If Jujutsu Kaisen Fans were surprised to see Yuta return to the battlefield as a stand-in for Satoru Gojo, they were even more shocked to discover that his daring strategy was as dangerous to him personally as the pseudo-Gojo he was to Sukuna. Fortunately, Yuta had the help of one of the most powerful curses in existence, which had previously saved him from a near life-threatening situation.
Although Satoru Gojo was confident in his ability to defeat Sukuna, his disciples and students harbored doubts. Therefore, between Gojo's release from the prison realm and his fateful battle with Sukuna, they developed a number of "Plan B" contingency strategies in the event of his defeat. In hindsight, Gojo's eventual demise vindicated the prudent foresight of his students.
Utah's desperation helps fuel one of the greatest curses of all
Unlike traditional curses, Rika's presence is characterized by helping people rather than haunting them.
One of the most intriguing student strategies came from Yuta Okkotsu. In the event of Gojo's death, Yuta suggests killing Kenjaku and Rika consume his remains to copy Kenjaku's innate "body-switching" ability. This would allow Yuta to "become" Gojo and continue the fight against Sukuna with all of Gojo's abilities.. Although most others disagreed with the plan due to its risk, after Gojo died in Chapter #261, Yuta went ahead with it.
It is worth noting that Utah's decision to take over Gojo's body was a last resort. However, due to the severe injuries he sustained while battling Sukuna - his plan became a necessity. Had he not attempted this strategy, death on the battlefield would have been almost certain. Nevertheless, the risks associated with the plan remain high. Although Yuta's tactics initially proved effective, his success was short-lived due to the limitations of Kenjaku's underlying innate technique. In particular, Yuta only has a five-minute window to fully utilize Gojo's abilities.
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The time limit accelerated as Sukuna initiated his incredibly powerful Field Expansion Technique. So, without delivering a decisive blow like Pseudo-Gojo, Utah ran out of power. Furthermore, his real body was severely damaged in his fight against Tsukuna himself, so it seems that all hope for Yuta's survival - whether as Pseudo-Gojo or as Yuta Okkotsu - is lost. However, as revealed in Chapter #269, Yuta not only survives but has returned to his original body.
In short, Yuta owes his survival to the transformative power of love—specifically his enduring bond with his childhood sweetheart—and longstanding guardian curse—Rika Orimoto. After her tragic death and subsequent transformation into a curse, Yuta and Rika form a deep bond. The connection allowed Yuta to use Rika's vastly cursed energy, techniques and tools, which she could replicate through her innate ability. However, when Yuta took possession of Gojo's body, their connection was severed, leaving Yuta to fend for himself.
When United, Yuta and Rika are the Prefect Curse Elimination Team
The idea that Rika would never give up on Utah was introduced Jujutsu Kaisen 0The first movie in the franchise. As children, Rika and Yuta vowed to take care of each other - forever. However, just minutes later, Rika tragically dies in a car accident that Yuta witnesses. Devastated by the loss of his best friend, Yuta wished with all his heart for her return. Rika returned but as a curse born of Utah's desperation. This great grief made Rika cast an incredibly powerful curse with one purpose - to protect Yuta from all harm, just as she promised. .
As children, Rika used her ability to crush anyone who posed any level of threat to Yuta. But eventually, as Yuta matured and began to understand their connection, Rika only presented herself when Yuta was confronted by the most serious threat. The best example of Rika's history protecting Utah came in his fight against Ghetto. Outmatched against a superior sorcerer, Rika not only evened the score but set Geto on his eventual path to defeat and death.
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As a child, Yuta was protected by Rika's unwavering protection. She would instinctively release her powers to ward off any danger that posed a threat to him. However, as Yuta grew older and gained insight into their unique bond, Rika's interventions became more discerning. She would only manifest when Utah faces an extraordinary and imminent danger. A notable illustration of Rika's longstanding guardianship was her role in Yuta's battle against the formidable sorcerer, Suguru Geto. Outmatched and on the brink of defeat, Rika's timely intervention not only turned the tide but ultimately set Ghetto on the path to his downfall.
In the world of Jujutsu KaisenA curse is an evil spirit born of negative human emotions. Yuta, in essence, played a role in Rika's creation due to the sadness, shock, and despair he felt after her death. But, how Jujutsu Kaisen 0 discovers Rika overcame her cursed nature and became a force for good through her love for him. In perhaps the greatest example of love conquers all - even the sorcery of Jujutsu Kaisen - Rika's rescue of Yuta from a burnt-out Gajo speaks volumes to the depth of her feelings for Yuta.