Thread by @ii_yousra_ii

With the occasion of jjk season 2 being right around the corner, I saw it fit to take a more insightful look into toji in this character analysis thread in hopes of clearing up some misconceptions surrounding him
🧵: A long thread because I have no self restraint

It is no surprise to anyone that the fandom's overall perception of toji's character is quite superficial. More often than not, I see him being reduced to a 2 dimensional being with no depth whatsoever, which doesn't sit right with me. Hence, the birth of this thread.

I have noticed a reoccurring pattern in Gege's character writing. He offers these tidbits of information that are consequential to the foundation of his characters. And by taking into account the fast pacing and energy surrounding jjk, it is expected that most readers would skim+

Over some details. Or simply brush them aside in favor of focusing on what is transpiring in the moment. And since these little crumbs are scattered all throughout the story, it leaves room for us to make our own inferences+

In toji's case, his time within the story was very limited. And dare I say, his presence was completely overshadowed by his display of raw strength and skills as a fighter. Our first impression of him was that of an opportunistic, irresponsible, and morally flawed individual.+

These characteristics are further emphasized by his complete disregard of Riko's and Gojo's lives(mere children at the time) as he carries out the hit on Riko's head. To understand this degree of nonchalance, we'd have to do a bit of jumping back and forth+

It should be common knowledge that toji was, and will always be known as the black sheep of the zenin clan. In a family that values powerful sorcerers, being born without a sliver of cursed energy, the very element that defines sorcerers, equates to a wretched existence+

And considering the clan's high regard of men and their standing in their society, they expect nothing less than perfect competency. So one could only imagine how toji, an utter disappointment in their world, was treated in their midst. And we do get a little glimpse thanks+

To the fanbook. Toji, since early childhood, was no stranger to both emotional and physical abuse. And to make it worse, it is only natural to assume that his sense of self worth has plummeted due to such mistreatment. This is indicated by his adoption of the term 'monkey' to+

Refer to himself. I highly doubt that he personally coined the term. It is more likely that he was the target of such degradation from the zenins. Being regarded as a lesser creature simply because of his nature and being constantly reminded of it would eventually lead to a

Warped perception of the world around him. Not only do children need a nurturing environment, but a proper guiding hand as well. So it is no wonder that he showcases complete disregard for others since he lacks that very same consideration towards his own existence+

However, we do know that megumi's mother was an anchor that grounded him into reality. It was somewhat looking up to him after his separation from the zenin clan. Forming a genuine bond with a woman who accepted him as he is rather than agonise him for what he cannot control+

Unfortunately, her death just sent him spiralling down further. It all sounds like a cruel joke played on him by none other than fate itself. It would seem that getting a taste of what it means to lead a normal, fulfilling life only for it to be snatched from his grasp way too+

Soon filled him with more self hatred and bitterness. And with the introduction of a vulnerable life into the midst, of course his mind would collapse in on itself. It honestly astonishes me that some readers would expect him to properly raise megumi with an unstable psyche,+

No support system, and no point of reference regarding adequate parenthood considering his family didn't present the best example. Ironically, distancing himself from megumi was probably the most fitting route to take due to a couple of reasons. First, his career path as an+

Assassin/hitman plus his reputation as the 'sorcerer killer' would've either tainted megumi,or indirectly brought harm onto him.And second,as an anomaly in the jujutsu world,toji was in no place to guide megumi and hone his skills as a sorcerer since he has no understanding of CE

Which is why he thought it best to slot megumi into the zenin clan as they would not only see and understand the potential he has, but revere the innate power that lies dormant within him,the very same power that toji lacked. As horrible as the zenin clan is, one undeniable fact+

Is that they cherish and value powerful sorcerers. Toji was well aware of this truth, believing it would mean that megumi would be in good hands. And something readers love to point out is that at the end of the day toji was willing to sell his son, while completely disregarding+

The fact that the deal he struck with naobito would have entirely benefitted megumi. I haven't seen many make this connection, but toji specifically went out of his way to target Gojo and eliminate him in order to fulfill the condition of the written agreement he struck with+

Naobito, all the while knowing that going for the six eyes user's life wouldn't be as straightforward as taking other hits. For a man who took pleasure in killing sorcerers whom he rightfully scorned, he still made it a point to secure his son a place in a society which made him+

Feel like an unwanted outcast. Also,his dying words reflect his recognition of Satoru's incomprehensible strength. Revealing megumi's existence to him was nothing but wishful thinking. Perhaps believing that gojo, representing the pinnacle of power,would fully bring out megumi's+

Potential.And for anyone who still holds on to the belief that he didn't care about his son.This interaction directly counters that line of thought. Right when he sees for himself that megumi has been living true to himself/thriving without falling victim to the zenins' clutches,

he did not hesitate to end his own life in that momentary moment of consciousness in order to preserve his son's future in return. And in that last moment as himself, at least he went out with a little shred of fulfillment.. which contrasts with a lifetime of aimlessness.

And I do want to bring up this instance in particular as I often see it used as an argument for his perceived carelessness regarding megumi. His forgetfulness could be a result of associating his son's name with the traumatic event of the death of megumi's mother. After all the+

Brain does a pretty decent job at suppressing memories surrounding overwhelmingly scarring instances in order to cope with the stress and in hopes of moving forwards. But again this is my own rationalisation so you are more than welcomed to disagree if you think otherwise.

Also I would like to bring up another point. Toji considered his son's birth a blessing (hence, naming him megumi) WITHOUT the knowledge of his potential since cursed techniques usually manifest later on during childhood. Which means that before going down a misguided path,+

he treasured his son for the very simple reason of being born.

To conclude, toji's disturbed character is shaped by the amalgamation of unfortunate circumstances that he was brought up in.. And he could've easily chosen a much more destructive way of life

(ie: terrorise the zenin clan in a similar fashion to maki) yet he deliberately walked away as he wanted nothing more than to detangle himself from their venemous grip and carve a place in the world for himself.. But we all know how that went down