| No, Yuta doesn’t truly want to kill Yuji. He is following orders from the Jujutsu Kaisen higher-ups but has his own plans and intentions, which include protecting Yuji and finding a way to save him. |
The dramatic return of Yuta Okkotsu at the end of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has sparked significant intrigue and speculation among fans.
Last seen in the prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Yuta re-emerges from his training in Africa with a startling announcement: he intends to kill Yuji Itadori.
However, given that Yuta and Yuji have never met, the underlying reasons behind this proclamation warrant a closer examination.
This article delves into Yuta’s motivations, the strategic implications of his actions, and how this conflict aligns with the overarching narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Reader discretion is advised.
Contents
Yuta Okkotsu’s Background
Yuta Okkotsu, introduced as a special-grade cursed human in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, is haunted by the spirit of his late childhood friend, Rika Orimoto.
Under the mentorship of Satoru Gojo, Yuta transforms from a cursed individual into a powerful jujutsu sorcerer.
Now a second-year student at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yuta’s journey is marked by significant growth and a deep commitment to protecting others from the dangers posed by Cursed Spirits.
See Also: Can Yuji Beat Yuta?
Yuji Itadori’s Predicament
Yuji Itadori, the main protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, becomes the vessel for the powerful Cursed Spirit Ryomen Sukuna after ingesting one of his fingers.
Yuji’s inherent sense of justice and physical prowess lead him to join the jujutsu sorcerers, despite the immense risks involved.
His journey is fraught with peril, not only from external enemies but also from the internal threat posed by Sukuna.
The Catalyst for Conflict
The jujutsu higher-ups’ decision to cancel Yuji’s suspended death penalty serves as the primary catalyst for Yuta’s mission.
The higher-ups see Yuji as a ticking time bomb due to Sukuna’s presence and are determined to eliminate him to prevent potential catastrophes.
This political maneuvering within the jujutsu world forces Yuta into a position where he must act.
Yuta’s True Intentions
Despite outward appearances, Yuta does not genuinely wish to kill Yuji.
His declaration and subsequent actions are part of a calculated strategy to protect Yuji from the jujutsu higher-ups’ lethal intentions.
By pretending to align with their orders, Yuta gains their trust, thereby positioning himself to safeguard Yuji more effectively.
The Role of the Binding Vow
To solidify his loyalty and ensure the higher-ups’ trust, Yuta agrees to a Binding Vow, committing himself to kill Yuji.
This vow is a strategic move, compelling Yuta to appear earnest in his mission while providing him the means to control the situation.
The vow also allows Yuta to act under the guise of fulfilling his obligations, giving him the opportunity to orchestrate Yuji’s “death” in a controlled manner.
The Faked Execution
Yuta’s confrontation with Yuji culminates in a dramatic scene where he seemingly kills Yuji by stabbing him in the chest.
This act, witnessed by credible jujutsu sorcerers like Naoya Zenin, serves to validate Yuta’s commitment to the Binding Vow.
However, Yuta immediately begins healing Yuji’s heart using his Reversed Cursed Technique, revealing the true nature of his plan.
By “killing” Yuji, Yuta successfully deceives the higher-ups, allowing Yuji to escape their scrutiny and live to fight another day.
Also Read: Are Yuji and Yuta Friends?
Strategic Implications
Yuta’s actions have profound strategic implications.
By faking Yuji’s death, he removes a significant target from the higher-ups’ radar, providing Yuji with a crucial reprieve.
This maneuver also demonstrates Yuta’s loyalty to his allies and his willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good.
Furthermore, it underscores the theme of strategic deception prevalent throughout Jujutsu Kaisen, highlighting the complex interplay of power, trust, and survival.
Final Words
Yuta Okkotsu’s apparent desire to kill Yuji Itadori is a multifaceted strategy rooted in his deep commitment to protect those he cares about.
By navigating the treacherous politics of the jujutsu world, Yuta orchestrates a plan that saves Yuji while maintaining his own credibility.
This conflict not only advances the storyline but also enriches the characters’ development, showcasing the intricate web of motives and alliances that define the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
