Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 17: The Return of Rika

Although Modulo is a limited series with a short serialization duration, this sequel to Jujutsu Kaisen manages to present dense action — even worthy of being considered among the best fights in the main series. Chapter 17 is the clearest proof: besides the long-awaited duel between Yuka Okkotsu and the Simurian king, Dabura Karaba, there is another battle whose drama rises to the peak — namely between Maru and Tsurugi Okkotsu.

At first, the Maru vs Tsurugi duel felt smaller in scale compared to the Yuka vs Dabura clash. However, Chapter 17 drastically raises the stakes with the reappearance of Rika, the Curse Queen. This moment changes the course of the fight: from a fierce human duel to a clash of powers that almost determines the fate of humanity against the Simurian.

The alien background introduced in Modulo also adds a sense of urgency to the conflict. They come from the Lumelian clan, which previously worshipped or honored the mysterious species Kaliyan on their home planet. Due to social dynamics with the neighboring tribe Deskunte, the Lumelian clan was eventually exiled and wandered among the stars — an origin that opens the possibility of a major conflict when they arrive on Earth. The consequence: an inevitable clash between humans and Simurians fighting for a new home.

Besides that cosmic element, Modulo continues to strengthen the difference in heritage and burden between the characters Yuka and Tsurugi, especially regarding Yuta’s ring. The ring that was once promised to Yuka by his grandfather now becomes a source of clan policy conflict, resulting in decisions that affect who holds that dangerous power. For Tsurugi, that burden feels very heavy — even though he has a Heavenly Restriction and a powerful Cursed Tool, Maru’s attack almost kills him: Tsurugi is hit and thrown into a building and buried under dozens of vehicles, leaving him severely injured.

At this deepest moment, Rika appears. The figure of the Curse Queen arrives in a surprising way: Rika drags herself into Tsurugi’s body, as if merging and channeling her power to him. Tsurugi himself is seen wearing the ring on his neck as Rika offers help — a collaborative image never before seen by fans.

The effect is monumental. Rika is known as a Vengeful Spirit with an extraordinary reserve of Cursed Energy; when that ability is combined with Tsurugi’s Heavenly Restriction (which grants a great physical boost when Cursed Energy is inactive), a figure is formed with a combination of physical strength and a nearly unmatched curse reserve. This new form presents a threat/advantage that makes Tsurugi—temporarily—potentially on par with the strongest names in the series like Sukuna and Gojo.