What was Junpei's potential in Jujutsu Kaisen as a character & sorcerer? Explored

Jujutsu Kaisen did well in introducing a wide roster of characters into its storyline. Aside from the main cast, the supporting roles included intriguing additions that possess truly unique abilities. Since the manga's conclusion in September 2024, many have been wondering about the potential of various characters. Among them stands one who exited quite early—Junpei Yoshino.

Like Yuji, he attended Satozakura High School and befriended the pink-haired teen during the Vs. Mahito Arc. However, it was his meeting with Mahito that changed his fate. The despicable Curse awakened his sorcerer abilities, and he even received a Shikigami. But Mahito would go on to use him as a disposable tool to rile up Yuji, utilizing Idle Transfiguration to transform him into an abomination.

As with other characters in the series who didn't make it too far, one cannot help but wonder about Junpei's potential as a character and a sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Disclaimer: This article is a speculative theory and reflects the writer's opinion.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Junpei Yoshino's potential as a character and sorcerer, explored

Junpei Yoshino in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Junpei Yoshino awakened as a sorcerer when he witnessed Mahito kill the classmates who had bullied him. He chased after the Curse and received power after a brief dialogue. He began clashing within himself about taking lives and ultimately decided against it, not wanting to taint his soul.

After his mother's death, Junpei lashed out, hurting his school teacher and other bullies before being confronted by Yuji. In the end, he died at Mahito's hands. But taking a step back to examine, Junpei had potential as a character and a sorcerer. He quickly adapted to sorcery and even managed to fend off Yuji for a while. Not to mention, the Shikigami he had, Moon Dregs, was not weak by any means.

As a character, he had immense scope for improvement and was likely being set up to join the trio of Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara. Though his demise was a plot device to push Yuji's development, a lot could have come from Junpei, for instance, during the Vs. Mahito Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen, he likely would have survived had he run when Yuji told him to.

By the arc's end, Mahito would be seen fleeing when faced with Junpei, Yuji, and Nanami. Furthermore, the boy would likely have accepted Yuji's offer to join Jujutsu High. From there, he definitely would have influenced future arcs. The degree of influence is debatable, but it can be stated that events would play out differently with a slight variation in outcomes.

Junpei and his Shikigami, Moon Dregs in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

The series followed Junpei as he started with a deeply cynical outlook, shaped by years of bullying and rejection. He was indifferent towards people, considering it safer than hatred, and initially viewed human life as expendable. However, this emotional numbness evolved when he met Yuji, leading him to become warmer.

If he had joined Jujutsu High, he likely would have matured into someone serious yet playful, learning from the main trio. Nobara would have played the role of an older sister, while Megumi might have served as a guide.

Junpei would not only have connected with the leading trio, but he would have also bonded with the other students. He would have experienced Maki's tough love and Todo's eccentric yet caring brotherly bond, while being lighter and more supportive with Panda, Inumaki, and Ino.

Gojo would have acted as the mentor figure, seeing in Junpei a reflection of what could have been. He would need to earn Nanami and Ijichi's trust. Consequently, Junpei could have transitioned from being isolated and distrustful to becoming thoughtful and reliable, shaped by pain and kindness.

Finally, as a sorcerer, Junpei would have been similar to Megumi, i.e., fighting using Shikigami. Given his original Shikigami, his Cursed Technique would focus on poison and, with proper development, could become highly potent and corrosive.

Training with the other students, and possibly even characters like Choso, Kusakabe, Yaga, etc., would have only enhanced his skill set. Therefore, he could have become a Grade 2 or perhaps even a Semi-Grade 1 Sorcerer.

Final thoughts

Overall, Junpei Yoshino can be seen as one of the characters with considerable potential. His demise was necessary for plot progression and a major contributor to Yuji's development, but had he survived, events would have unfolded differently. The fact that he quickly adapted to Jujutsu and controlled his Shikigami hints at what could have been.

Moreover, his survival would make the main trio into a band of four. Given his bond with Yuji, he likely would have been integrated into their group, led by Gojo. While he would initially need to prove himself to characters like Nanami, Yaga, and others, once he did, he would have their full support. Furthermore, his growth from troubled teen to mature adolescent would complement the plot well.

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About the author

Casey has been an anime writer at Sportskeeda since almost a year. Being drawn into the world of animanga after watching the Dragon Ball series almost a decade ago, Casey's interest in the genre, along with his love of crafting plot theories influenced his writerly endeavors. Presently pursuing a Master's degree in International Business, Casey worked for Uneake and FootballExpress for 1.3 years before joining Sportskeeda.

Casey's writings reflect his commitment to producing the most reliable content, evidenced by his flair for in-depth reporting. He places a high value on meticulous research and complete factual accuracy.

Although it was legendary Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus that influenced his love of animanga, Casey soon branched out and explored other titles. The unique ways in which mangakas express ideas, as well as their far-reaching effects, have inspired Casey in his creative pursuits.

When not busy writing, Casey enjoys working out, listening to music, strumming the guitar, and playing football.

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Edited by Casey Mendez