This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo has been teasing us with Yuji Itadori since Chapter 1. After months of speculation and waiting, Akutami sensei finally delivers! Chapter 19, “Rapid Strides,” continues Dabura’s epic battle against Mahoraga and Yuka Okkotsu. It’s been pretty epic, so far, as we are seeing a Divine General Mahoraga on par with Sukuna’s control during the Shinjuku Showdown.
Since Yuka and Dabura’s duel takes place in the ruins of Shinjuku, it’s like Shinjuku Showdown, the Sequel. The ruins will be less than dust by the time this battle ends. Unless, of course, someone more powerful than everyone else intervenes. Hmm… could this be the perfect opportunity for Yuji Itadori to make his comeback? Damn right it could be!
Dabura Pushes His Limitations in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 19
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Chapter 18 saw Dabura coming to terms with the reality of his situation as a warrior. He can’t truly even be considered a warrior, since he’s never actually met a real challenge. Every battle he ever faced has been too easy because he is too overpowered. With enemy after enemy simply falling at his feet with no real effort, an actual opponent is as terrifying as it is exciting for him.
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And Dabura is terrified. There’s no doubt about it. Mahoraga is an actual challenge. The terror driving him at this point will either push him toward the greatness he was meant to achieve or end in glorious death.
I want him to reach the great heights he was meant to as a warrior. Dabura has easily become one of Modulo‘s most likable characters for me because he is incredibly self-aware. He knows he is a tool, used by the Deskunte in the past, and now as the protector of the Rumelians. He has always been fine with that. After all, a lot like Satoru Gojo during his time, Dabura is the strongest. It is his duty to carry that weight.
Is Wanting It Enough to Make It So for Dabura?
Dabura achieves a speed of movement beyond what he’s done before, and he keeps pushing. Even with his lower leg crispy ash and bone, and slowing him down, he refuses to stop. He wants desperately to surpass his limitations, to be reborn so he can fight more, fight better. It is the only way to become the warrior he was always meant to be.
One of the most intriguing parts about this is that he’s never liked fighting. It was simply a necessity, a responsibility he couldn’t avoid. But here, against this opponent actually posing a challenge, he is actually enjoying the battle.
As he reflects on whether he should just cut his ruined leg off, he starts thinking about cursed energy’s ability to heal. It’s a concept Dabura can’t quite wrap his head around… yet. How can negative curse energy be channeled to mend and heal? There must be some kind of technique, right?
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Yeah, there is, Dabura! And just like that, he figures it out. Healing his leg elicits a small smile from him, as he recognizes Earth’s jujutsu is pretty advanced. Mahoraga is definitely not happy about how quickly his opponent just mastered reverse cursed technique.
Are Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo’s Simurians a Step Up from Earth’s Sorcerers?
Reverse cursed technique is no small achievement. Not even a prodigy like Gojo masters it at first, despite Shoko trying to teach him. The interesting thing about the way Dabura comes to understand RCT is that it almost mirrors Gojo’s awakening.
On the verge of death in his battle against Toji Fushiguro, Gojo realizes exactly what he needs to do if he wants to survive. He knows Toji needs to be stopped, and he’s the only one who can do it. Dabura’s realization is similar. He wants to keep fighting to achieve new levels and to secure a home for the people he is sworn to protect. The only way he can do this is to heal himself.
Obviously, jujutsu society evolves in the decades that pass between past and present day. That doesn’t mean just anyone can master and use RCT by simply wondering how it works. Dabura and the Simurians are definitely a step above Earth’s jujutsu sorcerers.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Proves Some Things Never Change
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Earth’s sorcerers fret over cursed spirits leaking out of Tokyo to wreak havoc. While discussing their plans to divert the spirits, they conclude that the higher grade spirits won’t panic. The lower grade spirits, however, will come flooding out in all directions like a tsunami, which could devastate Japan well beyond the Inhuman Makyo. While discussing plans to divert the curses toward the sea, they realize they need to stay on their guard.
Meanwhile, Osuki has his fellow Simurians worrying about the Earthlings interfering with Dabura’s fight. If they interfere, it will cost them everything, and Osuki plans to attack at first sight. Osuki has been a problem since his introduction, proving to be one of the more violent and unreasonable Rumelians. He seems to be at the root of every issue the Simurians face since their arrival on Earth. He chooses violence every single time, and though his comrades don’t necessarily agree, there doesn’t seem to be anyone capable of holding him in check with Dabura busy.
It’s a sad reality that even 70 years into the future, the world still struggles to communicate in efforts to avoid violence. Yes, it’s horrific what happened to Cross, but Osuki is using it to promote his own violent agenda. I can’t help wondering again and again if Cross would even want all this. I do hope we find out before it’s too late. Please be alive, Cross. Better yet, Dabura, snap out of it and go heal him!
Settle Down, Ya’ll! Our Hero Returns in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
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We have been waiting, some of us not-so-patiently, for Yuji Itadori to make a comeback. We’ve seen hints of him scattering across the pages from the start. Now, just when it seems the Earthlings and the Simurians refuse to make efforts, the long-awaited hero returns. Is he here to put a stop to the chaos? Will he choose a side, or stand between the battling forces and make them stop?
Given his quick work with Blood Art Manipulation, I’m thinking he’s not putting up with the bickering. Man, Yuji would be such a good dad. Settle down, kids! No? All right, then. Blood Art Manipulation! Is this a reminder of the mistakes of the past and how he refuses to relive them? Damn, I hope so.
We don’t know much about the person Itadori has become over the last 70 years. We know he doesn’t age, that he is the epitome of strength in the Jujutsu world. He is the height everyone strives to achieve, not unlike Gojo during Yuji’s time. But who is he as a man? He once used his domain to show Sukuna a different path, and as weird as that is, it worked. Yuji has always been an advocate for peaceful solutions, but he’s seen a lot over the decades. Who is he now?
Only time will tell. A week’s worth of time stretches out before us as we wait for Chapter 20. And I swear, if we don’t see Yuji next week because we bounce back to Tsurugi and Maru, I will probably scream. Don’t let me down, Akutami sensei.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 19 On a Scale of 1 to 10
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One of the best things about Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo for me is how unique the story is. When this first began, I was definitely not excited about aliens at the plot’s center. I am all in for aliens now. I feel like the addition of these new characters really grants the series itself a sense of longevity. Since I never want JJK to end, I’m all for it.
Even as I mention Yuji Itadori’s return rather regularly, it isn’t because I feel like he’s necessary to carry this plot. I simply want to see him because I know he’s out there somewhere, being Yuji. It’s super exciting to see his comeback in Modulo, but I also want to see Dabura’s ascension to unreal warrior power. I want to see Cross healthy and alive. And, I want Tsurugi and Maru to hug it out already. Yuka miraculously healing herself somehow would also be great, but the point is, Yay, Itadori, but it’s not just about him. It’s this branch of the story and all of its elements that keep me coming back for more.
I hand out 10/10s when I am absolutely thrilled by an anime episode or a manga chapter, and can’t find fault in it. Chapter 19 is a major thrill, with flawless art and attention to detail. Maybe my personal love for Jujutsu Kaisen makes me a little biased, but come on. This chapter was off the hook! And besides, it’s a rarity to see me reviewing something in The Void I’m not 100% on board with.
