Disclaimer: I do not own Gintama. It is owned by the awesome Sorachi Hideaki-sensei, Sunrise and Shueisha.

Rating: T

Genre: Romance, Tragedy


Summary: An annual festival at Yoshiwara creates a chance for Gintoki to learn more about the death of Shouyou-sensei, while Tsukuyo learns about the truth of her abandonment.

Author's Notes: Sadaharu..(TAT) Awwww, Lessons 401 and 402 made me think about the Yorozuya bond on this fanfic.. I think I'm making them OOC.. *sweatdrop* Anyway, I'll try to justify their actions so as to let them be in character, and I think I should include Sadaharu's POV in here too, don't you think? Yeah, I should probably do that… but I still don't know where or how. XD

But before anything else I would like to say that this fanfic was partly inspired by one of the best Gintama fanfictions I've ever read, Pandemonium by x-parrot. So, any similarities which you may have noticed to that fic are entirely my fault. I apologize. Still, I already had the plot set before reading that fic, so that may be a coincidence… *gets shot*

Lots of love to the following: nukidono14, Ginallen, Killuminator, Number-SE7EN-MrsGluttony, The Cloned One, ATM, RhaideandSouichirouchan, Gintsu fan, I-Howl-AT THE-moon, Anonymous, ex-pervyguy, Chibi-Onee-chan, DivineKitten, an-co-xx, cruorem, Hummingbird, Lazy Gaga, NCISMcAbbyISthebest, Nekoi Kurona, DarkAndStormyNight, KeyToTheTruth, anon, Gurako-san, OROGoldenpair1, W, Candyqueen-sama, Stalker Of Reactions, asdas, CrimsonStar10, Sweet Tsubaki, ElleinadOtaku0w0, MerryGoRound01129, and mazzal…

みんな、 ほんとうにありがとうな!


Truth

(信実 Shinjitsu)

A Gintama Fanfiction

By Kurasuchi~


XOXOX

CHAPTER 7

"Sometimes, we need to hurt the people we love in order to protect them."

XOXOX


"Gin-chan…"

"Please… tell us the whole truth, Gin-san."

Gintoki was at a loss. He did not even know what to do. He had already expected such a reaction from them if they ever learn about him keeping something from them, but still, now that he's in that exact situation, he does not know what he's supposed to do.

And to make things worse, both of them had found the mysterious picture of his sensei—the same thing that became the root of all his worries. Seeing this in the hands of both Shinpachi and Kagura rendered him immobile, and he wasn't able to form any coherent thought.

Sweat trickled down his face. "W-Where the hell did you find that?"

"I found it on your things, Gin-san," replied Shinpachi, "it was lying around your desk."

Gintoki could not believe what he just heard. Shinpachi just found it on his desk? How can he be so careless? He already knew that an incident like this would result into trouble, so how can he just leave it around carelessly like that?

It was too much for him to bear. He wanted to bash his head on the wall for being so goddamned stupid.

"So, Gin-san—mind telling us what this is?"

Faced with that question, Gintoki looked at the bespectacled boy in front of him. He tried his best to mask off the anxiousness that slowly crept its way unto him, but all his efforts were in vain as the two teenagers have already noticed his failed attempts.

Still, he won't give up.

"That's nothing. It's just a random picture that I got from Zura some time ago."

As soon as he had said that, he looked intently at the both of them, watching if they believed his little lie. But just as he expected, the two of them were unaffected.

Kagura walked towards him and grabbed him by the hem of his shirt, giving him a piercing glare. "Stop uttering lies, Gin-chan. We know that you're lying. I want you to tell us the truth. We need to know about it."

Kagura's glare upon him was piercing indeed. However, he knew that despite that fact, there hid a huge concern for him behind those azure orbs of hers, which only caused him to feel the sudden pang on his chest even greater.

Was he really doing the right thing?

"Haven't I told you about that before? I'm not lying," he said as he removed Kagura's hand on his shirt. "That's just one of Zura's subordinates. I just got that from Zura when he randomly showed it to me some time ago—that's the truth. That picture ain't got anything to do with me."

Gintoki could only see Shinpachi look at him intently through his glasses.

"Are you really sure about what you're saying, Gin-san? You know, your face tells us otherwise."

He gulped nervously. Because he had stayed with them for so long, it's only natural that they knew him so well.

"Of course I'm sure of that," the silver-haired samurai assured the two of them, "I don't have anything to do with that man. That's why…let's put an end to this, okay? We're getting nowhere…"

"We ain't getting nowhere, Gin-san. I know just by looking at you that this man is someone that you know personally. I mean, if it's just Katsura-san's random subordinate, you wouldn't react like this at all, would you?"

He wanted to scream his lungs out, and run away until he collapsed. The pressure is taking its toll on him. Can't they realize that he's just doing this for their own good? Why are they so stubborn?

..And why of all times would that four-eyes be such a goddamned smartass now?

However, Shinpachi just kept on taunting him.

"Why aren't you saying anything, Gin-san? Have I gotten that right?"

Gintoki was unable to say anything. He could not sayanything.

"Gin-chan… was it really true? Do you really know this man? If so, then, who is he? And why is such a thing in your possession? Was this picture the reason why you've been acting strange recently?"

He can only clench his fists tighter on his sides.

"Gin-san, would you please stop dilly-dallying? We already know what you're up to, so cut it out! Just tell us the truth, that's what we're asking you!"

Gintoki looked down on the floor. He knew that he shouldn't be, but he was starting to get furious. He just couldn't help it.

"Kids like you shouldn't snoop on adults' private matters. And it's nothing important anyway, so please, back off. Drop the issue."

"Like hell we would! We've seen just how much this had affected you, Gin-san! We cannot stand seeing you suffering like this!"

"You've been doing everything by yourself, Gin-chan. Aren't we the Yorozuya? Sure, there may have been ups and downs, but we've always been together, hand in hand! We've always been like this—why change it now?"

"Gin-san!"

"Gin-chan!"

"…SHUT UP! YOU DIDN'T CARE ABOUT MY PAST BEFORE, SO WHY THE HELL ARE YOU POKING YOUR NOSES ONTO IT NOW?"

With that sudden statement, Gintoki found himself surprised with what he had just said. He just screamed angrily at them, didn't he?

Did he…just do that?

Gintoki was confused. He did not know what happened to him and why he suddenly did that, and thus, he was anxious on how they would take it. He then looked back at them, and he could've sworn his heart had just stopped beating as soon as he saw their reactions.

He saw that the both of them had a hurt expression on their faces, and he couldn't stand it. However, there's also a hint of determination—especially on Shinpachi's—as if telling him that despite what he did, they won't ever give up.

Shinpachi stared intently at the silver-haired samurai in front of him, not minding the fact that he was shocked to see him act like that.

"The past, huh? So, you mean that this guy is related to your past, isn't it? Now that I think of it, you never told us about your past.. He's someone important to you, isn't he, Gin-san?"

Stop it.

"Did something happen to him, Gin-chan? Did something important happen to this man on the 21st of November?"

Please, stop it.

"Something related to this man must've happened, right Gin-san? And the reason why you've been so troubled nowadays was because of him, or whatever it is that was connected to him, or whatever it is that—"

"STOP IT!"

Shinpachi and Kagura were both speechless at Gintoki's sudden remark. Now that it happened for the second time, Gintoki knew that he had already lost the little self-control that he had left. Even though he did not want to hurt them, his actions told him otherwise.

"G-Gin-chan..?"

He hated himself for being so stupid.

"..I've had enough! Please leave…leave me alone!"

No, that's not true... Stay! Stay right here!

"You said you wanted to help, right? Well, I don't need your help—and you shouldn't dare to help..."

Shinpachi, Kagura, I just wanted to say—

"..So, get your asses off here and leave me alone!"

I'm sorry.

And that was it. Gintoki knew that there's no more going back, and that whatever he just said had already done some damage. Blaming himself for being so useless, he gulped in anxiety and looked at the two teenagers in front of him.

Both Shinpachi and Kagura's expression was a cross between shock, betrayal, and hurt. At least, that was what Gintoki thought upon seeing the look on their faces. They both remained motionless, as if they still haven't absorbed the fact that he would seriously lash out at them like that.

And lastly, that hint of anger on their expression broke his heart.

"You know what, Gin-san? I think I'll take you up on your offer," said Shinpachi as he angrily pulled Kagura towards him, and walked towards the shoji. "You don't need our help, right? I bet you don't even need us anymore. Suit yourself, Gin-san, if that's what you want."

Kagura struggled under his tight grip on her arms. "S-Shinpachi, you— but Gin-chan's gonna—"

"Let him be, Kagura-chan. Didn't you hear what he just said? He doesn't want us anymore. So we're gonna leave."

"B-But Shinpachi—"

"Kagura-chan!"

Kagura then glanced back at Gintoki, who now tore his gaze away from them. Seeing this action, she only felt her hurt worsen, causing her to furrow her eyebrows in response.

"Gin-chan," she then told him before going out, "Please… understand us. We'll be waiting."

And with that last statement, the two of them were gone, leaving the silver-haired samurai alone in the room.

The only thing that he can do now was to sulk in a corner and punch the wall in frustration.

"Dammit… why has it gotten into this?"

He wished that he could have taken back his words. But it's already too late—what's done is done, and that is that. He can only heave a deep sigh in response to his selfishness.

However, he could still sense something else.

He chuckled to himself. "Aren't you going to lecture me as well…"

He then looked behind him, and found a blonde young woman with a kiseru on her lips, staring at him intently.

"…Tsukuyo?"

As soon as Gintoki said her name, Tsukuyo then walked towards him and took a smoke out of her kiseru, its traces permeating in the air.

"No, I don't plan on doing that. How long have you found out that I'm here?" she asked him, amused.

"Ever since the time when this whole mess had started."

"I… I see."

An awkward silence filled the area. Realizing that everything's been so hard on him for today, he then stood up, and walked away.

"..Gintoki."

That sudden call coming from the Shinigami courtesan made him stop on his tracks. However, he still faced his back on her.

He didn't utter a word, and yet, Tsukuyo took that as a signal to continue.

"Shinpachi and Kagura's desire to help you was genuine, you know. They really wanted to help you, and they're really worried about you. You should be grateful of that."

Gintoki remained speechless, not knowing how to answer.

"And besides, they weren't the only ones who noticed your odd behavior, so you ought to be careful, Gintoki."

He then smiled to himself. "Of course I know that. Don't be silly, Tsukuyo."

The kunoichi only looked back at him in silence.

"Well, I'll leave this place to you then," said Gintoki as he slid the shoji open. "I think we won't be able to have our little chat tonight, since I'm going out for a walk."

"Gintoki…"

"Well, I'm off."

As Gintoki slid the shoji shut, Tsukuyo then heaved a deep sigh.

Many things happened today, and her mind was a mess. However, what she did not expect was Gintoki's reaction to everything—it wasn't what she expected at all. Sure, she knew that Gintoki would continue on lying to all of them, and he would even feign innocence to boot, but what surprised her was the fact that he had lashed out at the two Yorozuya.

She had never seen Gintoki like that before. And based on the two teenagers' reactions, it seems that it was the first time that they had ever seen him get that angry as well. Thus, she believed that whatever it is on that picture of his sensei, it was important to him. And besides, he wouldn't get angry if it wasn't that, right?

She then walked towards the balcony, and gazed at the night skies once again. Surely, the calming sight of the moon truly brings her peace, even for a little while.

She then felt something brush against her arm. She looked behind her, and found Sadaharu, the huge white dog finding its way beside her. The dog looked at her with those cute puppy eyes of his, and she knew that even if he was a dog, he can understand what she feels.

"Woof!"

Tsukuyo smiled at the huge dog in front of her. Somehow, it seems that Sadaharu was comforting her…and she was thankful for that. Brushing her hand against the dog's head, she then looked back at the night skies once again.

"I just wish… that everything would be alright now."

XOXOXOX

Okita Sougo was on his way to the Records Room. The last time he went there was during the Rokkaku Incident—which was ages ago, or so he thought. But anyhow, he doesn't go there usually, since even though he was a police officer, he doesn't like to take it that seriously.

Or maybe he does. But he's more serious when it comes to killing Hijikata.

Stifling a yawn on his hand, he opened the shoji and entered the room. Scanning the area with those burgundy orbs of his, he realized that there's no one inside the room, much to his relief.

Well, he had already expected that anyway.

He then walked deeper towards the very heart of the Records Room, as he scanned the bookshelves for the records of the past Joui War.

The Joui Wars, which lasted for how many years, had resulted into nothing but loss and despair. Even though he was too young when the Joui War was on its peak, he knew that the samurai were fighting a pointless fight. It was obvious that they were no match to the Amantos.

However, even though humans and Amantos co-exist nowadays, he knew that somehow, there is still a rift between them that cannot be erased. Various Jouishishi factions still exist today, and even though they aren't as hostile as before, he knew that sooner or later, there will come a time that they would rebel against the Bakufu.

And that's the reason why they, the Shinsengumi, were here.

Even though they were samurai themselves, they chose to live by the Bakufu's wishes. They were no less than the Bakufu's lapdog—and Sougo despised that fact. But because Kondou was there, he had no other choice.

Kondou Isao was important to him. And as much as he did not want to admit it, he had come to treasure everyone in the Shinsengumi as well… Yes, even that Hijikata, whom he always tried to kill whenever he had a chance.

That's why he treasures the Shinsengumi so much. And, that's the reason why he was so wary of the suspicious people around him.

That also explains why he was so cautious of that old roju's presence, whom he considered as someone suspicious since Day One.

He cannot understand why the Bakufu had to send such a VIP into the barracks of such lowly rounin like themselves. Moreover, he cannot see a point to the roju's actions—such as looking at their records—since if it's just about criminal records, the palace had the most complete records in all Japan. All of the information that they have in the Shinsengumi were also sent to the Bakufu, so it's impossible that they have some information that the Bakufu itself doesn't have. It just doesn't make sense.

Hence, he had always kept his eye on him.

Whatever that roju or the Bakufu had planned against them, he would persevere. He would protect the Shinsengumi, no matter what it takes.

He would protect the Shinsengumi… just like a certain man he knew.

"Oh, if it wasn't the Shinsengumi First Division Captain, Okita Sougo-kun. Such a coincidence to see you here."

Startled out of his thoughts, Sougo then looked in front of him to see who it was. Surprised at what he had just seen, he frowned as he realized how ironic it was, since the very man that he was being suspicious of was in front of him.

However, he still had to remain indifferent.

"Masayasu-sama, it's indeed a coincidence," he replied, much to his dismay. "May I ask what brings you here?"

"Oh, I was just here checking the records, just like what I always did. How about you?"

"The same reason as yours."

Smiling at him as if he was content with his reply, he then walked towards a table filled with files and other books that held their records. As the roju gestured Sougo to take a seat, the Shinsengumi Captain hastily sat down the chair, sitting in front of the roju.

Sougo smirked to himself. He was here to investigate about the records that the roju was rummaging about, and now that he was free to observe the roju himself, it would greatly benefit his plan. He then looked at the records that the roju was looking at, and found himself staring at a particular record containing the information about the infamous Joui patriots during the war.

That particular record was still vivid in his memory, as he remembered looking at it after that particular incident with the Mimawarigumi. It was also during that time that he had seen the records pertaining to the four Jouishishi who made a name for themselves during the end of the Joui War—the two of them were the notorious Kiheitai leader, Takasugi Shinsuke, and the leader of the Nationalist faction, Katsura Kotarou.

The identity of the other one was still unknown, although there were rumors that he had escaped the war and went to space by himself. The other one's identity though, was just recently discovered—it was no other than the Yorozuya no Danna, Sakata Gintoki.

He had always known that he wasn't someone ordinary at all. Just by looking at his prowess with the sword, one can easily conclude that he was exceptional. However, never did he expect that he was the legendary Shiroyasha, the man who struck fear in both the humans and the Amanto.

The roju, on the other hand, just observed Sougo at the corner of his eye, while the latter was deep in thought.

"I am not someone suspicious, you know."

This sudden remark surprised Sougo, since never did he expect the roju to say something like that. How did he know that he was being suspicious of him? Was he that easy to read?

Sougo faked a smile at the Bakufu official. "Why did you say that, Masayasu-sama? I'm not being suspicious of you at all."

"Nothing much," replied the roju, smiling at him. "I just felt like it, somehow."

"Well, I've gotta admit that I'm curious about what you're doing, but I'm not suspecting you at all. Please forgive my insolence."

Sougo then waited for the roju's reply, yet it never came.

"M-Masayasu-sama..?"

"Well, it's just one of my jobs as a roju. It's nothing important, anyway."

Not knowing how to reply, Sougo can only stare back at him. Silence filled the area as the both of them continued on what they were doing. A few minutes later, the silence was broken, much to Sougo's dismay.

"Okita-kun, do you know about the Kansei Purge?"

Sougo was surprised at the roju's sudden question. He had heard of the Kansei Purge before, though he didn't care about it that much. But still, why would the roju ask something like that?

"I've heard of it," replied Sougo, "I don't know much about it though, so I have no idea."

"Ah, I see. Well, it can't be helped."

"What's the matter, Masayasu-sama? Is there something important about that Kansei Purge or something like that?"

"Well, it's nothing like that at all. Please don't mind it that much."

And with that statement, Sougo knew that this Kansei Purge wasn't going to leave his mind for a little while.

XOXOXOX

Everything seemed surreal that night.

The whole living room was dark; the lights were out, and he was alone. Well, not really alone, since Tsukuyo was in her room and Sadaharu was somewhere in the house, but still, with what happened earlier, he cannot help but feel lonesome all of a sudden.

After taking a short stroll along the cold streets of Kabuki-chou, Gintoki went back home to the Yorozuya Gin-chan. He thought that once he took a walk, he would be able to cool off his mind, but it seems that it wasn't working at all. With every second that may pass, all that he could think of are the hurt faces of his two teenage companions, whose expressions seemed to depict shock from his earlier actions.

And thus, as he told himself that nothing good will happen if he just kept on sulking there, he then slumped over to the sofa, and sighed. Closing his eyes for a few minutes, he tried to force himself to have a good night's rest.

Gintoki tossed and turned on the sofa, but he still cannot sleep. The scene of the earlier events with Shinpachi and Kagura kept on haunting him, and he was troubled by his conscience, by his guilt. Since he cannot take it any longer, he then stood up and walked towards the bathroom, quickly finding his way onto the sink.

He turned the faucet on, the coldness of the water quickly spreading to his hands. Without a moment's hesitation, he splashed some water on his face, the small chills sent by the cold water somehow calming his nerves.

He then stared at his reflection in the mirror, and looked at himself in disgust.

He hated himself…

He really did.

Leaning his head towards the cool surface of the mirror, he bit his lip in frustration. Somehow, just the memory of it kept on tormenting him, and he really wanted it to end. However, he knew that he must deal with it one way or another—it was his fault, after all.

Wiping his face with a small towel, he then went out of the bathroom, and turned the lights on. As soon as he moved around to go sit in the sofa, he was surprised to find Sadaharu in front him, his eyes looking intently at his crimson orbs.

"Woof! Woof!"

Gintoki stared at the huge inugami in front of him.

"What is it, Sadaharu?"

The white dog then stuck his paw out, as if telling Gintoki to do the same. Somehow understanding what the dog meant by that, he then stuck his hand out.

Gintoki was surprised as Sadaharu had placed a piece of dog food on his hand. Confused at the action, the samurai then patted the dog's head, his hand brushing against the dog's white fur.

"Why'd you give me a piece of dog food, huh? You think I'll eat this thing? I'm not a dog, Sadaharu. I'm not even hungry."

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

"Huh? It's not that? What is it then? You wanted to tell me something?"

"Woooof!"

Seeing that Sadaharu was really being persistent, he then stared at the dog food once again.

He then remembered that incident with Sadaharu a few months ago, when the inugami ran away from home and took care of a sick little puppy by himself. Everything started and ended with a dog food back then too, and as he stared at the treat in his hands, he remembered what he had said to Sadaharu back then.

Moreover… at tiring times, we at the Sakata household get along and share…whether it be food... or pain.

Those words…were indeed ironic to his current situation.

"Sadaharu…"

"Wooof! Woof!"

Gintoki smiled to himself. It seems as if the dog was telling him to abide by what he had said to him a long time ago, and make amends with both Shinpachi and Kagura. Sure, if it's about other things then he may have abided with that statement, but it wasn't the same now.

It's an entirely different matter. He feared that sharing this with them would only make him lose them by his side. At least, for now their anger was only temporary, and he had sworn to himself that once everything is settled, he'll be the first one to make amends.

He'll try everything in his power to make up to them.

But first…he needed to reassure the poor dog that everything would be alright.

"Thanks… Sadaharu. Everything would turn out to be fine, I promise you."

Seeing that the dog was somehow contented with his reply, he then patted the dog's head once again, and walked towards the sofa. Once he was on his way to it though, his eye caught sight of the small calendar pinned against the wall.

He then made a longing smile.

"So... it's already that time of the year, huh?"

XOXOXOX

The sound of his steps on the rough, cemented ground kept on ringing on his ears. Still, he didn't give a damn to it, as he continued on walking down the streets of Kabuki-chou, his mind contemplating about last night's events that transpired in the Records Room.

Okita Sougo found himself intrigued by the words left by the mysterious roju, Ii Masayasu. And thus, after the roju had left the room, he then investigated about that so-called "Kansei Purge," but he felt like it wasn't enough. He felt that there's something missing about the information that he got.

However, it was only a gut feeling, so he wasn't so sure about that.

Telling himself that he had already done enough for the day, he then stretched his arms and walked towards the park, where he planned to sit and laze all day.

Once he got inside though, his eyes caught sight of a vermillion-haired girl sitting on a bench, her parasol all closed and lying against the wooden surface.

Sougo walked closer to the girl, his mind already thinking of the pranks that he may do unto her.

"China."

The girl then looked back at him. Seeing her face up close, Sougo realized that she was gloomy once again, and he knew that she wasn't in the mood for his pranks. He sighed in response.

"Che. Aren't you too gloomy today, China? When would you go back to your usual idiotic self?"

Kagura glared at the Shinsengumi sadist in front of her, and frowned. She then took hold of her parasol, and fired bullets out of it. However, the sadist dodged each bullet one by one, until she got run out of ammo.

The Yato girl gritted her teeth in frustration. "Go to hell, sadist! Leave me alone!"

"My, you're telling me to go to hell? You're hurting this police officer's feelings," he replied, much to her dismay. "But anyway, aren't you the one who should go to hell? With a face like that, I'm sure that you're—"

Sougo was unable to finish his ranting when Kagura moved her parasol once again, attacking him. Fortunately, he had managed to dodge it in no time.

"Hush, China. Don't be too hotheaded. You'll only get uglier if you did that."

Hearing this remark, Kagura felt even angrier and moved her parasol once again so as to attack him, but stopped halfway, much to Sougo's surprise.

Why did she stop?

She then stared at him, her azure eyes boring its way into his.

"Please.. leave, sadist. I'm not in the mood for it today."

"I can see that clearly."

"If you know that then hurry up and scram!"

"I don't wanna. And besides, that's the reason why I'm still here. It's a better torture."

"You damn bastard!"

As Kagura stood up in fury and was about to assail her attack, Sougo then sat down the bench, taking the space next to her. Surprised at the sudden turn of events, Kagura stood there looking at him, dumbfounded.

"What are you gawking at? Hurry up and take a seat. Or else I'll kick you out."

Not knowing how to respond, Kagura sat at the bench once again, and glared at the young man beside her.

She gave him a piercing glare. "What are you planning, you retard? Why are you still here?"

Sougo looked back at her, and gave her an evil smirk. "It's nothing. But hey, let me guess—it's about Danna, isn't it?"

Seeing Kagura's look of shock was the only reply he needed in order to confirm his suspicions. He then outstretched his arms and put it across the back of his head, leaning down the bench. "Well, I seem to get that right. So, what's the matter?"

"It's none of your damn business."

"It's my business. After all, with you being like that, I have one less person to torture with. It's boring to torture you, with you acting like that. So pathetic."

"Who the hell are you calling pathetic?" she spat back, glaring daggers at him. "Mind your own business!"

"Well, I'm sincerely giving you a hand here. I want you to solve this as soon as possible so I can resume to my normal lifestyle anyway."

Hearing this, Kagura had no any other choice but to comply. She then stared blankly at the scene in front of her, and sighed.

"Yeah, it's about Gin-chan."

XOXOXOX

The skies were clear, and there wasn't any sign of an impending rain.

This particular fact pissed off the bespectacled boy, since he would prefer if it rained today; at least, if it rains, then he would feel that the skies were sympathizing with him and were crying for his sake. However, it wasn't like that at all—and he didn't like it.

Even though he felt selfish with that thought, he just couldn't help it. With the events that transpired last night, he wasn't even able to get some sleep. He had hardly eaten anything too. He just… lost his appetite, he guessed.

He convinced Kagura to stay at his house until Gintoki apologizes. And even though he knew that the young girl was reluctant to do so, she still agreed to it, which he was thankful for.

Seeing the depressed figure of the young girl seemed to light a fire on him as he tried his best to act unaffected and strong despite what happened. He thought that once Kagura had seen him act as usual, then she would probably get over it. And even though Kagura may have understood his intentions, he knew that what he's been doing only made him suffer even more.

Early that morning, he saw Kagura walk out of the gates of Kodoukan Dojo, and he supposed that she would go on a walk in order to sort out her thoughts, or probably, drop off by the Yorozuya Gin-chan to check on that useless leader of theirs.

Besides, despite what happened, Gintoki would always be an important figure to the both of them—somewhat of a brother, a teacher, a father, and a friend. And no matter what happens to the three of them, nothing would change that fact. He knew that. They treat each other as family, after all.

That's also the reason why the both of them were so affected by Gintoki's sudden outburst, not to mention that it was also the first time that they had ever seen him act like that. His reactions were enough proof that the man on the picture was someone important to him, and that whatever it is that he discovered, he doesn't want them to get involved since he knew that it would be extremely dangerous.

But it's not like they haven't been with him on dangerous things like that—after all, they have been with him during those incidents involving the accursed sword Benizakura, that inner turmoil in the Shinsengumi, the red light district of Yoshiwara, the war that happened not too long ago in Kabuki-chou, and the invasion of the Edo Palace. They have been with him through thick and thin, so what's the difference now?

Or was it because he doesn't want them to know about his past? Was his past more than just being the former Jouishishi Shiroyasha?

His mind hurt just from assessing all the possible reasons as to why Gintoki had acted like that. Grumbling in response, he then heaved a deep sigh, and leaned his head against the windowsill. Being cooped up in his room the whole time, the only thing that he can do was to stare at the blue skies through his window, as he doesn't have the heart to go outside at all.

He then heard the sound of the shoji being opened.

"...Shin-chan?"

Hearing that voice, Shinpachi turned around and faced his beloved sister with a smile.

"Ane-ue… Good morning."

"A-Are you alright? You've been sulking in your room this whole time, and I was getting worried—"

"I'm not sulking!"

Surprised at her brother's reaction, Tae blinked a few times before smiling again. "Okay, if you say so. But Shin-chan, you need to get out of this room now, breakfast is ready."

Shinpachi looked at his sister with weary eyes, and he knew that he was making his sister worried about him once again. "Well, I'll be there in a jiffy. But ane-ue…"

"What is it, Shin-chan?" asked Tae, giving him the sweetest smile that she could manage. "You can tell me anything you want."

Shinpachi seemed to stutter, fumbling around for the right words to say. Realizing this, Tae smiled once again, as she walked towards him and stopped just right in front of him, taking a seat on his zabuton.

"Let me guess… it's about Gin-san, isn't it?"

His surprised face was enough of an answer for Tae. Ever since he got home, she already felt that something must've happened between the three of them, and she deduced that the source of all their worries was no other than that nose-picking, lazy and penniless leader of theirs.

"Did Gin-san… do something reckless again?"

Hearing no reply from her brother, Tae knew that she had guessed right.

She then looked intently at Shinpachi, taking note of all his actions. At first, she considered on badmouthing Gintoki and offering to beat that bastard, but as soon as she noticed the hint of sadness in his eyes, she quickly withdrew from that idea.

At that moment, all that she knew was that it would be for the best if they would solve this problem by themselves.

"Shin-chan… I know that you're angry with Gin-san, but you've known him for all these years, right? And I'm sure that you know him better than anyone else.. You know that he wouldn't do those things without a valid reason."

Shinpachi gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew that what his sister has been saying is true, but still, he can't help but feel angry. Or maybe he should be angry at himself? Since if they haven't poked their noses on his business, then this would never have happened.

Seeing that Shinpachi was still confused, Tae then stood up and left the room, giving him a longing glance before sliding the shoji shut.

Tae then walked towards the engawa, bringing a broom along the way.

"Darn. Why are men so insensitive at times?" she asked no one in particular as she thought of her earlier conversation with her brother. She believed what she had said earlier though; she knew that Gintoki wouldn't do anything without a reason for it.

"Ah, they are so irritating!"

"I agree, Otae-san. But no worries, since I'm not one of those kind of guys. I'm a completely sensitive guy."

Hearing that voice, Tae quickly glared daggers at the Shinsengumi Commander under the engawa, who appeared once again to stalk her. Not wasting even a second, she quickly slammed her foot against Kondou Isao's face, and buried it deep within the ground.

"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S INSENSITIVE, YOU PERVERTED STALKER! DON'T YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO? DIE AND GO TO HELL!"

XOXOXOX

"I see… so that's what happened, huh? Seems too troublesome."

Kagura glared irritatingly at the Shinsengumi sadist beside her. She had told him about last night's events—only the gist of it, actually—and somehow, it made her feel better. She guessed that the saying that "telling your problems to someone would make you feel better" was true, since the same thing happened to her.

Well, not really better, since she was pissed off at him for being such an insensitive bastard.

"Damn you! I didn't tell you all of those just for you to comment on it!"

"What do you expect me to do, then?" replied Sougo with a mocking tone, much to Kagura's ire. "Cry over it?"

"NO! At least sympathize with me, dammit!"

"No one's going to sympathize with an asshole like you, stupid."

Kagura gritted her teeth in frustration. The nerve of that bastard!

"You… sadist—"

"—China."

With the sudden change of tone in his voice, she knew that he was now being serious, at least, for once. She looked at him intently, now waiting eagerly for what he was about to say.

"Do you know about the Shiroyasha?"

Kagura blinked in response. She waited for him to say a lot of things out of the blue, but she never expected something like this. Why did he ask her about this all of a sudden?

"So… what? Do you know about it or what?"

She could've sworn that she had heard of the "Shiroyasha" before. However, since she was the type of person who forgets all the unnecessary things, she doesn't recall when or where she had heard of it.

"I think I have heard about it before," she replied, "but I think I didn't give a damn about it back then, so I don't know about who or what it is."

Hearing her reply, Sougo then chuckled to himself, which irritated the Yato girl beside him.

"Oi, what's so funny, you sadistic bastard? I'm just telling you the truth!"

"Nah, it's nothing," replied Sougo in between small creepy chuckles, "I can only say that ignorance is bliss."

"What do you mean by that, bastard? Are you making fun of me, huh?"

"Not at all. Well, let's just say that he was called like that because of his white hair and white coat that he wore in battle… and he made a name for himself as he struck fear in both the humans and the Amanto—that's him, the legendary Shiroyasha."

"Who is he?"

"That's Classified Information."

"You bastard… you're not a time traveler so quit acting like Asahina Mikuru! Stop saying those lines! Tell me who he is, now!"

"Classified Information."

Irritated at Sougo's reluctance to tell her anything, Kagura tried her hardest to remember about that so-called "Shiroyasha." However, every time that she tried to evaluate the description given by the sadist, all that kept on appearing on her head was no other than Gintoki, which made her feel even gloomier by the second. She tried to focus on the sadist's question, but the silver-haired samurai seemed to keep on coming to her thoughts.

But now that I think about it, that description fitted Gin-chan perfectly…

She had always known that Gintoki was a former Joui patriot. She also knew that he was an old comrade of Katsura Kotarou and that guy from the Kiheitai, Takasugi Shinsuke. However, aside from that, she didn't know much about him, and she never asked him about it, not that he had ever told them about it, anyway.

And with a blink of an eye, she then recalled Katsura calling him as the "Shiroyasha" back when they had first met the Jouiroushi leader. He even invited Gintoki back then to join him in the Joui and fight with him once again.

So.. that means that Gin-chan was indeed the Shiroyasha… but does it have any connection to what he's worrying about now?

"Sadist… why are you asking about the Shiroyasha?"

Kagura waited for a few seconds before a reply came from the Shinsengumi Captain.

"It's Classified Information," he finally said, a blank look now plastered on his face.

"You bastard! Why do you keep on saying that line, huh? Stop that!"

"Classified Information."

"AAARGH! You kept on telling me many things and when I ask you about it, you just shrug it off! You big bastard! Just what have you come here for?"

"Well, I just wanna see your agitated face twisted in pain—"

"You bastard! I'm really gonna kill you! Dammit!"

Just as Kagura fumed in anger, Sougo then stood up, and faced the Yato girl in front of him.

"How about the Kansei Purge?" asked Sougo all of a sudden, startling Kagura. "Have you ever heard of it?"

"K-Kansei… what? What's the name again?"

Seeing that the young Yato was unaware of it, Sougo then walked away from her, bidding his right hand in farewell.

"Well, it's nothing, just forget about it. See you later, China."

"Oi, sadist! It's not fair! Sadist! Oiiii!"

Kagura kept on calling him, but he did not even budge, until he was away from her sight. Seeing this, the young girl sighed in frustration.

"Dammit," she muttered under her breath, "what a complete wuss."

XOXOXOX

Tsukuyo woke up with a start. Rubbing her eyes with her bare hands, she glanced at the Justaway clock inside the room and found out that it was already quarter past nine o'clock. And, that also meant that she woke up later than usual—which is very unusual of her, since she usually wakes up very early every day.

But she can't help it, though. She hardly had any sleep that night, and she had only gotten some sleep when she got tired of thinking about last night's events.

Even though she wasn't a part of that incident, it still affected her greatly. She had come to treasure the whole Yorozuya, after all. It caused her great pain, seeing them act like that. She wanted to help them. She wanted them to make up with each other and be the same idiotic lot again. She was used on seeing them live a happy-go-lucky life that it was such a great shock to her to see them like that. She doesn't like that at all.

Hence, even though it's none of her business, she decided that she would try to make them reconcile with each other, as long as it is within her power to do so.

But for starters, she needed to find Gintoki first. And maybe talk some sense to him.

She then changed to her usual clothing, and tied her hair up in its usual style. Satisfied with her actions, she slid the shoji open, and looked at her surroundings. She then found Sadaharu sleeping in one corner of the room, and she smiled to herself. Sadaharu comforted her last night, after all.

She then looked for any sign of the silver-haired samurai, but she hasn't found any. Supposing that he must've gone out just like he always does, she then walked towards the fridge and opened it. Finding a bottle of water, she took it and placed the cool liquid in the glass that she got from the rack of kitchenware beside the fridge. Her hand quickly finding its way towards the glass full of water, she then took a sip out of it, and walked towards the calendar, ripping yesterday's date off.

The piece of paper from the calendar was still on her hands when she had finally caught sight of a piece of paper atop of Gintoki's desk. Curious on what it was, she quickly walked towards it, grabbed the piece of paper, and read it.

I'll be going out for a few days. Tend to the house for me.

Sakata Gintoki

Tsukuyo was surprised to find something like this from Gintoki. He planned on leaving when he still hasn't reconciled with both Shinpachi and Kagura? She felt irritated, but she knew that she wasn't in the right position to do so. Knowing him, he might've had another reason for it.

But where the heck did he go, anyway? What should she say to either Kagura or Shinpachi when they come back here? He didn't even tell her where he'd be going, and he didn't even bid her goodbye! The nerve of that guy!

Finding the piece of paper from the calendar on her hand, she glanced once again at the current date plastered on the calendar, and realized something really interesting.

The date was the 20th of November—the day before the date inscribed on that suspicious picture. And what's more, since he had left before that date, then the place where he may have gone off to may have a connection to his sensei. Maybe he had gone somewhere to find something about his sensei, perhaps?

Seeing no other options, she decided to know where he would go to from no other than that person downstairs—from Otose.

XOXOXOX

"Huh? Gintoki's gone?"

Seeing the surprised reaction of Otose seemed to have disappointed Tsukuyo since she supposed that the old woman may have known about Gintoki's destination. But seeing the contrary, she can only heave a deep sigh.

However, she wouldn't give up. Otose may have some idea about it; after all, wasn't Gintoki her tenant for how many years now?

"Yeah, he even left a note," said Tsukuyo, as she fumbled for the piece of paper containing Gintoki's note on her kimono. "Here it is."

Tsukuyo can only look at Otose as she silently read the note left by Gintoki. She then placed it on the counter, and stared at the blonde kunoichi in front of her.

"Well, I don't know where he is," answered Otose, much to Tsukuyo's disappointment. "That idiot always goes off somewhere God-knows-where, and the next time we knew it, he was already injured, after being involved with some mess. Heck, he doesn't even go home at night for a lot of times now!

Tsukuyo knew that what she's been saying was true, since she had been witness to it during her stay at the Yorozuya. Gintoki had always left without a single word, as if not caring if the people around him would be worried about him to death. But still, she knew that it wasn't like that.

He was just being an idiot, that's all.

Thanking Otose for her help, Tsukuyo then stood up and was about to get out of the shop when the old woman suddenly called out her attention.

"Tsukuyo, come here for a sec."

The young woman then went towards Otose, all curious as to why she had called her. Sitting at the chair on the counter, Tsukuyo then looked intently at the older woman, eager on what she was about to say.

"What's the date today?"

Tsukuyo blinked for a few times before the question had finally sunk in. "November 20. What about it?"

"Supposing that you're looking for Gintoki, I think he may have gone to that place. He doesn't tell anyone where he goes though, so I'm not sure. I bet even Shinpachi and Kagura haven't noticed it either, given the number of times that he went out gambling and going back a few days later. But still… I think I'm the only one who have noticed it.. It was during these times of the year that Gintoki goes out of town and goes somewhere.."

"But… how did you know about it, when Shinpachi and Kagura didn't even know?"

"I just happened to see the train ticket that fell out of his things, you know. I wasn't even sure if it was his or his customer's, but maybe it can help you."

"So, where is it? Where did he go?"

"It's only a guess, but.. He may have gone off to Hagi, in the Choshu Region. That's pretty far from here in Edo."

It only took a moment before Tsukuyo realized that something about his past or his teacher must've been at Hagi, and hence, he goes there every year. But whatever it is, she knew that she has to see him.

"Thanks, Otose-san. You're a lot of help."

"Well, it's nothing, Gintoki's been my tenant for a long time now and—OIII!"

The sound of Otose's screams have only resounded inside the shop as Tsukuyo quickly rushed out of the establishment, leaving the old woman by herself.

"Gosh, she's just like Gintoki… she's so darn reckless."

XOXOXOX

Tsukuyo ran across the streets of Edo, not even caring a bit if she may have inconvenienced the passersby near her. She doesn't give a damn. Her mind was full of worry for the silver-haired samurai, and by the words left by Terada Ayano, his long-time landlady.

She wasn't even thinking straight, and she doesn't even know why she's been acting like that, running on a rush. Even though her mind told her that she shouldn't interfere, her body had betrayed her as she felt herself running towards the train station, hoping to see Gintoki, or maybe—hopefully—stop him and talk some sense to him, and ask him to settle his mess first before going to Hagi, or wherever he wants to go.

She just wanted to see Gintoki before anything else. It was what her mind and heart screamed right now.

Turning to the right side of the street, she caught sight of familiar silver locks of permed hair across the mobs of people. Her expression now a mix between surprise and happiness, she instinctively reached out her hand, despite knowing that the distance between the two of them is huge.

"Gintoki…!"

And as much to her surprise, she saw Gintoki stop on his tracks, looking at everywhere in sight, as if he had just heard someone call his name. Finding no one, Gintoki then resumed on walking, his hand tightly clutching his bokutou, and the other holding the strap of the small bag leaning on his back.

Even from such a distance, Tsukuyo can see the melancholic expression on Gintoki's face. She did not know why, but seeing him like that hurt her; and she somehow wanted to see him acting as usual again, with that dead fish-eyes of his, that lazy, uncaring and idiotic expression plastered on his face.

She tried to chase after him, but she cannot move. It seems that she had just frozen there at that moment, and that all of her attempts to take a step further were futile. She also tried to call him once again, hoping that he may see her, but no voice came out of her mouth.

And it was then that she realized that she was not in the right position to stop him, and that whatever he does, she should respect it—since she's just an outsider.

She looked longingly at the sight of his retreating figure. She bit her lip in frustration.

She wanted to help them so badly. She wanted to make sure that everything's alright between the three of them.

And as weird as it may sound, she wanted to make him happy.

However, all that she can do is to stare at him as he walked away, until he vanished from her sight, not leaving a single trace of his presence behind.

"Gintoki…"

『つづく』


Notes:

Hagi – This is where the historical Yoshida Shouin had established his juku when he was still in exile.

Asahina Mikuru – I haven't watched all the episodes of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, but I have read all of the light novels. (Credits to Baka-Tsuki!) That "Classified Information" line was said by Mikuru in Volume 1, during the time when she had admitted to Kyon her true identity as a time traveler sent to monitor Haruhi.

That part with the dog food and Sadaharu was a reference to Lessons 401 and 402, a Sadaharu-centric mini arc. If you wanna understand what I've meant, read those chapters.


More Author's Notes:

This was such a dramatic chapter… the only thing that wasn't dramatic in here was Kondou's part, lol! But anyway, I hope you'll like this chapter. I've exerted and sacrificed so much just for this fanfic, after all!

By the way, the drama would keep on coming from here onwards, and I'm gonna apologize for that right now. Please don't abandon this story! Please forgive me if I have made them OOC! Please don't hate me if I updated later than usual! *gets shot*

Please leave a review. And don't forget to leave a review! Once you're done reading, leave a review, and once you've liked this chapter, leave a review. So leave a review, okay? Thanks! XD

I also did a sketch for some scenes in this chapter. Here's the link: (remove the spaces and dashes, replace dot with dots)

h-t-t-p: / / i145 . photobucket dot com / albums / r240 / kurasuchi / gintsu1 . jpg

h-t-t-p: / / i145 . photobucket dot com /albums / r240 / kurasuchi / okikagu1 . jpg

Sorry for the crappy quality. Totally didn't exert some effort there, lol! XD

Next Chapter: "It has always been a clichéd thing to walk in the streets, drenched by the rain whenever you were ridden by guilt."