This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
Every week, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo drives us closer to the end of its short run. With Akutami sensei predicting a six-month run and around 30-ish chapters (give or take,) there isn’t much time left to wrap up this story. So far, Modulo has been a glorious return to the world of Jujutsu Kaisen set several decades into the future. With an inevitable showdown between human and alien about to go down, it’s impossible to guess right now how it will play out in the end.
The battle Maru and Tsurugi launched into in Chapter 14 takes a backseat to Dabura and Yuka’s showdown. It’s more than just the showdown, however, driving the emotional point home in Chapter 15. “The Forbidden Technique Unleashed” is another grand flashback to days of old. Sadly, fans discover that not even that which is most powerful by jujutsu standards is enough to stand against the mighty Dabura.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Zeroes In On Siblings Once More
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I’ve been saying this from the start, and I will stand firmly behind it until the end. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo is a beautiful examination of sibling rivalry. Early on, we saw how deep the rivalry between Yuka and Tsurugi was ingrained. Following up with the rift between Maru and Cross, Modulo firmly established the heart of the story.
Not everyone on the planet can relate to sibling rivalries. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who can more than just relate. We live and breathe the impact of our siblings on our lives. Some make the best of it, while others choose to walk away. There is no denying that regardless of the outcome, siblings factor heavily into the lives of those who have them. Even distance and time can’t erase their presence from our memories, no matter how the relationship fared.
It’s easy at first to read into the rivalry between Yuka and Tsurugi as antagonistic. After all, Tsurugi’s Heavenly Restriction means he requires more cursed tools to make an impact on the battlefield. Being given the ring their grandfather promised to Yuka feels like a low blow. Anyone who’s had something taken away and given to their sibling can attest to how infuriating it is. The fact that it was their mother who made the call only serves to make Yuka resent her brother more.
Yuka Still Loves Her Older Brother, Despite Their Rivalry
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It’s obvious as the opening scene of Chapter 15 progresses that Yuka’s mind is failing. As she thinks of all the ways she’d be better as the older sibling, there’s a nostalgic smile on her face. He was so bad at being a big brother in her mind, but she’s smiling as she realizes this.
The saddest part is that her mind and her vision are both failing her in this moment. As Mino kneels in front of her, she can’t see his face. Mistaking him for her brother, she chides him for coming and teases him for not understanding girls at all.
She goes into a story about Tsurugi coming to her rescue when she went to save a friend. She realizes that she might not have died, but her friend could have. The entire scene is so heartbreaking, it makes Mino cry. All the things Yuka wants to say to her older brother before her death may as well go unsaid. But saying them makes her feel better.
The Return of Unexpected Characters Is a Jujtusu Kaisen Modulo Surprise
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Before Yuka’s plane arrives at the duel location, a mysterious robed man approaches Dabura with a murder of crows in his wake. It actually took me a second to realize who it was. Of all the characters I expected to see, Ui Ui was definitely not one I considered. It’s a nice touch, though. Getting to see everyone who’s still alive, and Ui Ui brings an important reminder to the conversation.
As he talks with Dabura before the duel, Ui Ui explains that he’s come to express his gratitude. The incidents of 70 years earlier result in the barest form of peace. With cursed spirits locked away inside of the Inhuman Makyo, the children of the current time have no idea what true power or strength look like. Ui Ui believes Dabura will show them true violence and devastation the likes of which Sukuna and Kenjaku once brought with them.
Dabura admits he doesn’t think it will matter if he has no opponent. The even sadder reality is that if an opponent does arrive, and they aren’t up to snuff, the battle will end before it begins. What lessons will the children learn from that?
Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga Returns in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
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Once upon a time, Sukuna coveted Mahoraga’s power, believing the untamable shikigami would give him an even greater edge in his pursuit to dominate. Making Megumi Fushiguro his vessel, Sukuna did exactly what he wanted in taming Mahoraga. The shikigami turned out to be a valuable asset for the King of Curses, even in his epic battle against Satoru Gojo.
There is no denying just how powerful Mahoraga is. With the current generation of sorcerers growing up with only the stories of Tokyo’s downfall, the Divine General is definitely a strength worth calling upon. With its greatest asset being its technique to adapt to any phenomenon it encounters, Dabura’s first devastating attack only looks like it destroys the shikigami.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 15 closes out with the reminder of Mahoraga’s adaptation technique. General Mahoraga’s wheel begins to turn as it analyzes Dabura’s cursed technique. If Dabura hits with it again, it will speed up the analyzation process.
Even more interesting will be discovering whether or not Yuka has the same kind of mastery over the Divine General that Sukuna had. If that’s the case, we better brace for a jujutsu duel unlike any we’ve seen before.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 15 On a Scale of 1 to 10
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It’s clear that, regardless of the current battle’s outcome, Yuka Okkotsu is probably going to die. Cross may very well be right behind her. This would leave Maru and Tsurugi with only each other, but could they survive that? Whether Yuka dies at Dabura’s hand or by the dark cloud of natural causes looming over her is anyone’s guess. With Dabura proving to be impossibly strong by Japan’s standards, it’ll be a matter of seeing how Yuka and Mahoraga come out in the battle to come.
If Yuka isn’t strong enough, there is one powerful sorcerer left. We could still see Yuji Itadori come to the rescue. As exciting as that would be, I almost want to see Yuka handle this on her own. It would be a dying act that made both of her grandparents, and her big brother, incredibly proud.
All in all, this was a great chapter. I’m hoping against all hope we don’t backtrack to just the fight between Maru and Tsurugi in the following chapter. Now that Mahoraga has been unleashed, I want to see both of these epic battles unfold.
For the emotional-trauma-inducing sentiment, Ui Ui’s unexpected appearance, and the return of the Divine General, this chapter earns a glowing 10/10 from me. Now come on, Sunday. I’m already ready for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 16.
VOID RATING: 10/10
