After Yuji Itadori, It’s Time To Welcome Another Old Generation Legend In Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo

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This article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen series.

The current arc of Jujutsu Kaisen is really captivating readers, and each new chapter features some fantastic new characters. While introducing many fresh faces, the author, Gege Akutami, also continues to develop the beloved characters who helped make the series so popular.

Fans have been eagerly waiting for the return of characters like Yuji Itadori, and were relieved to learn he’s still alive. Though Yuji hasn’t fully reappeared in the story yet, the author, Gege Akutami, has brought back another character: Rika, also known as the Queen of Curses.

Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Is Finally Teasing The Return Of Old Legends

Image by Rei Penber/Game Rant
  • Modulo Brings Back Yuji Itadori
  • Rika Returns In The New JJK Modulo Chapter

The new series, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, surprised viewers by taking place a long time after the original. It’s set 68 years after Yuji Itadori finally defeated Sukuna, meaning most of the characters fans knew and loved had already passed away. Many expected the author, Gege, to focus on entirely new characters, but he’s cleverly included glimpses of characters from the previous generation.

The first chapter brought back familiar faces like Gojo Satoru, Yuji Itadori, Yuta Okkotsu, and Maki Zenin. While not all of them are actively driving the current story, some, like Yuji, have the potential to play a significant role. It’s clear the author, Gege Akutami, intends to gradually reintroduce these established characters when it fits the narrative, and Yuji Itadori is currently central to how the story, JJK Modulo, is unfolding.

As the Modulo arc nears its conclusion, older characters are becoming increasingly important, and with the final battles underway, fans are hoping to see some legendary figures from the past. While characters like Yuta and Maki are no longer possibilities due to their deaths, Nobara is likely too old to participate, and Megumi is presumed dead. Currently, most fans are anticipating the return of Yuji Itadori, the strongest sorcerer of the new generation. However, it’s easy to overlook another significant character, Rika.

Rika, known as the Queen of Curses and a major force in the original Jujutsu Kaisen series, has unexpectedly appeared in JJK Modulo. She’s confirmed to participate in the climactic fight against Maru.

Rika Is Officially Back In Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo

Image by Rei Penber/Game Rant
  • Rika Was Meant For Yuka Okkotsu
  • She Has Now Bonded With Tsurugi Okkotsu

Rika, known as the Queen of Curses, played a significant role in the original Jujutsu Kaisen story. Interestingly, creator Gege Akutami developed her character even before the main series, as she first appeared in JJK0, the prequel. Rika and Yuta shared a deep connection rooted in love. Though Yuta tragically cursed her, she ultimately became the source of his incredible power. Together, wielding the ability to copy techniques, Yuta and Rika were an exceptionally powerful pair, rivaled by few in the JJK universe.

Yuta’s real strength became clear during major battles later in the story, most notably when he fought Ryomen Sukuna in the Shinjuku Showdown. Paired with Rika, he proved to be a formidable opponent, even earning Sukuna’s respect – a true testament to his power.

Ugh, this is awful. You’re just like her, aren’t you? But I’ll help you, because I made a promise to Yuta. Just say you accept my help, and I will.

After 69 years, Rika has officially returned to the Jujutsu Kaisen story. In the latest chapter, Tsurugi was losing a fight to Maru after Maru fully awakened his abilities. It seemed certain that Maru would defeat Tsurugi, but Rika intervened. She forced Tsurugi to accept her power, and the two appeared to merge. This seems to be a new ability Rika unlocked, and possibly one Yuta also has access to. Now, Tsurugi can wield Rika’s power, giving fans another glimpse of the Queen of Curses in the JJK Modulo arc.

Rika Could Become Tsurugi’s Permanent Power

From the start of the JJK Modulo arc, fans suspected that Rika was created to enhance Yuka Okkotsu’s abilities. Yuta originally passed Rika’s power to Yuka, and Tsurugi expressed no desire to inherit it, preferring to emulate Maki Zenin. However, unexpectedly, Rika’s power now resides with Tsurugi. It’s currently unknown if this connection is permanent, but once a bond like this is established, it rarely breaks, as Tsurugi has accepted Rika.

However, the situation could change significantly after the upcoming final battle. Yuka is destined to receive Rika’s power, so if she survives, she’ll likely be the one to inherit it. But if Yuka doesn’t make it, Tsurugi will almost certainly retain Rika’s power. Currently, it seems very likely that Rika’s power will permanently stay with Tsurugi.

Yuta’s Wish Was For Rika To Pass To Yuka Okkotsu

Fans understand that Yuta intentionally passed on Rika’s power to Yuka, and this decision is likely significant to the story. Yuta clearly knew and loved both of his grandchildren, including Tsurugi, but he believed Yuka Okkotsu was a better fit for this power. This important choice must have a purpose that will be revealed later, and it seems odd that Yuta wouldn’t have also asked Yuka to protect Rika.

In the newest chapter of JJK Modulo, Rika revealed that Yuta made her promise to protect his future grandchildren. This makes it odd that she hasn’t helped Yuka Okkotsu with her brain tumor yet. It’s possible this will be addressed later as Rika gets to know Yuka better. Fans are eagerly anticipating what happens next in the series.

The sequel to Jujutsu Kaisen, titled Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, is currently being published in Weekly Shonen Jump. Set 68 years after the Shinjuku Showdown, the story follows Yuka and Tsurugi Okkotsu, the grandchildren of Yuta and Maki. Chapter 17 is scheduled to come out on January 4, 2026, at midnight in Japan (11:00 AM Eastern Time, 8:00 AM Pacific Time). Readers can access the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app.

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2026-01-05 21:37