This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
Just three chapters into Akutami-sensei’s Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo, and all I can think about is how the original paved the way for this story. Knowing the foundation that brought the characters decades into the future, I miss the originals. That being said, I’m already really looking forward to each new chapter.
Chapter 3: “Swimming Through the Forest” offers an interesting look at future Jujutsu Society. It also draws some interesting parallels I keep mulling over. The fact that it’s making me think, connecting me to a manga I really enjoyed (yes, even the Culling Games arc had its good moments,) has me excited to see where this story goes.
Akutami-Sensei Obviously Mined Nightmares for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
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I know it would be silly to think Akutami-sensei was prodding around in my nightmares, but here we are. Starting this chapter out with a seemingly cursed shark roaming the forest of a landlocked region of Japan makes me internally scream. If there’s one thing more horrifying than sharks, it’s sharks on land.
Setting out on a mission to unearth the bizarre report of a maneating land shark terrorizing the forests, Tsurugi, Yuka and Maru are all feeling a little tense. When the Okkotsus mention cursed spirits, it’s a term Maru isn’t familiar with, and they have to explain. We learn during this exchange that cursed spirits have been confined to Tokyo for decades. I like imagining the rest of the world stuffing cursed spirits into a giant shipping container and sending them to Japan. Thanks for the personal headcanon, Kenjaku.
Even as the trio talk about their upcoming missions, aliens and siblings loom over it all. Getting Maru to admit he’s an alien isn’t easy. Regardless, the Okkotso siblings already know the truth. It’s no coincidence that aliens land and Maru’s people show up to observe. Unfortunately, onvincing them Maru and his people aren’t monsters won’t be an easy task because of their secrecy.
Yuka does manage to make Maru feel a little better by admitting she doesn’t think he’s a bad guy. Tossing in the word, “probably” after offers perfect comic relief, and the expression on Maru’s face says it all.
Sharks Swimming Around Jujutsu Kaisen’s Forests
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Tsurugi and Maru find themselves on the hunt for the vicious land shark that’s been terrorizing the forest. According to witnesses, there have been two mangled victims. Both times, the eerie shark has been seen beside the bodies. Seems like a legitimate assessment, but where did this shark come from?
As the pair head out to track down the shark, it isn’t long before they come across its path. Arguing about Maru’s uselessness and Tsurugi’s cursed tool setting fires, they launch a joint attack. They quickly discover it’s not an actual shark, but a former jujutsu sorcerer named Osada. The boys dub him Oldsada because of his age, which is a cute touch.
So, What? We Just Let Curse Users Walk Free In the Future?
Osada’s curse technique allows him to draw out the power of whatever he’s wearing, and since he’s wearing a shark suit, ‘nough said. It’s the reason he’s wearing the shark suit that really matters. According to Osada, a pair of tigers illegally brought into Japan 25 years earlier are the start of this tragedy.
The true predator stalking the forest, Toranosuke, is the inbred grandchild of those two tigers. Osada and Toranosuke share a deep bond, but a dramatic shift in the ecosystem forces the tiger to attack humans due to lack of food.
Toranosuke’s fate is a tragic one we can see coming from a mile away. Having tasted human blood, there will be no stopping it from stalking people. He has to be put down. Osada wants to protest because he loves Toranosuke, but even he concludes in the end that it’s the best thing.
So depressing, these reflections on humanity destroying the world, but at least it has a semi-happy ending. As it turns out, Toranosuke has a cub, and Osada is able to take it under his wing. Now, I want a cute little tiger cub baby to snuggle because who doesn’t want that?
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo’s Sibling Rivalries Lurk Behind the Scenes
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Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo‘s spotlight on sibling rivalries paints a grim picture of the future. Tsurugi and Maru end Chapter 2 on a tense note. That tension carries forward almost instantly. Especially when Tsurugi hits on Maru’s most sensitive spot by calling him an idiot.
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Cross is closed-minded about humanity, unwilling to budge on his opinions. Maru’s optimism and hope are a point of contention between brothers. As Chapter 3 unfolds, we learn a bit more about the brothers after the mission wraps.
Cross and Maru are actually twins, with Maru being the older brother. Maru hasn’t using his abilities because of his twin bond with Cross. When Maru expends energy on his curse technique, Cross feels it. The more energy Maru uses, the less Cross trusts humanity.
Their point-of-view on humans couldn’t be more different. Cross has already made up his mind about Earthlings. Maru, on the other hand, wants to gather as much information as possible before coming to a conclusion. The Simurians come to Earth in search of refuge, which suggests their history with other alien species makes them cautious. So, what needs to happen before they take steps toward trust?
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 3: Swimming Through the Forest On a Scale of 1 to 10
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Now, I know I said I was aliened-out. For the most part, I still am. That being said, Maru is quickly growing on me. He has definite Yuji Itadori vibes right now, which makes him an endearing character. Alien Yuji… who knew that was exactly what JJK needs to carry on its legacy? Akutami-sensei knows, and I’m willing to set aside my Gojo grief and trust sensei’s vision.
On a scale of 1 to 10, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 3 hovers in the same position in this week’s ratings. The manga’s pacing so far has been rewarding. The characters are starting to develop nicely, and the plot is inching forward, earning it another 7.5.
One of the things holding me back is knowing how short this story line will be. There seems to be a lot going on, and developing a big storyline often takes longer than six months of chapters. That being said, I reiterate my trust in Akutami-sensei on this.
If interested in checking out Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, the first three chapters are currently available free on the VIZ Media app. New chapters release on Sundays in the U.S.
