost their parents or faced discrimination, but in Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji's life was orchestrated by Kenjaku. Kenjaku took over Kaori Itadori's body to give birth to Yuji and make him the perfect vessel for Sukuna. So, although it may seem like he ate Sukuna's finger of his own volition, it was always part of a plan.

Yuji admitted that his reason for becoming a sorcerer was to help people because he feels lonely easily and wanted to die in the company of others. But it was precisely the curse of his grandfather's last words, in addition to the terrible experiences lived in the series, that pushed him to self-sacrifice.

Therefore, unlike the vast majority of anime heroes who manage to fulfill their dreams in the end, Yuji had to choose a solitary path contrary to what he longed for, and there was little he could do about it. This continues to prove how in Jujutsu Kaisen the strongest fighters have to face incredible loneliness, just like Gojo and Sukuna.

Yuji Carries the Burden of Being the Strongest, Just Like Gojo

Although Yuji appears neutral in the conflict against the Simurians, it wasn't because he didn't care about the suffering of others but because he didn't want to become the next Satoru Gojo. Yuji's words echoed Gojo's last words to him, indicating that, in a way, he was obligated to fulfill his teacher's wish that Jujutsu society no longer have to depend on him.

Depending on a single strong figure isn't the way, as proved by how the sorcerers need a collective effort to defeat Sukuna. This is also showcased in how Dabura represents that unbeatable entity for the Rumelians. Although it seems to be going against his compassionate nature, Yuji seems to think it's for the better to let future generations resolve their own conflicts.

Yuji's Tragedy Makes Him a Great Shōnen Protagonist

Although it seems horrific that Yuji let Yuka die when he could have faced Dabura himself, he may be respecting her wish to end her life fighting rather than succumb to her illness. Yuji might be the one who can relate the most with someone's decision in a desperate situation, as demonstrated by his words to Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 266.

What makes Yuji such a great protagonist, even in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, where he doesn't have the main role, is that the story never aspired to be a typical shōnen tale. Yuji was born being shackled by a curse, and thanks to Sukuna, he became the embodiment of a hero willing to sacrifice his humanity for the good of others.

Yuji now illustrates how maintaining strict order has negatively impacted Jujutsu society. As a result, Yuji remains a complex character, and it's a pleasure for fans to interpret his actions and his growth. Fans should wait to see what the future holds for him in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo and whether the story will set up his death and the realization of his dream.