Jujutsu Kaisen Could've Had the Best Anime Hero Since Goku, But One Decision Ruined Things

Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen is undeniably one of the most distinctive shonen anime series. With its dark tone and intense action seamlessly blended with the traditional Shonen formula, it elevates itself into something both unique and mature. While the series differs in many ways from its contemporaries, one of its most striking aspects is its protagonist, Itadori Yuji. At first glance, Yuji appears to be the most unconventional shonen protagonist, as he lacks many of the genre’s traditional traits.

This has even led fans to question Yuji’s role in the story, as he is often overshadowed by supporting characters like Megumi and Gojo, with many even considering them the true protagonists of Jujutsu Kaisen. However, Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #257 reveals a key detail that reaffirms Yuji's role as the main character. Yet, in doing so, the series also steers him toward a more conventional shonen path, ultimately preventing him from embodying the unique hero archetype that once set him apart, much like how Goku always retained his distinct identity.

Yuji's First Impression Implies That He Was Never a Chosen One

Yuji’s Role Earlier in the Series Was Very Unconventional and Unique

Jujutsu Kaisen introduces its protagonist as a goofy character with a sick grandfather and exceptional athletic ability. Yuji’s talent in sports was his defining trait, emphasizing that his body was built differently. Since there was no explanation for his remarkable physical prowess, it was easy to assume he was simply an energetic boy. Thanks to his unusually strong body, Yuji was able to harbor the King of Curses, Sukuna, within him.

Initially, it was heavily implied that Yuji could do this solely because of his physical strength, with no deeper reason suggested. Further reinforcing his unconventional nature as a protagonist was his simple dream, not to achieve greatness, but to be surrounded by people who cared about him when he died. With no grand ambitions and often being sidelined by other characters, Yuji’s portrayal in the series was a refreshing departure from the norm.

Sukuna transforms in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

Controversial or Not, My Favorite Jujutsu Kaisen Villain Will Never Be Sukuna

One Jujutsu Kaisen villain is arguably more twisted and evil than Sukuna himself, but he is unfortunately often underestimated by fans.

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While fans expected Yuji to solidify his role as the protagonist by conquering Sukuna and perhaps even forming a bond with him, similar to Naruto and Kurama, this never came to pass. Gege Akutami repeatedly dismissed the idea, emphasizing Sukuna’s unredeemable nature. This only deepened fans’ curiosity about how Yuji would ultimately fit into his role as the protagonist. Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #257 finally provides an answer, but in doing so, it pushes Yuji into the "Chosen One" trope, an all-too-familiar Shōnen archetype, stripping away the uniqueness that the series initially promised for his character.

Jujutsu Kaisen Eventually Couldn't Help but Push Yuji Down the “Chosen One” Road

Yuji Was Always Crafted as the Chosen One to Defeat Sukuna

A converstaion between Sukuna and Uraume involing Yuji's origin from Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 257

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter #257, "Inhuman Makyo Shinjuku Showdown, Part 29," opens with a flashback featuring a conversation between Sukuna and Uraume about Sukuna’s origins. During this exchange, Uraume expresses curiosity about Yuji possessing an energy similar to Sukuna’s. In response, Sukuna reveals that he was nearly born as a twin but devoured his sibling while still in the womb. He further explains that the lingering soul of his consumed twin wandered aimlessly until it eventually reincarnated into a new body and mated with Kenjaku.

Itadori as seen in the season two of Jujutsu Kaisen anime

Jujutsu Kaisen Finally Confirms the Real Reason Yuji is the Hero

Chapter #257 of Jujutsu Kaisen finally unveils why Gege Akutami chose Itadori Yuji as the main character of the series.

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Sukuna’s remark that Kenjaku wouldn’t have a child without reason only deepens the mystery, reinforcing the idea that Yuji was born special, possessing a soul akin to Sukuna’s but with a greater purpose. This revelation clarifies why Yuji always had an exceptional body and why he was able to harbor Sukuna effortlessly — because he was destined to. As Sukuna’s other half, it also becomes evident why Yuji was chosen as Jujutsu Kaisen’s true hero. Given that Sukuna has always embodied pure evil, Yuji, as his other half, represents the missing counterpart, pure goodness.

This establishes Yuji as Sukuna’s direct opposite, the part that Sukuna had always lacked. The finale of the series also subtly hints at this duality, offering an explanation for why Sukuna became the villain, further cementing Yuji’s role as the ideal force to challenge him. These details suggest that despite Jujutsu Kaisen's initial attempt to craft a unique hero, it ultimately follows the same "Chosen One" trope that the Shōnen series has embraced for decades, arguably since Goku.