WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Jujutsu Kaisen, "Curse Womb Must Die," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Becoming a sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen was never advertised as an easy job for Itadori, and this week's episode highlights the real dangers associated with taking up the profession. In the face of a deadly special-grade Curse, Itadori risks unleashing Sukuna to defeat it. However, as the devious King of Curses exploits his time in control of Itadori's body, even he is surprised by the Jujutsu Sorcerer's sudden lack of conviction.
Sorcerers are typically assigned to exorcise Curses within their experience and skill range. Unfortunately, a lack of personnel leads Itadori, Kugisaki and Fushiguro into the unlucky company of a special-grade Curse -- the highest-ranking -- which manifested at a juvenile detention facility. Tasked with rescuing survivors and fleeing at the immediate sight of the Curse, the Jujutsu Tech first-years set out on an ill-fated mission.
Special-Grade Curse Womb, Revealed
The summary report from this upcoming encounter with the Curse womb revealed that someone from our central trio would die. The signs point towards either Fushiguro or Itadori as likely victims. The severity of the situation continues to set in as the door vanishes after they enter, with Fushiguro realizing they've entered into the Curse's Innate Domain, altering the space's landscape.
After finding an inmate's corpse, Itadori and Fushiguro disagree over what to do with the body since his mother was among those outside the facility seeking answers about her loved one. Before the two can discuss further, Kugisaki suddenly vanishes as she sinks into the ground. Fushiguro's eyes dart towards his white Demon Dog, who should have warned them if a Curse was near, but the Shikigami had been killed and the menacing special-grade now stands beside them.
Though Itadori is the first to react, swinging his Slaughter Demon blade at the Curse, his hand falls to the ground after being swiftly sliced off. Itadori appeals to Sukuna, whose fragmented soul resides within the fledgling sorcerer, but he refuses to help and threatens to attack Itadori's friends instead. Deciding to take his chances, Itadori asks Fushiguro to find Kugisaki and escape as soon as possible. Initially resistant to the idea, Fushiguro eventually agrees but will give Itadori a signal when they've escaped, so he knows it's safe to release Sukuna.
Itadori Is Outmatched Against Special-Grade Curse
Itadori knows he is outclassed by the Curse and hopes his natural strength will be enough to allow him to evade attacks until he's given Fushiguro's signal. His confidence crumbles when the Curse's relentless attacks batter him, even causing the fingers on his remaining hand to melt away. Faced with his impending death, Itadori struggles to cope with his arrogance and inability to grant himself a proper death. Itadori swallows his fears, regrets and anger with his final stand, using them as fuel for a cursed energy-infused punch, which the Curse easily brushes aside.
Meanwhile, Kugisaki holds her own against another strange Curse until she runs out of nails to smash into her opponents. As the Curse is about to consume her, Fushiguro arrives with new Shikigami and rescues her. Fushiguro's black Demon Dog echoes out a howl, the signal for Itadori, as Kugisaki is taken to the hospital once they've escaped. While Fushiguro continues to wait, Itadori takes his chance and lets Sukuna take control.
Sukuna's Malevolent Shrine
Sukuna initially plans to team up with the other Curse to attack Fushiguro and Kugisaki, but the fearful special-grade attacks him instead. Annoyed and not a fan of disrespect, Sukuna violently toys with the Curse by cutting off its limbs. In his show of dominance, Sukuna inadvertently heals both of Itadori's hands before showcasing his Domain -- Malevolent Shrine. While only for an instant, the scenery changes as Sukuna slices the Curse into several pieces.
As Sukuna relents, ready for Itadori to regain control like he usually does, he realizes something has changed. Whether unable or unwilling, Itadori doesn't take his body back, which prompts a sinister smile from Sukuna. With someone's life still on the line, a looming clash between Fushiguro and Sukuna could hold a significant character's fate in the balance.
