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Gojo and Sukuna are undoubtedly some of the most powerful beings in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. Nonetheless, besides their impressive strength, they do not have much in common. Satoru is a kind man who wishes to protect those who cannot do it themselves, while the King of Curses is a cruel and uncaring creature who just wants to cause chaos and pain.
One of the few similarities between these two characters is their belief that love is an emotion that torments humans. Gojo sees it as a curse, while Sukuna thinks of it as a weakness.
Yet, Yuji Itadori, the protagonist of the series, has disproven these assertions, as his main motivation throughout the series has been his deep love and affection for those around him.
Yuji’s Speech in Chapter #265 Proves Love Is Truly Important
He Keeps Going Because of the Love He Feels for the People He Lost
During chapter 265 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series, Yuji and Sukuna are seen walking inside a recreation of the protagonist’s hometown, courtesy of the protagonist’s Domain Expansion. During their journey, Itadori reminisces about the moments and the people he treasured, putting major emphasis on those who have died. After a lengthy walk, Yuji turns around, looking Sukuna directly in the eyes, as he promises the King of Curses that he will end his life. While Itadori may not directly state that the reason for his anger is the death of his loved ones, the chapter itself strongly hints at this being the reason for his rage.
Ever since the beginning of the series, the protagonist has been presented as a deeply caring and loving individual, who wants to help and protect everyone around him. Unlike many other sorcerers, who see killing curses as nothing more than a job, Yuji feels a sense of responsibility. He wears his heart on his sleeve, making it easy for people to become endeared to him. This attitude has caused him a vast amount of pain, as his enemies have taken advantage of his trusting nature. Still, it has also brought him closer to people who he could consider his family.
Despite all the suffering he has gone through as the manga progresses, Yuji still refuses to become an emotionless sorcerer. He still fights for the people he loves, both for those who have already passed and those who are still alive. His refusal to give up on Fushiguro is further proof of this behavior. Sukuna and Gojo may have scoffed at the idea of love being a motivation to become stronger, but the series continues to show that their philosophy is flawed.
Yuji Is Not the Only Character Who Has Been Motivated by Love
Yuta’s Story Proves How Powerful This Emotion Can Be
While Yuji may be the biggest example of how powerful positive emotions can be as a motivator, he is not the only one by far. Another prominent example of this phenomenon is Yuta, Gojo’s other student who appeared in the Jujutsu Kaisen Zero movie. The story of Okotsu is tragic but inspiring all the same, as he is an example of the power that loving someone can give a person. Yuta’s strongest ability, his Copy, comes from the connection he has to Rika, the spirit of his childhood best friend who died several years in the past.
It was Okotsu who first learned about Gojo’s definition of love, as his teacher explained to him that this emotion was a curse that kept Rika attached to him. Even after hearing these harsh words, Yuta never regretted the affection he had for his loyal companion. During his battle against the imposing Geto, it was the bond between him and Rika that allowed them to defeat Suguru. This moment also explains why Gojo saw love as a curse that causes pain to those who feel it.
Satoru and Geto were once best friends, who ended up distancing themselves and becoming enemies when Suguru became obsessed with the idea of killing non-sorcerers. Instead of following in their teacher’s footsteps and becoming disillusioned with love, Yuta and Yuji embraced their feelings. It is this small but significant distinction that has allowed them to keep fighting Sukuna, even after the heavy injuries they have suffered. Yuji’s emotive speech about the people that he loved is the biggest proof of how Itadori and Okotsu’s positive emotions are their biggest strength.
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has regularly challenged the belief systems of those who came before Yuji and his friends. The close-minded and cold attitude of older sorcerers has caused many losses throughout the series. Nevertheless, the new generation seems adamant about changing the system, and proving love is a positive force is just one of many achievements they have had.