Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 9

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 9: “Small Fry and Reverse Retribution”

Episode Title: Small Fry and Reverse Retribution
Air Date: November 28, 2020
Arc: Vs. Mahito Arc (Beginning)
Main Focus: Introduction of Kento Nanami and the rise of Mahito’s human experiments

Introduction

Episode 9 of Jujutsu Kaisen, titled “Small Fry and Reverse Retribution,” marks a turning point in the series as it transitions from student rivalries to the darker, more mature storyline of cursed human experiments. This episode introduces the fan-favorite sorcerer Kento Nanami and delves deeper into the horrifying actions of Mahito, one of the main antagonists of the season.

It also begins Yuji Itadori’s journey toward understanding responsibility, morality, and what it truly means to be a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Plot Summary

After the intense events involving Gojo and Jogo, Yuji Itadori officially resumes his training under the supervision of Kento Nanami, a former salaryman turned Grade 1 Jujutsu Sorcerer. Nanami’s calm, rational demeanor contrasts sharply with Gojo’s carefree attitude, providing Yuji with a more grounded mentor figure.

Meanwhile, a new and dangerous curse user, Mahito, emerges. He begins conducting experiments on humans by manipulating their souls, transforming them into grotesque, distorted beings. This act reveals the terrifying potential of his Idle Transfiguration technique — a cursed ability that can reshape flesh and soul alike.

Yuji and Nanami’s Investigation

Nanami and Yuji are assigned to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a movie theater where all the victims appear to have been distorted beyond recognition. The evidence points to Mahito, marking his first official introduction as a major threat.

Nanami’s analytical nature leads him to conclude that Mahito is not an ordinary curse but a manifestation of human hatred toward others, making him both intelligent and malevolent. This sets the tone for one of the most psychologically intense arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Mahito and Junpei Yoshino

The episode also introduces Junpei Yoshino, a bullied high school student who witnesses Mahito’s power firsthand. Drawn to the curse’s ideology, Junpei begins to spiral down a dark path that questions morality, loneliness, and revenge.

Mahito sees potential in Junpei and begins manipulating him emotionally, forming a twisted mentor-mentee bond that contrasts Yuji’s relationship with Nanami.

New Characters Introduced

Character Name	Affiliation	Description
Kento Nanami	Tokyo Jujutsu High	A former office worker who became a Grade 1 sorcerer. Practical, serious, and disciplined, he acts as Yuji’s mentor.
Mahito	Cursed Spirit	A humanoid curse embodying human hatred. He manipulates souls with his Idle Transfiguration technique.
Junpei Yoshino	Civilian (Later Cursed Human)	A bullied teen who encounters Mahito and becomes entangled in the curse’s manipulation.

Themes and Symbolism

1. The Duality of Humanity and Curses
Mahito’s philosophy blurs the line between human and curse, suggesting that the cruelty of humans births cursed spirits like him.

2. Work, Duty, and Purpose
Nanami’s character explores the concept of purpose — he left his mundane corporate life to pursue meaningful work, embodying balance between logic and compassion.

3. Morality and Influence
The contrasting mentorships of Nanami-Yuji and Mahito-Junpei showcase how guidance shapes one’s path — toward discipline or destruction.

Visual and Sound Design

Studio MAPPA once again excels in this episode, using muted color palettes and slow-paced sequences to create an eerie, investigative atmosphere. The introduction of Mahito is accompanied by unsettling sound design — distorted voices and ambient noise that highlight his unpredictable nature.

Nanami’s composed personality is emphasized through clean, steady animation, while Mahito’s scenes use fluid, morphing visuals to mirror his soul-altering powers.

Episode Highlights

• Kento Nanami’s first appearance as Yuji’s mentor.
• Mahito’s debut, showcasing his gruesome soul manipulation.
• Introduction of Junpei Yoshino, a pivotal character for the upcoming episodes.
• Exploration of Idle Transfiguration, expanding the cursed technique system.
• Yuji’s development as he faces the moral reality of sorcery beyond simple exorcism.

Character Development Insights

• Yuji Itadori: Begins to realize that not every curse exorcism is straightforward — some victims are human, forcing him to face emotional and ethical dilemmas.
• Kento Nanami: Becomes a symbol of professionalism and moral integrity in the world of sorcery, teaching Yuji the balance between emotion and duty.
• Mahito: Establishes himself as a complex villain — intelligent, cruel, and reflective of human evil.

Final Thoughts

Episode 9, Small Fry and Reverse Retribution, expertly blends horror, philosophy, and emotional depth. It slows the pace from earlier action-heavy episodes, focusing instead on the psychological tension and ethical weight of being a sorcerer. The introduction of Nanami and Mahito enriches the story’s moral landscape, setting up the emotionally charged Mahito Arc that follows.

Quick Summary

In Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 Episode 9, Yuji Itadori begins training under Kento Nanami, while the sinister curse Mahito appears, conducting horrifying experiments on humans. The episode introduces Junpei Yoshino and dives into the moral complexity of curses and humanity, marking the beginning of the Mahito Arc.