WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen, "Tomorrow," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
An intense clash between Jujutsu Kaisen's Itadori, Nanami and Mahito saw the Jujutsu Sorcerer's come out victorious, but the deciding factor was the King of Curses, Sukuna. As Mahito unleashed his Domain Expansion for the first time, his Cursed Technique inadvertently reached Sukuna, leading to a violently bloody reaction that nearly killed the Cursed Spirit.
Once again, Sukuna proves to Itadori -- and other Curses too -- that there is a reason he garners a frightening amount of respect. His intervention adds to Itadori's confusion and doubts, as the young sorcerer questions his ability to save people with his own strength following Junpei's death.
Mahito Unleashes His Domain Expansion
Mahito attempts to separate the two Jujutsu Sorcerers using transfigured humans to attack only Itadori, assuming he'll be unwilling to take a life. While Mahito's Cursed Technique is a death sentence to those afflicted by it, Itadori still struggles as one of the transfigured humans asks to be killed -- leaving him with a difficult choice to make. Ultimately, Itadori chooses to end the creature's suffering. He and Nanami go on to wail on Mahito until he's pushed to the brink of death and activates his Domain Expansion -- Self-Embodiment of Perfection.
With only Nanami trapped inside, Itadori ceaselessly pounds his fists on the outside of the Domain, hoping to break-in. Since a Domain guarantees the user's Cursed Technique hits its target, Nanami prepares for the worst and reflects on his brief time away from Jujutsu sorcery. Before Mahito can execute his Idle Transfiguration on Nanami, Itadori successfully smashes his way inside.
Ryoumen Sukuna's Lethal Pride
Unfortunately for Mahito, his technique's nature means that he inadvertently touches Sukuna's soul as Itadori crashes into his Domain. Having already warned him once, the King of Curses ruthlessly retaliates. Sukuna waves his finger, dealing a massive wound to Mahito, and comments, "Whether you die or you die doesn't matter. Aside from him [Fushiguro], I don't care." While his intentions for Fushiguro are unclear, Sukuna proves his conceited ambitions outweigh any allegiance to other Curses, indiscriminately willing to kill anyone who crosses him with lethal precision.
Mahito's Self-Embodiment of Perfection Domain collapses as he falls to the ground with blood profusely pouring from his Sukuna-inflicted injury. Sensing a moment to strike, Itadori attempts to end the fight with a final Divergent Fist, but Mahito changes his shape and retreats into the sewers. Nanami's about to follow until Itadori suddenly stumbles down and passes out.
Itadori Questions His Mission
While Mahito laments over wanting to kill Itadori, he realizes that as long as there is a chance of resurrecting Sukuna, their mission of bringing about the age of Curses will live on. Meanwhile, Nanami explains that his life was saved by Itadori storming in and causing Mahito to touch Sukuna's soul. Sadly, this only reinforces Itadori's disappointment, especially since he had to kill someone earlier.
These frustrations culminate in Itadori questioning what a proper death is now that he's had to take a life himself. Though Nanami advises against pursuing the arduous task of guiding everyone to an acceptable end, he knows Itadori will continue trying nonetheless. Resolutely, Itadori vows to himself that he won't lose again until he discovers what a good death is, and he's able to get revenge against Mahito.
Mahito seems as motivated as ever despite the defeat -- happily prepared to inflict more psychological damage --, and with the Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event looming, Itadori's strengthened resolve will soon be tested again.
