12 : To You, Someday May 2026

This episode solidified Mahito as a major villain by showcasing his pure malice. Reviewers from Star Crossed Anime and But Why Tho? note that Mahito represents the worst of human cruelty, acting as a direct foil to Yuji’s selflessness.

However, Mahito intervenes. In a brutal display of his technique, he transforms Junpei’s soul, turning him into a disfigured creature. Despite Yuji’s desperate pleas for Sukuna to heal his friend, both Sukuna and Mahito mock his helplessness, leaving Yuji to watch Junpei die in agony. Thematic Significance 12 : To You, Someday

The episode establishes why Yuji is Mahito's natural enemy; as a vessel for Sukuna, Yuji is subconsciously aware of the soul's shape, allowing him to bypass Mahito’s defenses and strike his soul directly. Critical Reception Re-Watching Jujutsu Kaisen's First Season - Anime Rants This episode solidified Mahito as a major villain