WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 15 of Jujutsu Kaisen, "Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event - Group Battle 1," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event is in full swing, and there is no hiding that Itadori is the target of a deadly ambush. However, as all the students from Kyoto circle Itadori with the intent to kill him because he is Sukuna's vessel, Toudou surprisingly stands in the way and demands everyone stay out of their fight.
Just as Toudou did earlier in the season with Fushiguro, he asks Itadori his all-important question, "What kind of woman is your type?" Itadori's response not only brings tears to Toudou's eyes but causes the muscle-bound Kyoto sorcerer to dub him his best friend. Despite this new declaration of friendship, Toudou continues to test Itadori's strength as the two square off in a devastating duel.
Toudou's Fantastical Friendship With Itadori
As the Exchange Event's group battle begins, it takes no time for Toudou Aoi to track down the entire Tokyo team. However, as planned, everyone scatters as Itadori looks to face him head-on. The fight initially seems to be a one-sided affair as Toudou mercilessly pounds Itadori into a bloody mess. Still, Itadori refuses to admit defeat, prompting Toudou to ask him his preference in women. Despite being taken aback by the question, Itadori's response is music to Toudou's ears.
An entirely manufactured memory plays out in Toudou's head -- something more in-line with a slice of life anime -- that shows him and Itadori as close friends. The fake memory brings tears to Toudou's eyes, forming a strange bond between the two now "best friends." While Itadori is as confused by the emotional reaction as anyone, the moment means something to Toudou and, strange as it may be, might have earned Itadori a valuable ally. With the rest of the Kyoto students still operating under Principal Gakuganji's orders to kill Itadori, a friend on the inside could prove pivotal.
Kyoto Students Move In On Itadori
Not letting Itadori and Toudou's odd bond get in the way of their plan, the rest of Kyoto's students -- Mai, Nishimiya, Mechamaru, Miwa and Kamo -- suddenly surround Itadori. Though Itadori manages to dodge their attacks, he can tell they are coming at him with the intent to kill. Thankfully, Toudou intervenes and threatens to kill anyone who interferes. Kamo relents to avoid fighting and chooses to leave the job to Toudou, who explains that Itadori's fate is in his own hands.
As the Kyoto students disperse, they slowly begin finding themselves in fights against the Tokyo team -- Panda, Inumaki, Maki, Kugisaki and Fushiguro. Each team seems to have forgone searching for Curses, the group battle event's primary target, to confront their sister school opposites. Still, saving Itadori during the Exchange Event doesn't guarantee his safety from other members of Jujutsu Tech's higher-ups.
Jujutsu Tech's Lingering Threat
While seeing the two powerful schools clash in a head-to-head fight is undoubtedly enjoyable, it's hard to ignore the looming sense of danger throughout. Like Naruto's Forest of Death Chunin exam, Jujutsu Kaisen's exchange event offers a look at the potential each school has to offer.
Still, with the Cursed Spirits planning to infiltrate and a possible traitor within Jujutsu Tech, we could see the Tokyo & Kyoto schools working together sooner rather than later. At least Itadori will have his new best friend Toudou watching his back -- for now.