Just when fans had given up on a Jujutsu Kaisen spin-off, given the many threads still left unexplored in the original manga, the creator surprised everyone with a sequel instead. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, written by Gege Akutami and illustrated by Yuji Iwasaki, takes place nearly seven decades after the original story, introducing new characters and threats. The most unexpected reveal is that the main characters are the grandchildren of Yuta Okkotsu and Maki Zenin, a pairing fans wanted to be solidified. While this twist was already a big one, the central plot of the sequel is easily the most surprising aspect of its debut.
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The story opens with the arrival of a new alien race, the Simurians, who come to Earth seeking a place to coexist with humans. The twist is that these beings possess powers on par with sorcerers, raising the question of whether peaceful coexistence is even possible. What initially seemed like a manageable threat soon escalates when it’s revealed that the Simurians rival Ryomen Sukuna in strength. This sparked speculation among fans that Sukuna himself might have been an alien. Adding to this intrigue, the latest chapter introduces Maru and his brother, Cross, the two central alien characters, whose relationship bears a striking resemblance to Sukuna’s past. Through them, the sequel could explore the narrative of Sukuna through Maru and Cross, in a way the original Jujutsu Kaisen never could.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Lays the Foundation to Reinvent Sukuna’s Origins
Even though Sukuna was the main antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, the narrative never truly explored his origin story as fans expected through a flashback, like most shonen series usually do. Instead, very little about his past is shown in actual panels, with most details delivered through minimal textual context. While sparse, these fragments gradually build an intriguing foundation for Sukuna’s origins that fans have pieced together over time. The first real hint appears after Gojo’s death, when Hajime Kashimo joins the battle to face the villain. In chapter 237, Kashimo asks Sukuna if he was born the strongest or became one, to which Sukuna replies that he doesn’t know, only admitting he was an unwanted child.
A closer look at the phrasing in the original kanji makes it clear that Sukuna was referring to being born conjoined. This is later confirmed in chapter 257, where Sukuna reveals he was almost born as a twin. He states that he consumed his twin in the womb, and that twin’s soul wandered until it merged with Kenjaku, ultimately giving birth to Jujutu Kaisen‘s main hero, Yuji Itadori. With Yuji embodying light and purity and Sukuna embodying darkness and evil, Gege Akutami clearly draws from the concept of Yin-Yang, with light ultimately triumphing over darkness.
What makes this dynamic even more compelling is Yuji’s wish for Sukuna to live and find purity himself, born from an understanding of the villain’s lack of love. Unfortunately, the original story never illustrated this narrative fully, leaving it only in text. With the introduction of Maru and Cross, however, and their clear parallels to this theme, fans may finally witness the complete exploration of Sukuna’s origins that the original series only hinted at.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo‘s Central Aliens Could Reinvent Sukuna’s Origins
The debut chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo introduces Maru as he joins the Okkotsu siblings on their latest mission. As the chapter progresses, Maru opens up and reveals that he has a brother, though their relationship is strained. While little else is disclosed at first, the second chapter reveals his brother’s name, Cross, who may be his twin, as Tsurugi mistakes him for Maru. Cross’s first appearance establishes him as skeptical, perhaps even sinister, in contrast to Maru, whose demeanor makes his purity clear.
With the story building toward an inevitable conflict between the sorcerers and the Simurians, it seems likely that Cross will be the one to spark the battle. This dynamic places Maru in a role similar to Yuji, while Cross mirrors Sukuna. The sequel will delve into their backstory and explain how Cross became the way he is, potentially through something tragic. Yet with Maru embodying hope, it suggests that when the war between Simurians and humans does break out, Maru may side with humanity, not just to fight his brother, but also to help him realize the value of hope and coexistence.
If this unfolds, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo will not only offer a chance to reimagine Sukuna’s story but also provide a glimpse of what might have been had Sukuna ever been given the opportunity to choose goodness, bringing deeper closure to one of anime’s greatest villains.
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