This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
The last two weeks has felt like the longest of my life while waiting for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 17. I know there was that whole holiday thing, and all, but suspense… The fight between Tsurugi and Maru reached epic heights, only to leave us dangling upside down along with Tsurugi when Maru flipped the gravity.
Now, JJK Modulo is back, and things are pretty out of control. Maru and Tsurugi are taking major beatings. Both of them have everything to lose if they don’t come out on top in this fight. And the worst part? Either way it goes, they lose each other and the friendship they’ve been building since page 1. It’s breaking my poor little heart into a billion tiny pieces, and there is no glue on Earth (or in space) strong enough to put them back together again.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Uses Yuta and Maki’s Son to Explore Weakness
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Image property of Jump Comics
First and foremost, I want to start by noting that the cover page for this chapter is a little misleading. Featuring Mahoraga and Dabura facing off, it’s a beautiful piece of artwork, no doubt. I think it may be one of my favorite chapter covers so far. But… there is no actual sign of Mahoraga or Dabura in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 17, “Chaos and Harmony.”
Instead, the chapter begins with two lighthearted strips, “Perceptions” and “Perceptions II,” before launching into Tsurugi’s memories of his absent father. The strips are a quirky scene featuring Maru, Yuka and Tsurugi, all three sharing their perceptions and expectations when it came to meeting an alien for the first time. It’s an adorable aside, one that works hard to remind us of everything both sides of this story will lose if they can’t find a solution.
From there, Chapter 17 takes another story-building step backwards, giving us a first look at Yuta and Maki’s son. We don’t learn his name in this chapter, but the Volume 1 collection, now available in Japan, does give his name in the extras. Iori Okkotsu, father of Tsurugi and Yuka, disappeared shortly after Yuka’s birth. According to memory, Tsurugi had to do some serious digging to learn more about his father because Yuta, Maki, and his mother, Mifuyu, refused to speak of him after he left.
In one of the accounts Tsurugi dug up, the maid who last saw Iori witnessed him speaking to a hooded man with a scar on his face in the garden outside. Many presume this to be Yuji Itadori. The maid admits that the only thing she overheard was the hooded man saying, “It doesn’t matter.”
Tsurugi Okkotsu Has His Own Speculations
Tsurugi may not know the real reason his father left, but of course he has his suspicions. Their father does not leave after Tsurugi is born, but instead waits for Yuka’s birth. He wonders why he stayed at first. Later, it’s insinuated Iori Okkotsu was made to feel obligated to provide a child with a cursed technique. Since Tsurugi only had a Heavenly Restriction, like Maki, Iori wouldn’t leave. At least, not until he fathered Yuka, a child who did have a cursed technique.
This makes me sad on a number of levels. First, did the Gojo clan force Yuta and Maki’s son to marry and give them a child with a cursed technique? It sounds like something the higher ups might do. Second, where is Iori now? Does he even care about his children? That the daughter he fathered is dying? I could go off on a tangent for days about this. Without enough facts to understand the actual situation, I’ll keep quiet… for now.
All I will say is that Mahito and Yuji’s likely appearance is probably going to give more answers about Iori Okkotsu. I just hope Tsurugi, at least, is given the closure he needs.
Maru’s Relentless Technique Pushes Tsurugi in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
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The chaotic nature of Maru’s technique is giving Tsurugi a run for his money. He can barely make sense of what’s happening, and before we know it, Maru declares himself the winner. Winning the fight between them means Tsurugi has to let the Simurians stay in the Inhuman Makyo. But if there’s even the slightest chance he could somehow save his baby sister, Tsurugi will do whatever it takes.
Declaring to Maru that he’s gonna go all in, the Simurian warrior wouldn’t have expected anything less. The battle rages on, Maru’s superior abilities frustrating a broken Tsurugi, but he won’t give up.
Unfortunately, Maru has no idea what Tsurugi has up his sleeve, or, rather, hanging around his neck. As we see the image of Tsurugi flat on his back, blood pouring down his face and from his mouth, our focus is drawn to the chain he’s been wearing. We see the ring he and Yuka began this manga fighting over, and it’s impossible not to get a bit of a chill. Because we know what that ring is.
The Queen of Curses, Makes a Big Comeback in JJK Modulo Chapter 17
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Special Grade Curse: Rika Orimoto, also known as the Queen of Curses, was attached to that ring. After a devastated young Yuta Okkotsu cursed her to never leave him, she gained quite the reputation as Yuta’s violent yet loving protector. Even though Yuta set Rika free after the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, she still stuck by his side and lent her aid whenever he needed her.
As Tsurugi lies broken on the ground, the ring around his neck begins to glow. At first, he calls out to his grandpa. Of course, Rika never truly grew up, so her responses are brutal. She insults him for looking like Maki, then makes him accept the deal she’s offering him. As long as she promises that he will win, he’ll accept, and what comes next is a brilliantly horrifying merger between Tsurugi and Rika.
Maru is stunned, trying to figure out what he’s facing as this new terror begins striding toward him. It’s probably even creepier to him because Tsurugi and Rika are arguing back and forth, and her responses are hilariously childish. She even threatens to go to heaven and tell Yuta on him for being cocky, but Tsurugi doesn’t miss a beat. “Would they even let you in to heaven?”
Tsurugi may have accepted her terms, but I have a feeling she’s going to make him pay almost as much as Maru before all is said and done. I’m also terrified that this is going to land Tsurugi into some dark curse stuff I can’t even begin to comprehend. And I’m even more worried it’ll be all for nothing because Yuka is going to die, regardless. Right?
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 17 On a Scale of 1 to 10
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First Mahoraga, now Rika! “Chaos and Harmony” was a chapter well worth the two week wait, but it definitely makes me hungry for more. To realize that we are inching closer and closer to Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo‘s ending is already making me sad. I’ve been enjoying this next chapter of the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise so much. I really do pray Akutami sensei keeps creating in this world for all eternity.
This week’s chapter had some incredible battle art that absolutely took my breath away. Combined with the unexpected appearance of the Queen of Curses to aid Tsurugi, and I am on the edge of my seat. I’m terrified for everyone. I don’t want Maru or Cross to die, just like I don’t want that for Yuka or Tsurugi. I also don’t want Dabura to die either. Bah! No one die!
But alas, this is Jujutsu Kaisen we’re talking about, and death is inevitable for everyone but Yuji Itadori. An outstanding 10/10 this week. Strong plot momentum, gloriously illustrated battle scenes, beautiful art. I want more. So greedy.
