The first chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen, titled "Ryomen Sukuna", introduces readers to a fascinating world where curses, sorcery, and spirits play pivotal roles in shaping reality. It sets up the foundation for a captivating narrative that follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who, through a twist of fate, becomes the host of an ancient and powerful cursed spirit. In this article, we will break down the chapter through several key sections, each contributing to the intense and thrilling journey of Jujutsu Kaisen.
1. Introduction to Yuji Itadori
At the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen is Yuji Itadori, a high school student with unusual physical strength and agility. From the very first scene, Yuji’s athletic abilities are highlighted, particularly through his interactions with his schoolmates. Despite his talent for sports, Yuji has no interest in joining the track and field team, which desperately wants him. Instead, Yuji opts to spend his time in the less glamorous Occult Club at school. His personality is quickly established—good-natured, humorous, and driven by a strong sense of duty.
Yuji’s physical prowess foreshadows his capacity to handle situations that are beyond the norm, although at this point, he is unaware of the supernatural world that awaits him. His decision to stay in the Occult Club, even when he has far more promising options, is an early indicator of his loyalty and desire to live on his own terms.
2. Yuji's Grandfather
A pivotal moment in Yuji's life comes when he visits his dying grandfather in the hospital. His grandfather, on his deathbed, shares his last words with Yuji—words that will shape the course of the story and Yuji’s mission. His grandfather advises him always to help others and live a life that leaves no regrets. He urges Yuji not to die alone, suggesting that his own life had been filled with loneliness and remorse.
These final words become Yuji’s guiding principle. He doesn't yet understand their full significance, but they spark the motivation behind many of his future decisions. Yuji's resolve to honor his grandfather’s dying wish ultimately leads him down a path of danger, sacrifice, and unexpected encounters with the world of curses and jujutsu sorcery.
3. The Occult Club
Yuji’s participation in the school’s Occult Club introduces us to the lighter side of the story. The Occult Club, made up of Yuji and two friends, is an unlikely place for someone of Yuji’s talents, yet it plays a crucial role in the chapter. The club’s interest in the supernatural becomes more than just a hobby when they come across a cursed object—a small, shriveled-up finger wrapped in cloth, which they initially believe is nothing more than a trinket with a spooky backstory.
The cursed object turns out to be far more than they bargained for, setting in motion the events that lead Yuji into a dark and dangerous new world. The innocent enthusiasm of the Occult Club contrasts sharply with the horrors they unknowingly unleash, marking the first significant turning point in the chapter.
4. Fushiguro's Search
As the cursed object is being unearthed by the Occult Club, another character is introduced—Megumi Fushiguro, a jujutsu sorcerer tasked with retrieving the cursed object. Megumi’s role is critical in the chapter, as he represents the world of jujutsu sorcery that Yuji has yet to fully understand.
Megumi’s search for the cursed object brings him into contact with Yuji, and though their meeting is brief at first, it sets up an important dynamic between the two. Megumi’s demeanor is serious and focused, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He immediately recognizes the danger posed by the cursed object, which is revealed to be one of Ryomen Sukuna’s fingers, an item of immense power that could bring calamity if not properly contained.
5. Cursed Object Unsealed
The cursed object that the Occult Club discovered is soon unsealed. After unknowingly breaking the seal, the members of the club release the dark energy of the cursed object into the world. Megumi arrives just in time to witness the unfolding chaos and warns them of the curse's dangerous potential.
The cursed object is revealed to be a finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, an ancient cursed spirit of legendary power. Sukuna’s fingers are imbued with a curse so malevolent that even centuries after his death, his remnants are considered the most dangerous cursed objects in existence. The unsealing of this object begins to attract other curses to the school, manifesting in violent, grotesque forms that threaten everyone in the vicinity.
6. Yuji Swallows Sukuna's Finger
In an attempt to save his friends from the growing threat of curses, Yuji makes a decision that forever alters his fate. As curses begin attacking, Yuji is told by Megumi that the only way to stop them is to either destroy Sukuna’s finger or consume it and gain its power. With no other options and his friends in immediate danger, Yuji swallows Sukuna’s cursed finger.
This moment is one of the most important in the entire series. By consuming Sukuna’s finger, Yuji becomes the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, allowing the cursed spirit to manifest within his body. This act sets up the duality that will define Yuji’s existence throughout the story—he is both himself and the host for one of the most malevolent beings in history.
7. First Appearance of Sukuna
Upon consuming the finger, Sukuna emerges for the first time. His presence is immediately felt as overwhelming and terrifying. Sukuna, known as the King of Curses, is an ancient sorcerer whose cursed energy is unmatched. Although he initially takes control of Yuji’s body, the surprise comes when Yuji can suppress Sukuna’s influence, keeping him from fully taking over.
This unexpected control is a testament to Yuji’s resilience and strength, surprising even Sukuna. Sukuna’s appearance serves as a glimpse into the immense challenges Yuji will face in the future. Sukuna’s power is far beyond anything Yuji or Megumi have ever encountered before.
8. Megumi vs. Sukuna
With Sukuna temporarily in control of Yuji’s body, Megumi Fushiguro has no choice but to engage in a fight to suppress the curse. The battle between Megumi and Sukuna is a brief but intense display of jujutsu sorcery. Megumi uses his cursed energy and shikigami—spiritual familiars—to attack Sukuna, but even with these techniques, he is no match for Sukuna’s overwhelming strength.
The fight serves as a reminder of the disparity in power between ordinary sorcerers and curses of Sukuna’s caliber. Despite Megumi’s efforts, it becomes clear that external intervention will be necessary to handle the threat posed by Sukuna’s reappearance.
9. Satoru Gojo's Arrival
Just as the situation seems dire, Satoru Gojo—one of the strongest jujutsu sorcerers—arrives on the scene. Gojo’s introduction is brief but impactful. He instantly neutralizes the threat posed by Sukuna, showcasing the immense difference in power between Gojo and everyone else.
Gojo’s casual attitude and confidence make him an intriguing character, one who will play a crucial role in the development of both Yuji and the larger conflict surrounding Sukuna. With Gojo's arrival, the stage is set for the complex and dangerous world that Yuji will now be a part of.
In conclusion, Chapter 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen masterfully sets the tone for the series, introducing readers to a world filled with danger, curses, and unexpected twists. Yuji Itadori’s journey, beginning with his fateful encounter with Sukuna’s finger, promises to be one filled with peril, growth, and the struggle to maintain his humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.