This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
We all knew when Yuka Okkotsu stepped into her duel with Dabura, she wasn’t going to be walking out of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo alive. Regardless of the outcome, Yuka’s life is at its end. Fortunately, we also know she’s not going out without a fight. Even in the event that she wins, she will still die, so I’m fully prepared to see her full repertoire unfold before us in glorious combat. I’m also looking forward to witnessing the grand powerhouse we’ve come to call Dabura, while simultaneous dreading his possible death.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo gave us a glorious glimpse at Mahoraga at the end of Chapter 15. Picking right up where the battle left off with the wheels turning on Mahoraga’s processing of Dabura’s technique, Chapter 16, “Malicious Light,” wastes no time. And neither will we. So, let’s take a look at where things stand in the latest chapter of JJK Modulo.
Mahoraga Is Going to Dominate Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo for a Bit
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Image property of VIZ Media
As Chapter 16 opens, it’s with a breakdown on Mahoraga’s summoning and how it works. In order for Mahoraga to manifest in a Jujutsu battle, both the sorcerer and their target have to be drawn into the ritual. We quickly learn that Yuka is already in a suspended state of death. The only way for the ritual to end is with Dabura’s death or Mahoraga’s destruction. Yuka will die either way.
Dabura, standing face to face with Mahoraga after that first attack, begins studying the spirit. Trying to understand it, some of his arrogance fades a little (just a tiny bit,) when he realizes there Mahoraga is more than a stand-in for Yuka. There’s something about it that seems to suggest its adaptability.
If Dabura wasn’t alarmed before, now’s the time. He’s likely in for the fight of his life, and fans are going to see just how skilled Yuka Okkutsu really is. Even in her suspended death state, can she control the untamable Mahoraga? Only time will tell.
Just as I Hoped, Cross and Tsurugi Share the Chapter
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo has been a carefully metered balance between the Okkotsu siblings and the Simurian twins, Cross and Maru. With both sets of siblings, they verge on loss, which has brought them to a dark place there seems to be no coming back from.
Tsurugi believes the only solution is for the Simurians to leave Earth. Maru knows that’s not an option. His people already spent two years searching for a home from the cold depths of space. Earth is the first place they’ve landed where they could survive, and the existence of cursed spirits being so close to their own Kalyans feels like a sign to them all.
The linework in the opening panels of the fight between Tsurugi and Maru is breathtaking. There is so much tension and action in their movements, that it feels like you’re standing there watching the battle unfold. As Maru gasps at the realization of the near-supernatural strength Tsurugi gains through his heavenly restriction, you can feel his awe. It’s beautifully done, and this attention to detail is present in every battle Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo has presented us with so far.
Tsurugi Drives a Hard Bargain In Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 16
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The end result these two are looking for land at opposite ends of the spectrum. Tsurugi demands that if he wins, Maru take his people and leave Earth. If Maru wins, they get to stay. What are you two doing? Seriously! Dabura and Yuka’s battle is the deciding factor, not the side deal these two just made. But we forget just how much power Maru (and Cross,) have among the Simurians. Two 18-year-old boys are basically running the whole expedition to find a home, and everyone else answers to them.
As Tsurugi drives Maru onto his back, he’s willing to settle for just Dabura leaving. His departure will nullify Yuka’s pact. But Maru is quick to assure him that Dabura won’t leave. The conditions of his sister’s curse are connected to him, too, so he has to be careful. Of course, there is a solution that could easily be offered, the cursed black rope the jujutsu sorcerer’s offered. But Maru already knows it’s too late for that now.
He understands Dabura’s position now. On the verge of losing his own sister, Dabura was forced to fight his best friend. Now, Maru knows exactly how that feels. Cross’s life hangs in the balance, and fighting Tsurugi could mean killing a boy he’s come to consider a friend.
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Chaos & Harmony Describes Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Perfectly
Tsurugi challenges him to a duel. If he wins, Maru and the Simurians have to leave. Because Maru is a warrior, he won’t insult Tsurugi by backing down. Accepting the challenge, he agrees, but asks Tsurugi to try not to die, and then their positions are flipped.
We’ve already seen the harmony aspect, with Cross directing his twin’s bodily movements in the fight back in Chapter 6. Or was that the chaos? Given everything we’ve seen as Marulu and Cross develop across Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo to this point, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Maru was the chaotic aspect.
He began so carefree, almost innocent in his excitement to be making friends. Now that things have taken a dark turn, we’re seeing another side to Maru. The warrior in him is something I feel like we expected to discover in Cross. But it was Maru all along we should have been wary of.
I also worry that given his sensitive nature, which was definitely not a ruse, this fight is going to be brutal on Maru. Regardless of the outcome, he loses. If he wins, he’s killed his friend. If he loses, he has to walk away from the first place that’s felt like it could be home in years. It’s heartbreaking.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 16 On a Scale of 1 to 10
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I feel like we’re about to get not one but two Sukuna-level+ battles side-by-side for the next few chapters. People, whether jujutsu sorcerers or Simurians, are going to die. Unless… hmmm… Maybe Yuji could still come along and save the day. I mean, Kugisaki said he was sick of watching people die. Wouldn’t this be the perfect time for him to intervene?
Not that he should, at least not right away, anyway. This isn’t really Yuji’s story anymore, or is it still? The fact that he’s been referenced as many times as he has is a bit telling. On the other hand, I don’t know that Akutami sensei would go so far as to cop out on an opportunity for epic devastation. After all, look no further than the Inhuman Makyo.
I’m still completely captivated by every single chapter. And right now I’m a bit sad that it’s a holiday because we have to wait an extra week for the next installment. If you haven’t already guessed, Chapter 16 gets a shiny 10/10 from me. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
