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: HAVE YOU HEARD THE GREAT NEWS? GINTAMA IS BACK! GINTAMA IS BACK ON TV! OCTOBER 4, WAIT FOR ME! AND THE NEW MOVIE ON 2013 AS WELL! Man, it's sure fun to be a part of this fandom!
And oh. Heavy spoilers and heavy FLUFF! So if you're not into romance… well, that's your problem, not mine. I mean, the genre's about Romance and Tragedy, after all. Well, I won't end this in Tragedy, but this fic would be tragic, so I made the genre like that. It's subject to changes, though.
Lots of love to the following: nukidono14, Ginallen, Killuminator, Number-SE7EN-MrsGluttony, The Cloned One, ATM, Rhaide AND Souichirouchan, 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, mazzal, Jette soller, itazuraramblings, she-womanizer, Lady Redgrave DMC, starmie, miso ramen goodness, LoveMadness, VenVen and FlamingLexus…
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 9
"Something eventful is inevitable whenever a man and a woman stay in a single room."
XOXOX
"Ah~chooooooooo!"
With that sudden sneeze, Sakata Gintoki looked at the blonde young woman beside him, who was currently shivering relentlessly as they walked side by side under his umbrella. She breathed into her hands as an attempt of warming herself up, but even though it was futile, she still did it anyway.
Her cheeks were flushed, and he can even see that her teeth were chattering from the cold. Well, it was her fault that she was like that now to begin with, and yet he cannot help but to feel sorry for her. She did come here for his sake, after all.
They just continued on walking through the streets of Hagi, under the protection of his lone umbrella. Even though it was still raining, they decided to walk and find some place where they could spend the night.
..And as he expected, she sneezed once again.
"Oi, are you alright?" asked Gintoki. "Don't worry, we'll find a nice place to stay soon, and you'll be able to rest as well. The sick must rest, you know."
Tsukuyo, despite her current condition, glared at him. "I'm not sick."
"Don't fool yourself. You've been sneezing for quite a while now. And look, you're shivering. You have a cold."
"I don't! And besides, we should just—hey! What are you—"
They stopped on their tracks. He gave her the umbrella, and much to her surprise, he started to untie the knot on his belt.
"W-What the hell are you doing? D-Don't be stupid, Gintoki! What are you thinking?"
"Just shut up and hold the umbrella!" he replied agitatedly as he removed his yukata away from his body, and gave it to her. Tsukuyo, on the other hand, just stared at him in confusion.
"W-What are you doing?" she asked, giving him a blank stare.
"My yukata. You're cold, right? Use it."
"W-Why? You don't have to do that! And I'm not cold! I'm fine!"
"You aren't fine. Come on, use it!"
"I don't want to! I'm fine! You don't have to worry about me!"
And with that sudden statement, Gintoki glared daggers at her, before heaving a deep sigh. His hand finding its way on his permed silver hair, he then grumbled in frustration.
"Ah~ you never know when to stop, huh? You know, you should let others take care of you as well!" he exclaimed, and placed the yukata atop her shoulders, adjusting it on her small frame.
"O-Oi! Stop that!" she shouted embarrassedly and tried to stop him, but to no avail. Even though she was against it, her own body had betrayed her as she immediately held the yukata closer to her own body, reveling on its warmth and comfort.
"You're sick because of me. This is the least I could do—for now," he said, and took hold of the umbrella once again.
Tsukuyo, who now wore Gintoki's yukata to at least keep her warm for the time being, could not help but feel embarrassed. His warmth was still there on his yukata, as well as his scent. Somehow, wearing his yukata made her feel more relaxed, despite the fact that she still felt dizzy. But at least, she felt better now.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, it seems that he won this time.
"Are you feeling better now?"
"Yeah," she affirmed. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"Yeah."
She stopped walking.
"Ne, Gintoki.."
"What?"
"Do you think we'll be able to find a place to stay by now?"
Gintoki suddenly stopped on his tracks, much to her surprise. He then gave her a blank look.
"What do you think?"
Tsukuyo sighed at this. They've been walking for quite some time now, and they still haven't found any sign of people or houses in the area. So does this mean that they'll be spending the night outdoors?
"Oi, Tsukuyo! Look! There's a light there! Can you see it?" he suddenly exclaimed, pointing out to the light a few meters away from them. "It seems like we've gotten lucky now! We'll be able to spend the night there!"
XOXOXOX
Desperate for finding a place to rest, the both of them went towards the light that Gintoki had pointed out a while ago. And upon closer inspection, it appeared that the heavens have finally smiled upon them, since that place wasn't a house, but rather, a restaurant.
The smell of food already filling their nostrils, they entered the shop. They haven't eaten anything ever since they've arrived in Hagi, and with the presence of food right in front of them, they could already feel their stomachs grumbling in hunger.
On the other hand, the place was filled with people of all ages. He sighed. They sure found a busy place to stay.
"Irasshaimase!"
With a curt bow, both adults went towards an empty table, and immediately grabbed the menu. The waitress, who still had a smile plastered on her face, approached them.
"So, what's your order, Danna-sama?" she asked Gintoki, who was now busily scanning through all the pages. Seeing that he was still busy with whatever he's doing, she then turned to Tsukuyo, and asked her the same. However, she courteously declined the former's offer.
Seeing this, Gintoki glared at her. "Oi, how come you didn't order anything? You've got some in you, right? You've got cash, right?"
She shook her head. "I don't. How would I still have some cash left if I've used it all for the transportation fares?"
"Well, you're the Hyakka's boss, I'm sure you've been earning a hefty sum of it, right? Don't be stingy. Come on, you still have to treat me, right? I'll give you 300 yen, just order something! I'm starving here!"
"Why the hell should I? And I told you I don't have any money left! You're the one who caused this mess, so you should be the one treating me!"
Gintoki sighed. "I just knew it would come into this," he trailed off, and called the attention of the waitress. "Oi, serve us whatever's in the house. Make it quick."
"So you're the one who had the money," retorted the Shinigami Courtesan. "Stingy."
He glared daggers at her. "What is it to you? Of course I'm stingy! I'm poor!"
"Yeah, whatever." She looked at the food at the table, which was now placed by the waitress. It was yakitori.
Gintoki smiled at her, as if signaling her to dig in. "Well then, itadakimasu."
"Itadakimasu."
And they ate their food in silence, the two of them so hungry that they haven't even got the time to waste for an idle chat. They were also asked if they would like some sake, into which Gintoki had vehemently refused.
"Gochisosama deshita. Ah, that was great."
Tsukuyo looked back at Gintoki, who was now picking his teeth with a toothpick. "Yeah, it was really great," she replied, and gave him a smug look. "But the problem starts here. Do you really have some money?"
The silver-haired man only smirked in reply, which made Tsukuyo nervous. With him acting like that, she knew that he is up to no good.
"Just relax, okay? Take it easy. I'll handle this."
"Oh. You mean you'll run away?"
"What? I don't do that kind of thing! Especially not now!"
She sighed at this. "And what do you mean by that?"
"Just shut up and watch."
As soon as he said those words, he immediately stood up and walked towards the counter. Curious on what he was about to do, Tsukuyo followed him shortly thereafter.
They then came across a woman who was currently sitting at the counter. She had her shoulder-length hair tied up into a bun, and she was wearing a typical kimono with an apron. Judging from her appearance, she looked like she was about in her late thirties.
"How can I help you, okyaku-sama?"
Gintoki walked towards the woman. "We just had two orders of yakitori."
The woman just stared at him. "So?"
"We have no money."
"Then go look for one."
"It's impossible. And besides, we aren't from here."
"I see," she then replied, and stood up. Glaring back at Gintoki, she then raised her hand furiously, and as soon as he tried to defend himself, she then used that to her advantage and took hold of his ear, and pinched it with all her might.
"OUUUUUUUUUCHH! S-STOOOOOOP! STOP THAT YOU OLD HAG! I'M TRYING TO OFFER YOU SOMETHING NICE HERE!"
"SHUT UP! I DON'T GIVE AWAY FOOD FOR FREE! AND WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING AN OLD HAG, HUH?"
"OBVIOUSLY IT'S YOU— OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCHH!"
Faced with that scenario, Tsukuyo cannot help but to heave a sigh. She knew that Gintoki was a tactless person, but to think that he'll do something as stupid as this was just out of her expectations.
"Idiot," she mumbled to herself, and walked towards the two, which made them stop on their tracks. The woman, on the other hand, looked at her.
"Ah, your wife looks lovely!" she exclaimed, and immediately clasped Tsukuyo's hands with her own. "But she's drenched! She might get sick!" She then turned to Gintoki. "Oi, you bastard. Why did you leave your wife like this? What if she gets sick?"
"Hah? What do you mean by that? And besides, it's not like that, she's not my wife—"
Much to his dismay, the woman wasn't listening to him. She just kept on fussing about Tsukuyo, and she even got her a towel and a change of clothes from who-knows-where. Irritated, he tried to cough a little just to get her attention, but to no avail. Pissed off, Gintoki fumed in anger.
"OIIIIIIIIIIIII! LISTEN TO MEEEEEE!"
"SHUT UP, DAMMIT! You should be thankful of me for taking care of your wife!"
Gintoki, though completely pissed off, tried to get a hold of himself. "I told you, it's not like that! I said—"
"Gintoki," retorted Tsukuyo, "I think you should be a lot nicer to Matsushita-san from now on."
SO YOU'RE GOING TO SIDE WITH HEEEEER? WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON HERE! I'M THE ONE YOU SHOULD BE SIDING WITH, DAMMIT!
"That's right, you damn permed bastard. Tsukuyo-chan's completely right."
I DON'T MEAN YOUUUUUUUU! AND WHAT, YOU'RE FRIENDS ALREADY? THAT'S DAMN FAAAAASSSSTTTTTT!
"Ah, Matsushita-san, I think Gintoki's going to offer you something, if you don't mind."
AH, TSUKUYOOO! YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO READ THE MOOD!
"He's going to offer you 300 yen if you let us off with the food. It includes the payment for a spare room where we could spend the night with."
IT'S NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL! AND WHY DO YOU THINK SHE'S GOING TO LET US OFF WITH 300 YEN? AND THAT LAST SENTENCE OF YOURS SOUNDS REALLY DIRTYYYYYY!
But much to his surprise, it seems that the woman named Matsushita was shocked from Tsukuyo's words. She then looked at Gintoki and eyed him suspiciously, before smiling at the young blonde woman in front of her.
"Well then, since you insist and it appears that you don't have any more places to stay, then you can stay the night here. However, both of you must work for me."
"That's what I've been trying to say to you all these time," he mumbled under his breath, and scowled.
"Well then, mister…. Uh.. You're…"
"It's Gin-san. Call me Gin-san."
"Right. Gin-san, you could do some work, right?"
Gintoki smiled at this. "Of course I can. If you leave the kitchen to me, and make Tsukuyo wash the dishes, then all would be solved, right?"
XOXOXOX
And with Matsushita-san's approval, the two of them were hired for a part-time job in the restaurant for a night. Gintoki helped in the kitchen, while Tsukuyo washed the dishes and helped on serving the guests. This proved to be very helpful, since a lot of guests came after hearing the news that a beautiful newcomer was hired as a waitress at the place. And with faced with this fact, Matsushita-san can only smile in approval.
However, there is one thing that she cannot stand.
"OIIIIII! What the hell are you doing? This is not a patisserie! Why the hell are you making cakes? Make some damn food, you bastard!"
Hearing this, Gintoki stopped on his tracks and licked the icing on his fingers, before facing Matsushita-san. "What is it?" he replied. "I am making food. Can't you see this cake?"
"I've gotta admit that you're really good at making sweets, but can't you please do that for some other time? I've got a business to do here! If it weren't for your wife, I would've kicked you out of this place a long time ago!"
"I told you it's not like that! And besides, I need my sugar to function properly. I promise I'll cook those other orders once I've finished making this."
"That is your third cake for the day. You're just making excuses!"
"But didn't you sell off two of my cakes to other customers? I haven't even eaten a single piece!"
Grumbling in response, Matsushita-san only scowled at him, and sighed. "Do what you want," she finally said, and walked away. "But just make sure that you've finished all of the orders by an hour."
XOXOXOX
It was quite a shock for Matsushita-san to find out that Gintoki was a good cook. Not only did he make dishes that are on par with her restaurant's menu, but she was able to sell sweets as well. And most of all, the fact that her earnings doubled than usual brought such a big smile on her face, that she wouldn't even mind if those two guests of hers would stay for a few more days.
However, there was a huge problem: their lodgings.
This is a restaurant. Sure, there may have been rooms where she and the other occupants may sleep in, but there wasn't a guest room or anything like that. All that she had was a small, empty storage room which she hadn't gone to for months. Faced with that fact, she had no choice but to tell everything to Gintoki and Tsukuyo.
"It's okay with me," said Tsukuyo. "I'm used to it, anyway. And besides, you're making us stay the night for free, so I'm really grateful."
Matsushita-san smiled at this. "Thank you, Tsukuyo-chan. Don't worry, I'll clean up the room in a jiffy for you." She then turned to Gintoki. "And how about you, Gin-san?"
The said man grumbled in response. "It can't be helped, right? I'll gladly accept the offer."
Seeing that everything's settled now, Matsushita-san smiled at them. However, as she looked at the both of them as they sat on a zabuton, she noticed that they are sitting too far apart from each other, and they aren't even that close with each other on a physical level.
A thought suddenly entered her mind.
"Gin-san, Tsukuyo-chan… are you sure you're really married?"
Hearing those words, both Tsukuyo and Gintoki fell silent.
WHAT KIND OF NONSENSE ARE YOU SPOUTING, YOU DAMN HAG?
The silver-haired man pointed at the older woman. "I told you it isn't like that, you old hag! Tsukuyo and I aren't like—"
"You know, I am completely against the idea of unmarried people staying together or travelling together, especially if they're going to sleep in the same room. So if it turns out that you and Tsukuyo-chan aren't married, then I have no choice but to kick the both of you out. Is that understood?"
Faced with this dilemma, Gintoki and Tsukuyo looked at each other, their faces clearly depicting the huge trouble that they were in. It's good that they have found a place to stay, but if she finds out that they weren't married, all of their efforts would be in vain! And they wouldn't have any place to stay as well!
'Oi, Gintoki! What are we going to do now? Are we going to tell her the truth? Or are we going to pretend that we're a couple?'
'We don't have any choices left, you know. We've gotta do this, if that's what she wants. And besides, we've done it before. And we'll be leaving tomorrow as well.'
Gintoki then gave an awkward grin, before pulling Tsukuyo towards him. "We're a couple. We are a lovey-dovey couple. We've even done some puff-puff some time ago. We've been married for three years now and we even have two kids. Right, Tsukuyo?"
OI, GINTOKIIIII! THAT PUFF-PUFF ACTION PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT UNSAID!
Tsukuyo, though quite pissed off with what he had just said, nodded in response. "Yes, anata. Dia and Block are even waiting for us in Edo."
"Dia? Block? Those are crazy names!" remarked Matsushita-san, who now took a sip out of her tea. "And being lovey-dovey is certainly great. Ah, I'm so envious, my husband just left me all alone and went off with some other girl…"
SO THAT'S WHY YOU'RE SO AGAINST THE IDEA OF TWO UNMARRIED PEOPLE STAYING TOGETHER! WHY THE HELL ARE YOU SO BITTER? AND BESIDES, WE HAVEN'T ASKED YOU TO TELL US YOUR LIFE!
"Well then, now that everything's settled, let's go to your room."
XOXOXOX
As expected, the storage room was indeed small and cramped. It was clean and empty now, except for a single futon and a candle inside.
Gintoki looked at Matsushita-san with his lazy-looking eyes. "I thought you're going to share us a room with two futons?"
"Huh? But I thought you're a couple? And besides, this room is so small that another futon won't fit in here. Moreover, we don't have any futons left."
"Errr.. even blankets? Just a few more blankets would do…"
"Sorry, but we haven't got any. Just be grateful that you've found a place to stay, you ungrateful bastard."
"Then at least make the futon large enough for two people to fit in! Just look at how small this is! The two of us won't even fit in here!"
"But you're a couple, right? Then you know what to do!"
"What do you mean by 'you know what to do?' I don't know what to do! And I don't want to know what's on your mind, either!"
Faced with that reply, Matsushita-san just heaved a deep sigh, before giving them a knowing smile. And with that she bid farewell, much to Gintoki's chagrin.
Tsukuyo then looked at the man in front of her. "So, what are we going to do now?"
"I don't know. Sleep, perhaps? You take the futon. I'll sleep on the floor. Just a few blankets would be enough."
"But it's raining hard. The floor's really cold. And it's really chilly in here."
"I know that! You don' have to tell me that! But.. we don't have any choices left, right? Come on, go to sleep now. I'm alright, don't worry about me."
"But—"
"I said it's alright! Now go to sleep! It's already late anyway!"
"But.. it's okay with me, you know. To share the same futon with you.."
Gintoki's jaw dropped upon hearing this.
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS GIRL SAYING? DOESN'T SHE HAVE ANY SENSE OF FEMININE AWARENESS?
"Y-You know, I appreciate the offer and all but… I think I'll decline that. It's sorta bad for us to… you know.. sleep on the same bed and all.."
"It's alright. As long as I get my two million, then I'm satisfied. Your options are all open now."
"SO THAT'S THE REASON HUH? YOU KEPT ON COMING WITH THAT TWO MILLION! IN THE END YOU JUST WANTED YOUR MONEY, DON'T YOUUUUUUUU?"
"Ah! You've just said that. You aren't thinking of it anymore."
"LIKE THE HELL I CAREEEEE!"
A few more minutes have passed, and the two of them have come into a resolution that no one would sleep on the futon, and that they'll sit on each end of the room, and get some rest while sitting. And even though they did that for half an hour, no one was asleep.
Gintoki just stared at the floor in silence, and tried to doze off to wonderland, but to no avail. All that he can hear were Tsukuyo's relentless coughs and sneezing, and truth be told, he was really worried about her. It seems that her cold has been getting worse.
She coughed again. And this time, Gintoki noticed that she was shivering from the cold—and sitting on the cold surface of the floor certainly didn't help either. She had difficulty in breathing, and it appears that she had gone all sweaty.
"Ah, you are one troublesome girl~"
Because he couldn't hold it in any longer, Gintoki then crawled towards Tsukuyo, who now then noticed him. Surprised at his sudden intrusion on her so-called 'space', she was shocked to find him getting closer and closer towards her… and his face was…
Embarrassed, she turned bright red at the sight of him, and was about to push him away when suddenly—
She felt Gintoki's forehead touch her own.
"W-What are you doing, you bastard? Didn't we talk about that so-called 'personal space' of ours beforehand?" she exclaimed, fighting the sudden urge to scream due to extreme unease and embarrassment.
"Shut up! As if I can leave you alone like this you know!" he retorted, and inched his forehead away from her. He then brought his hand out to his own forehead, and used his other hand to check her temperature. "Wait—you feel hot. Dammit, you've got a fever already? Ah, so troublesome.."
"I told you, I can take care of myself! Forget about me!"
"And I told you to shut up, didn't I? If your cold and fever gets worse, then it would be a hassle! Just shut up and stay still, let me handle this!"
"What? G-Gintoki! Oi, Gintoki! GINTOKIIIIIII!"
Her screams were unheard since as soon as Gintoki stood up, he then went downstairs in a hurry.
XOXOXOX
"Okay~ here's some porridge, I've made you some."
Upon hearing this, Tsukuyo cannot help but be surprised at the sight in front of her. After going downstairs for a few minutes, Gintoki returned with a bowl and a spoon, his handmade porridge still in his hands. With that arrogant smirk plastered on his face, he then walked towards her, and sat down.
"Come on, dig in."
Tsukuyo just stared at the porridge, then back at him. "What's with you today? Being so awfully nice to me.. You're being creepy."
"What do you mean by that? That hurts, you know! And besides, I'm always nice! Can't you even see that everyone adores me because I'm a really nice person?"
"So not being able to pay off your rent, as well as not paying your employees any of their salary are a part of being nice, huh? If that's so, then all those who aren't like that must've been saints."
"…I don't like the sound of that," he mumbled to himself, and scowled at her. Sensing that she had made fun of Gintoki enough, she then smiled at him, and took the bowl of porridge out of his hands.
"H-Hot…" she trailed off as she took the bowl, and blew off the steam. She then looked at Gintoki.
"Since you've made this for me and all, then I'll gladly accept your offer. It would be a waste if I don't eat it, after all."
Gintoki smiled back. "That's good. Come on, eat up. I assure you it's good. It's Chef Gin-san's specialty."
"What kind of a dumb 'specialty' is making porridge?" she retorted back, and took a spoonful of porridge. She blew on it since it was still hot, before proceeding to eat it.
"I-It's good! This is really delicious!"
"Isn't it? I may not look like it, but I'm actually a pretty good cook! But I'm still better at making sweets!"
"Is that why you've almost gotten diabetes?"
"…Geh. How did you know that?"
"In the wiki. But never mind that."
She then continued on eating the porridge, until none of it was left. Seeing that she had somehow regained the former liveliness that she had before, he then smiled to himself, and stood up.
He then reached out his hand to her.
"Well, I know that we've talked about this already, but you obviously need the futon. So.. get back there now."
"I won't. I've already said that I—AAAAAAHHHH!
Much to her surprise, Gintoki had dragged her out of her so-called 'space' and placed her into the futon. But before she can even get up, he tucked on the sheets and prevented her to get up at all costs. Realizing that any efforts to object were futile, she had no other choice but to comply.
She sighed.
"You sure are strict, aren't you? What will happen to you, then?"
"I'm fine," he replied. "Don't worry about me."
Tsukuyo smiled at him. But before she can even say anything, Gintoki had already looked away, before fumbling for something on his pocket.
"Here. Kool Fever."
He then placed it atop of Tsukuyo's forehead. She smirked in response.
"You carry those with you? Are you a mother or what?"
"Oi, oi, it's not like I carry those with me, you know! I just asked some from Matsushita-san!"
Tsukuyo chuckled at this. "Alright, alright. But still, it's kinda different. Usually it would be something like a wet towel, right?"
"Nah, that one's a pain," he groaned in response, and smiled at her. "That's troublesome. And besides, it's a lot faster with this, right? It would be troublesome for me if you're still sick tomorrow."
"So that's your real motive."
"Well, that's one of them."
And so Gintoki and Tsukuyo stayed still in silence, as if trying desperately to get some sleep. Tsukuyo was still on the futon, and Gintoki sat on the floor next to her. But just as when the dawn of sleep was finally coming down on them, they heard footsteps towards their room.
"Excuse me but… are you still awake, Gin-san, Tsukuyo-chan?"
Gintoki and Tsukuyo froze up upon hearing that voice. It was definitely Matsushita-san—and the fact that she was here only meant trouble. Those words of hers were still fresh on their minds, and they're worried if she'll find out that they weren't married at all.
They aren't even sleeping on the same futon. What should they do?
Tsukuyo looked at Gintoki in worry, but he just shrugged it off. From the looks of it, it seems that he'll just make some excuses and still sleep on the floor—and aside from the fact that it's risky, she didn't want that to happen.
So without a second thought, just as Matsushita-san was about to slide the shoji open, Tsukuyo dragged Gintoki into the futon with her.
"Gin-san? Tsukuyo-chan?"
Matsushita-san looked around, and found the couple sleeping soundly next to each other in the same futon, with Gintoki embracing Tsukuyo in his arms.
She smiled to herself. She planned on asking Tsukuyo to share the same room with her since she already saw through their lie, but seeing the two of them like that made her change her mind. She wasn't the type to destroy budding relationships, after all.
Now, if they would only realize it themselves…
Content with what she had seen, she slid the shoji shut and went back to her room. Realizing this, Gintoki and Tsukuyo opened their eyes in silence.
Gintoki glared at her. "What's the big idea, dragging me like that? With what you did, we have no other choice but to do that, you know!"
"Of course I know that! But it's the best thing that we could do… Matsushita-san's been suspecting us, after all."
"Can't we just tell her the truth? It's really troublesome to continue this.."
"Well then, let's tell her the truth. But don't you dare blame me if you'll sleep outdoors after this."
"Uh… I think I'll decline that."
Sighing to himself, Gintoki was about to get out of the futon until he felt a hand clinging to his shirt. He then turned around to face her.
"What is it this time? I'm gonna get outta here so you can get some sleep."
Tsukuyo looked at him in silence, her already flushed cheeks getting more tinted with red.
"Stay here. I don't mind."
Gintoki couldn't believe his ears. "What?"
"You can stay here with me in the futon. It's fine with me."
"W-What? Oi, oi, that's not a funny joke, you know! Dammit, you're making me nervous all of a sudden! Don't say things like that out of the blue!"
"I said it's fine, didn't I? And besides…" She then looked away, her voice decreasing in volume by every second. "I think… I'll be able to get some sleep with the way you've held me earlier."
And it was now Gintoki's turn to blush. "S-Stupid! D-Don't say embarrassing things like that!" he exclaimed, stuttering. "I had no other choice back then! It's not like I planned on doing that or anything, dammit!"
"I know that! But… well… it just felt nice, you see. Well, it's the only time that I'll ask you for something like this, so…please?"
Gintoki felt even more embarrassed at this. He knew that she's only acting like this since she's sick, and he shouldn't take advantage of that. But now that he's actually in that situation, with her giving him a pleading look which he could not resist… he just didn't know what to do.
He heaved a deep sigh. "You're acting really strange. Is it that? You know, that common occurrence whenever one is sick—when they're acting really out-of-character, or being too honest with themselves?"
Tsukuyo just stared at him in silence.
"Uh.. what? You expect me to comply with your wishes?"
She continued to stare at him, her eyes boring its way into his.
Gintoki gulped in frustration.
"Okay, okay! I just have to sleep beside you and hold you close, right? Okay, I'll do just that! But don't you dare blame me if something happens, alright? Do you get that?"
Tsukuyo nodded in response and smiled at him, which made his heart skip a beat.
She's… she's really different today… She's gotten.. cuter, somehow..
"I expect that you won't hit me when you wake up in the morning, alright?"
She nodded, and adjusted herself so Gintoki can squeeze in with her in the small futon.
..S-Still! She's still not on par with Ketsuno Ana though! Hell yeah! Nothing beats Ketsuno Ana! Nothing beats her! Nothing… beats…
He tried his hardest to restrain himself, but he felt even more embarrassed when he felt her snuggle closer to him, as if she was trying to absorb all of his body heat. With that thought in mind, he then realized that she was still shivering, and he subconsciously hugged her closer to his chest.
"Geez… acting like this.. just don't blame me if something happens, alright? Even though I'm like this… I'm still a guy."
"It's alright. I know that you won't do anything. I trust you."
Gintoki smiled at this. "Ah, that makes it harder for me, you know? With you saying it like that.. Geez. You're so troublesome."
"Yeah, I know. Thank you."
"Yeah."
She gripped his shirt even tighter.
"And I'm sorry."
Gintoki was taken aback by this. "W-Why are you apologizing?" he asked, worried. "It's fine with me. I take that back, you're not troublesome at all!"
"No, it's not that. It's just… I mean, I wanted to apologize to you. I'm getting ahead of myself. I shouldn't have pressed you about.. such delicate matters.."
With those words, Gintoki knew that what she was referring to was that incident back at the graveyard, where she confronted him about his sensei, and of his relationship with both Shinpachi and Kagura.
Back then, he may have been irritated at what she did, but he realized that he was the one in the wrong. As much as he didn't want to admit it, she was right. What's frustrating for him is the fact that it would even take him to sever his relationship with the two Yorozuya and get on lectured by a woman who was freeloading off his house before he can finally realize the truth.
"You don't have to be sorry. If anything, I should be the one thanking you. So thank you, for making me realize my mistake. And I'm sorry for hurting you."
"It's alright. And besides, I know that you cannot help it. Even though I didn't know who your sensei was, I know that you treasure him so much. I am the same."
Gintoki winced at the thought. From her words alone, he knew that despite all those things that her shishou, Jiraia, had done to her, she still treasured him the same. Even though he died in her hands, just as what he had wished for, she still loved him as her master.
Because even though there are things which may taint her relationship with him, everything would be the same—he would always be her master, no matter happens. He would still be the same guy who brought solace and hope into her life, a thing which she had never seen from anyone else back then besides Hinowa.
Gintoki knew that fact. And he can sympathize with that. He's the same, after all.
"Even though you may not have good memories with my master, I do hope that you'll forgive him. Sure, he may have done bad things unto me and to Yoshiwara, but that's all in the past now. For now, I want to preserve his memory as my master—the Jiraia who created the Hyakka, and not the Oniwabanshuu Tobita Danzou who tried to end his life by creating me. I know it's hard, but—"
"It's fine. I'm not bothered by it, actually. And besides, I know just how much you admire and respect your master. I'm the same with sensei, didn't you say it so earlier?"
"Well, I did, but…"
"It's fine, isn't it? What bothers me is how similar we are though.. We both have masters of our own… both of them have died.. and we're lost because of it. But you, on the other hand, found your closure. I just wish I could find my own sooner."
Tsukuyo bit her lip. "Are you… still lost?"
"I.. I don't know," he replied agitatedly, and sighed. "Truth be told, I really don't know. I don't even know what to do now."
She then looked at him, and her eyes met his. "I'm sure… that your sensei's a good man. Having such a student like you… I'm sure he's really proud of you."
"Nah, I think he wouldn't. Just look at me. I don't have anything to be proud of. I don't even have any good points."
"Really? But that's not what I see. That's not what Shinpachi and Kagura sees. That's not what everyone sees."
"So, what do they see? What do you see?"
"You may be like that, but you have a lot of good points, Gintoki. And besides, someone like you—whose soul gleamed of silver amidst the looming darkness, is someone who is hard to find. We'll never see someone like you, even in a hundred years."
"So.. you're saying that I'm like that? You know, marude dame na otoko? In short, MADAO? Is that what you're saying?"
"It's an enigma for you to twist my words like that. Really."
"I must've been an enigma then," he replied, and chuckled to himself. "But you're awfully talkative for someone who's sick. Are you sure you're really sick? You're just not taking advantage of the situation, aren't you?"
"Why the hell would I do that? And besides… I'm still not sleepy.. and I… I don't know, but I still wanted to talk to you."
Gintoki smiled at this. "Well, what do you know? I feel the same as well."
A short silence fell between the two of them, until Tsukuyo spoke up.
"Gintoki… what's your sensei like?"
The man-in-question was surprised at this, but relented to it nonetheless. "He was a good man. He had long hair just like Zura's, and he had kind eyes. He's the kindest man I've ever met."
"Seems like it. Was he the one who taught you how to use a sword?"
Hearing this question, Gintoki cannot help but feel nostalgic all of a sudden. He then remembered that time when he had first met Yoshida Shouyou, where he gave him his katana, and invited him to come with him.
(Gintoki-kun… you are not alone anymore. I know that I am not in the position to pry at your past, but whatever it is, always remember that you have your comrades with you, that you have people who care about you, and people who will care about you.)
That incident… is where everything had started.
(No matter the circumstances are, stand tall and fight it head on. Do things at your own pace. Stand up on what you believe in. Be guided by your own heart—I know that it must've been hard on you, but you're not alone, and always remember that. From now on, I'll be here… I'll support you in everything, and in turn, let us watch each other's backs.)
"G-Gintoki?"
"Eh? Ah, sorry. I just remembered something. Well, to answer your question… He is. But it's not like we had any specific styles or techniques or anything. Just knowing how to protect is enough."
"I see. And I've heard that you're childhood friends with the Kiheitai leader, that infamous Takasugi Shinsuke. Is that true?"
"It's not like we're friends or anything. We're just former comrades. We fought together back in the war. Zura's with us as well, and.. the three of us were Shouyou-sensei's students."
"Oh. So it seems that the legendary Shiroyasha is true, eh? I still can't believe that the legend before had degraded into a useless, unemployed Yorozuya as of now."
"Oi, oi, that last sentence of yours was uncalled for! And besides, I think my life right now was better than my life during the war.."
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that."
"It's alright."
"Gintoki…"
"What?"
"If it's alright with you, tell me about the photo that you've found. What I've said earlier in the graveyard… am I right about that?"
Gintoki was kinda reluctant about this, but he realized that she had the right to know about it—since it had affected her as well.
"Yeah. You're right. That is Shouyou-sensei. And it was indeed his grave that I was visiting back then."
"I.. I see.."
"I'm sure that you've noticed it already, but that date inscribed on the picture wasn't just random. It was.. it was the time when.. Shouyou-sensei was beheaded."
"B-Beheaded? W-What do you mean by—"
"—He's been purged. That Kansei Purge.. you've heard of it, right?"
"Yeah, back when we infiltrated the Edo Palace.. But…why?"
"You've heard the reason before. He was suspected of raising a group of future Jouishishi, and he's been imprisoned for a few years, before he was finally executed. Incidentally, that same date was the time when he was arrested. And he was arrested…right before my very eyes."
Tsukuyo hung her head low in shame. "I… I'm sorry."
"There's no need for you to be sorry. If there's someone who should be saying that, it should be me. I was the one who caused sensei's death. If it wasn't for me, then he wouldn't have been arrested. If I was only strong enough, then he might still be alive by now. If I've only protected him back then, he would still be—"
"Stop that! Gintoki!" she exclaimed, and tightened her already tight grip on his clothes. "Please… don't.."
"T-Tsukuyo…"
"You're doing it again. Seriously, aren't you tired of blaming yourself all the time? Don't blame yourself upon everything! It wasn't your fault at all!"
Gintoki fell silent upon hearing this. It's rare for him to see her act like this, so he was really surprised. However, what surprised him the most wasn't the fact that she had acted like this, but rather… her words.
Wasn't it really his fault? Wasn't he just right there when Shouyou-sensei was taken away from them? He promised him that he'll protect everyone in his place, but was he really able to fulfill that promise?
Wasn't it… his fault?
Tsukuyo, as if hearing his inner conflicts, snuggled closer to him, and hugged him as tightly as she could.
"Gintoki… you are not alone anymore. I know that I am not in the position to pry at your past, but whatever it is, always remember that you have your comrades with you, that you have people who care about you, and people who will care about you."
He was surprised upon hearing those words. It might be a mere coincidence that she had said the exact same words that his sensei had told him back then, but it had the same effect nonetheless.
Those words… oddly enough, it comforted him. He thought that such simple words wouldn't have any effect on him but… it seems that he was wrong.
Smiling to himself, he then closed his eyes, and held her closer.
"It's getting late. Let's sleep."
She nodded in reply. "Yeah. Oyasumi."
"Oyasumi."
Silence then filled the area. A few more minutes have passed since then, and he still wasn't able to sleep. He then took a peek at the girl in his arms.
She was now sleeping peacefully, her serene expression a complete contrast to her usual stoic attitude. He then smiled to himself.
He found it weird that he was able to tell her about his past since as far as he can remember, he had never told anyone about it before. He certainly wasn't the type to linger onto the past, and he obviously wasn't the type to go on telling others about his past, either. However, all of those things were different that night—he was willing to tell her everything, and she was willing to listen to him.
Maybe it was because they were similar to each other? Or maybe because he knew that she can understand him, being in the same situation as he was? He really didn't know. Still, he's certain that after telling her about it, he felt as if a huge burden was taken off his back. And for that, he's really thankful.
He then closed his eyes once again.
"It seems that I really have to thank you this time, Tsukuyo. So… even though you might not hear it… thank you. If it weren't for you, then I might probably still be lost. I really owe you big time, huh?"
He then brought her closer to his arms, his nose and lips already touching her hair.
"I… talking with you made me realize one important thing: honesty. I.. I shouldn't hide anything from them. That's why as soon as we get back to Edo, I'll talk to Shinpachi and Kagura—I won't lie to them anymore."
Steeling his resolve, he then curled his lips into a smile, and drifted off to dreamland.
XOXOXOX
"Thanks for having us, Matsushita-san. I promise, we'll go visit here once we get back to Hagi someday. Thank you for everything!"
"See ya, baa-san. Please don't be violent anymore!"
With those words at hand, Gintoki and Tsukuyo bid farewell to the small restaurant in the outskirts of Hagi, which served as their home for a night. Matsushita-san, who smiled back at them as she bid farewell, stood in front of the entrance, and waved back at them.
"Thanks for everything and take care, Tsukuyo-chan, Gin-san! I wish you all the best!"
The two continued on walking, and waved their hands in the air in farewell.
"And don't you dare call me baa-san, you damn bastard! I'm not old yet!"
"But you will become one someday! Treat it as practice!"
Matsushita-san was about to reply, but the two of them were already out of her sight. She smiled to herself.
Please take care, Gin-san, Tsukuyo-chan. I really wish the two of you all the best.
XOXOXOX
Footsteps only resounded on the ground as the two of them walked together in silence along the outskirts of Hagi. Even though they sometimes broke the silence with a few small talks, they remained silent most of the time—it's as if all of the things that they needed to talk about were all said back that night, when they talked with each other and got closer with each other more than they could ever imagine.
But it's not like the silence was uncomfortable, anyway. Rather, it was more of a comfortable silence, as if no more words were needed, and that all they need was each other's presence in order to make themselves at ease.
The silver-haired man then looked at the girl beside him at the corner of his eye. He still can't believe what happened between the two of them last night—it felt surreal, and yet, it felt so real that he almost didn't want that moment to end. He had never felt that way in such a long time, and he was thankful of that.
He probably won't ever forget that night.
She had her kiseru on her lips again, since she was back in full health when she woke up earlier. Contrast to her more feminine attitude last night, she returned to her stoic, usual self, much to his dismay.
Well, it's not like he didn't like her usual attitude. He'll miss the "her" of last night though.
He then sighed to himself. He still had to travel with her back to Edo, so he needed to leave those thoughts of her somewhere and think of something else. Not knowing what to do, he then looked around the area, until his eyes caught sight of a very familiar spectacle.
He stopped on his tracks. Somehow, that place was very familiar. No, it wasn't just familiar, he's sure of that.
He took a step closer and looked around.
He was certain now. That place was… something which he could never ever forget.
He then walked towards it.
'Oi, Gintoki! Don't just stand there, come with us! We're going to go on a great adventure!'
Gintoki stopped walking, and stared at the vacant lot in front of him. That lot still showed some remnants that something was erected here years ago, and he knew by heart what was erected here back then.
This place.. is the juku where he, Shouyou-sensei, and all his other friends had went to in the past. And right now, he was standing here once again.
'Oi, Gintokiiii! Are you even listening to me? Are you coming with us or not?'
The sight of a young boy with long, raven hair startled him. That boy had been calling him, and yet he didn't even know who he was. How did he even know his name?
'If you aren't coming then I'm not going to play UNO with you later!'
With those words alone, he already knew who it was. That boy is probably someone he knew from childhood, and what he's been seeing is something many years ago… Yes, it is most likely—
'It's not Zura, it's Katsura! What the hell are you doing, Gintoki? Don't eat sweets yet, Shouyou-sensei told us not to eat anything till he gets back, right? Just so you know, I'm not going to give you a bowl of soba later!'
'Shut up, Zura. You know that I can't live without sweets. Why can't you just be like Takasugi? Look, he's pretty silent there.'
The silver-haired adult can only gawk at the scene before him. Before him was the sight of a young boy with messy silver perm, and he wore a dirty, pale-looking yukata which looked as pale as his own eyes.
In other words, Gintoki was looking at himself… more than ten years ago.
'Takasugi, huh? Look, Takasugi here only wants to destroy the world. That's why he always gets good grades!'
'And what the hell is the connection of having good grades with destroying the world, huh, Zura? And besides, where did you get the idea that I want to destroy the world? Is your imagination too vast that you've been thinking too much?'
'Oi, oi, Zura, Bakasugi, stop that. If we're going to follow sensei, then let's go. He's not that far away.'
'It's not Zura, it's Katsura!'
'Who the hell are you calling Bakasugi, you stupid perm? I'll kill you!'
Gintoki can only smile at the spectacle before him. He still remembered that time—he, Zura and Takasugi sneaked out of the juku to follow sensei, since they were curious on where he's been going. Back then, Shouyou-sensei frequently excused himself before noon, and came back at noon. Since the three of them were curious about it, they followed him back then.
However, it turns out that Shouyou-sensei was only exchanging letters with his so-called 'friend', and that he was frequently excusing himself during noontime in order to send his correspondence letters in the mailbox. So, if memory serves him right, then by that time he's sure that someone would come out. And that certain someone was no other than—
"Gintoki…"
With that familiar voice snapping him out of his reverie, he then turned around, and found a certain blonde-haired woman in front him, looking at him with worried eyes.
"Gintoki… are you alright? It looks like you're out of it again.. Should we rest for a bit first?"
The said man, though surprised at the sudden turn of events, only smiled back at her. "I'm fine," he then said, and heaved a deep sigh. He then looked back at the place where the juku was once erected.
He was daydreaming all of a sudden, and he didn't expect that to happen. Somehow, just being in this place triggered a lot of memories, and he wasn't even sure on how he should deal with it. But…
All of a sudden, he then noticed that a hand was extended towards him, as if asking him to grab on it tight, so as to prevent him from being lost, or from being weary.
"Come on. Let's go back home now. Everyone's waiting for you. And you still have things you need to do when we get back, right?" she said to him, smiling.
He'll take back his earlier statement about her reverting back to her old, stoic self. Somehow, it seems that there's something different about the way she's been treating him lately… and even though he didn't know what might be the cause of it, he didn't mind it at all. He liked it that way.
He then took her hand. "Right. I still have things I need to do, so we need to hurry. So don't let go until we reach our destination, alright? Or else you'll get lost, kono yaro!"
XOXOXOX
After a few hours of travel by train, Gintoki and Tsukuyo finally arrived in Edo. There weren't any problems on the way home, and it seems that the train that they've ridden on arrived earlier than usual. Since that kind of thing is in favor with them, they shrugged it off, and walked to Kabuki-chou.
And now, they are crossing the usual bridge that overlooked the river. And much to his surprise, their intertwined hands had never let go of each other during the whole travel back to Edo.
Well, not that he'll complain about it. He was just surprised, that's all.
But what's more surprising for him was the fact that he saw someone really familiar running towards him, screaming his name out loud.
"GINTOKIIIIIIIIII! OIIIIIIIII, GINTOKIIIIIIIIII! GIIIIIINNNNNNNTOOOOKIIIIII!"
Gintoki sighed in defeat. This is what he's surprised about: Zura's presence.
"Yo, Zura," he greeted, and raised his one hand in greeting. "Been here early. What the hell are you up to, screaming my name like that?"
Katsura Kotarou, otherwise known as "Zura", panted heavily as he reached closer to Gintoki. Once he had caught his breath though, he then looked intently at the permhead in front of him.
"Gintoki! I have something really important to tell you! You really need to—oh."
Katsura stopped as soon as he noticed Gintoki's intertwined hands with the young woman beside him. And as soon as both Gintoki and Tsukuyo noticed this, they immediately let go of each other's hands, and looked away from each other, embarrassed.
However, that fact didn't escape his childhood friend's eye.
"Heh. Now I know why you're back. You've found yourself something like this, right?" Katsura said, and raised his pinky finger in response. Gintoki only kicked him in the head.
"THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? It isn't like that! That's just a coincidence, that's all!"
"Oh, so it's a coincidence that your hand held someone else's? That's really something, Gintoki! So you've finally decided to settle down, huh? I thought you're gonna end up being single all your life!"
Gintoki bashed his head against the bridge's surface in fury. "I TOLD YOU IT'S NOT LIKE THAT, DAMMIT! AND WHY THE HELL DID YOU THINK OF THAT? DO YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE LIKE ME WHO HAD A HUGE CRUSH ON THE CUTE WEATHER GIRL WOULD END UP SINGLE ALL HIS LIFE?"
"Of course! That kind of woman is impossible for you, after all!"
Gintoki threw him to the river without any hesitation.
"IF IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME THEN IT'S MORE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOUUUUU!"
Katsura, who was thrown to the river, climbed back up to the bridge in a jiffy, which surprised Gintoki.
"Don't you dare worry, I have no plans on marrying that weather—"
Gintoki slammed his face once again to the ground. He then heaved a deep sigh, and ushered Katsura to stand up, to which the latter had happily complied.
He glared at the long-haired man in front of him. "Well? What's the important thing that you'll tell me?"
Faced with that question, Katsura only made an 'OMG-I'VE-FORGOTTEN-THAT-I-STILL-HAVE-SOMETHING-IMPORTANT-AND-URGENT-TO-TELL-HIM-face', which made the silver-haired samurai facepalm in response.
"What? Don't tell me you've been caught up in my business that you've forgotten that important thing? Just how useless are you, Zura?"
"It's not Zura, it's Katsura. And I haven't forgotten about it, either. That's right, Gintoki. I have something to tell you."
Katsura then heaved a deep sigh, and looked at him intently, his moronic aura clearly being replaced by a more calm and serious one.
"Gintoki. I've been by the Yorozuya earlier since I've heard that Elizabeth had gone there for a delivery. By the time I got there though—your house was a mess, and Leader and Shinpachi-kun… as well as Elizabeth… they weren't there."
Upon hearing this, Gintoki took a step backward. His whole body trembled. What the hell did he just mean by that?
"W-What the hell are you saying, Zura? Of course they aren't at the Yorozuya! They might be at Shinpachi's house right now, suffering under Otae's tamagoyaki!"
Zura shook his head. "They aren't, Gintoki. They went back to the Yorozuya while you were gone. And the last place of sighting… was on your house as well. That same fact also applies to Elizabeth. Apparently… someone attacked them.. and took them into custody."
Hearing this only made Gintoki's blood boil. He bit his lip.
He went away and hurt them because he wanted to protect them. He was lost and confused because he wanted to make sure that they are safe. He made himself suffer in order to ensure their safety. And now… this kind of thing would happen? He didn't like it. He certainly didn't like it.
If something like that happened, then what's the purpose of all the things he'd done up until now?
He could feel the cold sweat already trickling down his skin. His hands were shaking. His feet were itching to run away as fast as he could.
He wanted to see them. He wanted to confirm that what Zura has been saying was just a big, fat lie. He wanted to make sure that they're safe.
And so, he wasted no more time as he dashed off to Yorozuya Gin-chan as fast as he could.
『つづく』
Notes:
Irasshaimase – It just means "Welcome", and is said to a customer entering a restaurant or shop.
Yakitori – Yakitori is grilled chicken speared on sticks. All different parts of the chicken, thighs, skin, liver, etc. can be used for yakitori.
Itadakimasu – is a phrase that the Japanese say before eating their meal. It means "I humbly partake this meal."
Gochisosama deshita – or Gochisosama. This is the phrase that the Japanese say after eating their meal. Translated as "Thanks for the meal."
Marude dame na otoko – Hopelessly useless/ good-for-nothing man. This is one of the different meanings of MADAO, which stands for marude dame na ossan.
Oyasumi – Good night
Baa-san – old hag, granny
Kono yaro – Impolite phrase meaning "you/that bastard!" even though "kono" refers to "this". This is one of Gintoki's catchphrases.
Kool Fever - This product was originally from Japan. It's a cooling gel patch for fevers.
That part in the last scene where Zura had teased Gintoki and raised his pinky finger means that he was saying that Gintoki had found a girlfriend. In Japan, showing your pinky finger to a person means that you're asking him if he has a girlfriend.
More Author's Notes:
And there you have it! I know that it's a month late, but anyway, here it is! I'm so sorry for the late update! I've been so busy with real life, that I haven't got much time to write any fanfics at all! I haven't even drawn for ages!
So… what do you think of this chapter? Truth be told, a part of me thinks that I messed this up, and the other part of me tells me that it's a success. I dunno about that, and so only you guys can decide it for me! Please be honest!
And please tell me about the GinTsu relationship in this fanfic! I really need your comments about those, since if this wasn't enough, then I'll add more! But it's probably impossible by now, since by the next chapter, the SERIOUS PART of the story kicks in! All those happy times in the earlier chapters won't return! And this is the very last time where you'll see any fluff on this fic for a few months! (Well, there'll be fluff on the future chapters but… that's really far away.)
This fanfic is segregated into three parts. The first part covers Chapters 1-9, the second part covers Chapter 10-14, and the third part covers Chapters 15-25! So.. yeah! The last arc is long! And this fic is long! So you'll gonna stick with me for a while… for years! OTL
Well… yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Next Chapter: "Handcuffs are useless if they could be broken by a monster."
