A Tale of Two Clans
In the latest chapter of Jujustu Kaisen Modulo, Maru and Cross’ childhood is explored. Who raised them, where their values come from and what really happened to the Simurians.
SPOILER WARNING
The people of Deskunte and Rumel are at odds. A joint canal project was abandoned after the Rumelians were driven from their home because of their sacred animals. Dura, a ridiculously strong Rumelian, keeps digging by himself until he takes young Maru and Cross under his wing.
Despite setbacks, their efforts and belief in coexistence pay off. Other Rumelians pitch in, and soon the Deskunte reach out to establish a trade route through the canal. It’s a momentous milestone for relations between the two clans. It is sadly short-lived.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
By now, it’s clear what themes Akutami (writer) wants to explore in JJK Modulo, but the devil is in the details. Giving Maru and Cross a role model is a classic shonen literary device. It adds layers to their relationship. We can easily trace their outlooks on life and see how their environment shaped them. It’s fascinating seeing the world come to life outside the primary setting.
That said, it’s a lot of information to process all at once. Asking the reader to learn and absorb the history of a new society in just 19 pages is a tall order. Thankfully, the characters are simple enough to ground us. Dura is a very charming idealist. Watching him raise Maru and Cross creates great emotional investment.
This chapter also had some incredible visual storytelling. Iwasaki (artist) complements the story with subtle details that hint at larger implications. For example, we now know that Rumelians have a third eye, while the Deskante have horns. Given how the Simurians first presented themselves, one can safely assume that the Deskante view themselves as far superior. Cross’s outburst about losing his home makes more sense. He wasn’t talking about the Simurians as a whole, but about his Rumelian clan. Yet another layer to the brewing conflict that’s sure to come.
Maru and Cross’s story seems destined to end in tragedy. I foresee betrayal, death, subjugation, and the fracture of fraternal bonds. One question hangs taut in the air: what are you willing to lose for your ideals? Catch up on the story by visiting the official Viz Media manga web page for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo.
Leave a Reply