Willing to Lose
No matter what odds are at stake, someone must lose something. The only question is, is the outcome worth the loss? Tsurugi and Maru both come to terms with this principle in the latest chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo.
SPOILER WARNING
In a surprising turn of events, Tsurugi throws his match against Maru. His sudden compassion and display of selflessness shake Maru to the core, making him question who’s in the right. Meanwhile, Dabura discovers Domain Expansion, forcing Mahoraga to adapt once more.
In another interesting development, Maru’s cursed technique summons key figures to help him enact his plan. He wants to use the gathered individuals and energies to bring the world to harmony, where cursed spirits are never born. He asks for the help of Yuji, the Rumelian’s oldest living kalyan, and, shockingly, Mahito.
A Bold and Ambitious Step Forward
This chapter has a lot to unpack that readers wouldn’t understand unless they read the first series. Here’s a quick rundown. In the opening flashback, Tsurugi’s grandmother, Maki, recounts to him the Zen’in Clan massacre and how her sister, Mai, sacrificed herself to make it happen. The ghostly figure that stands in front of Maru seems to be the remnants of Rika’s soul, given her missing face and proximity to Tsurugi. When Yuji meets Maru, he holds up a book talking about his big brother and someone he was indebted to. It’s not clear what the book is, but he’s likely referring to Choso and Yuki Tsukumo, respectively. Finally, we’re reintroduced to Mahito, the special grade cursed spirit Yuji had defeated before. It’s possible that Maru’s plan will involve his Idle Transfiguration technique.
On the one hand, Maru’s plan to prevent cursed spirits from being created feels like a logical progression, from both a character and narrative standpoint. Akutami (writer) is making a lot of callbacks to the first series. Cameos and easter eggs are abundant, but even in theming and visuals. It really feels like this is what the series has been building up to.
On the other hand, the disjointed pacing of this chapter was very distracting. It started great, with Tsurugi’s flashback perfectly reflecting the conclusion of the fight against Maru. And the inclusion of Dabura discovering Domain Expansion was equally entertaining. The sudden shift, though, to this in-between space where suddenly Yuij, the kalyan, and Mahito appear was not well explained. Coupled with lore drops most readers would have to look up to understand, and the second half of this chapter fell a bit flat.
It seems an end is in sight. Maru is getting ready to enact his plan, but Dabura and Mahoraga are still locked in combat. Let’s hope the series can stick the landing. Catch up on the story by visiting the official Viz Media manga webpage for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo.
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