Why is Mahito obsessed with Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained
People watching or reading Jujutsu Kaisen might wonder why is Mahito obsessed with Itadori in the series since it is a topic that may not be explained in a detailed manner. However, author Gege Akutami does mention it in passing and highlights the main differences between these two characters, which is the source of their rivalry.
Mahito is obsessed with Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen because the latter is a representation of everything he hates in humanity. It is also a test for him since the protagonist can hurt him. In return, Mahito defines a lot of Yuji's characterization throughout the series and helps with his character development by causing tragedies to Yuji.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a publication.
Yuji and Mahito's relationship in Jujutsu Kaisen, explained
Initially, Yuji and Mahito begin as mere enemies because the former is a Jujutsu sorcerer and the latter is a Curse. However, Mahito begins in taking an interest to take down the protagonist because he is one of the few characters who can hurt his soul, but is also driven by the nature of his ideals and values.
Yuji Itadori represents a person who believes in others and wants to help people, which is why Mahito wants to break him and prove to him that there is no meaning to what they are doing. This Curse is a nihilist who doesn't believe in anything because he embodies human hatred and Itadori represents the best of humanity.
Moreover, Mahito is also quite notorious for causing several tragedies to Yuji, such as killing Junpei Yoshino and Nanami Kento while almost taking the life of Nobara Kugisaki, who seemed dead for a long time. This defines the bulk of Yuji's characterization and motivations throughout the rest of the series, so he cannot be understood without this Curse's input.
Yuji and Mahito's role in each others' character arcs
Another reason why Mahito is obsessed with Itadori is because he challenges his ideals and also allows him to grow and become stronger. During their first main battle, after killing Junpei Yoshino, it is thanks to this hardship that the Curse manages to learn Domain Expansion, becoming a lot more powerful and capable of adapting to other circumstances.
This is further emphasized in Shibuya since he learns a new transformation as he begins to understand his soul while fighting Yuji and Aoi Todo. On the other hand, Itadori also needs to deal with Mahito since the tragedies the latter caused him has molded his temperament as a Jujutsu sorcerer and strengthened his mentality while overcoming hardships.
Both characters also serve as the main focus of the two sides in Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji Itadori as the ultimate selfless Jujutsu sorcerer and Mahito as the ultimate evil Curse. Their values come out in full force, especially during Yuji's now-iconic "I'm you" moment when he defeats his opposite.
Final thoughts
A lot of Jujutsu Kaisen newcomers might wonder why is Mahito obsessed with Itadori but it makes sense when understanding their principles and their nature as a Curse and a sorcerer, respectively. All of this defines their rivalry and why it has become so popular in the anime community.
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