Yuji Itadori is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. In the beginning of the story, Yuji swallows the finger of the ancient curse spirit known as Ryomen Sukuna in order to save his friends from a curse. This act binds Yuji to Sukuna and allows Sukuna to take over Yuji’s body when certain conditions are met. From then on, Yuji struggles with containing Sukuna within him while training to become a skilled jujutsu sorcerer at the Tokyo Jujutsu High School.
One of the most pivotal moments regarding Yuji and Sukuna’s relationship occurs when Yuji proposes they make a deal – if Yuji can manage to force Sukuna into a binding vow, Sukuna will cooperate with him. This deal defines much of how the two characters interact throughout the rest of the story so far. Understanding the specifics of the deal and how it affects Yuji is key to unraveling their complex dynamic.
What was the deal Yuji proposed to Sukuna?
Yuji proposed that if he could force Sukuna into a binding vow, Sukuna would have to cooperate with him and could no longer take over his body freely.
The binding vow is a contract powered by cursed energy that binds the actions of jujutsu sorcerers. If the conditions of the vow are broken, the person who breaks the vow receives a harsh penalty, usually death.
Yuji hoped that by forcing Sukuna into a binding vow, it would restrict Sukuna’s autonomy and prevent him from being able to take over Yuji’s body. In exchange, Yuji offered to cooperate with Sukuna’s wishes sometimes if Sukuna cooperated with him.
Essentially, the deal was – if Yuji could force a binding vow on Sukuna, then Sukuna would have to work together with Yuji instead of against him.
How did Yuji attempt to force the binding vow on Sukuna?
In order to force the binding vow on Sukuna, Yuji needed to gain control while Sukuna had taken over his body. The first time this happened was during the Goodwill Event arc.
During the Goodwill Event, Yuji temporarily died and Sukuna took over their body. However, thanks to help from Todo, Yuji was able to gain control over one of his fingers for just a moment. This allowed him to force a binding vow stating that if Sukuna ever takes over their body again, Yuji will kill himself via cursed energy, preventing Sukuna from fully resurrecting.
Essentially, Yuji held his own life hostage, threatening mutual destruction if Sukuna didn’t cooperate. This forced Sukuna to either accept the vow or risk never being able to resurrect again. Sukuna accepted the vow, which meant he could no longer freely take over Yuji’s body without consequence.
What were the exact terms of the deal between Yuji and Sukuna?
The full terms of the deal between Yuji and Sukuna were:
- If Yuji can force a binding vow on Sukuna, Sukuna must cooperate with Yuji instead of acting against him
- In exchange, Yuji will cooperate with some of Sukuna’s wishes if Sukuna cooperates
- Yuji forces the vow: If Sukuna takes over their body again, Yuji will kill himself via cursed energy
- This prevents Sukuna from fully resurrecting if he takes over Yuji’s body
- Sukuna must abide by this vow or risk never being able to resurrect again
Essentially, if Sukuna doesn’t want to risk his own destruction, he has to work together with Yuji instead of freely taking control. This limits Sukuna’s autonomy greatly and forces him to cooperate with Yuji on some level.
How did Sukuna respond to the deal and being forced into the vow?
Sukuna was extremely angry and defiant when Yuji first proposed the deal during the Goodwill Event arc. He resisted making any kind of deal with Yuji and mocked his threats.
However, when Yuji gained control of his finger and forced the binding vow, Sukuna was impressed despite his anger. When he realized Yuji was serious and had managed to back him into a corner, Sukuna started laughing.
Although furious at being controlled, Sukuna acknowledged Yuji’s resolve and agreed to the vow. While he wants to resurrect fully someday, Sukuna is patient and intelligent enough to cooperate for now if it means one day gaining complete control again.
He warned Yuji not to forget that he had forced him into this against his will though. Their deal is an uneasy truce, not a willing partnership. Sukuna still wishes to act on his own but the vow prevents him from doing so recklessly.
How does the deal affect Yuji and Sukuna’s relationship throughout the story?
The deal has significant impacts on Yuji and Sukuna’s relationship going forward:
- It makes their partnership more reciprocal – they have to cooperate to some degree
- It limits Sukuna’s direct control over Yuji’s body
- It pushes Sukuna to aid Yuji/give advice at times to progress his own goals
- It causes Sukuna to allow Yuji more autonomy during battles
- Yuji has to balance keeping the vow while not angering Sukuna too greatly
- Yuji gains some leverage over Sukuna but has to be careful with overstepping
Their relationship remains antagonistic, but the deal forces it to become more nuanced. They still dislike and cannot fully trust each other, but must cooperate to prevent mutual destruction. It creates a push and pull dynamic where both sides try to gain advantages against the other within the vow’s limits.
Does Sukuna ever show signs of accepting Yuji more after their deal?
While Sukuna remains defiant and derisive towards Yuji, he does show some subtle signs of accepting him more as time goes on:
- He gives Yuji advice in battles like telling him how to exorcise spirits
- He allows Yuji more control during fights instead of taking over
- He aids in healing Yuji when critically injured
- He acknowledges Yuji’s potential and resolution when forcing the vow
These moments suggest Sukuna may respect Yuji’s strength and determination on some level even if he dislikes being bound by him. Their deal pushed him to acknowledge Yuji’s skill and will in a way he never had to before they made it.
However, Sukuna still wishes to fully take over one day and his moments of aid are strategic for his own benefit. So while the deal built slight rapport, Sukuna maintains his own goals of eventually reviving without Yuji.
Does Yuji ever regret or reconsider the deal?
While Yuji has some reservations at times, he stands by the necessity of the deal overall:
- He expresses concern over having to uphold his vow to kill himself if needed
- He dislikes relying on Sukuna’s power in battles
- He worries the deal forces him into morally grey areas
- However, he sees no better alternatives to keep Sukuna contained
- The deal saves lives by limiting Sukuna’s control
- It gives Yuji some leverage he wouldn’t otherwise have
Yuji understands the gravity of binding Sukuna against his will but feels he has no choice if he wants to protect others and master his own body again. The deal was a necessary evil even if the cost is high and the dynamic created is complex for them both.
Conclusion
The binding vow deal between Yuji and Sukuna is a pivotal development in Jujutsu Kaisen. It provides critical insight into their relationship and the story’s larger exploration of power dynamics.
Despite their mutual dislike, Yuji and Sukuna must find ways to cooperate within the deal’s constraints if they want to achieve their individual goals. This adds rich narrative tension and complexity.
The deal also speaks to Yuji’s resolute compassion in risking himself to limit Sukuna’s threat to society. However, living with the deal’s consequences tests Yuji morally and strategically as he walks a difficult line maintaining the vow.
Going forward, the deal will likely continue impacting Yuji and Sukuna’s grudging partnership in ever evolving ways as the story unfolds. Their ability to uphold the deal’s terms may shift the story’s direction dramatically as stakes escalate.