Jujutsu Kaisen has introduced does sukuna actually care about yuji some of the most compelling character dynamics in modern anime, and one of the most fascinating relationships is that between Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, and Yuji Itadori, the young sorcerer who unwillingly became Sukuna’s vessel. Given the depth of their interactions, many fans wonder: does Sukuna actually care about Yuji? Or is Yuji merely a pawn in Sukuna’s grander scheme? This article delves into the psychological, thematic, and narrative aspects of their relationship to determine whether Sukuna harbors any genuine care for Yuji.
Understanding Sukuna’s Character
Before analyzing his relationship with Yuji, it’s crucial to understand who Sukuna truly is. In Jujutsu Kaisen, Sukuna is not just a curse but a malevolent entity that existed in ancient times as a powerful sorcerer. After his death, his immense power was preserved in twenty cursed fingers, which Yuji inadvertently ingested, leading to his transformation into Sukuna’s vessel.
Sukuna is a character defined by arrogance, cruelty, and a thirst for battle. He thrives on destruction, enjoys toying with his enemies, and has shown no empathy for anyone. Unlike Gojo Satoru, who carries his strength with a sense of responsibility, Sukuna’s power is purely self-serving. Given this nature, it’s difficult to imagine that he would genuinely care for Yuji beyond seeing him as a useful tool.
Sukuna’s Relationship with Yuji
From the very beginning, Sukuna views Yuji as nothing more than a temporary vessel—one that he can exploit to further his own goals. There are several key moments in the series that highlight Sukuna’s treatment of Yuji and provide insight into whether or not he harbors any form of care for him.
1. The First Encounter: A Relationship of Convenience
When Yuji consumes Sukuna’s finger in the first episode, Sukuna immediately takes over his body and revels in his regained power. However, Yuji quickly suppresses him, surprising even Sukuna. This initial dynamic establishes their relationship: Sukuna is a parasite, and Yuji is the host. At this point, Sukuna neither hates nor cares for Yuji—he simply exists within him.
2. The Binding Vow: A Means to an End
During the early episodes, Sukuna proposes a Binding Vow to Yuji after their battle with Mahito. He offers to resurrect Yuji in exchange for a deal that allows him to take over Yuji’s body under specific conditions. This shows that Sukuna values Yuji—but only as a vessel. The vow ensures that Sukuna remains alive and able to act when needed. It is not an act of care but rather self-preservation.
3. The Shibuya Incident: Total Indifference
One of the most defining moments in their relationship occurs during the Shibuya Incident. When Jogo feeds Yuji several of Sukuna’s fingers, Sukuna fully manifests and goes on a rampage, killing thousands of innocent people. During this time, he shows no concern for Yuji’s well-being. When Yuji regains control and realizes the destruction Sukuna has caused, he is horrified and devastated. Sukuna, however, laughs at his pain, further proving that he has no emotional connection to Yuji.
Does Sukuna Respect Yuji?
If Sukuna does not care about Yuji in an emotional sense, does he at least respect him?
Respect in Jujutsu Kaisen is often tied to strength. Sukuna acknowledges the power of sorcerers like Gojo and, later, Megumi. However, his treatment of Yuji suggests that he does not see him as a worthy opponent or even as an individual with his own agency. He consistently refers to Yuji as “brat” or “boy,” emphasizing his perception of Yuji as insignificant.
However, there are moments where Sukuna seems intrigued by Yuji’s resilience. Yuji is one of the few individuals who can withstand Sukuna’s influence and maintain his sense of self. This ability may be noteworthy to Sukuna, but it does not equate to care or respect in the way he respects other powerful figures.
Thematic Significance of Their Relationship
The relationship between Sukuna and Yuji is deeply symbolic within Jujutsu Kaisen. It represents the struggle between good and evil, control and chaos. Unlike other protagonists who might have a benevolent entity guiding them (such as Naruto and Kurama in Naruto), Yuji is burdened with a force that actively seeks to destroy him.
This relationship serves a crucial narrative purpose: it isolates Yuji and forces him to find his own strength. He cannot rely on Sukuna as a source of power the way other protagonists might use their inner demons for growth. Instead, he must constantly fight against Sukuna’s influence, making his victories all the more significant.
Can Sukuna Change?
Given Sukuna’s nature, it is unlikely that he will ever develop genuine care for Yuji. Unlike characters such as Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z or even Hisoka from Hunter x Hunter, who undergo some degree of character development, Sukuna is more akin to an unyielding force of destruction. He exists to challenge, torment, and dominate. Unless Jujutsu Kaisen undergoes a drastic shift in its portrayal of Sukuna, he will likely remain indifferent to Yuji’s fate.
Conclusion
The simple answer is no—Sukuna does not care about Yuji. He sees him as a vessel, a plaything, and a minor inconvenience at best. Unlike characters who develop grudging respect for their adversaries or hosts, Sukuna remains detached and uninterested in Yuji’s personal growth, struggles, or emotions.
Their relationship is one of opposition, not camaraderie. Sukuna thrives on destruction, while Yuji fights to protect others. This contrast makes their dynamic compelling but also solidifies the idea that Sukuna will never be a source of warmth or care for Yuji. Instead, Yuji’s greatest challenge will always be resisting the influence of the monster within him.
In the end, Sukuna’s apathy toward Yuji reinforces Jujutsu Kaisen‘s central theme: that true strength comes from within, not from the powers one inherits or is burdened with. And for Yuji, that means fighting not just external enemies, but the one lurking inside him.
