IfJujutsu Kaisenfans were surprised to see Yuta return to the battlefield as a stand-in for Satoru Gojo, they were even more shocked to discover that his daring strategy was as dangerous to him personally as the pseudo-Gojo he became was to Sukuna. Fortunately, Yuta had the aid of one of the most powerful curses ever to exist—one that had previously saved him from an equally life-threatening situation.
Although Satoru Gojo was confident in his ability to defeat Sukuna, his disciples and students harbored doubts. Consequently, betweenGojo’s release from the Prison Realmand his fateful battle with Sukuna, they developed a number of “Plan B” contingency strategies in the event of his defeat. In hindsight, Gojo’s ultimate demise vindicated his students' prudent foresight.
Yuta’s Despair Helps Fuel One Of The Greatest Curses Of All
Unlike traditional curses, Rika’s presence is characterized by aiding individuals rather than haunting them.
One of the most intriguing student strategies came from Yuta Okkotsu. In the event of Gojo’s death,Yuta suggests killing Kenjaku and having Rika consumehis remains to copy Kenjaku’s innate “body-switching” ability.This would allow Yuta to “become” Gojo and continue the fight against Sukuna with all of Gojo’s abilities. Although most others disagreed with the plan due to its risks, after Gojo died in Chapter #261, Yuta proceeded with it.
It’s worth noting thatYuta’s decision to take over Gojo’s body was a last resort. However, because of the severe injuries he sustained while battling Sukuna – his plan became a necessity. Had he not attempted this strategy, death on the battlefield would have been almost certain. Nevertheless, the risks associated with this plan remained high. Although Yuta’s tactic initially proved effective, its success was short-lived due to the limitations of Kenjaku’s underlying innate technique. Specifically, Yuta had only a five-minute window to fully tap into Gojo’s abilities.
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That time limit accelerated when Sukuna initiated hisincredibly strong Domain Expansion technique. So, without delivering a decisive blow as pseudo-Gojo, Yuta ran out of power. Moreover, his real body had been severely damaged in his fight against Sukuna himself, making it seem that all hope for Yuta’s survival — whether as pseudo-Gojo or as Yuta Okkotsu — was lost. However, as revealed in Chapter #269, Yuta not only survives but has returned to his original body.
In short, Yuta owed his survival to the transformative power of love - specifically, his enduring bond with his childhood sweetheart – and longstanding guardian curse - Rika Orimoto. Following her tragic death and subsequent transformation into a curse, Yuta and Rika formed a profound connection. This connection enabled Yuta to tap into Rika’s vast cursed energy, techniques, and tools, which she could replicate through her innate ability. However, when Yuta took possession of Gojo’s body, their connection was severed, leaving Yuta to fend for himself.
When United, Yuta And Rika Are The Prefect Curse Elimination Team
The idea that Rika would never give up on Yuta was introduced inJujutsu Kaisen 0, the first movie in the franchise. As children, Rika and Yuta vowed to care for each other — forever. However, just minutes later, Rika tragically dies in a car accident that Yuta witnessed. Devastated by the loss of his best friend, Yuta wished with all his heart for her return. Rika did return but as a curse born from Yuta’s despair. This overwhelming grief made Rika an incredibly powerful curse, with a single purpose—to protect Yuta from all harm, just as she had promised.
As children, Rika used her ability to smash anyone who posed any level of threat to Yuta. But eventually, as Yuta matured and began to understand their connection, Rika only presented herself when Yuta was confronted by the most serious threat. The best example of Rika’s history protecting Yuta came in his fight against Geto. Outmatched against a superior sorcerer, Rika not only evened the score but put Geto on his eventual path to defeat and death.
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As a child, Yuta was safeguarded by Rika’s unwavering protection. She would instinctively unleash her powers to deflect any threat that posed a danger to him. However, as Yuta grew older and gained insight into their unique bond, Rika’s interventions became more discerning. She would only manifest when Yuta faced an extraordinary and imminent peril. A notable illustration of Rika’s longstanding guardianship was her role in Yuta’s battle against the formidable sorcerer, Suguru Geto. Outmatched and on the brink of defeat, Rika’s timely intervention not only turned the tide but ultimatelyset Geto on the path to his downfall.
In the world ofJujutsu Kaisen, a curse is an evil spirit born from negative human emotions. Yuta, in essence, played a role in Rika’s creation due to the sadness, shock, and despair he felt after her death. However, asJujutsu Kaisen 0reveals,Rika overcame her cursed nature and became a force for good through her love for him. In perhaps the greatest example of love conquering all—even the sorcery ofJujutsu Kaisen— Rika’s rescue of Yuta from a burnt-out Gojo speaks volumes to the depth of her feelings for Yuta.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisenis a Japanese anime and manga series created by Gege Akutami. The story is set in a world where Cursed Spirits, born from negative human emotions, prey on humanity. It follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after swallowing a cursed talisman—Ryomen Sukuna’s finger—and becomes the host for one of the most powerful curses. Yuji joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to learn how to combat curses while searching for the remaining fingers of Sukuna to exorcise him permanently.
