This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
Yuji Itadori has been mentioned three times now in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo. From memories of the heroes of old to a dangerous enemy recalling his most terrifying battle, Itadori is everything Gojo predicted he would become. So far, Akutami sensei has given the next chapter in Jujutsu Kaisen‘s story it’s own cast. Characters of the past are celebrated heroes, but what’s become of those who survived Sukuna and the Culling Game? We know Yuji is still alive, but where he is and what he’s been doing remain a mystery.
It seems that mystery won’t stay clouded much longer. Events in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 10, “Majority Vote,” call for the return of our old hero. One of the greatest things about this, so far, is that despite the allusion to bringing Itadori back into the picture, our present-day heroes are still firmly established. Much like Jujutsu Society of old, the future rests in the hands of its youth. It’s become clear that Yuka, Tsurugi, Cross and Maru will be the deciding factor between invasion or coexistence.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 10 Has Both Sides Diffusing Potential Conflict
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The previous two chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo focus heavily on the circumstances of the Simurians fleeing their own world. The epic battle between a Cross-wielded Maru and Tsurugi Okkotsu slips into the haze for a moment, but the consequences still loom over potential peace. Getting a firsthand look at how dangerous the Simurians are during Maru and Tsurugi’s fight has the governing bodies on high alert.
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Fortunately, Usami made preparations to contain the situation ahead of it getting out of control. But that’s not enough. The higher ups feel like they’ve already been threatened by the Simurians. In essence, they’re losing face by letting it slide the way they paraded Dabura around like a silent threat. Japan needs to show a demonstration of their own power, and that’s where Yuji Itadori comes into play.
The fact that there is no Japanese military has already made them look weak in the eyes of the Simurians. But honestly, who needs a military when you’ve got a powerhouse like Itadori in your back pocket?
Meanwhile, the Simurians Weigh Their Own Options
Coming to a new planet from a world that kept them on the defensive, it’s no surprise Earth’s alien visitors are on high alert. The Simurians have their own ideas about whether they should invade or coexist. Not everyone is on the same page. We get a glimpse behind the scenes at the resentment brewing among Rumelians. Not everyone is happy a Deskunte has been made their de facto leader because two overpowered children said he should be.
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It seems Dabura has overruled council decisions for invasion twice, which has men like Osuki bristling with impatience. Seeing the Rumelians suffer under Deskunte oppression in the previous two chapters, it’s only natural they want to be the ones in power for a change. Osuki is fully prepared to challenge Dabura for leadership, even if others doubt his strength and prowess to do so.
In both cases, this is a fantastic look at infighting on either side of the fence. There will always be those who favor war over peace. Seeing the trauma of the past define the future is heartbreaking. But how can the Simurians possibly establish trust when all they’ve ever known is oppression.
Fortunately, Cross has come around to the idea of coexistence. This tips the voting in favor of giving Earth a chance. Not everyone is happy about the outcome, which spells potential trouble for future relations. In fact, it almost seems like the formation of a rebellion may be brewing behind the scenes. We can only hope a small rebellion fueled by the past’s bitterness can easily be snuffed out through cultural exchange.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Puts Cultural Exchange Front & Center
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With invasion off the table, Dabura makes a really good point. They can launch an invasion at any time. Once conflict starts, however, they lose opportunities to understand the people they are facing off against. Despite how bored Dabura looks in this scene, it’s actually really wise council. From the perspective of a warrior, knowing one’s enemy well allows for exploitation of weakness. On the other hand, going into all out war before even getting to know the people of Japan nullifies any chance at peace.
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In the end, it makes them no better than the Deskunte, who drive the Rumelians off their own planet. It’s natural to be bitter about the past, but becoming the oppressor solves nothing.
I can almost see it now, Itadori and Dabura meeting face to face for the first time, sizing each other up. But we all know Yuji is still the same good-natured person at the end of Jujutsu Kaisen. He’s not going to step in to challenge someone without cause. If anything, hearing their story will make Yuji want to help the Simurians find the peace they’ve been searching for.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Uses Its Young Protagonists Differently Than the Original
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The world has changed quite a bit since Kenjaku launched it into all-out chaos. Even Sukuna chose to reset himself in the end, wanting a chance at a peaceful existence in another life. Jujutsu Society has a lot more laws in place to protect young sorcerers.
With that in mind, there is a lot of diplomacy riding on the Okkotsu siblings and their relationship with the Simurian teens. The beginning of their cultural exchange with the Simurians goes the only place it should: into the kitchen.
Food plays such a major role in every culture. Sitting down and breaking bread together has long been a universal symbol of friendship. It’s a great place to start fostering their future as good neighbors. I have a bad feeling, though. Like I mentioned above, the unrest among the Simurians could lead to some rebellion that puts Japan on the defensive. On the other hand, Japan’s likely been in a state of defense since Sukuna anyway, so the slightest breeze could tip the scales.
As much as I want to see Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo‘s story resolve without major conflict, I’m no fool. You know as well as I do that is not Akutami sensei’s way, or the way of any good storyteller, for that matter. Conflict is the spice of life. The fact that Itadori is potentially on the table suggests things are going to go dark , and soon. So, I’ll be over here in the corner with my Gojo blankie and my Geto plushie waiting for the shoe to drop.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 10 on a Scale of 1 to 10
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Each new chapter has me eager for the next to roll around, and Chapter 10 was no different. I was super excited to see the tensions behind the scenes, and the threat that is Yuji Itadori being lain out on the table. The artwork was stunning, as has been the norm from Iwasaki sensei since chapter 1. I really felt the panels in this chapter defined personalities, especially for Dabura. I can’t wait to see more from him.
I am also really feeling Cross on a whole new level. He annoyed me early on because he was so mean to Maru, which is exactly what he was meant to do as a character. Not knowing a person’s full story when passing judgment is the easy way out, and even I fell into that trap. To me, that feels like it’s been the entire point of Modulo from the start. You never know what someone else has been through, what they’re going through right now. Be kind.
