To the fans who have managed to watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie, there may be thoughts and questions about Yuta. After all, he did have an intriguing situation and he is considered one of the most powerful sorcerers who can surpass Gojo Satoru. But what exactly is his back story? Why is he so powerful? Where is he in the Jujutsu Kaisen series? Who is he?
In this article, we will be mainly exploring who Yuta is in the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie. He was given the spotlight, and it gave us a further idea of what he is like. This contrasts to brief mentions of him in the series. So, huge spoilers for the movie will be included.
If you have not watched Jujutsu Kaisen 0 yet, we highly recommend it! You can also exit this article if you do not want to be spoiled.
Yuta Was a Cursed Human
Yuta’s predicament was immediately shown in the film. He has endured severe bullying in his school, probably because he acted differently from others. It was most likely rooted in Yuta’s very timid behavior, which made him an easy target.
Yuta had extreme low self-esteem because he is haunted by a cursed spirit – making him a cursed human. But this spirit is not a little and simple one, unlike the one plaguing the bakery lady catering to Nanami.
Yuta’s cursed spirit was much more ominous. When the bullies cornered Yuta, the latter pleaded them to stop. It gives us the idea that not only does he feel pained because of the bullies, but he was also looking out for their safety. This was because Yuta’s cursed spirit can gravely harm humans. It was a powerful entity who protects and defends Yuta.
However, despite the spirit’s seemingly good intentions, Yuta was still terrified of it. The spirit’s presence has weighed heavily on his mental and emotional health; which is understandable because a cursed spirit constituted negative feelings.
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The Cursed Spirit Was Rika Orimoto, Yuta’s Late Friend
This cursed spirit was someone who loved Yuta deeply. She was Rika Orimoto, Yuta’s childhood friend and sweetheart. They met when they were in the hospital, recovering from their respective illnesses.
They became close friends afterwards, and vowed to marry one another once they grow old. Rika gave the both of them matching rings so that they will always remember their promise. It was clear that both Rika and Yuta gave each other happiness during their difficult childhood days.
However, Rika tragically died in a hit-and-run accident. Yuta was obviously very devastated and upset upon witnessing her death. Fear overcame him as he has lost the only person whom he loved so much, which is why he desperately asked Rika not to leave him.
Unfortunately, Rika manifested into a horrifying cursed spirit that would come to haunt and accompany Yuta for the rest of his days. This was the representation of Yuta’s grief, in which it kept on weighing heavily on him. It was to the point it affected how he lived his life. Ever since Rika’s death and her transformation into a cursed spirit, Yuta never had a happy day in his life. In turn, Rika’s soul was never able to rest in peace until she was set free.
Yuta Values His Friends So Much
Since Yuta has had a miserable life ever since Rika died, it is no wonder he got attached to the first set of friends he has. These are Maki, Inumaki, and Panda – the very same 2nd year students and upperclassmen of Itadori and the gang in the series.
He made it his goal to protect his friends, and this motivated him to grow stronger. He also aimed to control Rika with much confidence just so he can help his friends in missions. At the same time, he wanted to use Rika’s abilities as a force for good if it meant it will help him improve as a person.
Read More: What Are the Abilities of Maki in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Rika As A Cursed Spirit Is Strong
When Rika turned into a cursed spirit, she was very powerful. She even earned the moniker, “Queen of Curses” because of how strong she was. The reason for this is explained by Gojou Satoru: “Love is the most twisted curse of all”.
Love is the most powerful emotion anyone could ever experience. It can result into very wondrous or tragic experiences. In Yuta’s case, it ended with a heartbreaking tragedy. It was Yuta’s love that he had desired for Rika to stay even after her death. Rika’s terrifying cursed spirit form was the manifestation of the immense pain resulted from a broken promise. It was a love that was ended abruptly, hence the source of grief.
This was why Rika posed danger against others if she was not contained nor controlled. She consisted the unresolved grief Yuta was experiencing. Grief from love is the heaviest feeling that affects the person greatly. At the same time, this grief becomes a part of your life but it takes time to ease it… to calm its harshness.
Yuta Has The Potential To Be The Strongest Sorcerer
Considering that Rika is a very powerful cursed spirit, Yuta has the potential to even surpass Gojo Satoru. Yuta also saved Maki during their mission in a school, most especially the latter had collapsed.
Although Yuta hesitated at first to unleash Rika, he did it for the safety of Maki and the missing children. Rika also did not take too long to eliminate the cursed spirits dwelling in the school. Yuta, Maki, and the children were able to escape on time.
While facing off Suguru Geto, Yuta held back in releasing Rika’s full power. But when Geto got the upper hand, Yuta did not hold back Rika’s abilities. Almost effortlessly, Rika and Yuta defeated Geto and his horde of spirits together with a powerful blast.
Read More: Is Gojo Satoru Evil?
Yuta is Currently Studying Abroad in the Series
In the series, Yuta is nowhere to be found among Maki and the others. This is because Yuta is studying in Africa with Miguel – a sorcerer who was initially an antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Miguel has shown impressive skills during his battle with Gojo. He was capable of disrupting Gojo’s Infinity, a testament to how strong and capable he is.
This is why Gojo decided to send Yuta abroad with Miguel, so that Yuta will be able to gain more exposure. Miguel can also have a hand in training Yuta to maximize his potential.
Yuta’s Situation is Similar to Itadori’s
Yuta is very similar to Itadori because they both have the potential to become a very powerful sorcerer. They have abilities that are comparable to Gojo Satoru, their mentor and teacher. Gojo has always been labeled as the most powerful jujutsu sorcerer currently; both Yuta and Itadori may inherit that top spot someday,
Yuta and Itadori’s cursed energy comes from the cursed spirits on their person. These cursed spirits help them grow stronger; which lead to them using techniques. It is with this exact reason why the higher-ups wanted to kill both Yuta and Itadori. Their circumstances are unlike anything the higher-ups have witnessed before. They are also both affiliated with the very thing the jujutsu society is fighting against. They were also defended by Gojou, who took them under his wing.
The only crucial difference is that Yuta’s cursed spirit, Rika, does not reside within him. Rika also happened to be Yuta’s friend and sweetheart, so Rika is loyal and devoted to him. Rika can be a force for good.
Whereas in Itadori’s case, Sukuna is an evil cursed spirit who relishes in the destruction and chaos in the world. Sukuna is incarnated within Itadori. Sukuna may be able to take over Itadori’s body, and do what he wants… which is wreaking havoc. He is not loyal to Itadori in any shape or form. He does not want to help Itadori too, and remains uncooperative if the latter tried to ask. Itadori hosting Sukuna in his body have a bleaker path ahead, unlike Yuta with Rika.
When will Itadori and Yuta interact? We cannot simply wait Itadori and Yuta meeting each other! They will most likely have an instant connection because of their similarities. Here’s hoping Yuta will show up in Season 2 – the Shibuya arc!
Read More: Can Gojo Beat Sukuna?
