I MISS MY GOOD BOY !

Oya Oya

Hewwo :3 I have written much smut but this is my first time making it public. Sorry it came out so long. Feel free to point out any mistakes.

Warnings: choking, dominance

The fusuma slammed shut behind you, rattling the shōji across the room, after he'd pushed you rather roughly into his room at the Shinsengumi dorm. You were honestly surprised the kumiko didn't fall apart.

"What the hell, Y/N?"

You curled your lip up at him defiantly. "What?"

"Don't 'what' me," he warned, pacing to and fro in front of the door, clearly agitated. Then again, the man did have a short fuse. "Who gave you permission to hang with the Yorozuya bastard? Is that what you do behind my back?"

His accusation flipped your entire mood over. You were cheeky before; now you were pissed. What right did he have to point fingers at you? After all, he was the one who pushed you to do it. For three weeks, you had been patient while he worked. Of course, since he lived where he worked, it seemed like he was never free, always balancing his vice commander duties in and out of the headquarters. He did ask for your permission before going on cases, to make sure that you were okay with him doing overtime on certain days. And you always assured him that you would wait for him, no matter how busy some days could get. You always told him that it was okay to put his job first when he needed to. But that didn't mean he could take advantage of your understanding, did it?

The guy was smarter than most; he picked up on hints and cues effortlessly, especially if they were from you. So why had he been so oblivious to your subtle advances these past weeks?

"Who are you to tell me who I can or cannot be friends with?" you snapped back, temper flaring.

"You know very well who I am and what I can and cannot do," he answered, a little condescendingly.

"Yeah, well, you should also know that Gin-san gives me way more attention than you do," you uttered rashly. It was how you felt on the inside. After so many days of neglect by Hijikata, Gintoki's friendly affection towards you had you hooked in like fish to bait. Every smile and head smack he gave you fed your growing hunger for a man you couldn't get to and yet you still went on with it. You hung around Gintoki, longing for Hijikata, for something physical, just to take away the ache of missing the vice commander.

"What did you say?" Hijikata's tight voice betrayed the anger that was sparking inside him. The thought of you just being in Gintoki's presence was enough to provoke him. Confirmation that you let him touch you - nevermind if it was just playful shoves or shoulder bumping - flooded his vision with red. "You let him touch you?"

You scoffed at his ridiculous jealousy. "I'm not a slut. All Gin-san did was listen to me when I was alone. He kept me company."

True, you worked eight hours a day but the tiredness didn't mean that you didn't want to talk late into the night.

"Company, huh?" Hijikata crossed the room to stand in front of you so fast that you had to double check the spot he was previously at, just to be sure. He was a head taller than you. Now that he was all riled up, his presence was intimidating, especially since you had to look up to meet his eyes. "It just had to be him?"

You knew better. If you let him go on, you would have angry make up sex in seconds. This was a matter that needed talking through, not blind fucking. You pushed him away harshly, much to his surprise.

"We're not in a movie, Hijikata." Ah, using his family name when you were alone was never a good sign. "You can't just fuck me and be done with it."

A thought crossed your mind. Maybe it wasn't that he was busy. Maybe it was you who had done things wrongly. If you hadn't dropped all those stupid hints and just came straight forward with your needs, you needn't have had to feel the pain of ignorance from him. Your low self-esteem came racing back to you.

It was my fault. I didn't talk to him.

"I'm sorry," you choked out, turning away from him. Your sudden change in demeanor startled him but it wasn't something he hadn't experienced before.

Just like that, his anger melted away. He stepped towards you, pulling your reluctant form into his arms.

"You shouldn't have to apologize for anything," Hijikata sighed, one hand carefully cupping the back of your head. When his temper wasn't in the way, he saw things much clearer. "It was wrong of me to accuse you like that, especially since I know how much I've been neglecting you. I just didn't like the fact that of all the people to go to attention for, it was him." Hijikata said him with visible distaste. You relaxed against him, calmer now that he was no longer angry, that he had assured you it was not your fault.

"But I like him," you protested.

"Could you not like anyone else?"

"You hate everyone else, except the gorilla and he's infatuated with Otae-chan."

"Are you saying you'd go to Kondo-san if you could?" Hijikata teased, instantly lightening the atmosphere.

With that you ducked out of his embrace. "Please. I don't do stalkers." Hijikata was quick to catch you again though, this time from behind. He placed a gentle kiss to the shell of your ear.

"If you hadn't gotten caught today," he began, "I would have shown my appreciation for your patience in a different way."

"You have something planned?" you asked excitedly, happy that he had been thinking of you too.

"I did," he confirmed in the past tense. "But I can't get Yorozuya's stupid smug face out of my mind."

You knew all too well why. You knew that hanging out with Gintoki came with a punishment if you were caught. Before you could respond, Hijikata had a hand locked around your neck, with pressure not enough to choke but just enough that made swallowing difficult.

"Sometimes I think you let yourself get caught on purpose," he went on in a low voice, free hand travelling down your left arm and tugging it behind your back. He had you in a hold you didn't have any intention of breaking out of. Indeed, just the feeling of his hand on your throat had you weak at the knees, ready to be ruined by him.

"T - Tōshi," you managed, voice strangled by the hand on your windpipe. "Hard to... breathe."

"But you like this, don't you?" He purred. "You want to be choked like the little slut you are."

Oh, there was no denying how much his words were turning you on. Getting choked with his hand was good. Getting choked on his cock was better and you were more than eager for it.

"Choke... me with... your...cock..." Earlier misgivings forgotten, you wanted nothing more than for him to use you. It was all you had wanted since using Gintoki as a filler. His attention.

"Mm, I don't think so, baby girl," he murmured, finally releasing you from his hold only to take your hand and drag you down onto his futon. "I want to give, not take. And I expect thanks."

Translation: I will fuck you senseless and you will be vocal about it.

"Dont you think you can punish me better if - " Your question was cut short by a gasping inhale. Hijikata had somehow managed to loosen the knots of the date-jime that held your nagajuban and kimono together amidst everything and was now shamelessly pushing his fingers between your damp labia, hand disappearing in the folds of the cloth. Immediately, your hips moved up, asking for more when he'd barely begun. He murmured an amused "oya oya" upon finding the absence of underwear on you.

"I think you've been wetter than this, haven't you?" Deviously, Hijikata poked two fingers into your hole without any warning. There hadn't been much foreplay but could you really complain when you were swallowing his fingers like the greedy whore you were? He pulled his fingers out along with your arousal and spread it over your clit, rubbing in tantalizing circles, like a taunt.

"You're going to tease me," you stated, breathless already.

"Just for now," he promised, the sensitive nub slipping between his pointer finger and middle finger. Your nerve endings fired, sending thick coils of pleasure up your body. Again, your hips moved up.

Hijikata chose that moment to take his hands off of you. He sat back on his heels, hands placed perfectly on his lap. Disheveled and disgruntled, you forced your pleasure-weak body into motion, sitting up with your kimono loose around you, one side sliding down to bare a shoulder.

This was no dream: your body had flaws everywhere. Beauty marks on your skin, scars from being clumsy, skin that wasn't silky smooth or creamy white. You felt very small when you walked past some women on the streets but Hijikata always made you feel perfect. He loved every one of your imperfections, which encouraged you at times like these.

"Frustrated?" he smirked and you wondered just what he was playing at. Unbothered, you knee-walked closer, until you were parked right in front of him. Your hands grasped at the lapels of his uniform jacket. The familiar musk of cigarette smoke wafted up your nostrils, further turning you on. His gaze was hot on you; you could feel it despite not looking at him. Deliberate in your movements, you pushed the jacket off then proceeded to unbutton his vest and undo the knot of the white scarf around his neck. You were busy working on his shirt when he caught your hand, bringing it up to his mouth.

The contact of the softness of his lips against your skin made your thoughts fuzzy. His stare lingered on you and your restraint broke. You crashed your lips into his, claiming your pleasure, trying to pacify your desire for him. He indulged you, using a hand to hold your head steady. You kissed and kissed until there was no more breath to breathe between the both of you.

Hijikata pulled back first, dragging a thumb across your lower lip. It was such an intimate move, hinting at the lust he had for you; that was all it took for you to go into full 'I need you now' mode. Impatient, you shoved him back and shimmied up his body, brazenly rocking your hips, smearing your arousal onto his white shirt. Obviously, he felt your dampness through the material and gripped your hips to stop you from moving. The sight of you grinding above him was too much for his already tortured mind. Everything had to go. Now.

Soon you were balancing above him, the tip of his hard cock pressing at your slick entrance. You braced your hands on his broad chest, breath controlled as you slowly sat down on him, the length of him sliding into you inch by inch until your ass touched his lap. The sensation of him in you never failed to make you moan. His girth, his length, everything was just enough to fill up your tight hole.

"My sweet girl," Hijikata murmured, eyes half lidded. "I'd nearly forgotten how good you feel around me." He held onto your hips. "Move for me."

At his demand, you lifted yourself off and back down again, whimpering at the discomfort. Yeah, he was definitely big. Without your weekly routine, your body needed time to get used to him again. It didn't take long, though. Hijikata's soft encouragement and touch had you thirsting for more in no time. You got used to the stretch, gaining momentum and confidence as you moved. No longer did it sting; there was nothing but pleasure with the way you had him sliding in and out of you. Every time you rose left his cock slicker than before, layer upon layer of your arousal coating him.

When your legs got tired, you resorted to bouncing, biting your lip when your ass slapped against his skin in the sexiest way. Hijikata was in awe beneath you. His blue eyes were dark, lips parted in heavy breaths. First his eyes fixed on the way he was entering you, on the way your sweet pussy just swallowed his cock. His rough hands roved up your stomach, fingers dancing over your jumping breasts. That was the second thing he stared at. The soft mounds of flesh on your chest that bounced along with you made his cock twitch. Then he looked at your face. At the way you bit your lip, the pleasure in your expression. Suddenly he wanted nothing more than to dominate you.

The feeling swept over him. Having you on top was incredible, especially since he knew you could control the depth and angle of his entrance. But he needed to have you his way. He couldn't yet explain why.

You cried out in surprise when he sat up abruptly, forcing you to remain still on his lap. You pressed your chest to his, feeling him move along with you, in you. The movement brought on a whole new sensation that made you scratch his chest with a low moan.

"Can he do that?" Hijikata asked, voice thick with lust. And something else. He knew now why he needed dominance over you.

"Who - What?" You couldn't register his words and the meaning behind them at first, not until he flipped you both over in a practiced move and he rolled his hips into you, hitting every unclaimed spot within you. Your legs came around his hips.

"Can that silver haired idiot do this? Make you feel this good?" He pulled back slightly, only to plunge back into you with a jolt that pushed another moan from your mouth.

"N - No. Tōshi..."

Hijikata pulled at your hips, angling your lower body upwards and began thrusting into you, going deep and hard each time. He knew very well that at this angle, each slide of his cock was sure to brush your g-spot. And each time his pelvis met yours, the head of his throbbing cock would carass the tip of your cervix, making you buck your hips even further up.

Seeing you this way only fuelled his unneeded jealousy for a rival that was hardly a threat.

"I bet he can't," he agreed gruffly. "He doesn't know your body, does he? Doesn't know how my baby girl likes it. Tell me." Hijikata drove deep, pushing his own hips up. You choked on a moan, hands tight around his wrists. "Who's making you feel good?"

You were unable to answer, eyes in danger of closing, body on the brink of orgasm. As if fucking him wasn't hot enough. No, jealous Hijikata was even better. His need to hear your verbal confirmation of just how good he could drill you was heightening the entire experience.

Hijikata wrapped a big hand around your throat, forcing you to meet his steely gaze.

"Who?" he demanded.

A lone tear rolled down your cheek and you knew once you opened your mouth, you'd be begging. "Y - You, Tōshi. You're making me feel good. Fucking my pussy so good."

He smirked in satisfaction. There was no need to hold back now. With demonic speed, probably living up to his title, Hijikata slammed into you, hips snapping back and forth furiously. He hadn't even gotten to rub your clit yet and you came undone, pulsing around his cock, sinful moans falling from your mouth along with his name.

"One more time," he urged, tempted to stop and savour the way you were contracting around him. Snug in your warm wetness. He was close. Too close to stop. He spit on your clit and rubbed it in tight circles, coaxing yet another orgasm out of you. This was too much after the first and his name left you in screams, your body spasming, legs jerking. The sight of you being ruined by him did it. A few more thrusts and he fell on top of you, hugging your trembling body close as waves of pleasure crashed over him. He bit your shoulder, hard, enjoying the feeling of his seed leaving him and filling you. The others might not be at the sleeping quarters but you doubted that your screams hadn't reached the main block.

Once you both felt calm enough to move, Hijikata carefully extracted himself from you, using his scarf to wipe off any semen that came leaking out of you. You laid your head on his clammy chest.

"I'd never cheat," you said blatantly.

Hijikata pushed a hand through your messy hair, staring up at the ceiling. "I know. I just... wish I could have been there for you. I know it's not fair, having to always put up with my work."

"You're here now." You turned your head to smile up at him and he returned it with one of his own rare ones. The kind that took your breath away and reminded you of how different he could be around you. "Won't the others be looking for you?"

"Let them," he sighed. "I've been long overdue for a day off anyway." There was a brief pause, as though he were thinking things over. "Can I take you out?"

Your heart skipped a beat, delighted that you both could finally spend quality time together. Not that mindless fucking wasn't fun but normal couple stuff had to come in somewhere.

You smoothed your hand over the skin on his chest, loving how only you were allowed to touch him this way. "Yeah, you can."

okay so here we go

gintama the very ultimate max climax final the movie with knuckles featuring dante from devil may cry

honestly i still cant believe its all over

no crying til its over

its over

i cant believe its over

.................................

as a movie though, i honestly am going to rank it lower than be forever yorozuya, not sorry

my first mistake was not using the bathroom right before it started, or even during the DBZ style recap because boy that ruined the whole experience for me (my bladder, not the recap, tho the recap went on for way too long and they didnt drop the Dragon Ball schtick when they could have. the use of the music was a nice touch tho)

i went in already knowing that most of the money shots will be going to the Gin, Takasugi and Zura group. i felt like they spent a little too long on the Shoyo and students scenes, which, yeah is necessary for people who havent watched gintama (but why would you watch this if you havent seen it)

in terms of quality i felt like the action scenes could have been a lot better. yeah they pumped up the money when it mattered (the gin vs “utsuro” fight) but for everyone else, ive seen better animation in even the ANIME then here

my first complaint was they cut out Otsuu’s dedicating her song to Shinpachi and singing about Prince of Tennis. clearly it wasnt important and they had to cut it out, but that was my mistake for reading the manga and having expectations

i dont remember how far i read into but i do remember the Tendoshu slicing Takasugi’s neck and that scene went way quicker than i remembered

also Whomst the Fuck was the Naraku guy Zura was fighting???? he was like “ah yes, so and so of the so and so” like OKAY sure

the yorozuya reuniting scene also didnt hit as much as i thought it would. gin getting shot out off sadaharu’s ass though, that was good. i dont know why they colored Gin’s TS robe SO DAMN GAUDY. like it didnt look bright as hell in the anime but they put in reds and shit in the Semi and the Final. thank god for putting him back in his old outfit. 

though on that note,  i feel like everyone getting a time skip look was wasted because they wanted to end the series with everyone looking back like their “iconic” preTS look. 

the gin vs “utsuro” fight was so good, it really reminded me of the kakashi vs obito fight, you know, THE ONE, and thats why it was so good, but there were THREE people in this fight (technically 4?) it was so good. that was a good way for takasugi to go. rip man. i went in thinking that if anyone was going to die, it would be him.

the way it was the yorozuya + shoyo sensei blowing up a thing really made me think of “The End” of the Kintoki arc. i kinda like how a lot of the scenes have been “foreshadowed” several times already. The TimeSlip/Wart arc giving hints to the later actual Time Skip, it was a filler but there was an ep when Gintama had to “prematurely end” and they kept showing Gin vs Takasugi and Takasugi’s theme playing and, it was literally how Gin vs “Utsuro” went

Shoyo interacting with the Yorozuya 😭😭😭😭😭 ive seen fanart of this and now its canon 

see me being giddy because my rare pair spoke lines to each other and breathed in the same scene

also, i cant believe theyre making me ship gin/////taka, right as the ship is literally sailing towards takasugi’s deathbed. id been trying NOT to when i was rewatching the last few episodes to get ready for the movie but oof. 

but i guess im also surprised they didnt add any hiji///////////gin scenes? or like, any notable scenes. maybe i missed it when i went to use the bathroom for like 2 minutes, rip, ah well, no skin off my bones. 

i did see that hiji////kyu though, what are you doing. (i forgot they have fought before, so I GUESS) not me once again being disappointed in kon//////////tae not happening. its never going to happen, thats fine

THE USE OF TAMA FOR A FAKE FUTURE TIMESKIP WAS SO GOOD. I LITERALLY WAS CRYING THINKING SHE WOULD NOT SEE THEM AGAIN. WAS IT ACTUALLY GIN/TAMA END GAME???? I WANT TO BELIEVE????????

immmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 the way the credit roll had references to all the endings ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

though the fact that they ended it on ginpachi sensei is very gintama-ani like but it makes it feel not as conclusive as it could have been

The First Move

AO3 Link

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Gintama.

@pwapuri here you go. ^_^

Chapter 2

“..does this look alright for the date?”

“..huh?”

“I think Hinowa went overboard, but she was very adamant about it all, so...”

Gintoki had noticed her step out of the shop entrance soon after he arrived. He had made sure to show up right on time, and now he was thanking the universe a thousandfold, because she looked beautiful beyond words. She wore a crimson kimono adorned with yellow swirls at the sleeves, and a yellow obi. Hinowa must’ve insisted on makeup, because the blush applied to the checks made her scars blend in effortlessly. The back of her hair was tied up in a bun, a completely different hairdo from her usual one. Her lavender eyes shone brighter than usual, and her outfit showed off her curves. Tsukuyo would turn heads with her usual getup, but today she was ethereal. Shocked beyond measure, he simply stood with his mouth wide open in the shape of an ‘o’.

Gintoki felt blessed.

“Yeah, you’re alright”

She fidgeted, looking hard at the ground, still unsure whether to move. He smiles, noticing her anxiety.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Tsukki. You look beautiful. And here I thought I finally looked dashing for once.”

Her face reddens even more, but she finally finds the courage to look up and see him. To her surprise, the silver idiot actually did dress up. He wore a dark blue kimono, with white patterns at the sleeves and the ends. A white scarf around the neck, and the bokuto at the side, with geta sandals replacing the usual black boots. He looked much better than the dead-eyed bored self he usually presented. A breath of fresh air.

“So you actually tidied up your appearance for once,” she chuckles, grinning.

He returns her smile. “Nice to see you dress up as well. Since you usually look ready to attend funerals, I expected to see the same old black everything.”

“Sorry to disappoint. Maybe next time, when I’ll decide to use real kunais on you.”

“You should know I don’t die easily.”

“Idiots do live long lives.”

He snorts, and starts walking. “Sure, Tsukki. Come on now, we don’t wanna miss the movie.” She catches up to him, walking by his side.

As they fade into the bustling Yoshiwara crowd, Hinowa watches from the balcony, smiling.

Tsukuyo, I’m so happy for you…

*

“How’d you hear about this place?”

“It’s Kabuki-cho. Everyone here knows the area inside out if they’ve been here long enough. You ask for ramen here, and you’ll always get redirected to Hokuto Shinken.”

Tsukuyo slurps the noodles, enjoying the burst of flavors in her mouth. “This has to be the best ramen I’ve ever had.”

Gintoki chuckles as he takes a sip of the broth. “That’s Ikumatsu for you.”

“How long has she been making ramen?”

“Honestly, I’ve seen her around since I moved to Kabukicho. She’s been at it for quite a while. This shop is her life. Used to run this place with her husband.”

“What happened to the husband?”

“Got murdered by the Jouishishi. The more extreme faction of the group. Dunno why.”

Tsukuyo ponders on what Gintoki said, while Gintoki resumes on finishing his ramen. Ikumatsu comes up to the table, bringing a jug of water and two glasses.

“And how’s the lovely couple doing tonight?” she asks, smirking at Gintoki as she places the water jug at the centre of the table.

“Doing all right so far,” Gintoki replies, taking the glass. “Thanks, Ikumatsu. We went to see the reboot of Aliens Vs Yakuza before coming here. Movie’s pretty overrated, if you ask me. Oh, also,” he gestures at Tsukuyo. “This is my girlfriend, Tsukuyo.” He grins as he notices her reddening face.

Ikumatsu bows. “Welcome, Tsukuyo-san, pleasure to meet you!” Tsukuyo bows as well.

“The pleasure’s all mine, Ikumatsu-san. I must say, your ramen’s amazing! I was just telling Gintoki how this was the best ramen I’ve ever had.”

Ikumatsu nods gratefully. “You’re far too kind, Tsukuyo-san. Thank you so much.” She turns towards Gintoki with a sly grin. “So, how’d you get to meet this lazy perm head?”

“Oi.”

“Uh..,” Tsukuyo stammers, not knowing where to begin. She looks at Gintoki, only to meet a deadpan stare.

“It’s a terribly long story,” he replies to Ikumatsu, shrugging. “The details will bore you.”

“Where did you two meet?”

“Yoshiwara.”

“Huh..” Ikumatsu’s eyes scream confusion, a shaky smile plastered on her face. Gintoki sighs, shaking his head.

“It’s not what you think it is, Ikumatsu. I went there because of a little boy who the Yorozuya was helping out, and she’s the leader of the law enforcement squad there. Circumstances happened and we met.”

“Hmm, that doesn’t really clear up much..” Ikumatsu ponders. “But hopefully it was, uh, love at first sight?” At this, both of their faces turn pink.

“Not really... she ended up skewering me and the guys with kunais...” Both of them look crestfallen.

“...”

“To be fair, they were fake,” Tsukuyo points out, her head up.

“...yeah,” Gintoki murmurs, head still down. “Had the fake blood system and all too...” Ikumatsu doesn’t know what to make of this conversation anymore.

“...perhaps I shouldn’t have asked too much..”

*

As they walk back to Hinowa’s shop in the narrow roads of Yoshiwara, Tsukuyo couldn’t help but look down and stare at her feet the whole time. She finally went on a date with the person she desired, and it all felt like a dream come true. She had to resist the urge to pinch herself every now and then to remind herself that it was all real. It had to be. Yet, she was frustrated at herself for acting like a shy high school girl, for not being able to be acclimated to this strange, wonderful situation. She couldn’t get herself to look up, or even be able to glance at the one beside her. It was awkward, and she wanted it to end.

Tsukuyo eventually musters up enough courage to look up and steal some glances at Gintoki, hoping to see the expression at his face as they walked on. She was shocked beyond measure to find him staring at her intently, a small warm smile adorning his face. Her embarrassment getting a hold of her once again, Tsukuyo blushes and resumes watching her feet.

“...you’ve been looking at me all this time?”, she enquires quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“All this time,” he replies back calmly.

Her blush reddens, her anxious fidgeting only increasing in frequency. Gintoki sighs, and gets closer to her as they keep walking. “Take your time, Tsukki. No one’s ever really completely comfortable in their first date.”

“Easy for you to say, permhead. You’ve been coasting on God knows what air headed confidence you’ve been possessed by.”

“Oh, believe me, Shinigami Tayu, I’m not coasting on my stupidity.”

“So you finally admit that you’re a moron.”

“You’re equally a moron for going out on a date with me then,” he snaps back quickly, and shushes her potential comeback. “Seriously, it’s none of that. It’s just..” he stares off at the horizon of the narrow streets, engrossed in thought.

“Just what?” Tsukuyo asks, her eyes questioning him.

Gintoki takes his time, finally breaking off the state to look at her, flashing her his trademark grin.

“I’ve finally found what I’ve been looking for.”

*

Hinowa greets them at the shop porch, eyes wide open, beaming from ear to ear.

“I’ve been expecting the both of you!” she exclaims, hugging the couple tightly, ignoring their awkward fidgeting. She grins, correctly guessing that the both of them aren’t used to this yet. “So, I wanna know. How’d it go?” she asks, looking expectantly at Gintoki. Gintoki grins, looking at Tsukuyo, who pouts and stares elsewhere.

“It was fun, Hinowa. A lot fun. Definitely enjoyed it, think Tsukki did too. Couldn’t really tell much cause she was really interested about looking at the ground for some stretches of time.”

Tsukuyo’s blush knows no bounds, yet she keeps a straight face. “Coming from the guy cowering in his seat at every 5 minutes of the movie cause he thought the aliens were ghosts, that’s saying something.”

“What ghosts?” he retorts back, trying to hide the chill in his spine at the mention. “Don’t spread blasphemy. If anything, you were clinging onto my arm, snot faced, begging for the gh-aliens to go away, yes, that’s it!”

“That was YOU, you spineless perm head!”

“Tsukki is a scaredy cat!” Gintoki sings, his face morphing into a mocking expression. Tsukuyo grits her teeth.

“All right, since I don’t have my kunais at the moment, guess who’s going home with a broken arm today!” She cracks her knuckles, and Gintoki immediately freezes, his face displaying utter fear.

“NO OK SORRY IT WAS M-AHHHHH!”

Gintoki desperately tries calming down a very hot headed Tsukuyo, who grabs him by the collar and lifts him up in the air, shaking him furiously. Hinowa’s smile only broadens, amused with what she was witnessing. It’s only been their first date, and they were already bickering like a married couple having one of the classic small disagreements. Albeit a very violent one at that.

“Fixed the marriage date yet?”

Both of them stand still on their tracks and look at Hinowa, Tsukuyo shocked at Hinowa’s ridiculous question, while Gintoki seemingly pondering. They both blurt out their answer at the same time.

“No!”

“A year?!”

Hinowa can’t help but start laughing out loud.

*

“You sure have time to kill.”

“Always,” he admits smugly, the trademark grin plastered on his face.

Tsukuyo sighs, smirking slightly.

It’s been weeks since the first date, and Tsukuyo couldn’t believe just how much of her life had changed since then. This had become the new normal for her now. The perm head really took the time to memorize her schedule, because he was always around whenever it was break time from work or just a rare day off. It helped that her subordinates have been trained so well that she could spend more time off the field conducting training or paperwork, which mean more free time for her. Free time that she could spend by hanging out with him, but to her surprise, he’d always have plans for her free time. Arranging visits to the cafe, or to the nearby park for a quick small picnic, or just a casual hangout at the street side tea shops. It didn’t matter. Gintoki always had something up his sleeve, something for the both of them to indulge on. She could get used to this.

Tsukuyo sips her coffee quietly while staring at wonder at her boyfriend, who had devoured two strawberry parfaits with ease, and was now slowly cherishing every small scoop of the last one, reveling in the sweetness of it all. She wonders just how this man, who has no qualms about risking his life protecting the ones he loves with every fiber of his being, who exudes honor and strength by the swing of his wooden sword, is reduced to a happy gluttonous child at the mere mention or sight of sweet goods. As she watches him happily gobble up scoop after scoop of the parfait, she understands how the man never hides what he is, despite a lot about him still being a mystery to her. Gintoki will never let go of sweets, just as he’ll never stop protecting and looking over his loved ones, even if he does it his own way. He’s amazing and irritating to the bone, and she knows all these things about him only reinforces her love for him. And now he’s willingly let her be a bigger part of his life, and she gladly welcomed his invasion into her own. She couldn’t be more thankful, even if she tried.

“You know,” Tsukuyo starts, and Gintoki’s eyes perks up. “You don’t have to come keep me company at my break times.”

He chuckles. “Silly woman. It’s not that I have to. I want to.”

“Why?”

“Why not? You are my girlfriend. It’s the least I can do to take your mind off of all the grueling work that you do.”

“...it’s just, it seems like quite a burden for you,” she looks away, flustered. “You travel back and forth over such long distances for one or two hours of this...”

He sighs, expecting something like this from Tsukuyo. Of course she’d think she was being a burden.

“Tsukki, look at me,” he soothed, as he reaches out and gently hold her hands, startling her. It works, as her lavender eyes meet his red ones.

“You’re not a burden to anyone, least of all me. I want to do this. I want to keep you company. I want to hang out with you. I want to be there for you.”

Tsukuyo’s mouth opens, surprised at his blunt honest speech. He grins, and doesn’t let go.

“Why? Cause I love you.”

*

To her surprise, she finds him waiting after she’s done training for the day, and gladly accepts his proposal to walk her back home. As they walk on, she notices his outstretched hand, and slides her own underneath his palm. They walk all the way back to Hinowa’s shop, stopping at the entrance.

Tsukuyo turns around to look at Gintoki and notices him slightly blushing, shoulders hunched.

“You alright?” she asks, wondering what was going on. He nods his head and then stands upright, seemingly having made up his mind.

“So I told my landlady about us, and the old hag is overjoyed,” he starts, “so overjoyed that she’s throwing a small party over the weekend to meet you and get to know you better. It’ll be in the weekend, whichever day you prefer. Just us, her and the kids. Catherine and Tama too, although I doubt you know them yet. You will soon though. You down for it?”

He stares at her, patiently waiting for her answer. She ponders over, but makes up her mind quickly.

“Yes.”

Lovers After Midnight

Strangers After Midnight

Nothing will make me happier than wearing sundresses indoors while blasting LDR on the speaks and sipping on Prosecco.

AO3 Link

PS: This fic is related to Behind Closed Doors

Warnings: drunk sex, clothed sex, Smelly Bastard Gin

Word Count: 2.2K

 Working at Shinsengumi was exhausting. There wasn’t a single day where you didn’t have nothing to do. Most of your days went with investigating the rebels and trying to locate them down to capture their leader, Katsura.

 At nights, no matter how much you wanted, you couldn’t leave the headquarters, nobody could unless it was related to work. Because of the new regulations vice commander came up with after the mission on the mountains, you were obligated to sleep in the Shinsengumi headquarters and you were on duty almost every day except Sundays.

 Everyone hated the new system but the vice commander said it was necessary to stay in the headquarters at night considering if the government wanted a quick response from the force when they called for help.

 In short, you had become a literal dog of the government, you had no social life or friends outside of work.

 The work was stressful enough but ever since you had started dating the Yorozuya’s boss, you have been having it extra difficult to have time for yourself. Nowadays, you couldn’t slack off from work to see Gintoki so you always spend Sundays with him whenever you could.

 He often complained about your new work schedule and kept insisting on you letting him sneak into your room at night so you two could be alone together. But you refused his wishes since if the vice commander were to spot him in the headquarters, both of you would be in trouble for real this time.

 Considering how busy your new schedule was, a Friday night out with your friends was all you needed after working non-stop for months now. Today was important because it was your first day off from Shinsengumi in months and you had been yearning to see your friends for so long.

 You were catching up with your best friend in the bathroom as your friend’s boyfriend was buying drinks for everyone.

 “Let me see it!” you clung to your friend’s wrist to look at the bracelet she got from her boyfriend. She showed it off with a big smile on her face, as expected it was an expensive piece. With a sigh, you retrieved your hand.

 “Jealous?” Your friend was the only person who knew about your relationship with the useless and unemployed samurai boyfriend. She knew that Gintoki wouldn’t be able to afford anything her boyfriend bought her.

 “Yes,” you giggled, fixing your hair as you talked, “but not jealous of the bracelet. I wish Gin was here.”

 Your friend patted on your back, grinning from ear to ear. “Break up with that guy.”

 “You’re so supportive, thanks!” You pushed her hand away. “It’s not funny, I haven’t seen him in so long.”

 After a moment of silence, she changed the subject. “How’s it living with over a dozen men in a compound?”

 You fidgeted your fingers while she fixed her dress. “You see, they’re all very friendly but the vice commander is so brutal.”

 Her expression changed, “Hijikata?” she spoke while laughing. “He’s so damn handsome, it cancels out every bad thing he does.”

 “Ah, well… he’s handsome but he won’t let my boyfriend see me or let me go out to see him even for five minutes.”

 “Well, dump him then.” Your friend wasn’t surprised. “Sakata didn’t join us because of what? His terrorist friend is in town? He’s useless, he’s not worth your time.”

 “You’re so mean,” you pouted, crossing your arms over your chest.

 It wasn’t Gintoki’s fault he couldn’t be here. If only Katsura wasn’t injured, surely he would have joined you to have fun with your friends.

 (But then why had you heard from Otae that Gintoki’s old friends were at his place and how they were planning to hang out?)

 “That’s just the truth,” she murmured.  “And won’t his terrorist friends get you in trouble? You could lose your job if your boss found out about how close you are with his friends and all.”

 You didn’t answer her because she was right. If someone found out about your connections to the enemy, you would have to commit seppuku.

 Five rounds of drinks were all you needed to forget about everything though. Your friend and her boyfriend were already dancing on the dance floor together. You had promised to join them once you were done with your drink but somehow with each sip you took from your drink, you wanted to go home.

 It was a first. You had never wanted to go home this early before, you weren’t sure if it was because of how tired you were or your friend’s harsh comments about your boyfriend but you weren’t having fun.

 This night out was supposed to help you loosen up and enjoy yourself yet you weren’t even enjoying your drink.

 Decidedly, you went home once your friends returned to the booth you were sitting in.

 The street was mostly empty, and it was freezing cold, you had planned on walking back but as cold the weather was, it was better to take a cab. So you frantically waved your arm to hail a taxi off the empty city street. Slowly a yellow taxi cab rolled to a stop and you sunk in.

 “Where to, ma’am?” came a suave voice. You rubbed your temples, “Uh, to…” you tried to remember. “Yorozu-” you stopped yourself from finishing the sentence. Gintoki was with his own friends tonight, you didn’t want to disturb him. “Shinsengumi headquarters.”

 He hummed in acknowledgment as the car rolled forward. Not more than five minutes, you were in front of the main entrance. You took out your purse, paid the cab driver and thanked him before going inside, trying to look sober to tonight’s guards by the door.

 You laughed to yourself once they let you in. Kicking off your shoes, you stumbled around until you made it to the main building’s hall.

 Swinging around and trying to be quiet, you walked down the hall, making your way to your room.

 Cheerful voices coming from the meeting room echoed through the hall. Now, you had to be extra careful to not make a noise. If you were caught sneaking around, those who were partying in the meeting room would drag you in to join them. And although you enjoyed partying with them, you didn’t want to ruin the mood with your current problems.

 Your stomach wouldn’t stop growling and rumbling, aching to have something to digest, other than the alcohol you’ve been drinking. Your head started spinning, you had to get to your room before you passed out in the hall.

 Sliding open the door to your room felt so refreshing and promising since your head spinning had worsened from when it first started. Walking carefully, you tried to find the light switch in the pitch dark of your room. Finally, with a soft click, you turned on the lights.

 A surprised gasp left your lips when you saw your futon that was supposed to be in your closet, prepared on the floor with someone sleeping in it. With the silver fluffy curly hair sticking out from under the sheets, it was easy to tell who it was.

 “Gintoki?” you called out.

 He didn’t respond.

 You walked over to him, crouching down and pulling the blanket down. He was asleep.

 You had no idea how he snuck inside or why he was here. But he had to go back. Gintoki being here meant trouble for both of you.

 “Ugh,” you grimaced, he reeked of alcohol and tobacco. Although you didn’t smell any better, Gintoki smelled nastier than usual. After covering your mouth with your hand you shook him. “Gintoki, you need to go home.”

 He suddenly pulled you in his arms. You squeaked in surprise but kept it quiet when you remembered how thin the walls were.

 “You’re not even happy I’m here, what kinda bullshit girlfriend are ya?” So, he was faking to be asleep just to play around.

 “I’m happy to see you but you can’t be here.” you struggled in his strong arms, argh he was too strong. “And I need to take a bath. I reek of sweat and alcohol.”

 Gintoki laced his fingers with yours and quickly took you under him, slamming your hands down to the futon over your head.

 You gasped softly when he buried his face to the crook of your neck. “You smell good to me,” he brushed his lips against your pulse point.

 “Stop sniffing me!” you snarled at him nervously. “Now, get off me. Someone could find out you’re here-”

 Gintoki clicked his tongue. “Honestly, don’t you think it’s more exciting that way?” he asked. Then he pulled himself back to watch your reactions.

 Finally getting a good look at him you noticed that he was wearing the Shinsengumi uniform. Not the one you wore. It looked more like the-

 “Vice commander’s uniform?”

 “Ah, this?” Gintoki smirked. “It looks much better on me, right? I thought we could roleplay as the commander and his underling who needs to let him fuck her to keep her position as-”

 “That’s too specific!” you snapped. “Hijikata will kill us, you have to take it off!”

 Gintoki’s smirk grew wider, “Oh? So you want me to strip?”

 You made a small noise of embarrassment, which was all Gintoki was looking for to continue.

 “Gotcha!” He let go of your hands, leaning over you to peck on your lips. He used a hand to pull you closer and fondled your tits over your shirt with the other. You arched your back, wrapping your arms around his neck almost immediately.

 He pushed his tongue inside to part your lips. Luckily he didn’t waste too much time kissing you on the lips. His hands moved south, one hand groping your ass and the other decidedly going inside your shirt.

 “I’ve missed you,” he whispered, earning a silent chuckle from you. “Did you miss me too?” he moaned into your ear as his fingers teased your nipples, hoping to get some cute moans from you.

 When that didn’t work, Gintoki pressed his growing bulge to your groin, rubbing himself shamelessly onto you.

 “Gin, it hurts,” you whispered. The pants’ fabric was too rough, the friction gave him pleasure but possible skin rashes to you.

 “It hurts,” you told him again, trying to politely suggest that he should stop but he chuckled and started humping you more roughly.

 His cock underneath his pants was hard enough for you to be able to feel it throbbing against your clothed sex.

 “Asshole.” No matter how thick the fabric of the pants was, you had managed to soak it up with your own juices. You lifted your hips to show him exactly where you wanted him to grind on.

 “I can’t hear you,” he laughed. Given the new position with you lifting your hips up for him, it was easier for him to grind you down onto the futon with a little too much force.

 “It fucking hurts dumbass!”

 Gintoki covered your mouth with his hand. “Too much.” he whispered, “You’re letting your voice out, someone will hear.” He kept the fast pace going, though. “Or could it be that you want that guy to find us again?”

 You gasped to his hand covering your mouth with Hijikata’s image coming into your mind and Gintoki responded with a long, pleased hum. “You do?”

 Shaking your head, you spread your legs wider. It felt good, his thrusts and the friction of the fabrics now felt amazingly good, weird, it could be because of you remembering what had happened in the mountains.

 Gintoki let out a low hiss. His hips started to move more jerkily and his pace faltered entirely. He pressed himself onto your clothed pussy as hard as he could before his entire body stiffened.  

 You tried to ignore the feeling of the warm yet sticky wetness soaking up your pants along with his own. From the way, he grinned you could tell he was unbothered by the fact that he came inside the pants. Hopefully, he’ll wash them and leave them to dry so vice commander wouldn’t notice-

 He threw himself to your side, closing his eyes as if he was about to fall asleep.

 Or not.

 “You’re hopeless,” you sighed.

 “I love you too!” He wrapped an arm around you to pull you closer. “We should do this often. Next time you should come to my place in your uniform and we’ll roleplay as the anti-foreigner rebel and Shinsengumi-”

 “What’s up with the oddly specific roleplays?” you laughed. The stickiness and the ugly stench were unbearable but you chose to ignore it as you snuggled up to Gintoki. “Did you pick that up from Sougo?” you asked since Okita used to ask you extremely specific questions like this.

 “Soichiro? No?” Gintoki pressed a kiss on your lips, still trying to catch his breath. “It’s definitely Soichiro who’s copying me.”

 “It’s Sougo,” you corrected with a giggle. “Ah, I’ve missed you.” Unable to keep your eyes open, you put your head on his chest. “Goodnight.”

 Gintoki smiled to himself, you were efficiently telling him to stay.

 “Goodnight.”

Gintama seems to be coming to a close, what do you think of how things are going Aero?

Ooof – good question… I’m enjoying the journey. Like, anyone that has been following for any extended period of time knows that I don’t feed into negativity and I don’t hate on anything. Sorachi is writing an interesting story, the proof of that is that I’m still reading it and following it even though it has changed platforms twice now. I’m going to put some things underneath the cut, so spoiler alert to anyone that isn’t caught up!

For me, personally, the Utsuro/Shouyou thing ran its course a long time ago and what’s happening with Takasugi came as no surprise, I suspected something of this nature as soon as the whole blood thing came about. I don’t mind the way Sorachi is writing the story, I’m just less emotional over it all than I used to be. I obviously still love it, don’t get me wrong! 

Being completely honest, I think the reason the way the ending is going right now is missing the mark with me slightly because of Be Forever Yorozuya. That movie script was written by Sorachi as kind of a “quick fix” to end Gintama. He created it because the anime was coming to an end at that time and so he made something to kind of quickly wrap a lot of things up that would also somewhat mirror the true ending he had planned at that time. The whole thing was so well written and beautiful. Time travel is usually a huge mistake in media because it leaves too many holes and while there were still holes in Be Forever Yorozuya, they were minuscule enough to be overlooked. The younger Joui coming to save the day, young Joui Gintoki seeing such a bright future for himself, Gintoki willing to go back in time to kill himself to save people, everyone going after him and showing him how much he’s loved and pounding into his head that the future wouldn’t be right without him, etc etc etc. There are a lot of things missing in the movie, like Kamui’s storyline ((which really fell flat to me after so much buildup)), and Takasugi’s whole thing, but what I’m getting at is that had the concept of the movie been extended to deal with all the things leftover in the manga, that would have created something so badass. 

I guess what I’m saying here is that Be Forever Yorozuya was so fucking good and well thought out, that the things happening in the manga right now are being overshadowed by it in my mind. That movie was so mind blowing and emotional that I expected this true ending to be even more so, but it’s falling short. It’s not bad, I can’t reiterate that enough because I’m still enjoying it, but there are several elements that have me tilting my head wondering why Sorachi went that route ((for example, Kamui and Takasugi’s conclusions to their arcs honestly baffles me for how anticlimactic they were after so long)). I still trust Sorachi though and I’ll continue to support him until the end. 

Gintama Chapter 699 Review

After 10,000 years, this series is free. It’s time to conquer Earth! But seriously, it felt like it has been years since we last have a new Gintama chapter. The last one wasn’t truly the final chapter, but only final to be released in Weekly Shounen Jump. Today, Sorachi is on a mission to finish the series for good with a proper sendoff. What way to make a comeback than delivering a chapter that define Gintama perfectly; hysterical parody, emotional driven characters, and action-packed ride with a gut-wrenching cliffhanger.

By the time you see the color spread, you’ll know we’re off with a great start with Silver Ball Z. It’s remarkable how accurate Sorachi captured the visual work of Toriyama. From the character’s angle to design, it’s well deserved achievement to capture the sensation. Kondo didn’t need alteration though; he’s already a gorilla, so only the style has changed. To make the parody even better, the good portion of the beginning is a recap done in Dragon Ball style.

This is one of the best “previously on” segment that I have ever seen. It’s quite brilliant to take advantage of switching from one magazine to another and start off with a recap to remind the fans what happened while have a good laugh. It’s not only the artstyle that has changed, but even the narration reflects the same way how Dragon Ball has done in the past. All it was missing was the soundtrack. It is gold, or silver, however you want to call this moment. I laughed so hard at Katsura designed as Yamucha, and Takasugi designed as Vegeta. Strangely enough, it captured their character too well. Before the chapter truly begins, Katsura strikes Gintoki with Wolf Fang Fist.

The comedy doesn’t focus only on Dragon Ball parody, but also on Sorachi himself. Apparently, because of more time and switch to Jump Giga, Sorachi is now putting effort to his work with great quality of art, even if it does resort to Dragon Ball. Oddly enough, this seems to be low-key true to other Mangaka, but I digress. Hilarious that Katsura buries Yamucha by calling it a loser role. Rest in Peace, Yamucha. The best part is the ending of the parody. I seriously think Sorachi believes all of it.

Now that Gintama is in another magazine, Gintoki has nothing to worry about. No more worries about One Piece overshadowing him and no more worries about the rising suns that are Black Clover, My Hero Academia, and Haikyuu!!! to overshadow him. He can now overrun the world of Jump Giga, starting with Akira Toriyama’s power. So much so, he pulls the exact same ending shot from Dragon Ball. That is pure gold. Could you imagine if the series did end the same way? We’re going to need Gintama Super then. Takasugi brings the scene back to reality with Galick Gun. Oh how I missed this series.

He does have a point though. If there were silver balls, why bother planning this ambush in the first place? There wouldn’t be any need to sacrifice and nothing will be at stake. Well, thank goodness, it doesn’t exist. We can’t ruin the excitement now. Of course, what Sorachi does best is to segue to a more serious matter from a gag. It’s true with silver balls, life would be much easier on them, but Takasugi has no regrets. He’s thankful that they made it this far with their own hands; no tricks, no magic, just pure talent. All thanks to Shouyo. This is the type of writing I missed from this series. From there on, it’s all action-packed with many things to offer.

I assume with all the time Sorachi has with Jump Giga, he has enough energy to add plenty of details and sequences to the action scenes without wasting so much spaces. Unlike Boruto, it uses the panels wisely for tension and suspense. It’s why the action starts with a bang, literally and figuratively. It’s the Disciples against the cult followers. That panel with all three kicking asses while feeling the excitement is great. Thankfully, it’s not all of the story that was being told here.

Although they reached to the Altana Terminal, the ship that crashed is absorbing the altana. That means Shouyo’s body is absorbing it and soon, Tendoshu will gain a new way for their immortality plan. This does raise the tension higher, now that we establish that they’re on a ticking time bomb. They have to rush all the way up there and when you look at the scene, it’s incredibly difficult. It’s baffling how much people truly desired for immortality this badly. That’s where we receive a really heartfelt moment during the heated action.

While the action goes on as it becomes intense, Katsura begins a heartfelt speech that is shared with others that ties in the morale of immortality and cherish the life you’re given. Even if they were to die, he will have no regrets. It’s hard to say if their reunion was joy or sorrow, but it’s certain if one outlives another, it would be impossible to find another person like them. They have ups and downs, trying to kill each other. Despite all of the troubles, their bonds can’t be severed. It’s the bond that’s worth limiting to. Honestly, I can’t do it justice without the mention of its sequences.

The reason why this was so heartfelt isn’t just because we know their friendship is truly one of the kind or how well-written the dialogue is. It’s the action set piece that drives the emotion home with great sincerity. Not only it was entertaining, but you can grasp the words’ meaning at its best, leaving you feeling really good and emotional. It has great effective use of the flashback panels and the focus view to leave a strong impact. Like how Takasugi holds Gintoki’s hand to show the comradery, the unbroken friendship. It’s so damn good to see this series back again.

Gintoki can relate to the followers on one thing: not wanting to die. He can understand their wishes because he too wants to live long and enjoy the sensation with his friends. The others have their own wish to meet Shouyo. They want to vent out their frustration, but they may never know how much of a beating they will give until they feel satisfied. Not even eternity would do. Those panel shots with all of them enjoying are sublime. That’s how you do friendship. Those three are the best. The one major downside is the old friend of mine: darkness and it raised death flags.

Katsura spots a rocket launcher and push everyone back to dodge. Only he takes the damage from the impact, weakened enough to slow them down. They then gets trapped by both sides of their pathway, which seems like the end for them. While I didn’t think of that, I was a bit worried on what’s about to happen with Katsura injured. Anything goes and that’s what happens next. The explosions erupt from the wall, essentially saving the three from their certain doom. That’s where the other best part of the series comes in: the characters.

It was clear that it was too much for the three to handle all of the enemy alone, which is why it’s a great time to bring back all other characters to the fray. I like how Shinseigumi orders them to comply and if they don’t, then more power to them, because they would love to show their power. It’s not just them, it’s every character that has been around for a long time. It’s like witnessing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Gintama Edition; everyone is here! All it was missing was that theme song from Be Yorozuya Forever. Book it, anime staff!

What makes the scenario even better is how they are reflecting the long grueling journey after being ruled by Amanto for 20 years. They went through hell many times, but the result is paying off greatly. After the war, it made them stronger than ever. It’s no wonder earlier in the arc, it emphasized the growth of the Samurai. No more they will feel fear from them; it’s time to take Earth back. It’s a message that reads, “It’s been a long journey for your favorite characters, but they learn and grow, and when they show the result, the journey ends.” It’s already building for the closure that we have been waiting for.

You can’t do this justice without the beloved main characters. Just when Otae blocks the attack, which by the way is the same shot from the anime preview back in Jump Festa, the two come to save the day. Most importantly, after for so long, they can finally say, “Welcome to the country of Samurai.” The monthly release schedule really pays off for the quality panels like the one with Shinpachi and Kagura. So great to see them again. I got to remind myself how heroine is treated as well as a main character that doesn’t overshadow the protagonist. Yorozuya’s reunion is so close. I can almost taste it.

Characters aren’t great without amusing interactions. Matsudaira and Kondo are cooperating from sky and ground, like the good old time. Despite their political differences, mainly on the marriage, they are great friends. No matter what timeline they’re in, it will always be the Era of Samurai. Hijikata and Sougo work alongside with Shinpachi and Kagura, while she rubs in that Yorozuya is better than Shinseigumi as Sougo denies that claim. Some things never change, but that’s the way we like them.

There is an interesting development regarding with Utsuro. Tendoshu are in the process of gathering the Altana, but they are on the verge of losing their cult. The head leader however is fine with the way things are going. Shouyo’s body is slowly gaining a new heart. That will leave his disciples carrying a spare that wouldn’t destroy Tendoshu’s plan. Now the question comes in: why would the head leader needs to revive Shouyo completely? That’s where things get twisted.

If you have watched the preview from Jump Festa, there was a very strange scene with Utsuro mixed with Tendoshu’s body. It turns out that was true and not only true, but Utsuro has stolen their will. All this time, the plan isn’t for the sake of immortality, but instead, to revive Utsuro under his will. It makes sense considering that they consumed so much blood that they just so happen to control it like it belongs to them. The blood is like a virus, soon it will overpower you and a new mind will be inserted; case in point, Utsuro’s. In short, he has returned. This begs the question. Will Shouyo return as Utsuro with a new heart? It’s quite freaky to see three Utsuros in one setting.

The elevator scene is like a checkpoint for Gintoki and others to cool down and talk for a moment. Katsura does the talking while the other two stay quiet. It’s due to what Katsura said about their people and friends; everyone has grown stronger. They aren’t weak to ask them for a favor, rather fighting to help them. You can say they grew accustomed to be the one helping, not vice versa. Jumping ahead for a bit, Takasugi asks Gintoki for the heart; influenced by Katsura’s words, but not really all bright. They have enemies waiting for them, essentially, this scene become calm before storm.

Shinpachi and Kagura are assisted by Kyuubei and her clan, preventing reinforcements to barge through. It is the series’ way to have certain character to say their words or blessing, starting with her. She wishes to fool around a little longer with Gintoki and others like the good old days. She would be happy if they ruin her marriage interview. How charming.

In the midst of tensed action scene with Gintoki and others at the elevator lobby, Tsukuyo and others fight off the reinforcements to open path for Yorozuya. She gets shot through her leg. Damn. Luckily, Sacchan and Zenzou are there to back her up. Interesting though fitting for Sacchan to encourage Tsukuyo to not to die, unless she is with her lover. Strange use of context about the crotch spot, but the meaning holds the significant value. She’s not planning to die; she will live to see Gintoki again. Sorachi sure knows how to please the pairing fans; I’ll take it. I like Zenzou’s words for him as well. If he doesn’t return, then say goodbye to Jump issues. That’s funny yet heartwarming.

It’s hard to review the segment with great justice with its transition between Gintoki and his friends. It’s worth mentioning because how the scenes greatly complements the segment about what Gintoki has lost and gain. Takasugi wants the heart because he wants him to enjoy the life he can still take back. While that is seriously nice of him, Gintoki’s response is even nicer. He is fine with the way things are, because he doesn’t need to take it back. He got everything there. That includes Takasugi; when they fought alongside, when they fought against each other. That’s Gintoki’s reason to be there; never to lose anything. God, I’m going to miss this series.

The ending is crazy, especially the cliffhanger. Just when we got a teary sentimental scene, shit hits the fan when the explosion erupted by the lobby door. Damn you, Michael Bay! The heart slips out and Katsura is the only guy that can grab it. I was struck when his hand almost reaches it, only to get stabbed by the staff. Damn, that looks bad. Hitsugi sends him down crashing. I don’t know where they landed, but if they are fine more or less, I sense a new battle.

The intensity doesn’t stop as Gintoki trying to hold on the rope, which is ripping his skin. Cringe. Takasugi has to make an opening for them to land, so he jumps towards the door and breaks it, badass style. Wow, that was close. That elevator breakout scene was so damn good. Another scene from Jump Festa happens with Takasugi holding his hand out for Gintoki to grab onto. A couple of panels are used for heartfelt friendship scene as well as tension. It’s all fine and well, until Takasugi’s hand weakens. Tendoshu stabbed him with a sword. That’s where the chapter ends. Dammit, Gorilla…

I know Takasugi is semi-immortal, but the fact is he’s running out of time. If anything, this lessen the time even further. For all we know, this could be his last extra life, so if he were to die again, that’s it. Not to mention, it’s Tendoshu or Utsuro behind him, so the battle will be tough for him, even if not killed. This chapter has set up a death flag for each disciple, one in which has the highest. That’s Takasugi. Will he die here? I honestly don’t know.

This chapter was long but that’s expected for a month worth of content. With that said this was a hell of a return. There was a hilarious parody that this series is known for. There were tons of great action with plenty of fun moments. Characters were stellar as usual with believable motivations and relationships. The art is very solid, worth taking a time off. The ending was jarring with a cliffhanger that can make a person skip a heartbeat. It’s Gintama. I don’t know how many chapter we have left, but I will savor this as long as I can. The next chapter can’t come any sooner.

Gintama manga chap 699

~

Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,

During the last three and a half months where the world was without any new Gintama—which frankly felt like three and a half years—I tried filling every single day with some amount of Gintama so that I wouldn’t miss not having new Gintama as much, but in the end, nothing can beat the excitement and anticipation of looking forward to a new Gintama chapter and nothing can compare to the sense of satisfaction and relief of finally being able to feast my eyes on some new Gintama. I can only imagine this might be what drug addicts feel like when they finally attain their high.  I don’t even want to think about the severe withdrawal I’m undoubtedly going to suffer a couple months from now...or whenever the third issue of Jump Giga comes out in this current run. But I should stop thinking of the potential dreary future and focus on the fact that there is a new chapter of Gintama right now, at last; all is right with the world again.

I was wondering how you would start Gintama’s new life in Jump Giga and one of the scenarios that crossed my mind was that you would probably start chapter 699 with a totally irrelevant parody of some type, probably Star Wars related, just so you could tease and torture us a bit before actually delving back into the meat of the story, so I was quite delighted when you did just that. Except I did get two things wrong about the parody: it’s not Star Wars related and it’s actually quite relevant since it provides a very helpful recap to the events leading up to the gang’s current situation inside the Seibouists’ ship. And while I probably couldn’t appreciate the Dragon Ball Z homage as thoroughly as actual fans of the series did, I did find the parody completely amusing, especially when you had baby UtsuShou riding on top of Gintoki (yes, obviously, I have no idea what that was in reference to, but I’m assuming it’s something integral in DBZ...I just thought it was hilariously adorable).  

There was so much Joui love in this chapter; my overfilled heart was in danger of bursting. What was especially touching was how much they obviously wanted to meet up with their teacher again; it was as if they were little kids again, yearning to reunite with their beloved parent/mentor so that they can tell him everything that has gone on in their lives. I really do hope we get the opportunity for them to have that moment, even if it could only last a page or two. After all they’ve been through, it would just be so beautiful and heartwarming if they could stand before the form of Shouyou-sensei again and just tell him how much he meant to them and how much they miss him. Just imagining such a scenario right now is already filling my eyes with tears. I know it’s on the sappy side, but haven’t they earned this sappiness, if even for just a few minutes? And while I’m at it, I also hope they will get one group hug between the three of them. I mean, even though there were enough hand-holding moments to make my heart melt into a puddle of goo, I still want to be greedy and ask for a real hug between the three Joui boys. I know it might be a little out of character for them...especially for someone like Takasugi who would probably kill Gintoki right after for touching him in such a sentimental way...but I really want to see that so bad even though I will most likely cry so hard that I would probably pass out afterward.  

And while I’m talking about hugs,  Sorachi-sama, please, have mercy, let our Yorozuya actually reunite in the next chapter? They’re SO CLOSE that I’m beginning to feel the lack of a reunion like a physical pain. I know this was already a longer chapter than usual, but it actually flew by so quickly, and I found myself rather disappointed when by the end, we didn’t even get the three of them in the same room at the very least. I know I should be grateful that they’re at least nearby, just like I’m grateful that the Shinsengumi boys (translation: Hijikata) is also getting closer to Gintoki, but the fact that Gin-chan, Shinpachi and Kagura didn’t get to actually see each other still made the distance between them seem way too far.  

A big part of why the chapter felt shorter than its 53 pages is because everyone was rushing to reach their goal: the Joui boys to Baby UtsuShou, everyone else to Gintoki.  I loved the frenetic energy that you maintained through each page, I rarely had a chance to catch my breath as we jumped from one frenetic scenario to another. It felt like we were back in the days of the Liberation Army war, where danger and life-threatening moments were happening around each corner and there is really no chance for a break. But I do hope you give us a break eventually...as much as I love the action-filled moments, I love the quiet moments of Gintama as well, sometimes even more because of the emotions they usually conjure up, so I hope we would be afforded the opportunity to experience such precious moments soon...if not in the next chapter then hopefully the one after that.  

I know it might seem like I’m harping a lot on what I hope to see in the future chapters but that’s because I feel like all the events within this chapter were a sort of set up to what will come next. Of course the revelation that Utsuro had taken over the control of the Tendoshuu old farts was indeed chilling, but I can’t say it was entirely shocking since I think you even hinted at that many, many chapters ago when you showed us a bunch of Utsuros making up the Naraku in the past. At the time I was confused and wondered why there looked to be clones of Utsuro, and eventually figured you probably just meant it as a figurative representation, but I guess with this newest development you might have actually meant it literally. I hope your intent is to eventually have everyone fighting a Utsuro in a collective effort to defeat every part of him completely, because THAT would actually be a supremely cool and amazing.

As for Takasugi’s injury, honestly, I’m not too worried about him. That doesn’t even look to be a mortal wound and I am assuming he still has enough of Oboro in him to at least survive it. At most he’ll probably just end up with an unsightly scar there, but I have confidence he will live through that. He’s been hurt worse.  

Other than that, there were a couple of touching moments amongst Kyuubei, Tsukuyo, Sacchan, and Zenzou where they pretty much declared their affection for Gintoki that I definitely appreciated, but what I found the most touching of all was actually Gin-chan's confession of love almost for Takasugi, when he admitted to him that he found what he finally regained what he had lost in the past and his memories were composed entirely of Takasugi. Not to mention the moment was further punctuated by the joining of their hands. My shipper heart was stirred, even if they are not my coupling of choice.  Even though I don’t believe Takasugi would die in the next chapter, especially since Matako and Henpeita are nowhere to be seen, to play devil’s advocate, if he were to, at least all his emotional loose ends with his two childhood friends would have been neatly tied up and he should have no regrets about anything anymore. Not to mention, at least then hopefully in the afterlife, he would be able to reunite with Bansai.  Again, I don’t wish for his death at all nor do I think it would happen, but I guess what I’m saying is that, I would also be able to understand and more easily accept it.  

Since my understanding of Jump Giga is that it is released in an irregular schedule, I don’t know when you will bless us with the next chapter of Gintama, but as usually, I hope the rumors/intention of it ending in the next two issues will not come true. My hope is that now that you’re not subjected to a weekly deadline grind, you would be able to enjoy life more and become re-inspired so that you will find a way to continue Gintama even though we will only get it like six times a year, or however many volumes of Jump Giga are produced. I don’t know how you can be sufficiently compensated for such a relaxed release schedule or if you could even live off of that since the monetary returns are probably much less than if Gintama were released on a weekly basis, but I can only hope that things work out somehow so that you benefit from having Gintama continue to run in Jump Giga for many more years to come while we also benefit from continuing to have Gintama in our lives. I can only wish for the best and humbly ask that my Gintama prayers continue to be answered. Thank you for everything, Sorachi-sama.

Yours truly,

A silly fangirl with Gintama dreams

(^3^)

Shower Realisation

Sometimes, what makes you realise love is not your heart nor your brain. Okita realised it now, after seeing Kagura, after two long years of longing and waiting. However, this girl was clueless as always, perhaps this small accident under the shower would help?

Okita was slightly disappointed when he had to go and ask Mutsu for this favour; because apparently, the Chinese female wouldn't deign to come back properly. Even though it had been well past two years since he last saw her, he still remembered their promise very well. She couldn't lose to anyone but him, and he would protect Edo when the Shinsengumi are away.

Which is why, after their fight with Utsuro, that girl decided to run off to space for her stupid mutt and left him without words. Even back then, had he not gone to find her at the bridge they would be without farewell and while they weren't really known as friends he thought she'd be smarter than that. Their rivalry mattered, perhaps even more than he wanted to admit and it was too late to regret the fact he cared for this idiot. He was without her for two years and his body was dull, life was so damn boring when she wasn't there to prank on. He realised that China had become part of his life, without her it wouldn't be the same. And after two years he was even sure that he couldn't bear that.

He sounded like a hopeless romantic. He seriously wanted to puke, and he was going to— maybe on her when she decides to return home.

Because Edo was her home. Not any other planet, nor space and the universe. She had a whole lot of family, friends and idiots to welcome her and she was late. So, as a good friend he brought her back.

Even something this simple, the redhead couldn't do. When he saw the child-figure instead of his favourite rival he bit back his anger, that girl had always been so shameless and confident— why would she change that while growing up? She certainly had become shy with time, refusing to come back as 'Kagura' but instead lying to everyone's faces that she was her daughter.

Ha, as if that gorilla could get knocked up. As if she could, Okita was irritated. He never liked complicated stuff. This was partly why he got along with China: she was simple and frank, she didn't beat around the bush.

So he wasn't going to, either.

Shinpachi looked at him like he was a madman but Okita didn't care, he lunged at this brat who was being even more idiotic than usual today. He gave her plenty of chances to admit her wrongdoings; asked her who was the dad and if it were the boss (blegh). He even went as far as leaving his pride and talked honestly to her; he missed her. He cared for her. Their relationship mattered.

Was this gorilla of a female still as clueless as back then? She acted like he didn't say anything important and still refused to show herself, so he went to the next step and injured a little bit Shinpachi. It was then that she appeared, finally.

He would be lying if he didn't say he wasn't expecting something. That girl had become sixteen, a fully fledged woman for them and he was twenty, a fully fledged man. The hormones may be striking, but for the first time he found a female striking besides his sister. Mitsuba was a loving woman, elegant, poised and soft-spoken and being his sister automatically made her someone he'd respect.

China, on the other hand, was different.

"That girl is finally back," he mumbled to himself with a grin he couldn't stop from stretching all over his face. Her face had become a lot sharper than back then, losing all its baby fat, and so were her eyes. Blue as ever. He was almost sad upon noticing how tall she was now, reaching beyond his shoulders. Here he thought he grew tall enough so she wouldn't call him a chihuahua anymore.

Then her kick came, right into his stomach. Her strength had grown as well, but he didn't it coming.

Why the hell did she wear such… skin-showing clothes? He got it. She was a fighter and needed comfortable clothes to kick asses but why was her short so short?

"Bugh!" He was sent into a wall. His back was hurting. No, his whole body was aching but his brain was certainly melting.

Upon kicking him, Kagura had revealed milky white legs, toned and deliciously smooth to him and he couldn't help but stare a bit. He was a healthy young man of twenty years, after all.

That girl— or rather, woman, had grown some assets after all. She properly looked like a female, not that he didn't acknowledge it before but her younger-self wasn't exactly raised by women and had very wrong ideas as to how to show her femininity.

He glanced back at Shinpachi, almost relieved that the forever-virgin boy had not stared indecently at her like he did. Then, almost with a laugh, he said that their 'beloved brat' had come back, not before he personally welcomed her before of course.

Though, she was anything but a brat now.

Because both of them were in the search of the boss, Okita decided to not say anything unrelated. His purpose was not only to get China but also bring the Yorozuya together so they, the Shinsengumi, would be able to fight by their side again. Him, by her side.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° )

It was late at night, they were staying at the Yorozuya as China had nowhere to stay at, and him too. At least, that was what he told her and she didn't think more of his words. For a young woman she wasn't exactly careful, he frowned, didn't he realise that she was spending the whole night with a man? Or did she not see him as a man? The latter was very likely; even though he had known since the start that China was a girl and considered her as such, she never acted like he was a proper male. Perhaps it was the time for her to learn.

Suddenly, mental images invaded his brain. Some quite indecent, at that, and Okita groaned as he never had to fight those urges before. There were a lot of time where the Shinsengumi members would venture to Yoshiwara, as they couldn't bring females to compounds the crew would have some fun with courtesans. He sometimes followed, curious or bored, but never found the need to do it in the end. He'd stop at making them bark like dogs.

Kagura, who was sitting not far from him on the couch closed in the distance and hit his head. Hard.

"What?" He angrily asked, part of him wondering if her womanly sensors finally caught on the train of dirty thought he was having about her.

"You looked like you wanted to die, I thought I'd help you out. Returning the favour," she said with a blank face, before returning her attention to the TV. Kagura had already taken a shower and he could smell the sweet scent drifting from her, what did she use? This was why he sat further from her, it was so damn tempting. Everything was so damn tempting, the way her wet hair stuck at her, her flushed skin or how the top was slightly transparent because of the water.

"Yeah, I kind of want to die right now," he whispered. "I'll go take a shower."

"Uh-uh," she nodded. "You can use my shampoo if you want. You stink of blood, Sadist."

"Geez, thank you China. I feel really loved by you."

He left the room, definitely believing that a cold shower was to be. Besides, she wasn't entirely wrong and their fight made him smell like a mix of sweat, dust and blood.

The cold drops on his body felt good and cooled him in more than one way. He wondered whether all his feelings came from pure lust or something else and if that something else hadn't rooted itself in his heart three years ago. When he was eighteen he didn't care about such things, did not think about the future. Meeting China was a life-changer because for once there was someone of his age able to keep up with him and make the child in him come out. She did not treat him like a captain or a killer but just like any boy she met.

Okita realised that his feelings toward his rival may go far beyond those of a friend or an ally, but something much deeper. He felt it when she was away, and he was feeling it now she came back.

"Shit," he didn't know if he should cry or laugh or both at the same time. He was sure to fund a family a day or another in his life, but not with that woman. Then again everything seemed to make sense, ever since she appeared in his life she had supported him when nobody else could. She was the only person who would read him so easily. The fact that he was getting aware of her presence made it more obvious to him; he had it for her.

He was in love with China girl.

"I thought Kondo-san and Hijikata-san would be the only fools," he laughed softly.

"Sadist?" The voice that made his heart jump echoed through the door, "Are you okay? You've been there for a long time."

Okita was too startled to answer and then hear one knock. Then a loud noise, as Kagura had apparently broken something to enter the room. The steam was vanishing and his skin was tingling with the sudden breeze, but most of all, he was stark naked as Kagura entered the room.

"Did you faint or somethi—"

Her eyes fell on him. Then, lowered progressively as he was very much frozen.

"Oh."

What did that mean?

Kagura's face went from pale to red as she looked away, mumbling something like apologies and closed (what remained of) the door. If her steps were any indication, she was dashing to her closet.

"What the hell just happened?" Okita felt at loss and went out of the shower. He quickly dried himself and put on a tank top and a short, but then hesitated to go and sleep in the bathroom. How should he face her? She had seen him under all angles… And more, it was embarrassing. He felt self-conscious and squirmed in horror that the girl he realised he loved, just saw all of him. At least, he wasn't too shabby.

With a heavy sigh, Okita walked out of the room and messed his hair. After reaching the bedroom, he knocked at the closet's door.

"Oi China, come out."

Silence.

"Just so you know, this is your fault."

She didn't look like she wanted to speak to him, and this was exactly the best timing for him to confess the feeling he had discovered for her. So, Okita wished her good night and prepared his own futon before sliding into it. It was so awkward he wanted to die.

"Are you sleeping?" A small voice came from the closet.

"Nah."

"...I just wanted to say goodnight too, Do-S. Tomorrow, let's act as if nothing happened."

Okita was tempted to accept her proposition, but in the end, he smirked and laughed "Oh no you don't. I hope you enjoyed what you saw."

"What?! You damn pervert!"

"You were the one to open the door and peek China," he teased her until she went silent again.

As much as he was embarrassed by the whole thing, it certainly brought a positive change. There was no contest now that China was aware of him being a male.

And he had a lot more in his pocket to show her.

Since I was also forced to do all!!! U do all the numbers too!!

1. Who was the last person you held hands with?No one tbh2. Are you outgoing or shy?Both3. Who are you looking forward to seeing?My dad 4. Are you easy to get along with?Yes 5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?Yeah6. What kind of people are you attracted to? Honestly, they just need to be nice and I have to be very comfortable with them.7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?Nope 8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?Akira Fudo lol (Besides fictional character, it's my brother tbh)9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?Not really 10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?You! :)11. What does the most recent text that you sent say?"Thank you! I'm going to answer them in mobile though."12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now?Devilman no Uta, Konya Dake- Takkyuu to Tavito (Devilman Crybaby), ZHU Nero- Dreams, PETIT BISCUIT- Sunset Lover, and Snail's House- Hot Milk13. Do you like it when people play with your hair?Yes tbh but I need to need to trust them before they can play my hair 14. Do you believe in luck and miracles?Kinda 15. What good thing happened this summer?It's not really summer yet though 16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?No17. Do you think there is life on other planets?Yes18. Do you still talk to your first crush?Nope19. Do you like bubble baths?YES! 20. Do you like your neighbors?Yeah. They seem nice21. What are you bad habits?Biting nails and lips22. Where would you like to travel?Japan 23. Do you have trust issues?Yeah. Sometimes 24. Favorite part of your daily routine?Laying in my bed and watch something in my laptop.25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with?I don't like my body tbh but I guess my face26. What do you do when you wake up?Use my phone lmao27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker?Nope. I'm fine with my skin color 28. Who are you most comfortable around?My friends 29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up?I never date anyone.... so no30. Do you ever want to get married?Yes31. If your hair long enough for a pony tail?Yes32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with?!!! It's embarrassing to say this but.... um Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth...33. Spell your name with your chin.Dghsgjdhjsh34. Do you play sports? What sports?Nope35. Would you rather live without TV or music?TV. MUSIC IS MY LIFE!! I just love listening to music36. Have you ever like someone and never told them?Yeah....37. What do you say during awkward silences?Um...yeah..so.. or I just say nothing 38. Describe your dream girl/guy?Nice, respectful, funny, not a liar, doesn't cheat me, and doesn't judge me.39. What are your favorite stores to shop in?Hot Topic and Books-A-Million 40. What do you want to do after high school?Go to college 41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?Hmm. It's really depends on what they have done BUT not cheating though 42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean?Probably I'm sad, scared or angry 43. Do you smile at strangers?Sometimes 44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean?Outer space!45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?Breakfast 46. What are you paranoid about?Being alone and no one believe me47. Have you ever been high?No48. Have you ever been drunk?Nope49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about?Not really 50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore?Black51. Ever wished you were someone else?Maybe 52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself?My shyness or being complicated.... (That's what my mother always say to me every day... :/)53. Favourite makeup brand?I don't really have a favorite makeup brand.54. Favourite store?Hot Topic 55. Favourite blog?I prefer not answer this question. Have too many favorite blogs lol56. Favourite colour?Purple!57. Favourite food? Chicken Tamales 58. Last thing you ate?Rice59. First thing you ate this morning?Scrambled eggs! I love it btw 60. Ever won a competition? For what?Nope 61. Been suspended/expelled? For what?Never 62. Been arrested? For what?No63. Ever been in love? Not really 64. Tell us the story of your first kiss?Um. I prefer to tell you in message than here65. Are you hungry right now?No. Eating gummi worms now 66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends?I don't want to compare my real life friends to tumblr friends. They're so nice to me and I do appreciate it very much. Even my tumblr friends. Wish I can meet them tbh. I'm so glad to have great friends last year and this year!67. Facebook or Twitter?Twitter 68. Twitter or Tumblr?Tumblr 69. Are you watching tv right now?No70. Names of your bestfriends? Jocelynne, Maria, Emily, and Amy71. Craving something? What?Chocolate 72. What colour are your towels?Purple 72. How many pillows do you sleep with?Two pillows 73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?No74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have?I don't have any stuffed animals tbh75. Favourite animal?Cat76. What colour is your underwear?Purple (You can tell purple is my favorite color lol)77. Chocolate or Vanilla?Vanilla 78. Favourite ice cream flavour?Cookies n Cream 79. What colour shirt are you wearing?Black 80. What colour pants?I'm not wearing pants right now81. Favourite tv show?Modern Family82- Favourite movieGintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya (I LOVE THAT MOVIE!! I need to watch it again though)83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2?Mean Girls 84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street?21 Jump Street 85. Favourite character from Mean Girls?Janis or Damian 86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo?Dory87. First person you talked to today?My step mom 88. Last person you talked to today?My sister 89. Name a person you hate?I don't want to include their name in here...so yeah 90. Name a person you love?I don't love anyone right now.91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now?Nope 92. In a fight with someone?No93. How many sweatpants do you have?Three94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have?Three 95. Last movie you watched?I don't remember what movie I watch... Sorry! But I will watch Deadpool with my dad though 96. Favourite actress?Scarlett Johansson 97. Favourite actor?Chris Pratt98. Do you tan a lot?Nope 99. Have any pets?Sadly, I don't have any pets ; - ;100. How are you feeling?Good!101. Do you type fast?Yeah102. Do you regret anything from your past?Yes...103. Can you spell well?Yes, I can spell well!104. Do you miss anyone from your past?Yeah... 105. Ever been to a bonfire party?Nope 106. Ever broken someone's heart?Nope. Again, I have never date anyone 107. Have you ever been on a horse?No108. What should you be doing?Cleaning the house and my homework 109. Is something irritating you right now?Not really. I'm fine. 110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurts?No111. Do you have trust issues?Yeah, I do tbh. 112. Who was the last person you cried in front of? One of my best friends.  She's a sister to me. It's rare for me to cried in front of anyone tbh113. What was your childhood nickname?Didn't had a childhood nickname. Just my real name. 114. Have you ever been out of your province/state?Nope 115. Do you play the Wii?No, I used to play the Wii though 116. Are you listening to music right now?Yes. Always. 117. Do you like chicken noodle soup?Yes118. Do you like Chinese food?Yes119. Favourite book?The Giver120. Are you afraid of the dark?No. If I am alone and going somewhere in the dark, then yes. 121. Are you mean?Not really. I'm actually really nice! I can be playfully mean to my friends. Only to the people who are annoying me and don't like them. 122. Is cheating ever okay?NO! Cheating is NOT okay. Don't like people like that.123. Can you keep white shoes clean?No lol124. Do you believe in love at first sight?Nope 125. Do you believe in true love?Yeah126. Are you currently bored? Yes. I'm going to continue watching Samurai Champloo after I post this!127. What makes you happy?My friends and my family 128. Would you change your name?Yes! 129. What your zodiac sign?Capricorn 130. Do you like subway?Hmm. Never tried subway before tbh 131. Your best friend of opposite sex likes you, what do you do?Honestly, I would not know what to say or do. I just see him as a friend. It's going to be awkward for us. 132. Who's the late person you had a deep conversation with?One of my best friends 133. Favourite lyrics right now?"A new brotherhood: This Time"134. Can you count to one million?Maybe 135. Dumbest lie you ever told?I can't remember what's my dumbest lie right now 136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed?Closed137. How tall are you? I'm 5'2! 138. Curly or straight?Both139. Brunette or Blonde?Brunette 140. Summer or Winter?Summer 141. Night or Day?Night142. Favourite month?June 143. Are you a vegetarian?Nope 144. Dark, milk, or white chocolate?Milk chocolate 145. Tea or coffee?Coffee 146. Was today a good day?It's an okay day for me tbh147. Mars or Snickers?Snickers 148. What's your favourite quote?"So that's what I choose to do. To keep moving forward."149. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what's the first line on that page? I don't have any book with me right now!@mamezuke I hope you can see this!

Maz’s various reactions to the Helter Skelter drama track, in list form:

It starts off kinda happy with Jiro and Saburo chasing down a puppy. Saburo calling it ‘wan-chan’ oh my god baby boy let me adopt. It’s super cute... Up until a bomb gets dropped that Nemu has supposedly gone missing

After Urumi gets done speaking with Jiro he gets a phone call. I was admittedly checking my Discord messages when I got to this bit and hearing Rei’s voice out of nowhere startled me FDHGLKJDF

Honestly the number of times I wanted to punch Rei’s face in by the end of the track was at least 10, like I love him to death but my god--

I laughed really hard at the segment with Dotsuitare just fuckin. Crashing and drinking at poor Rosho’s place, y’all are terrible oh my god

Oh yeah and this happened:

Like he deadass goes into some fuckin uwu speak a la Ramuda I hate him.

Also Rosho has a very low alcohol tolerance and had fallen asleep by the time Rei was off the phone with Otome, oh my god he’s adorable I love him.

OH YEAH AND WHEN HE GOT DRAGGED OUT ON STAGE WITH SASARA HIS STAMMERING WAS SO CUTE, BUT ALSO POOR BABY OHMYGOD;;;;;

Rei showed up at Yorozuya Yamada out of nowhere while Ichiro had left to go to Osaka to speak with Sasara, and I was like “oh fuck”

He mentions Jiro and Saburo having scars on their shoulders and their “how the fuck do you know that” reactions

Which made me ask. How... Did they get those scars in the first place

Is it the same way Rei got the one on his eye????

Oh yeah have a few more screencaps

Also Rei challenging his children... Holy shit I have a lot of feelings about this family

Sasara talkin shit about Ichiro’s brothers to his face to make him quit holding back;;;; That hurt, and Sasara doesn’t feel good about it either

OOPS NEMU ISN’T MISSING, SHE’S WORKING FOR CHUUOKU

Ichiro is shook as hell, and then sees “Yamada Rei” on the back of the piece of paper Sasara had handed him with Nemu’s info

The piece of paper that Rei had told Sasara to give him

“... Oyaji?” THIS IS WHERE I DEADASS FUCKING TEARED UP, YOU CAN EVEN HEAR HIM LET OUT THIS REALLY SHAKY BREATH AND IT’S VERY CLEAR HE IS NOT OKAY

LIKE SERIOUSLY. ONCE I GET MY PHYSICAL COPY OF THE ALBUM I MIGHT POST THAT BIT BC Y’ALL NEED TO HEAR THIS......

The summary of what Rei says is basically “you’ve grown, but seems like it’s only your bodies and mouths that have. Show your respect by defeating me.”

Oh yeah and also tells them they’re not much without Ichiro, fucking ouch, he is absolutely merciless

HE DEADASS SHOUTS AT THEM TO FACE HIM WITHOUT RELYING ON EACH OTHER

AND HE SOUNDS SO GENUINELY EXCITED SEEING HIS KIDS GO ALL OUT AGAINST HIM

LIKE SERIOUSLY WHAT IS HE PLANNING

JIRO AND SABURO DID GREAT I’M PROUD OF THEM

The track ends with Rei telling Jiro and Saburo that Ichiro is hiding something from them, and insists upon calling him a liar which hEY REI MAYBE YOU SHOULD SPEAK FOR YOURSELF????

OH YEAH AND ORE GA ICHIRO KICKS IN AS HE’S TALKING AND IT MADE ME EMOTIONAL

In summary:

Oh yeah and the screencaps are taken from my DMs with Newtype​, he woke up the next day and was like what the fuck bc I sent a lot of messages

I APOLOGIZE AGAIN FOR THAT BY THE WAY NFDJKF......

Street War – Chapter 3

Sougo grimaced and gently felt his face, his cheek stinging. That is definitely gonna leave a mark. He glared at Kagura.

“What in the name of hell do you think that you’re doing?!” yelled Sougo, his eye twitching as his blood pressure rose. Kagura blinked her eyes a number of times, not quite believing what she was seeing. She gave Sougo a look of disgust and stepped backwards so that she stood next to Soyo. “So sorry, my bad,” Kagura’s voice dripped with as much sarcasm as she could muster. “You see, my foot was just really excited to see you. Not my fault.” “So, because your foot has some sort of attraction to my face, you’re just gonna barge in during our training session and kick me?” At Sougo’s venomous jab, Kagura scoffed and narrowed her eyes. “Should I have not held myself back?” she threatened. Seeing no reason to further associate himself with Kagura, Sougo gratefully took the ice pack that was held out to him by Shimaru Saitou and walked over to the water bottles to grab himself a drink.

The Kendo Club members alternated between looking at Kagura and Sougo in confusion and whispering amongst one another. Their gossip was halted by Sougo’s glare and a seemingly innocent question from Soyo. “Are the two of you friends?” Her question sparked an immediate reaction from Kagura. “That poop-head with the shoe-print on his face and dumb limp is my mortal enemy!” she announced, earning herself a look of chagrin – courtesy of Sougo. “’Dumb limp’?” he repeated. “This was your damn fault! And what about you? Where’re all your battle wounds? You monster.” “Ha! You’re only saying that ‘coz you’re weaker than me. Don’t be so petty!” “Weaker than you? Don’t kid yourself – you were way more beat up than I was. The only reason your scrapes and bruises are all gone is ‘coz you’re some sort of behemoth.” He smirked as Kagura snarled at him, her face slowly growing red. “Who’re you calling a behemoth?!” “If the shoe fits.”

Before Kagura had a chance to jump Sougo again, Soyo gently gripped her friend’s waist and massaged Kagura’s back to calm her down. She looked around at the training hall, hoping to find something to distract her new friend from murdering the ‘poop-head with a shoe-print on his face’, and suddenly remembered the cameras in her hands. “Um, excuse me,” Soyo asked one of the Kendo Club members that was closest to her. “Would I be able to meet the captain of the Kendo Club? We were sent by the Newspaper Club to get a few photos…” “Ah,” Sougo lifted his head up from his drink. “That’d be me.”

Kagura gave Sougo a critical glare, eyeing him from behind Soyo. “We were told he would be the best looking in club, and that obviously isn’t you.” “Well, it’s a shame that you can’t see what everyone else can.” “Ew.” Kagura tugged at Soyo’s sleeve and started pulling her out of the training hall. “Let’s get out of here, Soyo-chan. I don’t think anyone wants a photo of his messed-up face. We’ll get some photos of the Basketball Club, instead.” As Soyo walked outside, she quickly turned and gave a short bow in apology for interrupting their practise session. Kagura, on the other hand, made a rude gesture at Sougo and stuck her tongue out to blow a raspberry. When Sougo mirrored Kagura’s hand actions, Soyo quickly grabbed her friend’s hand and ran from the building before a fight could ensue.

As he watched the two freshmen girls run away, Sougo could only sigh and rub the ice pack in his hand against his cheek. He could already feel the area start to inflame and knew that a bruise would soon appear. “With the way things are going, I don’t think I’ll be the best looking in this club anymore…” he groaned at Saitou. “Call for a five-minute break. I’m gonna go wipe the dirt off my face.” He limped towards the water fountains, his face frozen in a scowl, as Saitou silently directed the rest of the club to cool off and take a break. Saitou watched in concern as the majority of the members move about mechanically, still dazed from their encounter with Kagura. Most of them crashed into the wall behind the benches, stumbling before falling in front of the drinks. The club members that managed to sit on the bench ended up dousing themselves in water as they missed their mouths with their water bottles. Saitou pulled up the black mask that hung around his neck and furrowed his brows as he watched them. A bead of sweat trickled down his neck as two of the younger members walked into each other and fell into a heap on the floor. Is this club gonna be okay…?

When he got back to his shared apartment with Hijikata, Sougo crashed onto their couch in a single, tired motion. His face hit the armrest of the couch and he winced as he felt his cheek sting upon impact. He quickly repositioned himself so that he lay on his back and closed his eyes, breathing deeply and soaking in the silence of the apartment.

Hijikata had been in the kitchen, making his usual mayonnaise special, when he heard the sound of Sougo crumpling onto their couch. From his position at the kitchen counter, he slowly peered into the living room area to quickly check on his young ward. That was when he noticed the dark bruise that was forming on Sougo’s cheek. “Was kendo practise that bad?” “Nah, same old,” Sougo replied. “Though – could you tell that Yorozuya boss to knock some sense into that China girl? Who greets someone with a kick to the face? Honestly.” “Hah?” came Hijikata’s guttural response. “You’ve gotta be kidding. Why should I talk to that stupid perm-head? You know, in high school he-!“ “I don’t care that he spilt your mayonnaise or dog food or whatever it was,” Sougo sighed. “Just hurry up and get into another fight with the Yorozuya soon so that I can teach that China girl some manners.”

Hijikata smirked and turned from the living room, picking up his mayonnaise special and opening the cutlery tray to find himself a pair of chopsticks. “Hmph, you don’t need to worry. Tonight, the usual time and place.” Sougo sat up from the couch and grinned back at Hijikata.

After school had ended and Kagura had parted ways with Soyo, Kagura rushed back to her apartment and all but broke the door down in anger. She kicked off her shoes haphazardly, not bothering to place them upon the shoe rack, and ran into the kitchen to find something to stress eat. As she passed the hallway, she found her brother making himself a sandwich with his back turned towards her. Swiftly, she threw her school bag onto their kitchen counter and pounced on Kamui, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Kamui grunted in surprise before leaning forward against the kitchen counter so that his sister could rest comfortably on his back. He grabbed his sandwich from its plate and began eating in nonchalance, waiting to hear what Kagura had to say. “Gah! I wanna kill him so bad!” she exclaimed, clutching onto her brother’s neck with one hand and pulling on his braid with the other. ‘“Kill’?” Kamui perked at the word, bread crumbs flying from his mouth as he spoke. “If it’s killing you want, consider it done!” “Urgh, stupid big brother!” Kagura slid down from her brother’s back and placed her hands on her hips, pouting at him. “If I ask you to take him out, then I don’t get to enjoy beating the crap out of him myself!”

The two siblings continued their conversation, neither one noticing their surrogate father arriving home and approaching them from the hallway. Gintoki narrowed his eyes at the ‘beautiful’ family bonding scene, and promptly cuffed both of his children behind the ears. “No killing,” he growled. “I’m not getting my ass hauled by the police because my kids are breaking the law. We’re already in pretty tight places with the gang fights.” Kagura stuck out her bottom lip at Gintoki while Kamui smiled and took his sandwich over to the dining table. As her brother walked out, Kagura quickly moved to the pantry cupboard to find a packet of sukonbu when she noticed a folded piece of paper in Gintoki’s hand. The yellowed white of the paper was marked with black calligraphy ink, but Gintoki had crumpled the piece of paper with his grip such that Kagura could not read what it said. However, she had an inkling as to the identity of the piece of paper in her father’s hand.

“It’s tonight?” she asked, excitedly. “Yeah,” Gintoki sighed. “But, seriously, who sends a letter of challenge these days? That stupid mayo-freak. It’s, like, 2017 – come on. Just text me or something.” As Gintoki shook his head at Hijikata’s archaic method of correspondence, Kagura skipped out of the kitchen with renewed vigour and a piece of sukonbu in her mouth. She grabbed her bag from the countertop as she hustled back to her room to find herself an outfit that was less physically inhibiting.

Upon arriving at her room and opening the door, Kagura found herself being tackled by a gigantic, white ball of fluff. Sadaharu, Kagura’s gigantic Samoyed puppy, had also been adopted into the Sakata family when Gintoki found him muddied and abandoned by the side of a nearby river. Not having the heart to leave him to die, Gintoki picked him up and took him to the local vet before bringing him home. Needless to say, Sadaharu and nine-year old Kagura had formed an immediate bond and the two became inseparable. Though Gintoki had muttered about needing to ‘stop picking up brats in the rain’, his expression softened at the happy smiles within his household and he momentarily forgot about his financial situation.

While Sadaharu had been a tiny, skinny puppy when he was first adopted into the Sakata household, he had since grown healthily and was easily larger than Kagura when standing on his hind legs. Now, a tackle from her huge dog resulted in the both of them tumbling to the ground. Gently pushing the heavy fur ball off her chest, Kagura ruffled Sadaharu’s fur with joyful mirth. “Hey, hey, Sadaharu!” she crooned. “There’s gonna be a gang fight tonight. I won’t be letting that stupid sadist get the better of me this time. Whatever he dishes out at me, I’ll throw back twice as much!” “Arf!” Sadaharu replied with enthusiasm, placing his front paws on Kagura’s shoulders and wagging his tail. “Hm? You want in on the fun too? Ah, but we can’t have this soft, white fur getting all dirty! Don’t worry about me – just stay home and hold the fort, okay?” “Arf!” “Good boy!”

Sitting up from the ground, Kagura made her way to her small wardrobe and found herself a comfortable pair of dark jeggings and a black tank top. She quickly slipped off her school’s sailor uniform and wiggled her way into her more form-fitting outfit. After a bit of deliberating, she deemed the night air cool enough to require a bit more outerwear and speedily grabbed a camo-patterned military-style jacket to throw on.

Checking her watch, Kagura decided that she would leave for the meeting place a little early so that she could fit in a pre-fight warm up. She hurriedly ran outside to notify Gintoki, only to find a note signed from her brother lying conspicuously on the kotatsu in the living room. ‘Sakamoto and Katsura needed us for some help with a last-minute job. Head on over to the meeting place by yourself and we’ll meet up with you there. Be careful not to talk to any strangers on the way!’ Kagura scrunched her nose at the message. She crumpled the piece of paper into a ball and threw it over her shoulder into the kitchen area, not caring whether or not it made the bin basket or not. “Oh well,” she said. “Hey – maybe I’ll hit the streets earlier and beat Kamui to some of the Shinsengumi groupies. H’s always beat up, like, half of them already by the time I get there.”

Such was her plan. However, reality did not ensue the way that she had planned it to.

Having finished her warm-up run through Tokyo, Kagura had been intending on jogging over to the back alleys of the city to meet up with the rest of the gangs for the street fight. However, as she traversed the moonlit streets, she ran head-first into none other than Okita Sougo. Reeling backwards in pain from having knocked her head against his shoulder, Kagura rubbed furiously at her head as she glared up at the older boy.

Sougo also rubbed at their point of impact, staring down at Kagura as she narrowed her eyes at him, as if daring him to fight her then and there. He shook his head. “There’s no point,” he drawled lazily. “The gangs are gonna be duking it out at the meeting place. There isn’t much reason for me to wreck you face here in the middle of nowhere.” “Oh, yeah, there’s a point,” Kagura shot back. “I get to fight you without anyone interfering!” “Listen, little girl-“ “You’re only two years older than me!” “-I’d love to destroy you right now, but I also wanna destroy Hijikata. And I can’t do that unless I’m on the streets with him. So, I’m gonna get going before I’m late.” “Ah?! You get back here right-!”

A loud crash cut Kagura off before she could finish her threat. Both teenagers turned sharply towards the sound which had emanated from a shadowy alleyway. From the darkness stepped a large group of men, their faces covered by either black surgeon’s masks or bandages, each holding weapons with varying levels of lethalness. Some held iron pipes dotted in dried blood, while others had daggers and electric drills. The sea of masked men parted down the middle to reveal a beautiful woman with electric-blue hair, her face covered by a peacock-feathered fan. “What do we have here?” she announced with a slow tone. “A couple of rats from the Yorozuya and the Shinsengumi?”

Her face darkened with a sinister expression that Kagura could feel even though it was covered by her beautiful fan. Both Kagura and Sougo swallowed in silence. They recognised the men as well as the woman who appeared to be their leader. It was the Kada gang, a group of gangsters in Tokyo that operated more as a yakuza than anything else. While both the Yorozuya and the Shinsengumi did community work and helped out within the city of Tokyo, the Kada gang – led by ‘Peacock Princesse’ Kada – held reign over many gambling rings and used swindling and violence to earn their keep. They had originally been the strongest street gang in Tokyo before the Yorozuya and the Shinsengumi took their throne, fuelling a deep hatred for both gangs from the members of the Kada gang.

“Is it just the two of you by yourselves?” Princess Kada questioned, her tone ostentatious. She fluttered her fan against her cheek. “My, my – look at you. You’re only children. The ‘Kings of Tokyo’ sure have lowered their standards, haven’t they?” The men at her side snickered and sneered at Kagura and Sougo, who watched them warily. They both shifted their legs into a stance that allowed them a bit more freedom to choose whether they would fight or run. While they both knew that they were phenomenal fighters, neither of them was quite up to taking down an entire gang without support from their comrades.

Princess Kada laughed at two, allowing her eyes to rest on the shadows behind Kagura and Sougo. Sougo, having noticed the change in her line of sight, heightened his senses and shivered slightly. They’ve got us surrounded. He glanced at Kagura to see if she had noticed and found her moving her weight forward into her stance. He turned his eyes back towards Princess Kada, satisfied that Kagura was no longer moving to flee and was now poised to attack. I guess we don’t have much of a choice.

Without wasting any more time, Sougo leapt towards the men to the right of Princess Kada. He quickly pulled his right sleeve up, revealing the iron pipe that he had hidden beneath his sleeve, and made a wide swing towards the group of men. Managing to strike about four of the Kada gang members, Sougo quickly ducked as he felt a rush of wind from behind him. Using his shoulder as a springboard, Kagura leapt up and went into immediate close combat with three of the Kada men. After knocking a good number of the gang members away, Kagura hit the ground and pulled up as many rocks as she could, swiftly flinging them towards any masked man that she saw.

Sougo, on the other hand, was a couple metres from Kagura fending off the half of the Kada gang that had decided to go after him. He spun out of the crowd, swiftly catching one of the wayward rocks that Kagura had haphazardly thrown, and re-aimed it at the closest Kada member. He heard a visceral groan emanate from the man who promptly fell to the ground, clutching his eye. Sougo smirked at him before his attention was pulled away again by the onslaught of men at his heels, their weapons on a collision course with his vitals.

Noticing his predicament, Kagura quickly shook off the last few men who were targeting her and leapt backwards towards Sougo. She shoved against him using the blunt of her shoulder and managed to disentangle him from the grips of the Kada gang. Quickly, she looked for an escape path but was disappointed to find none. Back to back with one another, both Kagura and Sougo were completely surrounded by a hundred or so Kada gang members. Their leader, Princess Kada, had long since left the scene – leaving the dirty work to the grunts.

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend, huh?” Sougo grinned wearily, his head throbbing from having to handle so many attacks from every direction. His pain was further increased with Kagura’s swift elbow jab to his back. “Don’t even suggest something as disgusting as that!” However, as she turned to yell some more at him, she found him shooting a fist at her face. Quickly, she dodged out of the path of his punch and aimed a kick over Sougo’s shoulder. With perfectly timed precision, both fighters narrowly missed each other and made impact with the Kada gang members that had snuck up behind them during their short moment of bickering.

They both watched as the two large men fell to the ground, their hearts pumping with adrenaline. Kagura shot a disgusted look up at Sougo. “That thing that happened? Just now?” she started. “Like it came straight out of an anime? Gross.” “For once, I can agree with you.” “Don’t do it again.” “How about you worry about yourself, then?” “Fine!” And thus, the fighting started again. However, this time, both Kagura and Sougo stuck closer to one another in an attempt to have a cover for their backs. Neither one would admit to that, though.

It did not take too long for the numbers of the Kada gang to dwindle. While the men may have been big, muscle-bound and equipped with dangerous makeshift weapons, they were too slow to keep up with the fast combat abilities of the duo they were trying to take down. Kagura and Sougo were both very familiar with quick methods of knocking out an opponent thanks to their individual training sessions with their respective mentors. Kamui had made quick work of teaching Kagura where all the human vital points were while Kondo Isao, one of the Shinsengumi’s oldest members, had wanted to make sure that Sougo was able to defend himself from a young age. Regardless of their size and weaponry, Kagura and Sougo were well-versed in a myriad of techniques to deal with the Kada gang.

With a fluid motion, Kagura side-stepped from Sougo and knocked one of the Kada gang members off his feet with a jab behind his knees. She made to plant her foot in his face when she saw a glint of silver in her right peripheral. Surprised, Kagura quickly evaded the incoming attack only to trip over the man she had knocked to the ground. She felt a weight on her back which she identified as one of the gang members pinning her to the dirt and turned her neck to reposition herself so that she could flip him over. However, she froze as her eyes landed on a polished, silver knife making its way swiftly towards her neck. A memory flashed against her eyes; her father’s body burned red as blood flowed from the knife wound in his heart. Without thinking she squeezed her eyes shut and screamed.

As quickly as the man had pinned her to the ground, Kagura suddenly felt his weight being thrown off her. She opened her eyes at the sound of metal against metal and found Sougo crouched above her, his breathing harsh as sweat trickled down his temple. Kagura blinked as her eyes readjusted to the moonlight. That’s not sweat. As the droplets landed on her face and the familiar sting of the metallic scent made its way to her nose, Kagura shot up and gaped at Sougo. Though his bangs worked well to cover it, the trail of blood that ran down the side of his face did nothing to hide the fact that he had been cut by the knife. The knife that was meant for me.

Sougo gave Kagura a lazy side-eye as she glared at him. “What was that for?!” she yelled. “What do you think you’re doing? That was unnecessary!” “Hah?” Sougo hurled back. “Some thanks I get. You can bet that’s the last time I help you out.” “Oh, yeah?” Kagura rolled away from Sougo and aimed a kick at a rock that had been thrown at Sougo. The offending stone ricocheted off her leg and flew back at the Kada member that had thrown it, knocking him square in the face. “That’s something I can be grateful for.”

The two continued their street brawl which had, somewhere along the line, evolved into a contest to see who could beat up more people. At the end of the night, when the Kada gang had retreated due to the overwhelming ferocity of both Kagura and Sougo, Kagura turned back to Sougo with a grin on her face. “I got thirty-four!” she exclaimed proudly, puffing out her chest. “Yeah?” Sougo replied, taking off his jacket so that he could stop the blood flow from his forehead. “Well, too bad. I got thirty-five!” Kagura hissed at him in anger. “Ah?! Then – I got thirty-six!” “What kind of idiot are you? You just said you got thirty-four!” “Well, I obviously did better than you. So, I got thirty-six!” Kagura stuck up her nose at him and Sougo could only sigh in response, turning away from her. “This China girl is a waste of brain space. Please, God, delete her from my memory…”

Before she could retort, Kagura’s phone began vibrating in the pocket of her jacket. Quickly, she pulled it out, squinting at the light of her screen, and answered the call. “Where in the world are you?” boomed Gintoki’s voice from the speaker of her phone. “Sorry, I was just cleaning up some trash. I’ve got one more thing to chuck in a garbage can and then I’ll be right there.” “Too late, it’s already been dealt with.” At that, Okita’s ears perked up. “Eh? What happened?” Kagura asked. “Tie, like usual,” Gintoki sighed, a tired air coating his voice. “Hurry up and get home.” “Alright.”

Kagura hung up the call and slipped her phone back into her pocket before shooting another glare at Okita. “Next time, stay out of my face.” Okita shot her a dirty look back. “I could say the same to you.”

Author’s Note

Hey! Sorry, I was gonna upload this chapter a bit earlier but I felt like it was a bit too short. So I ended up combining two chapters together to make this one. I really hope this chapter won’t be paced weirdly…

Oh, also, I didn’t have my friend read this one before publishing it for you guys. It’s, like, two in the morning where I am right now and I don’t think she would be awake. ^^;;; I have, like, an awards ceremony to attend tomorrow and I’m kinda worried that I won’t be able to wake up for it on time if I go to bed tonight. So I was just gonna try to bust out a couple of chapters tonight to keep myself awake. Which means none of them will be proof-read, so please tell me if there’s anything wrong---!

One more thing. I don’t think I’ve ever remembered to mention this, but I’ve never been to Japan and I don���t know how things in Japan work. I have no idea about how the yakuza operates, and what little knowledge I have is gleaned from my Japanese friends who I haven’t spoken to in many years. There will be inaccuracies, but I hope you won’t get too mad at me for not being entirely correct. It is just a fanfiction, after all. :)

The next chapter is a short one and I’ll probably keep it short, so expect it soon!

Gintama Chapter 701 Review

The rumor is true. This is the final chapter of Gintama. In Jump Giga. That’s right. It’s not over yet. Honestly, this is fine from a viewer’s point of view. It’s best to please the fans with the best conclusive ending you can come up with. For a Gorilla who don’t know how to end it, based on that chapter, he sure knows how to deliver a wonderful chapter before the finale arrives.

The last chapter was astounding with plenty of great moments, including the long waited reunion of Yorozuya. It’s been nearly a year since we last seen them together again and I do mean under acknowledgement; no more hiding or confusion. Now, it’s the perfect time. With that said as expected, it’s a wonderful reunion that fits perfectly with the series’ nature. Only this series could get away with its shifting tone with pleasantry remain.

The chapter begins with a short recap of the last chapter’s last scene, only with a different angle shot. Kagura loses Sadaharu’s shell as it falls down along with Gintoki. It’s like they’re about to lose two members of the family in one moment, so they jump together to save them. Thus, it begins a splendid build-up for the complete reunion. It builds with the help of many flashbacks where Kagura has traveled. All of which couldn’t help her to save Sadaharu, but all left with an advice.

If you recall the last chapter, whereas one guy told her that Sadaharu isn’t dead nor alive, this is the continuation of some sort. All of them told her that perhaps there’s a trigger to his awakening; something that he has been waiting for. Her last stop was with Inugami Priestesses. The last advice is the solution may be closer than they think. It’s not something from outside, rather something that bond them together. Something that is inseparable. The moment of Sadaharu’s awakening got me all cheery.

The shell begins to break and it’s such a gasping moment. The dialogue about a family waiting to return gets to me, let alone the sequence. At long last, Sadaharu has awakened. If this was in the theater, this would have a roaring applause; I believe it because I was cheering. It’s such a great moment. Family is key and that is what they all have been waiting for. Otae is touched by the scene, knowing Sadaharu awake for Gintoki.

Or so she thought…

In Gintama’s fashion, there’s a hilarious twist and it begins with Sadaharu biting Gintoki; like the good old days. Talk about timing because one fan questioned about the biting and how he/she missed it. Your wish has come true. Not only he bites him but he is devouring him. What just happened? What’s even funnier is how Kagura is so happy for Sadaharu, but dismiss the fact Gintoki is eaten. So priority I guess? There goes the original intention for the reunion.

It gets bizarre when two old men come out from Sadaharu’s arse. That really happened. They just casually begin playing Shogi while Gintoki remains in Sadaharu’s mouth. What is happening? Finally, he barfs out Gintoki, all in filth. At least it resume the good feel nature after whatever just happened. Rightfully so, because we get a heartwarming moment with Kagura and Shinpachi confessing their true wish.

They split apart because they have something they wanted to do. Yorozuya was designed for those who have nothing else to do and just take jobs from outsiders. Despite the purpose, Kagura and Shinpachi are deeply fond of it because they feel like a family. They are a family. It’s because of what Gintoki said made them feel like they too should move on. Reality is they found what they enjoy and want to remain as Yorozuya. Gintoki feels the similar way. His two young members have grown up. The hands grapping panel is touching, no pun intended. Laugh it out that maybe it’s Gintoki that has shrunk.

Actually, that’s exactly the case.

Hilarious how the comedy returns with that sort of unexpected twist. I was feeling so sentimental and then, Sorachi threw me off with Mini-Gin. However, what tops it is the apparent new random plot point for Gin. Those two old men are actually part of him; he’s three in one. We never saw this plot twist coming, but it was hinted all this time. Where? His name, Gin-san. It’s not a suffix, it’s a number. What?! I cannot believe we have a new development behind his character. I thought Black Clover recent chapter was a shocker, but this takes it! What’s next? He has Six Bokuto abilities to master?

As hilariously charming the reunion has been, it does end on a fantastic note. The enemy crew makes their way to attack Yorozuya, while all three Gin (I suppose) are devoured by Sadaharu. Kagura’s logic is to assemble Gin’s parts to bring him back, and that includes his attire. That’s a clever way to make him return in his old form. Sadaharu shoots out Gintoki from his arse and holy crap, no pun intended for God’s sake, that’s seriously awesome. Yorozuya is officially back. You got to love that callback line from chapter 1. This feels like the final chapter. It has the ingredients, but we are not going to end until complete satisfaction.

It has a delighting tie-in reunion with the rest of the cast. It’s pretty neat to see Katsura and Kondo working together. Amazing how one was a Prime Minister and the other was a groom to a Gorilla. What a story to tell. Despite their positions, everyone is back together again. What a wonderful cast of characters. Speaking of characters, we were missing a few notable ones and what timing, because those guys go through a wall with Prince Hata’s car. Madao makes his heroic return in his heroic design. But he is done.

He arrives to help out Yorozuya to reach to the top after they fell a couple of floors down. He thought about how much of a development he had from being a homeless to a famous hero. Never mind that anymore, because he is simply Madao; end of story. He proves to be a great supporting character that doesn’t need to be incredible in offense. His inspiring speech is enough to show how well he can contribute to others. Nothing has changed, but perhaps there are some for the better, hint Prince Hata. It’s a nice development cycle.

The next couple of pages can be used for a presentation on why Gintama is a gem for the fans. Not only you have tons of characters kicking asses, but you also have the comradery, the wackiness, and a sight that display a swell family. In short, it’s the idiotic sight that makes the series as a whole. For these characters, it’s what they wanted to see again. I’m really going to miss this series.

There’s a short scene with Takasugi slowly walking forward and Otae sees him. He throws Gintoki’s Bokuto right by her as to say, “Give it back to him. I have to finish one last job.” I realized earlier, Gintoki was using a lance or something, not Bokuto. That’s nice of Takasugi to return it back. The question remains though: what is his fate? It’s still worrisome. To add more worries, it’s time for the return of Utsuro.

There’s actually a lot to worry about. First, Takasugi’s condition suggest his time is very near. Second, there’s an impending doom for Edo as Altana is going out of control. If it explodes, well, dark ending here we come. Lastly, Utsuro is returning. The chilling tension build-up for the awakening got to me. It’s like witnessing the devil coming to life as the world is ending. Tendoshu is preaching to his lord, hoping that he has fulfilled his destiny. Utsuro’s body has grown up as well, which means the possibility of a fight is high. Finally, he has returned. His credibility as a villain is strong, so this gave me chills.

Katsura and Hitsugi have a fight and it’s really good. It’s short but sweet with a literal heart on the line. I like how one move could decide the victor, which is why it’s gripping to see them dodging and blocking. It’s settled with a blast. Katsura hangs on the edge, while Hitsugi has the advantage, even with a sword thrusted through his gut. The heart falls off of Katsura’s pocket and Hitsugi aims to kill Katsura with the spear. Thank God for Hijikata and Sougo to stop him. Or so they thought.

Throughout the combat, Katsura wanted to stop him from retrieving the heart, believing he wanted to revive Utsuro. The twist is Hitsugi wants to destroy the heart and so, the staff aimed for the heart, not Katsura. That’s actually neat. I like how they both shared the same idea, albeit if Katsura has changed his mind after his last discussion. The fact is both of them were fighting under a similar solution. Not to mention, the last time Hitsugi was around, Takasugi was involved, who didn’t want to destroy it. This adds up really nicely.

Utsuro is now revived and he’s there to reclaim his final boss position. Tendoshu is the victim of a believer that only asked for trouble and rightfully so. He preaches on if he has fulfilled his wish, but Utsuro let him know that he only has one: to erase himself. He knocks his head off and before you would think he will come back, the Altana blast his body off, essentially killing him. Of course, we can’t have a naked final villain, so fortunately for him, he grabs a cape to hide it. Still look badass till this day.

The cliffhanger ends with Takasugi confronting him. It’s time to find out if this is the chance to save Sensei. One thing that is left unanswered is whether this Utsuro is Shouyo or not. There’s a good chance that it is him, seeing how he isn’t as sadist as before, but it left us wondering on purpose for the next chapter. It’s an interesting contrast between Takasugi and Katsura. One confronting to save Sensei, and the other that’s about ending it. With Yorozuya on their way, it’s a really good cliffhanger.

So the series won’t end for another couple of chapters. Make no mistake, the end is really close. That said why rush it. This chapter certified why the series keeps on giving with these wonderful moments to remember. If it’s going to end, it should end with a bang. With a wonderful reunion, plenty of twists, and a cliffhanger that keeps us hanging, it’s hard to be upset at the amount of not ending. Plus, it has done wonders for Sorachi when transiting to monthly basis with solid artwork and great delivery. The end is very near; let’s cater it as much as we can.

A Gintama chapter a day keeps the ending away...Lesson 669

Beautiful bonus chapter image:

MY 14 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 669:

And thus, the time skip begins. This chapter really put me through a gamut of emotions: confusion, relief, fear, disappointment, resignation, hope, elation...mostly confusion, because I didn’t know if I should even believe the time skip.  Honestly, even now, after all this time, I am still not sure if I can 100% believe it, or if Sorachi-sama will somehow pull the rug out from under us once again and it all turns out to be Shinpachi’s Owl Creek Bridge moment right before death. I know too much has happened to really support that theory but once in a while, I still get nervous. 

1) I remember clearly thinking, “wtf??”

2) More “wtf???”

3) And then I was relieved that we were getting a flashback to what actually happened...also that Gintoki didn’t actually dive into the Altana pool to rescue Utsuro after all. 

4) Seriously, considering this scene alone, they should all be dead. It pretty much looks like they were being blasted away. Shinpachi’s words about the Earth dying and being reborn didn’t really help either.

5) I found some comfort in the fact that some things never change no matter how much time has passed: the shop owner was still a dick and the cheetahs were still assholes.

6) And thankfully, some things DO change.

7) HE LOOKED SO HANDSOME!!! I swooned a little.

8) And then my swooning was over and I just felt bad...especially since I actually laughed a little at the surprising twist.

9) Omgggg poor Pachi-kun.

10) Poor guy really never gets any break.

11) The Yorozuya looked so empty and lonely that my heart actually hurt, and then for a quick second, I remember feeling true fear because I was worried about why it was so empty and lonely.

12) When I first saw this photo, I actually completely missed the fact that Sadaharu was in the back! I feel so bad about that so I am including this image as my favorite moment now as an apology.

13) Thank the gods and Sorachi-sama that we didn’t have to wait long to find out that both Gin-chan and Kagura survived. I didn’t even mind the fact that Gintoki was saying good-bye too much because I was just relieved he was still alive.

14) I was of course curious as to why they parted ways, but again, I was so happy that they were still alive, I wasn’t really concerned. I figured as long as they’re drawing breaths, they can still eventually get back together. Although I was a little distressed at the lack of Sadaharu. I remember even thinking that if Gintama had ended like this, even though it would be a bit of a cop out, I would actually not mind because then we can use our imaginations to finish the story. It’s a little crazy that I even though that way at the time, but I think I was just so grateful that my Yorozuya were still alive, and that there was no mention of anyone else being dead that I was willing to accept anything.

SHIPS TALLY:

Gintoki x Hijikata & Okita x Kagura: see moment #4. What I said for the last chapter still stands: at least my two OTPs would have been dying together. Sometimes that’s all I could really ask for. 

Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing.  It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.

11/6/2018

Gintama Chapter 700 Review

It’s not certain that the series will officially end in the next chapter, but the end is certainly near. It has been a wild ride, but all good things must come to an end. Switching to a monthly basis has been favoring Sorachi a lot more with its polished art, choreograph, and sincerity. This chapter is no exception.  With the series close to the end, you can expect intense action, plenty of heartfelt moments, and a sublime reunion that made the journey worth exploring.

It’s an interesting start with the focus on Sadaharu and it’s one of the core of the chapter. This would mean Sadaharu is bound to return anytime now. Granted, the series is closing, so that should be expected, right? In the flashback, some wise man confirms that Sadaharu’s current state isn’t dead nor alive. He’s in between and won’t come out for reason unknown. It all relies on Earth’s life since that’s technically the energy source, let alone the planet he lives in. His word of advice to Kagura is to protect his home until he returns.

This appears to be the motivation for her to return home after searching through many planets to find a solution to his awakening. God knows how many planets there are out there. It’s reasonable for her to go back and do what’s best for Sadaharu. It’s quite emotional when the scene returns to the present time as Kagura keeps her hope for him. At the very least, she must protect his home and maybe one day, life will go back to the way things were. When he does wake up, I can expect one hell of an emotional moment; then again, it is Yorozuya, so you can see why it will be.

There’s a pretty nice moment with Nobume and Shinsengumi. With crapload of enemies keep on piling, Nobume insists Shinsengumi to tag along with Yorozuya and let her take care of the enemy. It gives them a bad feeling of déjà vu, but it’s an order. Best men don’t listen to order. Yamazaki and others stand by her for support while the main group goes forward. “This time, the Chief and the Director are going to stay alive.” That’s really well said. Similar scenario, different outcome. I love these guys to no end. With their scene done, it shifts back to the moment where fans were shook from the last chapter’s cliffhanger.

The conflict with Utsuro is intense as hell. It ignites a chilling sequence with Gintoki trying to stop him from killing Takasugi. I love the stare down from each other; no matter what, the image of Utsuro is what drives Gintoki mad. It’s a heart-pounding moment until the most brutal display happens. Utsuro cuts Takasugi’s neck. The panel itself got me cringed hard. I read Seinen series with far more graphic scenes, but this, for some reason, had me gasping. Arguably, it’s the most brutal scene in the series.

After Gintoki fails to save him, Utsuro does what he does best: taunt with a smile. Gintoki wasn’t having any of it. It engage a quick tensed action between the two. He pierces his sword right through Utsuro’s eye. Damn, this was also brutal. He’s going all in for the kill, no mercy at all. The image of Utsuro vanishes and it’s one of the Tendoshu that emerges. Because of his immortality, he can go on forever; essentially, it’s a battle of sub-Utsuro. Gintoki gets overwhelmed and push back near the edge where Takasugi’s body still lies. How dark.

Tendoshu treats Utsuro as his God; clearly, the manipulation runs deep after consuming his blood. He’s grateful to be blessed with immortality; something that fits perfectly well to their despicable nature. From the elevator lobby, someone was closing in to assassinate Gintoki. It’s another Tendoshu. Just before he was about to cut him down, Takasugi rises from the grave and stops him in the nick of time. Wow, that was tensed. That was a very close call and yet, I feel more hyped than ever.

Takasugi is still alive, but barely; really seriously barely. His regeneration is barely working as his neck has yet to be healed, so if it stops working, he will die from the neck slice. He’s favoring that over the stab. This still haunts me to believe his death can happen here. Unless there’s a miracle before the end, his time is very near. Instead of remaining negative, the positive is his great response to Tendoshu’s words.

They don’t need immortality. They don’t need Utsuro’s blood. They don’t need to follow his prophecy. Takasugi, Gintoki, and Katsura came here on their own free will. They decide what needs to be done. They decide what life they want to part of. They decide what their master Shouyo has taught them. It’s his teachings that encouraged them up to this point. It’s why they are together, ups and downs. Shouyo’s disciples and his teachings live on. Even if Takasugi does kick the bucket, at least he will accomplish on eliminating the enemy. That will be good enough for him to die in peace.

There’s a solid action sequence with Katsura, who is still falling in the elevator hall. The enemy outnumbers him significantly, but that doesn’t stop him from being crafty. He lays out multiple bombs and all of them explode to not only kill them, but distract them. That’s a clever move; as expected from the one and only Katsura. He bounces on the enemy to reach after Hitsugi and thrusts his sword at him before the canon sets off. I’m going to miss this type of action. The explosion erupts and Yorozuya and Shinsengumi witness it. They are so close for a big reunion.

Right before Katsura is about to go against tons of enemies, Shinsengumi, out of all people, protects him and now, fighting alongside with him. This is all kinds of marvelous. Because they want to help him out, this leaves Yorozuya on their own to meet up with Gintoki. Another great friendship display with Hijikata, Kondo, and Sougo share their best of luck to them. In a rare moment, despite the two groups always have conflicting issues, even it is played more for laughs, Yorozuya gives their thanks to them. Yeah, the end is really near.

The chapter shifts to an exhilarating action. Takasugi can fight, but he’s badly injured, so he’s not at his best. Not to mention, he’s practically staring at his death bed by this point. It doesn’t harm the battle sequence, because it does have slick choreograph; it’s intense as hell. At one point, Gintoki slam his sword hard on one of Tendoshu’s head, only to get slammed on the wall hard. His face is about get pierced, only for Takasugi arrives to save him; another close call. It’s hard to do it justice here, but when you see it, you’ll be absorbed.

A small intermission ensue as Takasugi comes up with a plan to defeat the two immortals. They are near the core of Altana. Since it is going berserk due to the absorption, if they cut it open, it will cause a blast radius. Despite them being immortal, the effect can deplete their blood and body; it’s the only way to defeat them. There’s just one problem: Takasugi is part of it as well. In other words, everyone with Utsuro’s blood will die. He is ready to pay his life. For fans, this is unnerving. Once they move, it enters the best action scene of the chapter.

Once more, we are presented with great choreograph, breathtaking sequence, especially at the end, and pretty suspenseful. Gintoki and Takasugi pretended to jump off to their demise, only to fool the two Tendoshu and use them for landing. Great stuff. Because of a crash, Yorozuya notice it, which means they are not far. That panel alone, realizing they are very close to Gintoki got me excited.

Takasugi takes brutal stabs from both ends, but he’s fine with it. It made it much easier to grab them and hold them until the explosion of Altana arrives. The battle of who will die first begins. He is prepared for his final sendoff, dragging the two to hell with him. The silent panel of Gintoki aim to cut the core is the defining moment to put an end for all of them. By this point, fans slowly begin to cry.

He slice the core and the blast begins the countdown to Takasugi’s end. Honestly, Takasugi’s final moment is very convincing and gut-wrenching. One Tendoshu vanishes from the blast, but so does Takasugi’s right arm. I was stunned and afraid to read further. I really didn’t want to believe he will die, but here he goes. The second Tendoshu tries to kill him, but he’s already prepared for death; badass to the very end. His monologue is even more convincing that his time is here. He doesn’t regret dying this way; honoring Shouyo to the end. One page convinced me; closing his eyes to accept his fate. I expected his spirit to remember everyone and then vanish. Man tears are shed…

It’s only now Gintoki doesn’t want another Infinity War ending, so he denies accepted fate and springboard to save him. This is God send. If this was animated in a movie theater, audience will cheer loudly. Gintoki saves him at the cost of him falling down, staring at Takasugi that reads, “Live on, you fool.” Man tears once again are shed, and it’s not the last. Why? Because what follows up is beautiful.

Gintoki pushes Takasugi away from the blast, which means the other Tendoshu lives on as well. Another problem is Gintoki is falling without a weapon to fight back, so he’s clearly done for. Tendoshu becomes incredibly cocky that he has this won. Then, the best miracle that even Christmas miracle can’t match happens. Right before he swings for the kill, he’s suddenly stopped by two weapons out of nowhere. The two are Shinpachi’s sword and Kagura’s umbrella. That’s right; they are there at last to save their beloved Gin. The reunion is finally here and it’s remarkable. Yes, they are not physically close, but their presence has reconnected at last. “No need to yell. I can hear ya. I always could.” Man tears overflow!

Gintoki smacks the hell out of Tendoshu with the sword. He proceed to use the umbrella, something I would never thought of seeing but welcoming, and blast him to the core to his death. What a lovely end to that bastard. That was just glorious. It’s an amazing way to end the chapter. It’s not lovely however when a guy shoots a rocket launcher at Kagura’s position and the explosion push her away, which proceed Sadaharu’s shell to pop out, falling down to the pit. We just can’t catch a break. Will Sadaharu finally wakes up or will he fall and nothing will change?

This was an outstanding chapter with sheer intensity from start to finish. There are plenty of great moments for many characters. The tension was mind-numbing. The overall action was incredible. Takasugi’s near death scene was very convincing and powerful. The visual is pretty solid throughout with its great choreograph. To top it all, the reunion was well worth the wait. It’s only the beginning, so expect more heartfelt moments. Will the series end in the next chapter? It’s possible, but with Sorachi, you never know. It’s only matter of time. The end is near. It’s been a blast.

Gintama manga chap 696

~

Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,

I must confess: if the reason the Tendoshuu old farts want Earth’s Altana is so that they can grant it to all living creatures in the universe, then I kind of want them to succeed in their plan. I’ve always been of the mind that immortality was a good thing; I wouldn’t mind living forever. I mean, if one could avoid having one’s body chopped up or killed again and again, it couldn’t be that bad. I’d love to have all the time in the world to enjoy doing all the things I want to do. I know the downside of it is that it’s an eternal commitment: I literally couldn’t end my life even if I wanted to, much like Deadpool, but considering how fragile we humans are, I don’t think I would mind taking the chance with it.  But seriously, when did the Tendoshuu, or whatever the heck they’re calling themselves these days, become so generous? All this time I thought they wanted immortality for themselves, so I was honestly quite surprised when that old dude said that has been their deepest wish all this time. They sure didn’t seem like they were motivated by such a seemingly noble cause, considering all the horrible things they have done over the years. Was this some change of heart as the result of the war? Now I kind of wish we had time to delve more into exploring what led the Tendoshuu to decide on this plan because I am definitely intrigued.  If Gintoki and the others were to discover this ultimate goal of theirs, would they reconsider their course of action? I’m guessing most likely not because I doubt Gin-chan and co, for the most part, are the types to crave immortality, but I would still love to see them at least grapple with the idea a little. I can easily imagine that certain people would be ok with it, for example Kamui. Heck, Takasugi already has a touch of immortality running through his body so he must already know it’s not that bad an option since it affords him speedy recovery from any wounds. The more I think about it, the more I wish we could actually see how each of them would consider the idea. Oh my gods, just that notion is enough fodder for a whole new arc on its own; the fact that we will never have the time to explore that scenario in length is just another thing that saddens me as we head definitively into the endgame.

In consideration of where we are in the series, I was also surprised that this chapter was mostly focused on Madao. I can’t say that I’m unhappy about it; after all this time, I guess Hasegawa does deserve such a treatment. He was the first to hire the Yorozuya and he appeared even before Kagura joined up with the team. So for such a veteran character, it is only right that he would be afforded a moment in the sun one last time…such as it was. Actually, his whole sequence with Hanano Ana reminded me of the time when poor Ketsuno Ana (when she was only reporter Ketsuno Ana) had to follow Zura all over town while he was being chased down by the Shinsengumi, which made me enjoy the scenes even more. I’m still kind of disappointed in Madao in that he took full advantage of his celebrity after the war by completely skipping out on Hatsu and enjoying himself with other women, so I was glad he was a Madao all the way until the end since his cowardice was on prominent display and he definitely will not be getting any credit for getting all those enemies blown up. He deserves this fall from grace. I don’t think Hatsu should take him back, but at least he will soon be reunited with his drinking buddy. Of course I thought it was completely touching that he missed Gintoki that much, even attributing his newfound “power” to his prayer about his dear friend being answered. Considering their history, I guess it’s sweet on an extra level since they’re technically exes (a fact I really try not to think about too much because I just can’t jump on that ship even though it’s completely canon).  But even on just a strictly friendship level, the fact that he attributes his debauchery to Gintoki being gone from his life really speaks volumes about how important Gin-chan is to him. Even though they spend most of their time together giving into their shared vices, it is obvious that Gintoki still made a huge positive impact in his life since his absence from it has caused Hasegawa to transform into someone who, despite his popularity and fortune, was essentially empty and soulless. I do look forward to their reunion as well since at least Hasegawa isn’t the type to hold back on his emotions; I have no doubt that he would easily give his friend a hearty hug to welcome him back.  

Speaking about love and hugs: can I get serious with you for a second, Sorachi-sama? Come on, admit it, Hijikata is totally in love with Gintoki, isn’t he? At this point, I really don’t even think it’s just a figment of my imagination anymore. Any time Gintoki is mentioned or when he’s talking about him, his expression softens completely. Every time he referred to the Yorozuya, even in the plural, it was plainly obvious he actually meant Gintoki. That moment when he mentioned how the sight of Kagura and Shinpachi’s backs were nostalgic was also a reference to Gintoki because every time they were running like that, they were usually following behind Gintoki, so it was yet another indirect way by which Hijikata was inferring how much he missed the other man. I even love that as Sakamoto was talking about friends sharing the same fight, you created the two frames in such a way that Gintoki and Hijikata were on the same axis. I refuse to believe that was a coincidence. And yet, still, I am trying very hard not to build my hopes up too much because as I’ve reminded myself time and again, Gintama is a shonen series so the probability of a GinHiji final fantasy is in the negatives—Hijikata’s love may very well be unrequited—but the fact you are still granting these small gifts to me is more than enough. I will continue to be optimistic that nothing would end up invalidating these gifts, but just know that my gratitude for them will never be invalidated no matter what happens.  

And lastly, please forgive me: I know Prince Hata and the old man have also earned having a moment in the shining spotlight since they are also Gintama veterans like Hasegawa, but in my selfishness, I must say that I hope their moment will be an extremely brief one because…well, with only four chapters left, time is precious and I would really rather spend these last moments of the manga with those we truly love.  I know you probably have a soft spot for Hata, so I hope you won’t be upset with my request; please know it comes from a very loving place and I don’t mean any offense.

Yours truly,

A silly fangirl with yaoi dreams

(^3^)

PS: SO SOFT. Thank you again, Sorachi-sama!