The Third Leg of a Crow

by ninjapanda16

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'. Shouyou came across the Corpse Eating Demon, only it was a white haired, crimson eyed, female child. Female!Gintoki. Editing In Progress. Chapter 1 and 2 Edit Uploaded.

1. Ch 1: The Story of a Demon

Gintama: The Third Leg of a Crow

General Fic Warning: Genderbend, Female!Gintoki, Whole series spoilers, AU, OOCness, Not as humorous as Sorachi-Sensei's work - or anywhere near, Lack of fourth wall breaking, Any and all other Gintama warnings apply, Swearing, Child abuse, Darker then canon(?), Mentions of; beheadings, organ removal(hinted), blood, war,

Take note of the OOCness please, due to this fic not being a humorous as the original, characterisations will be off and not forgetting the fact that this fic holds a character that's been gender bend, meaning everyone who interacts with that character will have alterations.

Summary:

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'.
Shouyou still came across the Corpse Eating Demon, only it was a white haired, crimson eyed female child.

Title: The title of this fic comes from Japanese mythology of a flying creature depicted as a three-legged crow called Yatagarasu, (八咫烏, "eight-span crow") which is seen as evidence of the Will of Heaven and is symbolised as a form of guidance from Heaven.

Disclaimer: I don't know Japanese nor do I get half the references in this insaneness, stands to say that I don't own Gintama in any way, shape or form.

Gintama belongs to Sorachi-Sensei, our wonderful Gorilla who gifted us with this work of art!

Notes: Please take the time to read the warnings. Feel free to ask about the warnings if you wish to know how something is involved in the story (I've been vague for the story). Understand that if you pass the warnings it's your own responsibility to know when to stop reading if this fic gets too much for you. Understand it's not my responsibility to baby people who ignore warnings. Understand that if there is a warning I need to add, please tell me. I won't bite.

This fic is written mainly for my own amusement. It started off as a one-shot before it grew out of my hands. Let me have my fun.

Image/Cover art by ninjapanda16 (ninjapandabear16: Tumblr)

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The story of a Demon.

Edited: 05/01/18

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact, there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'.

Blood. Corpses. Red covered swords. The smell of burning flesh. The ringing of a crow's cry.

He's seen it all before.

What he hasn't seen – even with all the years and lives he has lived – is a child standing over the last living – and cowering – slave trader.

Lifting their sword, the child delivered a messy, painful and disrespecting beheading, creating more blotches of blood to entangle in white hair.

He watched, knowing if he drew attention to himself the child wouldn't pause in attacking – or maybe fleeing. Which would leave him with possibly adding another odd haired child's blood onto his hands.

So he leaves the blood covered child that doesn't know how to fear death to loot the corpses of adults and children.

Leaves a child with only a title and no name.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The second time he happens across the child with no name, he's heard the whispers of adults, heard the stories parents tell their children to stop them from entering cold body covered areas, heard the games children play.

All of them centred on the 'Corpse Eating Demon'.

The child – female, how odd – was crouched at an opening in the ground where a small trickle of water trailed to a small puddle that held a pink tint to it. White hair, wet and sticking up at odd angles added character to the profile of dull, fish-like crimson eyes that concentrated on the scarred hands that caught water.

A sheathed sword sat in quick reach, dispelling any ideas of approach, instead he pulls his hat made of straw down over his eyes and walks down the forest path, awaiting for the approaching footsteps of fear controlled townsfolk wanting to rid themselves of what humanity has deemed a demon.

He stops before the villagers see him, they are closer to the child then he would like but when he takes in the swords, ono and kama, he drops his hand to his own sheathed weapon.

And pulls.

Leaving crimson eyes to watch him continue walking as though nothing happened.

Watching the delayed burst of blood and collapsing bodies.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The next time he comes across the 'Corpse Eating Demon' it's not the child he happens upon, but rather the handy work of a weapon that only knew how to kill.

He keeps his head down, but raised enough to be seen as a mere traveller to the onlooking black masses of feathers feasting on day old carcases.

He continues to walk.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When he sees the child again, she's sitting on a rock in the middle of a rice field. Ready to harvest crops towered over the cooling bodies of bounty hunters that had been looking for an easy kill, obviously making the mistake of following after the youngest bounty holder.

He doesn't move closer to the child and in return, she lets her crimson eyes follow him, working out if he was a threat or not.

So he smiles and inclines his head towards the child, earning him the same dull, fish-eyed look but no hand reached for the sword that was unsheathed and dripping with red liquid leaning against the rock.

So he takes that as a win and pulls his hat down just as black eyed and red eyed birds land.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He doesn't see the child for some time after their last meeting. He doesn't even come across anything to indicate she'd been in the area, no new rumours of the 'Corpse Eating Demon' popped up, no stray bodies with their eyes already plucked out and eaten by black coloured birds made themselves known.

And for the second time in his life he feels concern.

Under the shade of his straw hat, he glares at the cloudless sky.

Because that's all he can do while they are looking for him.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Astonished. That's what he feels when he finally finds the white haired child – after long months of searching.

Because she's sitting on the limp body of a Crow.

A trained assassin that would have been sent to either take in the child humanity abandoned and showed promise of becoming a high ranking soldier herself or kill her.

And going by the multiple, thin bleeding slashes ripped into her rust coloured yukata – that may have been white at one point, he's not sure but he knows the colour has darkened – the Crow was ordered to receive and not kill. Only it back fired.

Which would end with them coming down on the child harder.

Which could possible end in her death.

It's so familiar that he's already taking steps towards the blood splattered child before he can fully make a conclusion on what would be the best cause of action.

"You really are adorable for someone called a demon."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The child never loosens her grip on his katana – the one he gave her. And keeps a weary distance from him.

He finds out that she doesn't have a name – either forgotten or never given.

Nor does she understand what should be her mother language.

So he makes on his promise to another white haired child and starts teaching.

He doesn't come up with a name that fits crimson eyes and white hair, instead he comes up with a nickname.

"White Yakshini." He bobs her on the noise lightly one day when she's finally gotten used to the fact that there was someone who didn't want to bring harm to her, making crimson eyes blink slowly, he smiles with soft grey eyes. "My little Shiroyasha."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It isn't until after he gets her new clothing and her wounds have healed – for once not leaving a scar – and she's free of bandages she's more than once pulled off, does he finally take notice of a mark on her back, sitting beneath her left shoulder blade – how did he miss it?

Branded and burned into the skin of her left shoulder blade – instead of wilfully tattooed on – was the shape of six, squared off wings leading to a diamond with three other diamond shaping around it – one sitting above the main shape and one below each wing – creating a metaphorical shape of a bird flying but also caged.

He tightens his grip around the newly brought katana – it's nothing eye catching like the one he gave his little Shiroyasha, but it does the job – and wishes he knew a way to remove it without bringing more harm and scars to the child.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When trying different foods he's not surprised the only times when the child reacts to flavour changes is when they are overwhelming, it's expected, after all there was no telling as to what she'd eaten before and what may have altered her tastebuds.

But when he can get his hands on something that's strong in flavour – to bite pass the constant taste of iron and blood – he's always amused at the faces she makes at the different tastes.

And if there was something he would claim as her favourite, it would be sweets. Most likely because she'd have never of gotten the chance to try it, different to what she would have come across, and because it would mask whatever constant taste she holds.

So he takes note and gains a small bag of sweets when he's able to.

And if crimson eyes brighten just a little at the sight of the small bag, well, it's an added bonus.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He finds out that she's a fast learner. And when he adds teaching her the proper way of wielding a sword – not to attack in fear, not to defend in fear, not to cut away weaknesses, not to protect a body, but instead to protect the soul – she catches onto understanding words faster, even able to pronounce some small words – although a bit shaky, it's better than nothing.

She's naturally gifted with both a strong body – though he has a feeling it won't be able to hold out – and mind. And it's a shame that no one saw pass her appearance and took the time to teach her when she was younger.

But when she turns to him after slicing a wild melon across the middle and says,

"Shouyou?"

He can't help but feel happy that she's his student – and as much as he wants too, he can't claim that he's the only one who's taken notice of her because the dead bodies of black clad assassins behind him are always a reminder.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It's an odd habit she forms.

When he carries her on his back, a head of white resting on his shoulder, she laces small figures through his hair and runs them down straight strands.

When they find a place to rest for the night, she stands behind him while he sits with his eyes closed as she runs small figures through his hair.

It's a welcomed habit she forms.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When she's finally able to string words into sentences he starts introducing her to children around her own age – he has no idea on any possible age for her, her growth could have been stunted or she could have shot up like a bean at one point – and it doesn't work like how he hoped.

Her title 'Corpse Eating Demon' is something everyone – adults and children alike – knows of and it doesn't help that when they pass people there is always a range of reactions which his little Shiroyasha pays no attention too.

He struggles to work out a way to get the child to interact with others more but it strikes him when he sees a young girl pulling the hand of a younger boy with an infant strapped to her back.

He looks down to slowing blinking, dull, fish-like crimson eyes that look up to him in return. He takes in the hands clenched around the golden guarded katana and he remembers a – hidden – enthusiastic boy who wished to help him teach children once they managed to lose their pursuers and found a place they could settle down at.

A hand reaches out and ruffles white hair.

And he tells her of the white haired boy, of wanting to open a school – Shouka Sonjuku, the school founded under a pine tree – that lets children less fortunate gain the opportunity to learn.

Crimson eyes blink under curly white hair.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It's isn't until they pass through a thin forest and make their way in and out of a number of towns and across numerous farms do they happen upon an abandoned clan estate on the outskirts of a bigger town.

The building itself wasn't overly big – and probably abandoned for that reason – the garden was overgrown with a pond – that his little Shiroyasha found on accident – and closed off to the road that went into the town and led back to the cemetery along with an old shrine a bit more out by a low fence lined with untidy shrubs.

There was another building further back that sat on a space of dirt, the interior an empty space that would have once been filled with a number of people training in the fighting art that was taught on the wooden floor boards.

It wasn't perfect – nothing ever is, he's been alive long enough to understand that more times than he can count – but it would do the job of providing the room to teach the children who we're unfortunate and sometimes give a roof if they ever needed it.

It will do.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It takes a bit to get the building in liveable shape – having to remove some rotting wood while also replacing it and the white haired child always pulling up carcasses of rats and birds from who knows where – and just as much time to set up a room to become a classroom with a number of desks, equal amount of cushions and twice as many empty books and stationary.

Longer still to set both their own rooms up – with him having to explain to the child that she no longer needed to sleep up in trees, not that she listened, already having picked the particularly old sakura tree that sat between the main building and the small doujo to sleep in with both hands around the gold guarded katana – and the kitchen useable.

With all the trips in and out of the town, he's been able to form friendly relationships of those who didn't have much luck and even went as far as to teach a few children a thing or two.

It doesn't take long for the classroom to fill up.

He makes a point to remember every face and name that enters pass the archway, he doesn't mind that only the back seat corner of the room has one constant child sitting in it at the moment while the other seats change constantly depending on the day and weather.

He's happy.

Now to just get his little Shiroyasha to play nice.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When a few of the homeless boys and girls decided to bunk down and share the two empty bedrooms between them, it is also when they started taking note of the white haired girl with dull, fish-like crimson eyes who sleeps outside in the old sakura tree, sword in hand instead of the room she was given.

Between the warm smile of their sensei and the dull look of the odd child, it was no contest when it came to who they would ask the questions that dance around their collective heads.

"Hey, Sensei?" A boy going by the name of Hikaru with black hair brushing his shoulders and one grey eye clouded over, asked slowly as he set out the tableware for the night's dinner with the help of Nishi, whose green eyes matched with her dark brown hair that was pulled up in two high pig tails.

"Yes Hikaru?" Shouyou turned away from the metal pot with flames licking up the sides.

Hikaru hesitated, biting his lip, "…The white haired girl. Wh-what's her name?"

Shouyou let his smile soften, as the edges of it taking a sadden tint to it. "I don't know. Nothing I've thought up seems to fit."

The room fell to a silence with only the sound of bubbling water breaking it.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The students – the boys mainly – take to the idea of learning how to be a samurai with shining eyes, having believed they would never get the chance to do so.

It is also in the big space of the training area that Hikaru – unwilling to participate due to his partial blindness but more than happy to watch – gives a child with no name a name to call herself by.

Gin.

Silver.

Because gold is to hid ugliness behind and belongs on the snobbish noble to help weigh them down when they slip into the river.

Because silver is to reflect the beauty of the one who holds it and is also sharp and tinted with danger if moulded right.

And not because Shiro is the name Ren gave the stray cat that follows him around.

Definitely not.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Later on Shouyou adds -toki to his little Shiroyashas' true name.

Because it took so much time for her to be given a proper name.

Because silver can become dull if there is nothing to compliment it.

Because humans have unfairly take the time she should have had to grow up like any other child no mater the fortune.

And because he wants to limit how long he continues to walk.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki – it gives her a strange feeling whenever someone calls her that but it's way better than being called 'Corpse Eating Demon' – doesn't always like being in the classroom with the other children. Still incapable of fully grasping the words everyone spouts, she becomes twitchy with the garbled language entering her ears too fast and muddle to become understandable and with multiple people talking at the same time it doesn't help.

At first she would climb her sakura tree – Shouyou explaining that it'll become a colour she's never seen before once a year for a set amount of time – but the others can easily find her there which makes her hands grip around Shouyou's katana tightly, since Shouyou says she should never harm any of the children that steps foot in the area of Shouka Sonjuku – unless he's watching a practice match between her and one of the other boys complete with protective gear and practice swords that may as well be straw.

So she leaves the grounds altogether – because some of them are what Shouyou calls stubborn – and walks down the path that leads away from the town and pass the place where people leave food for the dead – which is stupid because the dead don't eat – before it ends at one of those buildings she has taken shelter in more than once when the white stuff – she still needs to ask Shouyou what it is – makes it too cold to stay in the trees.

Dull crimson eyes look around before they land on a particular branch.

She isn't worried about Shouyou, he always knows where she goes.

He'll find her later, once all the others are gone and the ones that are still bunking together start to bathe.

Gintoki slips the gold guarded katana into her sash and climbs.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

She doesn't know when she drifted off to sleep, nor how long she was out for, but what she does know is that there is someone walking up the steps and the sun is still high, too early for whoever's loud footsteps to be Shouyou – he does that at times, to catch her attention when it's caught on something else.

Gintoki shifts, angling her head to take note of the child no taller than herself unclenching and clenching his fists in anger. Short, purple hair didn't brush shoulders but hung somewhat in his emerald eyes as he walked up to the steps of the small building. She looks on, uninterested when he lashes out at the wooden beam helping support the weight of the roof with a fist before taking in rugged breaths.

Losing her curiosity, she shifts back into her position, listening to the thud the child made as he slumped onto his back.

She doesn't close her eyes.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Her interest is caught again when another set of feet make their way up the stairs, lighter than the ones the boy came up with, but still echo in the silent area none-the-less.

"I knew I would find you here." The new boy said, not taking his caramel eyes off of the one laying on the buildings' steps. His pony tail swinging slightly as he walks. The other boy sat up at the voice. "I heard you had another fight at the school. So, even the famed Military Arts Academy isn't enough for you Takasugi?"

"Are you trying to make me laugh, Katsura? All they are are rich brats who expect everyone to do everything for them." Emerald eyes closed, "I was told to take the training seriously, and I did. Not my fault they don't know how the world turns." A smirk grew on Takasugi's face. "Those morons don't understand the simplest form, how do you expect them to fight? It'll be fun, don't you think? To see the future they'll lead this country to."

Katsura doesn't reply straight away, instead he closes his eyes, letting the wind tussle his hair. "You say that, but you don't see how fortunate you are as well. You may have trouble at home, but you still have a place to return to, food placed in front of you, high education and a chance to become a samurai. Others have none of that."

Gintoki twists her head to let crimson eyes land on the steps made of stone, listening to the multiple footsteps grow louder.

Takasugi let out a puff of air, "There's no denying why you're in the special class, what a wide prospective." He pauses, emerald eyes darting pass the form of Katsura and onto the bald head of someone walking up the steps, wooden practice sword in hand and others walking up the steps behind him. He stood himself up and travelled pass the longer haired boy, speaking as he passed.

"With a mind like that, I'm sure you can become an admirable samurai there. Or any place really, you're a prodigy like that." Katsura doesn't turn as Takasugi passes him, "A samurai serve his family and country and ends up dying for them. But you see, I don't have such worthless ambitions."

"Then… Just what kind of samurai do you want to be?" Caramel eyes kept to the back of purplish-black hair, "What are your plans?"

"Beats me." Katsura's eyes widened as he finally takes notice of the number of teenagers standing at the entrance of the shrine. "My life would be much easier if I knew."

"Takasugi," Gintoki picked at her ear as the sound of the old man's voice enters them. "I hear you took good care of my little brother."

"For the son of a newbie samurai, you sure got some nerve." Another – but the same – scratchy voice enters her ears. "Know your place!"

Takasugi fell into a stance that would have made Shouyou smile – not that it meant much, it wasn't often Gintoki saw him without one now that he had the school running – only it was missing anything to be classed as a weapon and instead he held up closed fists.

"Hold up." Katsura placed a hand onto Takasugi's shoulder, who turned an annoyed and quizzing look back at him. "Are you trying to get revenge for a training fight?" He removed his hand off the others shoulder. "And you call yourselves samurai in training? How do you expect to learn if you don't get bruises to show? Not only that, you plan on fighting with numbers…"

"Oh? Is that Katsura I hear?" Gintoki picked at her ear again, before reaching for the branch that snapped under her weight when she climbed the tree, and pulled at it away from the tree. "I don't care if you're a scholarship student, but I really don't like sharing a classroom with a lower class kid."

Takasugi's smirk returned, "Hey, Katsura? Where do you see the samurai? I sure as hell can't see any."

Teeth grate together, "Beat them both up!" The older students let out cries of war as they start running towards the two younger ones who fell into fist held stances.

One of the cries was cut off short with a thump, causing the students to watch dumbly as a stick bounces to the floor, followed by one of the teenagers – a red mark and blood blossoming over his face.

"Blah, blah, blah. Don't you ever shut up?" The bored voice of Gintoki called out, causing multiple coloured eyes to look up into the trees and at dull crimson ones. "All I can here is your yapping, old man. You goin' inta heat or s'mething?"

Against her better judgement, Gintoki dropped down from her spot in the tree – it was useless anyway, they knew she was there – the sound of muffled metal clanking wasn't lost in the now silent shrine grounds.

Bare feet didn't move from the grass she landed on and instead she shifted the weight of Shouyous' katana to rest on her shoulder, her dull, fish-like crimson eyes watching them all.

Silence.

"O-Old man?!" The old man screeched, causing Gintoki to pick at her ear again and tighten her hold on the katana.

"Eh? Don't only old men go bald?" Crimson eyes look up to the sky, as she tried to remember whatever Shouyou told her that time.

Takasugi and Katsura share the same expression of dumbfoundness, minds blank with the inability to understand what was folding out in front of them.

Teeth gritted together again, and the old man ran towards girl. Too filled with anger to listen to his classmates as they told him to stop. That's a real sword you idiot.

"Die!"

Crimson eyes snap down and onto the idiot running at her, practice sword raised high, only it glinted silver and red.

Something neither Takasugi nor Katsura could explain flashed in dull eyes as the messy haired child shifted into a stance, the sheathed, gold guarded katana sat at her hip, one hand curled around the hilt and pulling it out slightly.

Not that the older student noticed as he continued to run. Blinded.

There's a shift in the air as the teenager brought his practice sword down and the same, unreasonable thought flashes in both Takasugi's and Katsura's minds.

'He's going to die.'

There was another shift in the air. This time complemented with the flutter of white cloth, pale hair and a clatter.

Standing in front of the odd haired child – with his back towards the balding teenager – was an adult, one hand gripping the hilt of the katana – stopping the girl from drawing it and killing the teenager – the other hand ruffling white hair.

In two and on the ground, laid the practice sword, useless and never to be used again.

"Gintoki." The adult males' voice is a mixture of sternness and softness. "Do you remember what I told you?" he asks, not even bothering to take note of the multiple thuds that sound behind him that catch the attention of the two dark haired boys – who both couldn't help but gape at the sight of every teenager knocked out with comical bumps poking out of their heads.

Gintoki nodded and shifted to stand up better before leaning the katana on her shoulder again. Crimson eyes falling close.

Shouyou stepped back and turned a soft smile onto the only two standing boys, grey eyes sparkling in warmth.

"I think it's about time you children head home for the day. Don't you think, my little samurai?"

Takasugi and Katsura nod, unable to form words as the platinum haired adult and white haired child walk away. Gintoki asking what the building was and Shouyou explaining what the shrine is and used for.

"Wh-Who is that?" Takasugi hesitated in asking as his mind caught up somewhat.

"I've only heard rumours." Katsura sounded, breath caught in his throat, "A samurai with a white haired child in tow, recently opened a private school in one of the older clan estate homes near the cemetery. He's teaching poor kids for free."

Katsura's voice fell to a whisper, "That's the founder of the Shouka Sonjuku, Yoshida Shouyou."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Nishi blinks before letting out a giggle while shaking her head, a few the other students who were packing up the training building also joining in on the laughter. "Y-You wanna challenge Sensei?" her laughter continued.

"Guys, stop." Hikaru cut in, causing the others to muffle their laughter and bring attention to himself. "We're not like your fancy schools." He waved his hand softly, "We don't concentrate on fighting. This is a side thing Sensei does for those who wish to learn. So challengers don't mean anything."

"Plus," Nishi jumped back in, pig tails bouncing, "We've also promised not to practice without Sensei's permission and him watching. For safety."

There's a clatter as Ren set down two buckets, a white cat jumping out of one while the other was held out to Akira who huffed and grabbed the bucket, dropping the rags he was carrying onto the lighter haired boy's head. "He's not here anyway. You missed him by about… five?" Ren removed the rags that didn't fall off in a dramatic fashion, causing the taller boy to roll his eyes, the white cat slinking around Rens' ankles.

"I guess you could wait." Hikaru drew the attention of the room back to himself.

"Not that it matters much, he said he was going to look for Gin." Akira gave another huff, blowing his hair away from his eyes.

"And I have." The collective group jumped at the warmth filled voice, "Gintoki didn't go far this time."

"Sensei!"

Shouyou eyes locked onto the child that didn't belong, "Oh? What can I do for you, little samurai?"

Takasugi gave a bow, "I'm Takasugi Shinsuke, doujo challenger."

"Doujo challenger?" Shouyou repeated, his smile dropping only a little, "You are aware that Shouka Sonjuku is a temple school Takasugi-kun?"

"Yes sir."

The founder of the school gave a hum.

"Gintoki."

"Hmm?" the white haired child behind the adult returned, the katana still leaning on her shoulder and dull eyes still looking elsewhere.

"Get yourself and our challenger set up."

Takasugi's head shot up.

Shouyou gave a smile, "Gintoki here will be you opponent." He turned slightly to look at the white haired child and held his hand out. Only after a moment the katana was placed in his hand and Gintoki stepped around everyone and towards the racks holding the practice swords, she picked two up and looked over them for any cracks.

Dull, crimson eyes settled onto Takasugi. "Heads up." She called out, chucking one of the practice swords over to Takasugi who fumbled to catch it as she turned to look at two other students. "Can we borrow the chest plates please?"

It took longer then what Takasugi thought it would for the both of them to be set up – Gintoki having to change clothing first, allowing time for the other students to wipe down the floor boards –but it wasn't long for the still gathered students to make a circle around them, Shouyou in between them with a hand raised in the air.

"Ready? Start!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Maybe I should have called the match sooner." Shouyou tossed the thought out as Takasugi opened his eyes. A patch on his cheek from where Gintoki's last hit landed and bandages wrapped around his chest from the other encounters with the sword.

"Let's be glad this is the extent of your injuries. I know that my little Shiroyasha can hit hard sometimes."

Takasugi sat up with a small grimace, eyes settling onto the blanket belonging to the bedded he laid on. "…I actually wanted to fight you. I didn't think I would lose to him…"

Grey eyes blinked before quiet laughter filled the air, gaining an irritated look from the bed ridden child. "Think nothing of my laughter." Shouyou wave a hand, lightly. "I'm just glad I'm not the only one to think that Gintoki was a boy at first."

"Eh?"

Shouyou folded his arms, smile still in place. "You are plenty strong. After all, you manage to push Gintoki into such a state, my little doujo challenger."

Takasugi blinked blankly, "I lost to a girl." His voice just as blank.

"As has all my other students that participate in learning the art of the sword. And because they lost, it is why they, and you, will grow stronger."

Emerald eyes looked up to grey. "The ones who win only gain self-satisfaction and arrogance, but you have gained something far more meaningful. There's no reason to be ashamed." Shouyou looked away and over to where he heard footsteps stop. "Besides, my little Shiroyasha is a unique case. In order to live and survive she was forced to grow strong and because of that, what you see as victory and loss, she sees something else."

"…Did you take her in, too? Like all the other kids?"

"Who knows? Did I take her in? Or did she pick me up? I honestly can't tell anymore."

Takasugi paused, before pushing the words to the back of his head, "What's the point of gathering kids of unknown births and backgrounds, and teaching them? Whether it be with swords or words? You think such people can become samurai?"

Shouyou turned his head away. "That is the question, isn't it? I can't wait to find out the answer myself."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Point! And match!" Shouyou called out as he looked at the frozen forms of the two fighters, Gintoki knocked to the floor, Takasugi with his sword out wide.

The gathered students gave out cries of excitement before they crowded around the dark purple haired boy.

"That was so cool!"

"You did it!"

Hikaru gave a whistle. "Didn't think he had it in him."

"But when you look at the two, Gin's not as winded as Takasugi-san is." Ren pointed out absently scratching Shiro's head while yellow eyes stayed on the white haired child who picked herself up.

"Maa," Hikaru shrugged, "He still managed to knock her down. I've only seen Sensei do that."

"Probably why she thinks nothing of it?" Akira tilted his head, huffing at the hair that fell into his eyes.

Hikaru felt sweat gather, "I don't get why you don't cut it."

"And it's none of your bee's wax."

The half blinded child lifted his arms up. "But you got a point. The others get all high and mighty at times if they manage to hit Gin more than once. But Gin's…" He waved his hands out in front of him, "Y'know."

"Hmm."

"And who are you?" Gintoki's raised voice caught the attention of everyone, she talked more than what she did when the school first opened, but it was still odd to hear the white haired child speak towards someone who wasn't their sensei.

"I'm Katsura Kotarou. Your new classmate."

"…When the hell did he get here?"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

With the two new semi-additions to the classroom – some days they would join in, other days there was no sign of one or the other or both – things became more interesting, Shouyou found.

Having someone around her own age with the possibility of beating her – or in her eyes, killing her, because if someone lands a hit, she would have been left for dead – Gintoki started to show up at the class training sessions with the others on her own will instead of being collected by him.

Katsura Kotarou is a surprise. Seemingly taken it upon himself to become friends with the dull, fish-like crimson eyed child and forcing her to show other emotions in crimson pools – which also resulted in Gintoki giving Katsura the nickname of Zura, which became infectious to the rest of the students much to the disapproval of the boy.

Shouyou also gives her a family name – Sakata, after that blood covered rice field – after she gave an answer to a question he asked the rest of the class one day.

Gintoki?

Hmm?

What do you want to do when you grow up?

Crimson eyes stayed locked onto the pink petal on her desk.

…I want to raise my own family.

It's a slight stab to the heart – and that's strange in on itself, how long as it been since any of him felt that? – But isn't that what any parent feels when their child talks about a life beyond you?

That.

And he's also not sure if she will ever be able to follow through with it.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Black eyes reflected crimson.

She knows those eyes.

Because before Shouyou, they were to only ones that blinked back at her.

The black mass was also the only thing Shouyou wouldn't explain much about. Other than them being birds and scavengers.

And had he not explained the meanings behind every other bird Gintoki asked about, she would have paid no mind.

Crimson watches black take flight.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Now isn't that a pleasant sight." Katsura commented, caramel eyes looking up to the child hanging from a tree by a rope around his chest and arms. "There's a moron flying in the sky."

Takasugi lifted his head up. "That depends on what angle you look up at." There was no bite to his tone, "Here I can look down on a moron without the possibility of them flashing something I don't want to see."

The longer haired boy gave a silent sigh as he leant onto the wall lining the edges of Takasugi's home. "So, what are you going to do now?"

"There's nothing I can do." Takasugi kicked his feet slightly, making himself swing. "I was told I'd be disowned if I ever set foot in that school again."

"Your father caught wind of that rumour then. The one saying that the Shouka Sonjuku School gathers local kids and sets them against the bakufu…"

Takasugi felt a smile tug at his lips, "Sounds about right. You can't say you didn't hear him, that samurai, I know what you're like. But think about it, if all the samurai were like the ones he talks about, this country would fall to ruin."

"Perhaps. But they were a pleasant bunch. I used to think, that samurai were prisoners, shackled by their own hand." Katsura leant his head on the wall, shifting when his pony tail dug into his skull. "You said I was a prodigy. Able to become a samurai in any school I wanted. I wonder, is it possible to become such a free-spirited samurai when everyone around you is shoving their ideals down your throat?"

The boy hanging from the tree made no sound.

"I asked you what type of samurai you wanted to be, you said you didn't know, but, I never did tell you the one I want to be." The other boy pushed off of the wall. "I want to be my own samurai. Free to follow my own bushido."

With that, Katsura left.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki becomes twitchy again.

Because there is something that moves around the edges of the school, but she can never find what it is.

She knows that Takasugi has taken to standing at the fence instead of walking in like he used to – the damn creep – but he wears bright colours and isn't easy to miss during the day – he never comes at night.

And Zura tends to pop up out at random – almost getting stabbed more than once.

The other thing is the opposite.

A dark figure. Gone before she can make out the shape of whatever it is. Sticks to the fence line cutting forest from the school. And she sees it the most during the night – she has caught it in the corner of her eye once or twice when Shouyou teachers her outside of class and that's even more creepy then Takasugi watching classes from outside the school.

It makes her grip the golden guarded katana tighter.

And Shouyou notices.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

You nearly had me, Gintoki.

Where?

There.

Could you add more detail?

Right around there.

You're still not helping. Say, Shouyou, how can I be as strong as you? I've only lost to the challenger, before that I've never lost, not even to grown-ups, but then I met you… You're far less simple then a grown-up. You may as well be a giant. Something that never dies, that's how myths work yeah?

Myths die out and are based on what was once true, otherwise how else would one think of a half man, half horse creature.

You're not listening again. I'm saying I've never seen a monster like you… Shouyou, what were you doing before I caught your attention? Who are you? What are you?

…You were called the 'Corpse Eating Demon', so you should understand. There's no difference between a demon and the child of a demon.

You're saying you were left alone then? Kill to live? And all the fancy words for how I was?

Something like that. Demons. Inhuman beings that are only born within a bloody pool of sin. You were left to drown in that pool for whatever reason. And I saw a mirror. But I don't want you to. So Gintoki, stop trying to grow stronger by imitating me. I'm only going to teach you the proper way to wield the sword, not like mine, not like the one you used to use. You have to grow stronger than me using that sword, the one in your soul, the one of a human.

I expect great things from you, Gintoki. Someday, hopefully… you'll cut down the demon that I am. Remember, a demon can't cut another demon.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

She only pays attention to the scratchy voices when she notices the words school and shut down. Sitting up from her branch in the old sakura tree, crimson eyes latch onto the forms of a group of old men and Takasugi. Her grip on her katana shifts so she can draw the weapon.

"…-pens when you step out of line and insult us samurai!"

"He'll be lucky if he's only run out of town with that demon brat!"

The old men shuffle forwards, closing in on Takasugi – closing in on the school.

Crimson eyes narrow slightly before the fish-like look returns and suddenly there's a sword between the old men and Takasugi – the old men and the school that makes Shouyou smile.

"Eh?"

"Shouldn't old men like you be having your midday nap? If you need help, drink warm milk and keep your stomach covered." There's a thud as bare feet make contact with a stupid looking face. "If that doesn't work, hit your head hard enough on a wall and maybe you won't wake up again." With the same bored tone, she looks up from where she could feel blood against her skin and at the stupefied looks she's given before she hops off the old man's face.

"You-"

"The Demon…"

"Run!"

Dull crimson eyes look on, uninterested as the group run off, dragging their bloodied friend along behind them. Ignoring the look Takasugi's giving her – it wasn't as stupid as the one he and Zura made back at the shrine – Gintoki walks over to the katana sticking out of the dirt and pulls it out to look over it for any cracks before sheathing it and propping it onto her shoulder.

She blinks back at the other child waiting a moment for him to say something before turning away, a finger picking at an ear as she walked off.

"Hold on."

Gintoki stops, removing her finger from her ear as she tilted her head. "Hmm?"

Takasugi pauses and licks his dried lips. "…You heard what they said right? About the school?" – it wasn't what he really wanted to ask.

"Didn't have much a choice, their voices are annoying."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Don't draw them." Shouyou's voice cuts through the night air, pausing the two children in their attack and stoping the adults from drawing their swords. "Keep your swords sheathed, all of you." He stood behind the group of five adult males with Gintoki a few steps behind him. "Please don't make me draw mine."

"Yoshida Shouyou!"

"Damn you!"

"And the Demon brat!"

Grey eyes narrowed as Shouyou walked forward, causing the group in front of him to split and back away from him.

"You can say what you want about me. If you don't want me around, just ask and I'll gladly leave." He stopped once he passed through the group and turned his head to direct his crimson glare over his shoulder, "However," He places his hand on his sheathed katana and not a moment later the hilts from five swords are separated from blades. "If you point those blades at my students, I won't hesitate to truly topple this government of yours."

The men squeak, before turning on the spot and booking it, almost knocking Gintoki to the ground had she not held her sheathed blade up to force them to go around her in fear. After a moment she walked over to the platinum haired adult, stepping over discarded hilts.

"Shouyou." Gintoki calls out, causing grey eyes to blink at her.

A smile's given and a hand ruffles white hair.

"I'm sorry, Doujo Challenger." Shouyou addressed Takasugi, fingers still running through white strands as he turns his gaze to the shortest child. "But there is no school left for you to challenge. Gintoki and I won't be around for much longer either." His voice soft.

"Don't worry about it." Takasugi closes his eyes and hefts his bokken onto his shoulder, a smirk in place. "My target isn't some temple school." Emerald eyes open again and look up at Shouyou. "My target is you, Shouyou-sensei."

"It isn't a classroom that makes a school." Katsura adds, his own smile growing, "But rather the teacher. So long as you are there, whether it be a meadow or farm or haunted house, it'll be our school, Shouyou-sensei."

"The newbie's right Sensei!" the attention of the four was drawn up and onto the four children sitting on one of the walls. Nishi gave a bright grin which was followed by the three boys and cat.

"Count us in, Sensei!"

Shouyou's surprised look fell into a smile.

"Looks like you can continue teaching your students, Shouyou."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki doesn't know how long Shouyou was teaching while constantly on the move before they manage to find an abandon building fit for living in.

This time, there were no towns close by and instead of trees, it's surrounded by farm land. It was smaller than the one they had before, meaning all the boys shared one room while she and Nishi shared the room that was converted into a classroom during the day and Shouyou had his own room – though the smallest out of the three bedrooms.

It also didn't have a doujo. Resulting in them using the fields instead – which lead to laughter being shared whenever someone manage to trip over something, Akira holding the record at twenty-six with Takasugi behind him at twenty-four.

Hikaru also started taking up the art of the sword despite his lack of sight in one eye – and somehow managed to have the second least falls at six, Gintoki and Shouyou beating everyone out by having none.

It wasn't perfect – Gintoki still didn't understand the word, it made no sense.

But it was home.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Hey, Zura…

Not Zura, it's Katsura! One syllable Gintoki! One!

Details. Zura, have a match with me? Chibisugi is becoming predictable.

Hey! I've got fifty-seven wins and fifty-six losses. I'm winning.

What are you counting as wins, Chibisugi?

Don't call me that! And a win's a win!

So what do you say, Zura?

There's no point Gintoki. "A General shouldn't carelessly sully his name with persona battles," is what he says.

That's right. I'm all for you two not hurting each other, but…

No "buts". That's when things get complicated. …I'll be this "general" you keep going on about, so you can be Zura.

What?

It's this "general" thing that stops you from being Zura. I'll be your general. So, when you're with me, you just be Zura.

Wh-What are you sayi-

So let your hair fall lose, just do as you want. Chibisugi can also be a general.

Why you pulling me into this?! And stop calling me that, fuzz-ball!

What was that, Shorty?! I couldn't hear you from down there, speak up!

You're barely taller than me!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He watches as Gintoki pokes at the headless body of the bird.

"You don't like them much, do you Shouyou? These Crows."

He really didn't.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When she's finally able to catch the dark figure – that's taken to following them and stalking about the grounds.

She thinks – as she draws her katana – it's only because his white hair is illuminated by orange and yellow – just like hers, no doubt – and he's the only one who isn't running at her with swords dripping in red.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Takasugi coughs and splutters, trying to remove the ash and smoke from his lungs as he crawls along the floor boards of the house turned school. The sound of Katsura also coughing behind him is reassuring.

He picks up his crawling pace when he notices – with burning eyes – one of the doors that leads outside hasn't been fully taken over by flames. He struggles with it and it's only when Katsura catches up do they manage to open it and tumble away from the burning building.

They share a coughing fit as they make it to the grass, the bushes lining the edges of the houses' yard burned away as flames danced along the slightly wet and sticky grass.

"W-We need to find the others." Takasugi manages to wheeze out, rubbing at his eyes only to stop in confusion as something wet brushes over his face. Emerald eyes squint at his hand as he tries to make sense of something wet in the middle of a house fire.

It's red.

"Ta-Takasugi…"

He turns to look at Katsura – his mind still trying to work out what he was seeing and warning him to get out – who doesn't look at him, instead he's looking at their feet, caramel coloured eyes wide.

Following the others gaze he immediately wishes he didn't.

Because he's returned with the horror stricken look on Nishi's too pale face and Akira's hair finally out of his black eyes that would never see again.

And red.

He jerks and looks down at his hand and sees the blood of his friends on his hands and clothing.

Takasugi swallows the bile that's trying to get out and blocks out the colour red and instead focuses on getting out because it's a sword that killed his friends and the house is still burning and something is telling him staying any longer is too long and they need to go now.

He reaches out and pulls on Katsura hand, grimacing when he notices an added wetness coating his hand "We need to go."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

As they make their way out of the yard, they come across both Hikaru and Ren.

Both never to see the sunlight again.

They also come across another sight that will stay with them long after death.

Gintoki – white hair mattered with red, and bloodied gold, guarded katana just out of reach – struggling under the form of another person with white hair – a male, a few years older than them – and a few – three – bodies scattered around them sharing the same clothing with the white haired male.

All dead, if the way their bodies rested in pools of dark liquid was any indication.

And suddenly Gintoki's body goes limp and the two scream because they can't lose anyone else.

Their bodies are already moving.

But they only know the colour black.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki, look after things for me.

Don't worry.

It's not such a big deal.

I'll be back very soon.

So, until then, please protect our friends.

Protect everyone, for me.

Promise me that.

Crimson eyes open.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The other fighters are quick to learn that three of the one hundred and forty something recruits are going to be the most valuable to them in multiple ways.

They are also quick to learn that the only female of the one hundred and forty something recruits isn't afraid to hit someone half way across whatever place they were camping at.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He's curious – in that shaky kind of way.

Of how she – dressed in white – can disappear in the middle of a battle and take the Amanto by surprise.

Of how she can ignore the blood clinging to her hair.

Of how she can tell if something – plant or animal – is safe to eat – a few have died thinking they knew better, she doesn't bat an eye at their bodies.

Of how she knows of a number of ways to collect water without there being a water sauce.

Of how she can track the movements of people – and Amanto by extent – through the land.

Of how she doesn't shake after their first battle.

He's curious but doesn't say anything as fingers thread through his hair – she always manages to remove whatever is tangled in long strands.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He doubles back when he hears the tail end of a name that only – used to – came from one persons' mouth.

White Yakshini.

Shiroyasha.

That's what they call her.

It fits, white covered in red. A sword that passes through anything it's put against.

And he understands.

He understands why she's isolating herself up in tree tops.

He understands the dead smile that's becoming frightfully familiar over the past weeks.

He understands why she doesn't talk as much during the meetings before a battle.

He understands the sudden less amount of lust filled looks she gets – though, he's silently thankful for that.

He makes a sharp turn and disappears into the tree line with only the kicks of his coat on his legs and sword to accompany him.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He snaps at her once, strikes at her even.

And she doesn't do anything in return.

And that's frustrating.

She looks at him with those dull crimson eyes he can't read before she leaves.

Stepping over the bodies of children without even looking.

He's left with a strange sensation of this is normal for her.

And his helmet leaves a dent in one of the many trees around them.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Do we still have no idea what this is?"

"If they didn't keep dying I would be compelled to think it was Gin-"

"The 'ell do you think I would get the time and stuff to dye their hair Chi-"

"Why is it always something with you two…"

Obnoxious laughter.

"Shuddup!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"They call themselves 'World Bre- Hey! Watch where you're pokin' that!"

"Stay still then!" Katsura snaps back, looping the thin piece of wire to poke it back into redden skin of her right arm and out again.

Gintoki huffs and gives the wall a blank look "They call themselves 'World Breakers'. And I'd hazard a guess that they are behind this disease that's taking us out."

"Did you find out how it's spreads?" Takasugi asks from the other side of the closed door. "Or how they use it?"

Gintoki snorts, "I didn't push my luck." She hisses when the wire's pulled tight, closing skin and muscle together. "…Well, they found us before we could hear anything else. They attack with flying purple shit though."

She could feel the two raised eyebrows. "Purple flames burning paper with some writing on it. And jingly, stabby sticks."

Katsura huffs a warm breath.

There's a thud as another body joins Takasugi outside the door. "Well I don't fancy calling 'em 'World Breaker', sounds like we're jinxing ourselves." Sakamoto's voice easily carries into the room. "Let's call them 'Enmi'!"

Another thud that puts a small pause in laughter is the only sign that Takasugi had kicked the laughter infected teen.

"Like that's any better!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The 'ell ya talkin' 'bout?! It's Gintoki-san hands down!

You saw what she did today right? Took down that General with a surprise attack that even Katsura-san wasn't sure would work!

You're forgetting her demon-like fighting style, man. The Warrior races of the Amanto don't come close to that! Doubt anyone on the enemies' side or ours could take her down.

The strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings is obviously the Shiroyasha! Sakata Gintoki!

No one cares if ya wanna bed her moron! We ain't blind! Listen! Without the help of the Kiheitai that surprise attack wouldn't have worked!

Without a doubt the strongest is the one with the battle tactics that even weapons of the Amanto can't keep up with, the one that manage to take down two battleships in a blink of an eye, the commander of us, the Kiheitai Commander! Takasugi Shinsuke!

And that's why your opinion isn't valued. You're both part of the Kiheitai.

Ya're'll are forgetting the reason why we still have weapons, armour, money and new solders, everything! And it's all because of the loud guy! He maybe in the background but we wouldn't be holding up as well without the help of The Dragon of Karasurahama, Sakamoto Tatsuma!

…Without the doubt he's the loudest and has an eye for money but strength wise…?

There's a point there. So it's either Gintoki-san or Takasugi-san…

What about Katsura-san?

That's a hard one. He can both scold and calm Gintoki-san and Takasugi-san at once whenever they get too rowdy. So you could say he's the leader among the four.

He's a General alright. Can you imagine any of the other three leading all of us?

But comparing him and the others in terms of individual strength? That's tough. He's more of a defence fighter, while Gintoki-san and Takasugi-san are 'all in' and as such, they get the most of the spot light.

The Amanto call him 'Runaway Kotarou' and it's easy to see why.

Hey!

Let me explain! He doesn't rush in to attack. And it's rare to see him in a full focus fight. He's normally with Gintoki-san on the backlines if it gets bad. Meaning none of us see him fight. And with the Shiroyasha seen as the biggest threat…

"Zura, a coward? You really don't get it do ya? Both Gintoki and Takasugi would laugh at ya fer that. It's like ya said, you only know what's told.

"No one talks 'bout the fact that in a war, fighting a losing battle is much harder than fighting a winning one. Unless ya know when to retreat and how to minimizer yer losses, you won't be able to regroup. Zura shoulders a different war to the rest of us. He fights the part of the war where there is no glory, the one where you're protecting your comrades.

"Without him the war would've been over a long time ago.

"How 'bout we forget the enemies name fer him? And remember the one Gintoki and Takasugi gave 'im? The Rampaging Noble, Katsura Kotarou!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Katsura snaps up from his rarely gained sleep, sweat falling off of his skin and gasps of air making it pass lips, already open eyes echoed with fear.

A straggle gasp from his left and a whimper from his right tell him he wasn't the only one whose night is plagued with nightmares. He doesn't turn to look at his tent mates, giving them time to calm down and along with himself.

It isn't the first time he's had a nightmare – he's been having them ever since his grandmother died – and he knows it's not the last.

But it felt real.

Too real.

And he's ripping off the blanket he shares with Takasugi and Sakamoto for the night – because they had to burn half their supplies, with having no way to know how the virus that's killing them is spread – and stumbling out the tent, almost tripping over the blanket when it tangles in his legs.

With the years of being in the war, he automatically notes that the other two are behind him and not yelling at him.

But that's not important.

What's important is finding Gintoki.

Because it's impossible, the nightmare that felt too real couldn't be true.

She couldn't be dead.

Some part of his brain that isn't overcome with fear, horror and whatever else – the part that's blocks out emotions in order for survival, in order for his comrades and friends survival – reminds him that Gintoki has west watch and that's the direction he heads in.

He tackles her when she becomes in lunging distance cutting off her confused 'Zura?', gaining a muffled yelp instead – because there's no need to wake up the whole camp, that is if they're aren't already awake from the three running from one side of it to the other – and proceeds to remover her armour, giving it a quick glance before he's looking for any red on white – which is stupid because there will always be red on white and he's caught her more than once hiding her own injuries under blood stained white.

So he starts pulling at clothes, wanting to know for a fact that she hasn't been run through.

And is instantly punched in the face, sending him off of Gintoki and rolling onto the dirt.

"The hell you doing Zura?!" She hisses.

He winces because he knows from time to time how the other war fighters look at the lone female teenager fighting in a war – he's the only one she lets in the room or tent when she gains an injury she can't treat herself or he and Takasugi and Sakamoto bug her enough to let him treat one she hasn't because she deems it unneeded and even that's met with conditions – and he can see how this looks to her.

"Gintoki, you're not injured?" Sakamoto walks pass the floored Katsura – who looks like he's about to mumble some language no one understands – and crouches near the silver head, hands hovering near her face – but not touching –, forcing crimson to look into azure.

"No?" silver eye brows narrow, "Why would I be? We're in the middle of relocating."

"So, no sword through the gut?" Takasugi's blunt question makes Katsura and Sakamoto wince.

"I wouldn't be up if I did Chibisugi!" Is her reply and it's a bad one because Katsura's already tackling her again, pulling Sakamoto with him because he's in the way and he wants to know that she's there and still breathing.

Takasugi moves to help them up but is instead pulled down and into the dog pile.

Because it's the easiest way to know that they are all alive and kicking.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It's the flash of bright blue that results in everyone trading whatever they had in hand – they manage to make it to their next main camp and where in the middle of setting it up – for their swords.

It's when the light fades away that everyone moves in one swift go to circle the group that was in the middle of the light, swords pointed directly at them to detain them – others hang back from the circle in case the group manages to pass the swords pointed at them.

"T-Tama, you sure this is the right time?" The plain boy with glasses stutters, but holds a firm hand to the sword that's at his hip and keeps his eyes on the faces around him, not the swords.

"It's not the exact time I dropped her off at. I figured we would take a few days to plan things out." This time it was a girl with green hair that speaks, her voice even.

"That's all well and good." The male with the cigarette in his mouth was the next to speak, "But it doesn't explain why we have swords pointed at our throats."

"No, it does." The male with long hair says, causing tensions in the soldiers to rise and metal to glint under the sun. It's a familiar voice, if only slightly different, "We're in the middle of a Joui camp."

"Of all places…!" The smoker bit down on his cigarette.

"State your business!"

"We come in peace." It's the sandy blonde that holds his voice flat while scarlet eyes glinted in danger.

"Don't give them a classic alien invasion line!" Glasses snaps.

"Don't get any closer to them!" Gintoki's voice causes multiple heads to snap up and over to the roof of the rotting building she's standing on – funnily enough, only the long haired male and gorilla don't – "The redhead's a Yato!" In easy movement, more swords were pointed at the group – mainly at the girl that just was just identified as the most dangerous.

"We don't mean any harm." Long hair cuts in, covering whatever escapes the lips of a few of them, the voice that's so familiar it hurts and makes a few swords waver. "We came here to save someone who means a lot to us."

He takes a breath and a familiar caramel eye turns to Gintoki, the other held closed with a jiggered scar marinating skin. "I'm Katsura Kotarou from fifteen years, maybe more, in the future. We came here to stop Gintoki from killing herself and giving us a future we don't want."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

None of the four question why there was only one of them among the time travellers.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

The group of four watch on as the time travellers meet up with the silver head who had gone for the kill on the decoy Gintoki they used.

"You really did try to kill yourself…" Takasugi's voice was empty.

There was added battle cries as the small army ran out to attack, following the lead of their Gintoki. First contact showed just how small the group was compared to the Amanto – compared to the Joui army – but with a cloud of dust and bodies flying in the air, the deadlock's broken and the older Gintoki took the lead.

"Well it's not going to happen anymore." Sakamoto cuts in before the two pull themselves in to a fight with each other. "Let's sit back and watch Kintoki and Zura fight!" He lets out a laugh which is stopped somewhat when his head is pushed into the dirt.

"Gin! Gin-toki! How hard is that?!"

"It's not Zura! It's Katsura!"

"The Enmi are moving." Takasugi didn't want to disturb the three, but with the bigger enemy moving, they all knew they had to pay attention.

They watch the small army work together. Six of them on the front line while half of their remaining forces concentrated on stopping the Enmi from using their poison while the other half work on taking out the Amanto.

They watch as three of the front line attackers run up the side of the crashed battle ship, watch as they disappear into it.

"Let's move."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

With a war cry, Sakamoto uses the back of one of the Amanto still standing to push himself up in the air, following the glowing red ball in the mass of purple cloud. Flipping in the air, he slices the dangerous but weak ball of light, dispersing the cloud of purple that gathered around the female fighters.

With another flip he lands on the ground, a smirk growing on his face that stays as he moves to attack the Amanto that managed to live though the rush of purple, leaving the group of females to question what they saw.

Much calmer than his friend, Katsura plants himself on the ground and thumbs his sword out of its sheath before drawing it fully, cutting the red ball before sheathing the blade again, diffusing the cloud that gathered around the group with the giant duck, overgrown dog and his possible future self.

His own smirk forms before he ducks under a cleaver and unsheathes his sword again, cutting though material and skin. He continues onto the next Amanto.

Having to run the second furthest – you have short legs Chibisugi admit it – Takasugi lunges at the orb that is flying over to the group dressed in black and gold, piercing it before he skids to a halt and flicks his sword out to the side, the gathered mass of purple dispelling.

Looking over his shoulder, he gives his own smirk his friends aren't be able to see. Ignoring the looks given from the members dressed in black and gold, he lets his gaze catch onto the mass of white disappearing into the downed ship before he turns to dig his blade into scales.

Gintoki stands back to back with the other silver head, sword – bokken – in hand and shoved into the mouth of the last Enmi standing, a frown – smirk – in place. Wind tussles silver hair, one head full slightly tamer then the other.

"I'll never be able to protect anything? Hardly. My sword may be filthy,"

"But there are still things that it can protect!"

Two sets of crimson glare and two swords move as one to destroy the last glowing orb of red, causing a burst of red and purple to explode from the Enmi host before it disappears, leaving two children – because even if they are older, they still look up at silver as though it meant everything – look up in confusion.

Because there was two of them there.

Now there is only one.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Oi, Zura…"

"Yes?"

"Do you think it would be selfish to tell them?"

"…Depends on what you want to tell them Gintoki. Only you know what could happen if you live. I only know what could happen if you die."

"…Well, it's not like we know what's going to happen now anyway. Maybe what happened for me, what happened for you, won't happen for them."

"Maybe."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's blood, a wince and the ability to pick up a sword lost.

He ain't dead yet.

So stop talking like he is.

He can't pick up a sword no more?

So what.

There's more to fighting in a war then swinging a sword.

There's more to being a samurai then swinging a sword.

He sticked to being true to himself.

That's what counts.

Because who else would fight Sakamoto Tatsuma's war other than Sakamoto Tatsuma himself?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki, if I die, take care of Sensei. This is a favour I can only ask a fellow good-for-nothing.

Then I've got a favour to ask of a good-for-nothing, too. Don't die, Chibisugi.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Is this it? Rather than falling into the enemy's hands, we should commit seppuku and die as warriors.

What are you? Stupid? Stand up. If you have time to think of a beautiful end, then why not live beautifully until the end, Zura?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

You're the reason why he started a school, aren't you. The one founded under a pine tree.

It's not a question.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

He knows exactly how long he's stayed underground.

He knows what will happen when he begins teaching the child that could have been his little Shiroyasha.

He knows that the two thumps that sound behind him are Kotarou and Shinsuke.

"Let's put your teachings to the test hmm?"

He knows what the Amanto standing in front of him is going to do.

"Will your students choose to die in vain with you…"

He knows what's going to be placed on Gintoki's shoulders.

"…Or will they choose to live on…"

He knows the shadow that's looming at his back.

"…Even if they have to kill their own teacher with their own hands?"

He knows that after this, his little Shiroyasha won't be able to ground him anymore.

"It's a fitting end for an educator like you, don't you think?"

He knows that it'll hurt them all.

"N-No, Gintoki! Please! Please Stop!"

He knows that he won't be there to wipe away the first tears that Gintoki sheds.

"Arigatou."

His head flies.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

After the war is declared over – the Joui members either killed, captured or on the run – Sakamoto searches for the one he knows who will never take his head.

Because he's already told Gintoki about his love for the stars and his dream of flying in them.

He just has another thing to ask his sister in all but blood.

When he does find her, the shrine she let him track her down to – because if she really wanted to disappear, no one would be able to find her other than her Sensei which won't happen anymore – is nothing but a blood bath.

Multiple bodies of Crows – Gintoki explaining to always be wary of both the bird and human – are slumped about, their blood collecting in pools and soaking into the wood.

He pulls out the knife he's taken to carrying – because it's his sword hand he can't use any more doesn't mean he can't do anything else – and slowly creeps up the stairs of the shrine and to the partly opened door.

When he opens it, there are more bodies, but there is one still breathing and glaring from under red tainted silver and a sword pointed at him, an arm curled around her stomach, coated in blood.

He puts his knife away – because he knows her, knows that she wouldn't leave anyone standing – and slowly moves in through the door, hands held up in the universal sign of surrender.

"Gintoki. It's Tatsuma. You're safe now." There's a clatter and Gintoki drops her sword and favours curling her arm over her other.

Taking it as a sign of safe passage, Sakamoto moves over to her and holds one scarred hand and one not over cheeks and runs thumbs under crimson eyes. "It's okay. You're safe."

He keeps his scarred hand on her face – grounding her – while the other goes to move the arms circled around her mid-section.

When he manages to gently move her arms away he's not sure if what he sees is good or bad.

Because her stomach isn't what's cut open, it's lower and at the hips.

He pulls her head to the line of his neck and curls one hand gently in messy and bloodied hair.

Because, much like she knows his dream, he knows hers.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

I'll be fine. Don't let me stop you from doing what you want.

…If you need anything…

I'll find a way to contact you. You know I won't go with you, the stars are your thing, I need to make sure our idiot brothers don't kill the planet you, we, love so much.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

I know! You can have my daughter, as proof of my loyalty! After all, she's just a leech some whore gave birth to and abandoned during the war!

Hello. You ask who I am? I'm this idiot's daughter. Nah, I'm kidding, but listen. You can have this scum's and my, the Shiroyashas', heads. In return, you don't go after the others anymore.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Say, why have you been locked up here? Did you do something bad?

Yeah. I've done a lot of things, too many to count, that'll make you forget you've been potty trained and for that, I gotta lose my head.

Really?

Yeah. Run along. You're annoying me pipsqueak.

But the executioner says you aren't really a bad guy, Onee-chan. That all you did was protect a poor little girl. But now you… it's sad. Oh! I know Onee-chan! One day, when I become a great executioner, I'll take your head for you!

Seriously?

Hmm-mmm! I'll cut it so that you don't have to hurt anymore! I'll send you to heaven in peace. So, Onee-chan, promise me. Until I become a great executioner, you won't die, okay?

Is that so? Peace, huh? Sounds good to me. Okay pipsqueak, I promise. Send me off in peace.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

When people sin and degenerate into demons, the only beings capable of turning them human again are humans themselves. That's why I have no right to cut you. A demon has no right to cut a fellow demon.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Hey, Baa-baa. Can I have one of those? I'm starving, feel like I'm about to die.

These are my husband's manju. You should be asking him.

So, what did my husband say?

Beats me. Why would a dead person talk? I'll never forget this favour, but I have to pay it back some way. So, Jii-san, Baa-baa here probably doesn't have much time left. From now on, 'til the day she kicks the bucket, I'll protect her for you.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

A silver eyebrow twitches at the sight of the tipped over Sunday glass. "My parfait…" Crimson eyes look up dully to watch bucktooth walk over to the clumsy teenager and pull at his hair. Hoisting herself up, Gintoki picks up the now empty glass. "Oi…"

"What?!"

A blank look is given before a small, thick heeled, black boot digs into a jaw, sending bucktooth flying into a feline Amanto table and blood in the air.

"What are you doing?!"

"That's what I want to know." Her voice is flat as she curls the hand that isn't in her white and blue yukata around her bokken. "Look closely." She shifts to show the empty Sunday glass. "Because you guys are going into heat," In an instant, her bokken makes contact with the skull of a cat, "My parfait fell over!"

"Who do you think we are?!"

Gintoki pitches the glass at another cat and changes her grip on her bokken. "I can't have parfaits often because of my damn blood sugar is too goddamn high!" Swinging the wooden sword, she knocks another cat away with enough force to send him into the wall. "And you killed it!"

Silence.

'Ah, shit…'

Straightening herself up, Gintoki puffs at the hair that hangs in her eyes before walking pass glasses boy, slipping the bloodied bokken into his apron. "Damn it, hey kid, tell the girl that it tasted as good as always." With that, she slips out of the tea house.

"This is going to be a bad week…" She sighs, shoving her helmet on.

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oooooi!"

"Huh?" Crimson, fish-like eyes blink, focusing on the police officers running behind the teenager.

"Over there!"

"Take responsibility for yourself! Don't drag me into this!" With a curse, Gintoki swings her leg over her scooter before removing her helmet and shoved it on the teenagers' head, trading it for the bokken and a wrist.

"Don't stand there, get on! Or we'll both be busted."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Giving a heavy sigh, Gintoki leans back on the wall as Glasses pulls the helmet off.

"I'm going to be fired for sure…" he mumbles, a black cloud gathering over his head.

"And? You weren't much help there anyway. You can always look for another job."

"How?!" He screeches, causing Gintoki to pick at her ear. "Places now-a-days don't need someone who can only swing a sword!"

"Stop screaming!" She snaps back, "Look around kid! You're not the only one down on their luck! There are samurai who call a cardboard box home! The only way to get around now kid, is to work for it! If you'ren't prepared to learn something other than swinging your down stairs sword around ya ain't goin' to get far!"

Gintoki gave huff, and runs a hand through slightly messy silver hair.

Glasses blink, "You're a samurai." It isn't a question.

"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. The only samurai around now are those who bark on command, and I sure as hell don't no more."

"Is that you Shin-chan? Aren't you meant to be working?"

"Ane-ue!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Yorozuya Gin-chan?

It's like you said earlier Shinpachi-kun. This era, you can't be picky about what jobs you do. So I do odd jobs for the right price. Though there are conditions but that's not important.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki let her expression follow the lead of the one Shinpachi is giving in her mirror, because in all purposes, it looks like she ran over a China styled girl – which she did – who is now lying motionless on the road – really, the girl should have been looking where she was going in the first place, it's a continuous road and she wasn't turning.

What it doesn't look like is that she hit an Amanto – thankfully, because if there is now one thing worse than hitting someone, it's hitting an Amanto, they take every action as an offence towards them – a Yato to be more precise.

She's fought a few before, enough to not not know the difference between a normal umbrella and a weaponised one.

But it's fun to play the part.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Ah, here's the train. Take it and your bad luck and never come back girly.

I'd like to. But, come think about it, I don't have the money to get home. So I think I'll stay here a little longer and earn some money. Let me work for you.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Shinpachi doesn't know what to think about the silver haired female samurai.

Obsessed with sweats.

Lazy.

Holds a fascination with Jump.

Crushes on tv characters.

Flat out broke.

Over the top reactions.

Gambling addict.

Alcoholic.

And occasional nose picker.

She may as well be a child stuck in an adult's body.

If it wasn't for the wisdom she showed when she wanted.

If it wasn't for that fact she puts him, Ane-ue, Kagura-chan and Otose-san first.

If it wasn't for the fact that food for Kagura-chan was always put first in their spending money.

If it wasn't for the fact she could destroy a ship with a single swing of her bokken – granted it was at the energy source, but still.

If it wasn't for the fact that there was something about her that drew him in – Ane-ue also agrees with him on this.

Shinpachi doesn't understand Sakata Gintoki at all.

But then again, he doesn't have to.

He does understand though, that going from looking after only yourself to suddenly looking after two teens – more like ten with Kagura-chans' stomach – is hard. He tries making it easier on her by eating at home, but really, Ane-ue's dark matter shouldn't even be a thing and Gin-san is a really good cook.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kagura doesn't care what Gin-chan does.

Gin-chan's Gin-chan.

The one who took her in and fed her without making use of her status as a Yato.

The one who didn't kick her out when her stomach came to show.

The one who pushed things aside for her.

The one who payed attention to her.

The one who gave her a bed to sleep on.

The one who made an extra rule on the rule list for jobs just for her and Shinpachi.

The one who is like Mummy and her idiot big brother but at the same time not.

The one who is a really good cook.

The one who loves everything sweat.

The one who is lazy.

The one who is a bad influence

The one who looks after her.

The one who took away the loneliness.

Gin-chan's Gin-chan.

That's all there is to it.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

-Chapter 1 End-