Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 10: Recap and Review

Episode 10 – “Idle Transfiguration”

In the tenth episode of Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji and Ijichi investigate Junpei while Mahito and Nanami square off. After a flashback of Junpei being bullied, he explains to Mahito that he believes in “indifference.” Mahito encourages Junpei’s killer instincts. It remains to be seen if Junpei takes the next step to murder his classmates, but Jujutsu Kaisen is making the case for why he might. Mahito explains the concept of a “soul.” I found his explanation of the soul to be confusing. Regardless, he claims that “all emotions are the result of the soul’s metabolism.” Mahito can “reshape,” the soul using the Cursed Technique, Idle Transfiguration. 

The rules of engagement

Jujutsu Kaisen flip flops between Yuji and Nanami as they engage with Junpei and Mahito respectively. It’s done well but I keep wanting to see more of the fight. Anyway, Yuji and Ijichi follow Junpei with the intent to “attack” him. Ijichi explains the plan, 1) if he’s a normal person who can’t perceive curses, Yuji should save him. 2) If he can perceive it, but has no means to deal with it, then Yuji should also save him. 3) If he exorcises the fly head with jujutsu, Yuji should restrain him by force.

Or 4) if Junpei is a grade 2 sorcerer or higher, they must retreat. In Jujutsu Kaisen, the grade scale from grade four to grade one puts the Sorcerer above the corresponding Cursed Spirit grade. For example, a grade two sorcerer is slightly stronger than a grade two cursed spirit or a grade two sorcerer is closer to the power of a grade 1 curse.

We learn that Nanami is a grade one sorcerer, much to Mahito’s excitement. He claims that reshaping the soul of a strong sorcerer is preferable. Nanami and Mahito engage in an intense battle. Nanami lands the first serious hit, using his Cursed Technique to tear open the arm of Mahito. As his wrist dangles by his skin, Mahito is surprised that his block didn’t work. Mahito almost seems boneless as he waves his arm around. That could be an oversight in animation or something distinct about his body. I just don’t know. Regardless, Nanami isn’t interested in small talk and he wants the fight over by 6:oo pm. Mahito uses his ability to shape the souls of several humans, reforming their bodies to attack Nanami. 

Junpei meets Yuji

Elsewhere, Yuji makes contact with Junpei. However, the plan falls apart when a teacher unexpectedly arrives at Junpei’s home. Yuji distracts the teacher by taking his pants and running away with it. Junpei is mildly amused by Yuji but it seems to provide an opening for Junpei and Yuji to talk. Meanwhile, Mahito shows off so of the other abilities his Cursed Technique provides him. When he fails to transform Nanami, he avoids a strike from him by morphing his legs into horse legs. It’s an unexpected ability and does seem weird at first but it also suggests that Mahito might not have any limits on how he can “shape his soul.” If Nanami gets touched by Mahito two or three more times then he will cease to be human. When Nanami’s watch strikes 6, Nanami undoes his tie and increases his curse energy. He’s preparing to go into “overtime.” 

I admit that I thought Nanami was going to get killed. Now I’m not so sure. He’s handled himself much better than I thought possible. Mahito’s power is interesting. I wonder if there’s a limit to it or what the limit is. Jujutsu Kaisen presents the Cursed Technique as being more sophisticated than initially suggested. I think we’re going to see more techniques from Nanami. I’m also not sure how the Junpei storyline is going to play out. Yuji can be effective even if he’s a bit immature. However, this might undermine the image that Junpei has regarding humanity. Would it be enough?