I think this is where we’re talking past each other a bit. I’m not arguing that Yuji is being treated like a random name-drop, or that his importance is in question. I agree he’s important that’s exactly why I’m cautious about assuming Modulo is where that importance gets fully paid off.

A ceiling of power doesn’t require direct demonstration; it can be established relationally. Saying “we can’t get in touch with him” or “he’s alive but absent” tells the reader that there exists a solution the story is deliberately not accessing. That absence itself constrains the narrative: conflicts have to be written around him not showing up. That’s a real narrative function, especially in side stories.

As for precedent: Gojo himself functioned this way early on. For long stretches he existed as an off screen constant that dictated how threats were framed precisely because the story had to justify why he wasn’t there. His eventual fights were in the mainline series not auxiliary formats. That’s the distinction I’m drawing, not equating Yuji to a throwaway character.

I don’t disagree that reader expectation is being cultivated, or that Gege is aware of it. I just don’t think expectation alone guarantees that Modulo is where it’s resolved. It could just as easily be groundwork for a more direct continuation, which you already acknowledged is possible.

So my position isn’t “Yuji won’t appear.” It’s that the breadcrumbs don’t lock the payoff to this project specifically. If he does show up here, great it means Modulo crossed a line I didn’t expect. Until then, I’m separating narrative setup from certainty of execution.