Jujutsu Kaisen: Why Did Yuji Apologize to Nanami?

Kento Nanami was a supporting character in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga and anime series. Although he did not appear much in the story, he was a fan-favorite character due to his likable personality and noble deeds, which is why many fans were sad to see him die. But Nanami’s death did not just have an impact on the fans. It was also a major moment for Yuji during his fight against Mahito, bringing Yuji closer to a complete breakdown. But, later in the fight, Yuji apologized to the late Nanami before continuing to engage Mahito. Why? Keep reading to find out!

Mahito almost broke Yuji, so when he finally regained his will to fight

So, we’re back in Shibuya, where the half-burned Nanami, who miraculously survived Jogo’s attack after the fight with Dagon, is fighting a series of transformed humans before Mahito comes to greet him. Nanami is very low on energy, and he knows what happened the last time he fought Mahito, so he is basically aware that he is going to die, so he is making peace with it. At the same time, Itadori arrives at the same place and notices the scene.

As Nanami and Mahito realize that Yuji has come, Nanami turns to him and says that he is leaving everything to him, after which Mahito kills him in cold blood in front of Yuji’s eyes. Mahito deliberately sought to rile up Yuji since he knew the boy wasn’t the most composed or logical combatant, and he thought that by getting him upset, he might take the boy out more quickly.

That’s why he attempted to incite Yuji’s wrath, but the youngster saw right through it. Although initially enraged, he kept his cool and managed to repel Mahito’s approaches and inflict some harm on the foul Cursed Spirit. This surprised Mahito, but soon, another opportunity presented itself to the villain.

Namely, Mahito’s clone was fighting Nobara in an alley above them, while the original was fighting Yuji underground. The clone of Mahito possessed the same powers as the original, as well as the same weaknesses, so when Nobara’s technique injured the clone, the main body also suffered.

As Mahito recognizes he is in danger, the two bodies decide to get closer, which also unites Yuji and Nobara. At the time, Yuji was doing well, but Mahito tricked the two of them. Namely, as the two bodies rushed toward one another, Yuji thought they would merge, so he was perplexed when they sprinted instead.

This was a trick, as Mahito wanted to get closer to Nobara so he could kill her. Although he only touched part of her face, she was seemingly dead and – once again – right in front of Yuji’s eyes. The boy was devastated after so many losses, and Mahito soon charged at him, getting ready to kill him. Aoi Todo arrived just in time to save his life, but Yuji was broken. Completely.

He had no will to continue after seeing his two friends die, and Mahito had seemingly succeeded. But, when Arata Nitta told him that Nobara was still alive, and Aoi Todo motivated him to continue, he remembered Nanami’s last words and regained his composure. His task was too important to simply abandon and that is why he had to continue fighting. Nanami told him to finish it, and Nanami – as his friend and mentor – was someone whom Itadori valued very much.

So, as he was ready to defeat Mahito, he apologized to Nanami for almost succumbing to the Cursed Spirit’s manipulations, for almost breaking down, and for almost disappointing him. And that is the story of why Itadori apologized to Nanami in Shibuya.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!