Jujutsu Kaisen 0

In a world where curses, entities born from human suffering and emotions, terrorize the living and wreak havoc on society, the art of jujutsu stands as a beacon of hope against these malevolent forces. Jujutsu Kaisen 0, a prequel to the popular manga and anime series, delves into the story of a 17-year-old high school student named Yuta Okkotsu, whose life is turned upside down due to an extraordinary and distressing curse. Yuta, a quiet and introverted individual, is stricken with the persistent presence of Rika Orimoto, his childhood friend who perished in a tragic incident several years ago. However, her death did not end her story. Instead, she emerged as a vengeful spirit, determined to bring pain and destruction to those around Yuta. What seems like a typical case of a bereaved soul turned vengeful spirit is anything but ordinary in the world of jujutsu. Rika's malevolent intentions are only heightened by the immense strength and ferocity she possesses, rendering Yuta's daily life a constant nightmare. As the cursed spirit continuously invades his mind and clings to his thoughts, Yuta becomes increasingly withdrawn, struggling to cope with the relentless mental and emotional torment she imposes on him. Despite his best efforts to suppress her presence, Rika refuses to abandon Yuta, taking great pleasure in manipulating him into causing chaos and destruction wherever they are. Their uneasy relationship piques the attention of Satoru Gojo, an accomplished jujutsu sorcerer and teacher at Jujutsu High, a prestigious academy for young exorcists who aim to master the art of jujutsu and control the dark forces that haunt the world. Recognizing Yuta's unique circumstances and having knowledge of his extraordinary dilemma, Gojo believes that he possesses the potential to excel in this special world, seeing great untapped power within him. Instead of ordering Yuta to enroll in Jujutsu High immediately, Gojo presents him with a decision that feels inescapable. He explains to Yuta how learning to manipulate his jujutsu and unlock his hidden potential as a means to subjugate Rika would transform his struggle against the curse from a desperate fight for survival into a balanced coexistence. By joining the esteemed institution, Yuta may gain the opportunity to realize his true strength and ultimately hold sway over the vengeful spirit. Upon graduating from the admissions process, Yuta finds himself among the student body, an assortment of enthusiastic and equally troubled individuals with their own 'cursed companions.' Under Gojo's watchful eye, he embarks on his initial year of studies, mastering the intricacies of combat and gradually reaching the threshold of understanding the depth of his powers. Upon finding solace in his new environment and forming a few loyal friendships, Yuta starts to confront the fragments of his past through discussions with his mates. Gradually developing a new awareness regarding the memories that were lost, their deepening friendship encourages him to see that victory over his ongoing battles would not exclude himself but actually integrate him further into their supportive group. When it appears that his powers are mature enough and Satoru Gojo demonstrates significant interest in a premonition that unfolded between them in Jujutsu High, Yuta faces an eternal battle - save his own world from the threats outside, ensure the strength he wants has become his alone, and form solid connections with those around him in hopes to calm the hell-tempered curse - Rika - for good. This powerful narrative serves as a compelling origin story, illuminating the epic struggle with curses while diving into the psychological torment one must confront as a victim of such evil, while establishing the relationship Yuta must balance between a reality yearning for healing and an unholy terror out to pillage it all.