Disclaimer: I do not own Gintama
Prologue
When Gintoki had left Shinpachi and Kagura to clean up after his movie theatre mess, the young yato had been more than displeased. She had cursed his name and vowed to never come to his aid again. This resentful statement had however changed, when the Yorozuya boss failed to return home in the days that followed. Thus replacing her resentment with genuine concern.
Otose told her not to worry. The Yorozuya boss was known to duck out from time to time. Though she saw no cause for alarm, she still suggested that Kagura and Shinpachi should go down to the Shinsengumi Headquarters and file a report.
To their great displeasure, Okita Sougo was on duty that day. The 1st division captain, nicknamed the Prince of Planet S, did what he could to irk his rival. Asking her all kinds of imprudent questions. Most of which didn't concern Gintoki at all. This of course resulted in a violent encounter, leaving the two rivals out of breath and covered in wounds. Fortunately for the innocent bystander, Hijikata tossed the two of them out of the meeting room and continued to take Shinpachi's statement.
Search parties were promptly established and sent out to locate the silver-haired Samurai. The parties consisted of Shinsengumi officers and friends of the Yorozuya trio. They searched far and wide, for months at end. But Gintoki was nowhere to be found. As much as everyone would have wanted to continue, it was apparent that he was well beyond their reach.
Sakata Gintoki was proclaimed dead, 12 months after his disappearance. A funeral was held to honor his memory. The Yorozuya fall apart in the absence of Gintoki. The loss of their leader was too much for Shinpachi and Kagura to handle, and they began to lash out on each other. Blaming the other for his disappearance.
In the end, it was too much for the young Yato to handle. Unconvinced that Gintoki was actually deceased, she resolved to do her own investigation and uncover Gintoki's whereabouts. She said her goodbyes to Otae and her friends in Yoshiwara. She wrote a letter to Soyo-hime, disclosing her intentions and had a final meal at Otose's Snack Shop before she left Edo. She didn't receive a grand sendoff, nor did she want one. When the time came for her to take her leave, she bid farewell to the three women who worked in the establishment and walked off with Sadaharu.
As she was about to walk the border that separated Edo and whatever laid beyond the city limits, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Where're you off to China?" Sougo said as he walked past her. He had his hand is his pockets and gave off an unquestionable air of disinterest, though his eyes had a slight notion of curiosity.
"Does it concern you?" Kagura answered him crudely.
"No, not really." He said and began to walk away from her. Kagura glanced at his back as he walked to the corner of the street. "If you're ever in my hometown," he continued, "would you mind watering my plants? I never get the time. There should be a key under the 'Welcome Mat'" He waved his hand and rounded the corner.
"Like hell I would ever do you a favor!" She shouted after him and stomped off to the great beyond, Sadaharu at her side.