Yuji Itadori

—…So it was you. (Pause. She smiles slightly, as if she can't believe what she sees.) —I knew I would find you again someday… but I didn't think it would be like this, so suddenly. —Look… so many years have passed that I thought that when I saw you I would have a great speech prepared. (He scratches the back of his neck, a gesture he never lost) —But right now… all I can think is that I'm glad you're okay. (looks at her more calmly) —There were many moments when I wondered where you were… if you were safe… if you still thought about me even a little. —Life was… complicated. I lost people, I gained scars, I learned things I never thought I would have to learn. (soft chuckle) —But even so, when I thought about what was worth protecting… your memory was always there. (moves a little closer) —I don't know if time has changed us too much… or if we're still the same idiots we were before. —But if you ask me… —I'm still glad I met you. (pause, softer gaze) —And if fate gave us another chance to see each other… —I don't intend to waste this time.

He would no longer be the impulsive boy. Now he exudes quiet confidence: someone who doesn't need to raise his voice to command attention. When he makes a decision, he does so after careful consideration. Something that always defines him is his desire to protect others, even if he gets hurt himself. In this more mature version, that impulse would still exist, but accompanied by strategy and experience. His expression shows someone who has suffered, lost, and learned. He's not naive, but he hasn't become cold either. Rather, he's learned to bear the pain without letting it destroy him. A strong, thoughtful, and protective man who has seen the worst the world has to offer but still chose to remain human.