The latest chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo arrived on February 22, 2026, and it is safe to say that creator Gege Akutami has delivered one of the most talked-about installments in the series so far. As the sequel manga speeds toward its conclusion, Chapter 23 presents a major turning point where Yuji Itadori makes the difficult choice to step back, leaving the alien Maru to carry out his ambitious “Ritual of Harmony.” This decision sets off a chain of events that begins erasing cursed spirits from Japan, but not without leaving readers with many questions and a fair amount of controversy.
Fans who have been following the series since the original Jujutsu Kaisen know that Akutami is not afraid to take risks. However, this chapter has sparked intense debate across social media platforms. From unresolved fights to emotional farewells and a massive shift in the story’s direction, here is everything you need to know about Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 23.
The Big Decision: Yuji Chooses To Walk Away
The chapter picks up right where the previous installment left off, with Yuji and Maru deep in conversation about the future of cursed energy. Yuji explains a crucial detail that changes everything fans thought they knew. For decades, the official story was that cursed spirits only existed in Japan. But Yuji reveals this was a lie spread to prevent panic around the world. In reality, cursed energy exists in every human being globally, just in smaller amounts .
This means that even if Maru removes cursed energy from the Japanese population, other countries will still produce cursed spirits over time. Some of these could grow powerful enough to become major threats. Yuji acknowledges this problem but remains firm in his support for Maru’s plan. He tells Maru that he will handle any strong cursed spirits that appear in the future .
Here is where the emotional weight hits hard. Yuji confirms that he will be alive for at least another 300 years. Because of his unique nature and the power he now possesses, he cannot die normally. This means Yuji is sentenced to live for centuries, watching everyone he knows grow old and pass away while he continues fighting alone .
“Te dejo el resto a ti” (I leave the rest to you) .
With these words, Yuji says goodbye to Maru and steps away from the main action. For many readers, this moment felt like the final punishment for a character who has suffered endlessly since the original series began .
The Truth About Souls And Cursed Spirits
Before Yuji departs, the chapter delivers some important philosophical discussions. Maru questions what truly separates cursed spirits from the Karyan creatures on his home planet. Both emit similar auras, yet cursed spirits are generally seen as evil while Karyans are simply part of nature.
Yuji brings up examples that complicate this black-and-white thinking. He mentions Tengen, the ancient being who guarded Jujutsu High for over a thousand years. Over time, Tengen evolved into something closer to a cursed spirit, yet Tengen was never truly evil . He also brings up his own brother Choso, who was part cursed spirit and part human. Despite a rough start, Choso fought alongside humans and became one of Yuji’s most trusted allies.
Maru then notices something fascinating. The souls of Karyans, cursed spirits, and Rumelians all share the same color. This shared spiritual signature explains why Karyans never attack Rumelians, they recognize each other as kindred souls at a fundamental level .
This discovery leads to the core of Maru’s plan. Instead of simply removing cursed energy, he will reshape the “Passageway of Souls” itself. By scattering the colors of human souls, he can eliminate most cursed energy from future generations .
The Fight We Never Saw: Dabura Vs. Mahoraga
One of the biggest complaints about this chapter centers on the battle between Dabura and Mahoraga. Readers had been eagerly waiting to see how this clash would end. Mahoraga, the divine general, is one of the most feared entities in the series. Dabura, the warrior from Simuria, had built up significant hype.
But Akutami chose not to show the conclusion .
Instead, Maru intervenes and pulls Dabura out of the fight before it finishes. Maru apologizes to Dabura in the Passageway of Souls, admitting this is the second time he has interfered in a warrior’s duel . Dabura does not seem angry. He thanks Maru and says his work on Earth is done. He has fulfilled his promise to his late friend Dura to protect the Rumelians.
Dabura then reunites with his younger sister Supejo, whose curse from the Deskunte Chief is finally broken using the Black Rope given to him by an elder shaman in Kenya . This emotional moment provides some closure, but many fans remain frustrated that the Mahoraga fight was completely skipped.
The Ritual Of Harmony Begins
The final pages of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 23 focus entirely on Maru. He floats above Tokyo, looking down at the cursed spirits that have been converted into visible souls. He knows that what he is about to do is a great sin. He is tampering with the very fabric of human existence.
For a moment, Maru hesitates. His conviction wavers.
Then Cross appears beside him and takes his hand. On Cross’s other side stands Yuka. Soon after, Tsurugi joins them, linking hands with Maru. The four of them stand together, ready to face the consequences of their actions .
This moment carries heavy emotional weight because readers know what these characters have sacrificed. Cross is Maru’s twin brother, who suffered under oppression. Yuka is a human girl with a terminal brain cancer who chose to summon Mahoraga to protect others. Tsurugi made a binding vow with Rika that cost him everything.
Together, they activate the Ritual of Harmony.
The ritual immediately begins erasing cursed spirits across Japan, one after another. Maru whispers apologies to each spirit as they disappear, showing his sorrow even as he carries out the task .
Why Chapter 23 Has Fans Divided
Since the spoilers first emerged on February 18, and especially after the official release, the fan community has been buzzing with strong opinions . The main points of controversy include:
Off-screen battles: Once again, Akutami has chosen to skip showing a major fight. This happened in the original series with Gojo’s death and Hakari vs. Uraume. Now Dabura vs. Mahoraga joins the list of unseen battles .
Pacing concerns: With only two chapters remaining after this, many feel the story is rushing toward its ending without properly developing key moments .
Yuji’s continued suffering: The revelation that Yuji must live for 300 more years alone has upset many fans who wanted to see him finally find peace and happiness .
Unresolved mysteries: Questions about how Yuka recovered or what exactly happened during the time jumps remain unanswered .
Some fans have even joked that the series has become “Disney Kaisen” because of how the ritual seems to be solving everything through friendship and holding hands . Others appreciate the emotional weight but wish the execution had been clearer.
Release Information And Where To Read
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 23 officially launched on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the following times :
- Pacific Time: 8:00 AM
- Eastern Time: 11:00 AM
- United Kingdom: 4:00 PM GMT
- Japan: 12:00 AM JST (Monday, February 23)
For readers in India, the chapter became available at 8:30 PM IST on February 22.
The chapter is available to read for free on official platforms including:
- Manga Plus by Shueisha (website and mobile app)
- Viz Media (official English translations)
Manga Plus offers the first and latest chapters of every series for free, making it the easiest way for global readers to stay current. Viz Media provides high-quality translations and a subscription option for accessing their full catalog .
The chapter runs 21 pages, including a color page featuring Yuji and Mahito, plus a bonus page titled “Oski and Friends” . The color page sparked additional discussion because Yuji’s hair appears to have aged or changed color, leading some fans to speculate about a connection to Gojo .
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What This Means For The Final Chapters
With only two chapters left after this, the stage is set for the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo. The Ritual of Harmony is actively reshaping the world. Cursed spirits are disappearing. Maru, Cross, Yuka, and Tsurugi are bound together in this final act. Yuji has walked away to live out his centuries-long existence alone. Dabura has returned to his sister.
The final chapters, 24 and 25, are scheduled for release on March 2, 2026, and March 9, 2026, respectively . Readers will finally learn what becomes of this new world without cursed energy and whether Maru’s sacrifice was worth the cost.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 23 may be controversial, but it is undeniably a game-changer for the franchise. Whether fans love it or hate it, everyone is now waiting to see how Gege Akutami sticks the landing.
Stay connected with VvipTimes for the latest updates and in-depth coverage of your favorite anime and manga series as the world of Jujutsu Kaisen moves toward its final chapter.
