Jujutsu Kaisen: Itadori Yuji’s Awakening (Explained)

Even if the Jujutsu Kaisen manga has turned into a stand-off between every sorcerer to ever exist on the planet facing Sukuna, there have been many compelling developments to the characters and the plot. One such character is the show’s protagonist Itadori Yuji, who is now getting the spotlight after being sidelined to suit the plot’s requirements.

Before the JJK manga went on a short break, creator Gege Akutami ended chapter 256 with Yuji experiencing an awakening and might now be able to reach his full potential. Keep reading to find out all about the unexpected awakening Yuji is going through in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.

Spoilers Warning: This article contains heavy spoilers about Itadori Yuji’s power and story in Jujutsu Kaisen’s manga. So, we highly recommend you to read the manga (up to chapter 257) beforehand in order to avoid ruining the intended experience.

How Did Itadori Yuji Get Awakened in Jujutsu Kaisen?

I along with many other JJK fans have been wanting to see Yuji take center stage and steal the show for a long time. The long-awaited dream is slowly becoming a reality as Itadori Yuji is undergoing a major change in terms of both character and power. So how did Yuji manage to awaken his hidden powers? Let me break it down for you.

Itadori Yuji vs. Ryomen Sukuna

In recent chapters, every sorcerer, including Yuji, remarks that Sukuna could replenish his Reverse Cursed Technique (RCT) if he repeatedly hits his opponents with Black Flash.

If Sukuna pulled off this feat, then it would mean game over for our beloved Jujutsu sorcerers. Now, this was alarming news to the sorcerers who were risking their lives in this fight. So, Yuji along with others was in grave danger against the King of Curses.

During this calamity, Yuji faced off against Sukuna with much courage and landed several hits. In the latest chapter 256, Sukuna delivered four black flashes already and started to get the hang of it. Everyone started to notice that the King of the Curses was slowly regaining his old form.

It should be noted that only Yuji’s punches have the power to severely damage Sukuna’s cursed energy output and dampen the control he has over Megumi’s body. So, yeah, Yuji is now considered the ultimate trump card against this monster from the Heian era as Gojo is already out of the game. Or, is he coming back?

Yuji’s Black Flash Awakening

Amidst the intense exchange of blows between Yuji and Sukuna, an unexpected opening was created by Larue. For those who aren’t aware, Larue has the power to not only grab his opponent’s body but also take control of their heart for a certain period. As Larue caught Sukuna off-guard, he easily held Sukuna like a prisoner for a moment, creating the perfect opening for Yuji to land another blow.

Before this moment, the narrator also stated that Sukuna felt the arrival of a Black Flash from Itadori Yuji, just like how Mahito experienced it back in Shibuya in JJK Season 2. Then, clutching his fists, Yuji focused all his might into delivering one of the most powerful black flashes in Jujutsu Kaisen history.

The size and amount of black lightning that emanated from the blow is evidence of this impeccable feat. This was when the narrator declared that Itadori Yuji’s best Black Flash had unlocked his true potential and “amidst the scattering black sparks, Itadori Yuji, the prodigy has awakened.”

Amidst the scattering black sparks, Itadori Yuji, the prodigy has awakened.

Itadori Yuji’s New Powers & Abilities After Awakening

As of chapter 256, it was mentioned that Yuji has awakened but there was no glimpse of what awaits in store. But we have a good idea based on the statements made earlier in the manga. Thus, until we see it for ourselves in chapter 257, here are some speculations based on evidence:

• At the beginning of chapter 256, it was confirmed that Yuji would surpass Gojo Satoru in the total number of Black Flashes created. Therefore, Itadori’s awakening will likely result in him unleashing Black Flash at will. A feat no one has achieved so far.
• In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 12 or episode 6, Gojo remarked to Yuji, “In due time, your body will learn Sukuna’s cursed technique”. This is key information for Yuji’s awakening as he will likely gain access to Sukuna’s cursed techniques. We still don’t know Sukuna’s primary cursed technique, however, we have seen him perform a lot of powerful techniques like cleave & dismantle, fire techniques, etc.
• And there is also the scenario where Yuji might get his own domain expansion in the series. It would be only good if the MC of this series gets to perform one of the pinnacles of Jujutsu.
• In Chapter 256, Yuji is seen performing the Blood Manipulation technique after learning it from his brother Choso. His brother remarked that Yuji hadn’t got it straight yet; still, maybe he would become highly proficient in this technique after the awakening.

Anyway, these are merely speculations based on statements made by other sorcerers in previous chapters. From what we’ve mentioned, one of these scenarios might come to fruition in the coming chapters of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. So, stay tuned for more updates on Yuji’s awakening. In the meantime, you can read the latest chapters of JJK on Viz Media’s Shonen Jump and Shueisha’s Manga Plus for free.