Katsura: Greetings readers. I know it might be out of place for me to show up. Well, that's understandable. Alright, I shall explain then. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

Elizabeth: [EMERGENCY!!]

Katsura: Oh, that's right. Elizabeth is here with me too today. Just to let you know, her text is in brackets because she's using her signs. Isn't that right, Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: [That's right, Katsura-san.]

Katsura: Anyway, you might be wondering where Author-dono is. Well, he told me that he and Editor-dono are currently coping with some difficult issues. So both of them are having a hard time right now. And because of that, the story cannot progress any further.

Elizabeth: [CANNOT PROGRESS ANY FURTHER!]

Katsura: The other characters are stuck in the story because the story didn't progress at all. But do not worry! After patiently waiting on standby, I, Katsura Kotaro, is here to save the story!

Elizabeth: [Save the story!!]

Katsura: Yes that's right, with the 'Author Note' that he gave me, I can write whatever I wish for... Whatever I wish for... Wait a minute, that means I can even be the god of the new world! Kukuku, yes... Keikaku doori.

Elizabeth: [... Just because you make a Death Note reference, it doesn't make you look cool at all. And remember, Author-kun already gave us the plot points and it's up to us to work on it. He also strictly warned us to not change it no matter what.]

Katsura: A-Ahem, of course, Elizabeth. That was just a joke. A harmless joke. B-Beside, even with 'Author Note' which has the power to make the all mighty Bakufu kneel in front of me, I won't misuse it. A true samurai would never do that... I think.

Elizabeth: [...]

Katsura: ...

Elizabeth: [Give it to me.]

Katsura: Never!!!

They got into a fight and eventually, Elizabeth became the new owner of the 'Author Note'.

"Gintoki!!"

Seeing the samurai laying motionless on the ground, she quickly went to his side. "Get a hold of yerself!" Tsukuyo looked at the tanto that pierced on Gintoki's back. A thought of pulling it out does cross her mind. But she was unsure if that's the right call as it could worsen his condition even more.

Then, it hit her, the sight of Gintoki almost made her forget the threat that she was supposed to face off against. She glanced at her back, looking at Oboro who was still breathing and conscious despite the wound on his chest.

Impossible, Gintoki stabbed him right in his heart. How is he still alive!?

Oboro wobbly stood up, causing Tsukuyo to instinctively put her guard up. She quickly grabbed her other tanto on the ground and stood in front of Gintoki, becoming the line of defense between him and Gintoki in order to protect the samurai.

As the kunoichi and the assassin were exchanging glares, Tsukuyo noticed something truly bizarre. The stab wound on Oboro's chest was slowly closing on its own.

What? Is he... regeneratin'? Are my eyes playin' a trick on me? ... No, it might be slow, but it's definitely regeneratin'. But how?!

"You bastard, do you think you'll get away with this?" Said Tsukuyo, minaciously.

Oboro frowned at her, to be more precise, at her aura. He's been an assassin for such a long time that he could determine who would be the more troubling threat. Now, his whole body was practically screaming to him that the woman in front of him shouldn't be taken on lightly. Tsukuyo who had been a calm and collective woman just moments ago was now filled with rage and vengeance. To make matters worse, Oboro wasn't in peak condition.

Though, the death of Sakata Gintoki was more important to him currently. Trying to confirm his kill, Oboro stole a glance at the fallen man. The very moment he took his eyes off of her, Tsukuyo leapt towards him with her hand tightly gripping the tanto. As soon as she was in range, she attempted to slice his head off clean. However, with Oboro's quick reaction, He bent his body backward, the blade's tip ended up grazing his neck slightly. Tsukuyo quickly followed up with consecutive strikes. The bare-handed assassin continued to dodge her attacks. But with each attack that she threw at him, the faster her swings became.

Her speed is nothing to scoff at. My eyes can barely keep up with her attacks. No, even if my eyes could keep up, my body can't. His worries soon became reality, with the hole on his chest, his combat prowess substantially deteriorated compared to when Tsukuyo and Gintoki ganged up on him.

Though, it isn't as if Oboro was completely at a disadvantage. People no matter who they are, when succumbed to their rage, they tend to be more predictable. If his body couldn't react in time, he just has to read her movements ahead of time.

A right swing, he dodged.

Next, a left swing, he dodged.

Then, a high kick, he dodged.

"Ya nimble little-" frustrated by not being able to land a hit, Tsukuyo hastily went in for a thrust without thinking. Oboro saw it coming but didn't bother to evade as he let her stab him. For once, she landed a hit, though it doesn't feel right. It's as if he purposely let her do so. Tsukuyo glanced at him and his expression didn't show a hint of pain in the slightest bit.

Oboro calmly told her, "You're now within my range, Shinigami Dayuu."

Her eyes widened, she pulled out her weapon from his body and aimed his neck to behead him. Nonetheless, it was too late, Oboro launched his palm technique upon the kunoichi's abdomen, sending her flying across the hallway.

After receiving the blow, she could feel her stomach twisting from the inside, leaving her on all fours as she winced at the pain. On the other hand, Oboro gasping for breath, clearly the fight with those two had worn him off. Curses, I can't afford to go on anymore. Oboro thought to himself.

He looked at Gintoki and pondered to himself momentarily, As much as I would like to finish him here once and for all, this woman won't let me. I can't take her on anymore. But, his injuries should be enough to kill him. And as a precaution, it seems like I have to use 'that'.

"Shinigami Dayu, I've accomplished my objective, there's no reason for me to stick around anymore. But, feel free to pursue me if you want to. That is if you're willing to leave him behind." said Oboro, referring to Gintoki. After that, he turned around and began to walk in the opposite direction from her.

"Tsk," She clicked her tongue out of frustration. In the end, she couldn't risk going after them and leaving Gintoki. She reluctantly waited until he receded from view. Tsukuyo turned her attention again to the injured samurai.

"Gintoki! Can you hear me!" She asked him, hoping for him to give any sort of response.

"...Urgh, damn... that hurt a bit." He let out a small groan.

How is that a bit?! She almost said those words out loud but quickly held back as she regained her sense. No, that's not important now. His wound...

Tsukuyo took a look at the stab wound. She's not a professional in this field and removing the blade seemed like a bad idea. However, if she were to leave it alone, the blade will surely make the wound even deeper as Gintoki moves his body around. She decided the blade had to be removed.

Wasting no time, she ripped her left sleeves and prepared herself. "Gintoki, grit your teeth." Understood what she meant, Gintoki readied himself as Tsukuyo took a deep breath before carefully pulling out the tanto. Gintoki only groaned a little, but the guy held out the pain. Tsukuyo began to apply pressure and wrap up the stab wound with the ripped clothes in order to slow down his bleeding.

"... Thanks... Tsukuyo..."

"Don't talk," she shouldered the injured samurai up. "We will get out of here, alive."

On the other hand, Oboro stopped at his track, taking a short break, and focusing on regenerating his torn heart. The heart tissue slowly grew back at a quick pace, recovering the lost tissue. It worked, but he hasn't fully closed off the hole on his chest yet. Yet he didn't pay much attention to it and began to walk again. At first glance, he seemed to aimlessly walk around, however that was far from the truth.

In the seemingly never ending tunnel that he took, with dozens upon dozens of torches on the wall. He grabbed one of the torches and pulled it down, like some kind of lever. Then, the wall beside him slowly opened up, revealing a secret exit. It was a route that only he and a select few people know about.

Since I'm going to use 'that', I need to get out of here. He pulled out a push-button switch that he had kept to himself throughout the entire time. Oboro stared at the switch on his hand for a moment. Ridding himself of any hesitation, he pushed the switch and closed the wall behind him.

Shiroyasha... Shinigami Dayuu... rest in peace.

"Horaa!!!" Hijikata was single-handedly fending off multiple enemies on his own. Each one of them fell for his blade. The man truly lives up to his name as the Demonic Vice-Chief.

As time passed by, he stole a few glances at the staircase, hoping for Gintoki and Tsukuyo to show up. Goddammit, where are they? There's only one minute left. Hurry up already.

Even with his hopeful wish, there's no sight of them at all. Hijikata couldn't help but grind his teeth in frustration.

However, Hijikata threw aside his frustration for a moment and started focusing on the present. Whether they're gonna arrive or not, we need to clear the path for the retreat. He thought to himself as he arrived at this conclusion.

"Sougo!" Hijikata shouted, "You with me, we'll make way for the others."

Strangely, there was no answer.

"Sougo?" Hijikata turned around, only to find out that Sougo was nowhere to be seen. "Sougo! Where the fuck are you?!" He began eyeing for the sadist around at the battleground.

Hijikata couldn't find him at all. Instead, he found the young Yato girl who was practically beating her foes without any difficulties. He ran towards her, paying no mind to the enemies as he ran past them.

"Oi kid, did you see Sougo?" He asked her, all the while parrying the attacks that meant for him.

"Huh? Oh, u-um, sadist says that he'll be waiting outside. He wanted to see how we struggle to fight against the enemy without his help."

"Hah?" His face became incredulous after he listened to Kagura's testimony. For some reason, Hijikata couldn't help but question her explanation. Her answer seemed weird and her tone indicated that she's actually lying. Even so, why would she try to lie to him?

"Are you positive?" Asked the Demonic Vice-Chief to the girl.

"O-Of course I'm telling the truth! Why would I lie?"

"Are you trying to make a fool of me? That's not the Sougo I know. The bastard might be a piece of shit, but he wouldn't stoop that low. Where is-"

Before he could even finish, out of the blue, explosions can be heard. It was loud enough that most of the people inside the massive hall covered their eardrums.

"What the hell was that!?" Hijikata cried.

It wasn't only him, everyone looked shocked and confused by what was happening. Though, this situation was an exception for the Naraku as they seemed unsurprised. More accurately, it was as if they knew this would happen beforehand. Then, every Naraku agents halted themselves at what they were doing and turned their tails as they ran towards the broken door, attempting to escape the castle.

Hijikata's eyes went wide, disbelief by what he was seeing. "They're retreating? Why?"

"That's not important right now!" shouted Kondo. "This place is crumbling. We have to go, NOW!"

As he said that, everyone can clearly see that this abandoned castle is falling apart. "You guys heard the Chief! Let's go!" Yamazaki shouted loudly to his fellow officers and rallied them up. With that, the Shinsengumi officers picked up their pace in order to get out of the collapsing castle. The Hyakka also followed the officers not far from behind.

Shinpachi still hesitated to budge from where he stood as he desperately waited for Gintoki and Tsukuyo. Just then, the boy felt someone grabbing him from behind. Turns out, it was Kondo who was grabbing the boy.

"We have to leave," Uttered Kondo with a serious face.

"B-But, Gin-san is still-"

"We can't do anything. If we stay any longer, then we're as good as dead." Kondo then started to drag the young man outside, forcefully. He didn't have many options to choose from.

Hijikata followed suit after watching his superior drag the boy. As he ran towards the door, his mind was still preoccupied with the now-vanished Sougo. "Tch, where is he now?" He mumbled to himself.

Kagura looked at the staircase one final time before joining the others.

Sadist, I'm counting on you. You better not mess this up.

In the meantime, Tsukuyo and Gintoki who were still inside the dungeon slowly made their way through the tight halls. Tsukuyo who was shouldering the samurai knew that she had to reunite with the others as soon as possible so that they could tend to Gintoki's injuries. Nonetheless, she had to be careful with him so as to not push his body any further.

Suddenly, the ground below them began to quake a little, causing the two to stumble and almost fall to the ground. Then, it was shortly followed with small pebbles from the ceiling falling on top of them. It didn't take that long to figure that something was happening, and it wasn't good for them.

"Is the castle collapsing? Shit!"

The situation was looking grim with them about to be buried alive in this dungeon. With their current pace, they wouldn't make it to the staircase in time. Gintoki knew for sure that he was holding Tsukuyo back. His stab wound heavily impeded their pace. Currently, he was no more than a nuisance to her.

A thought crossed Gintoki's mind, Tsukuyo might be able to make it out safely if she went on alone. He glanced at her and saw her eyes burning with determination. He couldn't help but mentally click his tongue. There's no way he could convince this stubborn woman into leaving him behind. At times like this, he hates himself for knowing Tsukuyo too well. Nevertheless, he had to do it. Otherwise, both of them would end up dead.

"... Tsukuyo, forget about me and save yourself."

The kunoichi was caught off guard by the words that came out from his mouth. He did not care about her perplexion as he kept on going, "No matter how you look at me, I'm done for. I either die by the poison or the blood lost. In the end, I'm still gonna die. But there's no reason for you to die with me."

"... Shut up."

Seeing the woman still being persistent, he continued to persuade her, "Tsukuyo, leave me. You might still make it out of here without me." The man said weakly.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" The sudden change of tone from Gintoki caused her to yell at him. Just then, a boulder fell in front of them, blocking their path. The boulder seemed immovable due to its size and weight. The two stood there, motionless as they couldn't believe what they were witnessing.

Great, just great. Wasting no time, Gintoki thought of an alternative solution. "Tsukuyo," He called her out, "I'm dead serious here. Turn back and look for another route. There has to be one path that could lead you to the staircase. But you have to-"

"I won't leave you, Gintoki." She bluntly replied.

"For god sake! I said-"

Out of the blue, Gintoki then felt a sharp pain in his chest and began to vomit blood. The splattering of the blood echoed throughout the hallway. After that, he couldn't feel his legs anymore and fell onto the ground.

"Gintoki!" She watched him helplessly lay down on his back. Tsukuyo now has to carry the man on her back and sprint off, with her all. That's the only way for both of them to make it out with Gintoki's critical condition. As she was about to lift him up, Gintoki only lightly slapped the woman's hand, a sign that he blatantly refused her help.

After that light slap, his arm dropped to the ground. By then, he couldn't feel his body at all. He couldn't lift a finger. Knowing that the end is near, he gazed at the kunoichi. "Tsukuyo... I beg you... leave. I need you to at least survive... and... I'll manage to keep my promise with Hinowa."

That remark caused Tsukuyo to snap. She lowered herself to the ground level and grabbed Gintoki's collar with both of her hands. "I don't care!" She yelled at him with her expression full of anger.

"Did ya promise her that ya will bring me back? Let me be damn straight with ya, I could care less 'bout yer promise with her! Because, if you die..."

A droplet fell on Gintoki's face. To his surprise, the Shinigami Dayuu who's face was directly on top of him... was shedding tears.

"If you die... how's that count as savin' me?" More tears drops were dripping from her eyes.

"Tsukuyo..."

Her voice slightly trembled, "Don't ya get it? This world doesn't matter if you're not here. Who should I weep and ask fer help? Who should I lean on with my runny nose? Who should I laugh with? Who should I cry with?"

Overflowed with emotions, she sniffled as she was talking, "Don't cha get it ya jerk. Yer the only one who I can rely on... Without ya," The woman buried her face on Gintoki's chest and began to sob. "What can I do without you."

"... I thought that you don't need to rely on anyone. That's the reason why you cast your femininity in the first place right?"

"Moron," she raised her head and looked at him with her teary eyes. "Just who do ya think that taught me to rely on others? Just who do you think brought back my femininity? It was stupid you... Gintoki."

The samurai stared at her, speechless. Who could ever think Tsukuyo who always wore her solemn looks would ever cry for a man like him. Such a thought never crossed his mind before. At that moment, Gintoki truly wanted to stroke her hair, just to console the women by saying 'It gonna be alright' or 'Don't cry'. And yet, he hesitated because he was afraid that he might make it harder for her to leave him behind.

"... Man this sucks... Now I feel really bad making a pretty girl cry for pathetic ol' me." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Still... Tsukuyo. Please grant this selfish request of mine." Despite his weak body, he mustered all his strength that he had left and held Tsukuyo's hand. Afterwards, a gentle smile appeared on Gintoki's face.

"Go on without me. Live, Tsukuyo. That is my request."

After hearing that, she's lost for words. Tsukuyo didn't want to acknowledge his 'request'. She was in a complete state of denial. But, the usual dead fish eyes of his were now filled with life and glinting with sincerity. The request made by Gintoki was undeniably... his last will. Now, she was in a dilemma as to what she should do. Respect his wishes and leave him be? Obviously, her heart told her otherwise as she thought of dragging him with her but she wasn't that stupid. With the shortest route to the staircase now blocked, she had to reroute and by that time, Gintoki would not make it.

She lowered her head to the point the shades were covering her eyes. After a few seconds had passed, Tsukuyo gave her response to his request.

"No."

The woman then laid down beside him with her eyes still fixated on him.

"What are you-"

"I'm not leavin'. If you're gonna die here. Then I'll die beside ya. I told ya, haven't I? This world doesn't matter if you're not here."

The flabbergasted Gintoki was about to say something but was quickly interrupted by Tsukuyo, "I've been grantin' yer selfish wishes lately. Now it's your turn to grant mine. I... I want to stay beside you."

Gintoki simply blinked at her, then he let out a small sigh. "You won't change your mind no matter what I say huh. This is why stubborn women like you aren't popular with guys."

"At least you got the Courtesan of Death to personally guide you to the afterlife. Be grateful"

"Heh, the way you said it makes you sound like a grim reaper."

"Isn't that what I am."

"... Nah, you're more to an Angel rather than a grim reaper. Only an angle with a kind heart would guide a pathetic guy like me to the afterlife after all."

That remark made Tsukuyo blush a little. Then, she softly smiled at him without a care in the world. Tsukuyo does wonder a second, how did she act completely calm when everything around her was crumbling down. Perhaps, it's because of Gintoki's presence. She strangely felt at ease when she was beside him. Perhaps, that was the reason.

Meanwhile, Gintoki's vision was getting more and more blurry and he felt that he was losing consciousness. He suddenly remembered the response he owed her when you confessed a while back. He turned his head to the side to face her.

"Tsukuyo... I... I..."

Before he could finish uttering his words, he unconsciously shut his eyes. He couldn't open it. He felt tired. Too tired. He didn't want to go to 'sleep' just yet. He still hasn't given her his answer. Nonetheless, his consciousness betrayed him and the man went for an unwanted sleep.

Seeing the samurai shut his eyes, she couldn't help herself but call out his name.

"Gintoki?"

No response.

"Ne, Gintoki... What're you trying to say? At least finish up your sentence."

Still, no response.

She inched closer to his faon. "Just a few moments ago, you look... peaceful." Tsukuyo placed her hand on Gintoki's face, "So now, why at the last second, you looked at me like... you have something important to tell me. Your face seemed bothered by it ya know."

Again, no response.

A lump formed on her throat as the man didn't reply to her at all. At this point, she was mixed with emotions in her heart. Naturally, tears began to shed once more in her eyes. "It's... fine *sniff* don't need to force yerself to tell me here. I'll soon join you up there and you can tell me all 'bout it, alright." She forced a smile on her face, even when she was on the verge of crying.

Now, she had steeled herself with the upcoming death that will soon approach her. The ground quaked more fiercely and larger pebbles began to fall from the ceiling. Now, it was a matter of time before the dungeon... probably even the whole castle will soon crumble down.

Regardless, she wasn't afraid of meeting her death. As long as Gintoki will be by her side, it was more than enough for her to overcome any fears. She closed her eyes, readying herself to accept death...

Until suddenly, the boulder that was blocking off their path mysteriously exploded to pieces. Shocked by the scene, she turned her head at the now cleared path. As she hurriedly tried to stand up, she saw a figure, slowly walking behind the clouds of dust. She was about to assume a fighting position until she heard a familiar voice.

"No wonder you're late, you got trapped, huh."

"You?!"

The voice belonged to none other than Okita Sougo. With his beloved bazooka, he was the one who was responsible for destroying the giant rock. Initially, he thought that the boulder was the reason why they didn't show up at the surface. Until he saw Gintoki lying on the floor. After he got a better look at him though, the situation was quite worse than he anticipated.

"Hm, that looks bad. Hold this for me." Without a heads up, Sougo threw his trusty big gun at Tsukuyo.

The cop quickly went to Gintoki's side and placed his index and middle fingers on his neck. Thankfully, he could feel pulses, but it's weak. Too weak for his own liking. Without a second thought, Sougo lifted up the unconscious Gintoki and carried him on his back.

"Let's go."

The cop went off all by himself at his quickest pace. Shortly afterwards, Tsukuyo followed suit, despite still being dazed by what just happened. Before she knew it, they were running side by side.

"Tsukuyo-san, if we're gonna run into some obstacles, just blast through it alright." He told Tsukuyo, who was carrying the bazooka for him. The woman had several questions to ask the young cop. Though, before she could say anything, Sougo opened his mouth first.

"Save the questions for later."

She got read like an open book by him. And yet, she found herself agreeing with him. Currently, getting to the surface is their top priority. There's no time to waste, they must hurry before it's too late. They ran with everything they had, no breaks, no slowing down either. The fatigues were slowly getting the best of them. And yet, they did not stop. They couldn't stop. If they stop, that will be the end of it.

Please hang on just a bit longer, Gintoki.

Don't go dying on me, Danna.

Gintoki opened his eyes as if he just woke up from a deep slumber. He yawned and stretched his back. Probably the best nap he ever had for quite some time.

Before he could realize it, he was sitting under a cherry blossom tree. Is this where he had been resting all along? As he was accessing his surroundings, he noticed the weird scenery around him. It was... dark. So dark that he couldn't see, nor make out anything in his sight. Regardless of the darkness, the tree and its leaves were somehow visible to Gintoki, which came off strange. The sight itself seemed like straight out of the portrait.

Aside from that, he spotted a calm flowing stream, a few feet in front of him. On the other side of the river, he saw a world of colors. A beautiful garden full of flowers stretched beyond the horizon. The scenery was so mesmerizing that he found it mysteriously alluring. Wanting to be on the other side, he walked towards the river, attempting to cross it.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Gintoki stopped in his tracks, he instantly recognized that voice. Why wouldn't he?

"It's you, isn't it, me." Gintoki confidently said it, without looking back.

"Oh my, how could you ever guess." Said the man with a sarcastic tone as he clapped, congratulating Gintoki for correctly guessing his identity. He then walked towards Gintoki and stood alongside him.

Gintoki glanced at him, the man still wearing the old robe that he once wore during the Joui War. He still remembered when he last saw his other-self. It was when he forced Gintoki to face the consequences of his past action during the war. Not to be forgotten, that man stabbed him, though it's only in a dream.

[Elizabeth's note: This other Gintoki was from chapter 8 for those who didn't remember him.]

Then, it struck him how Gintoki was aware of his situation. Does this sort of thing always happen in dreams? He doesn't have a definitive answer, so Gintoki decided to ask the doppelganger.

"Since you're here, this must be a dream, right?"

His other self only shrugged his shoulders, "More or less." he said. It was clear that he didn't answer Gintoki directly.

"Dream or not, it doesn't matter. I'm just gonna head over there if you don't mind." He pointed his index finger at the garden, which was located across the river.

"Don't," He warned Gintoki, then explained to him. "That river in front of us is the representation of your flow of life and death. Cross it, then you're dead for good."

Gintoki only stood there, his eyes didn't bat one bit as he quietly gazed at the garden. With a small smile, he said, "Aren't I supposed to be dead in the first place? My death is pretty much set in stone. So, it won't matter if I go to the other side now, right?"

"Who decides that? And why do you insist on crossing that river? Let me be clear, if you do that, you in the real world will die. That's what will happen if you cross the river of life and death. Understand?"

"I understand, but there's only one thing bothering my mind." With a small smile, he added, "Is the afterlife really that beautiful?"

"... Huh?"

"Just look at that, isn't it beautiful," Gintoki told him, referring to the garden. "Compared to our side where we're standing, it's just an empty void, covered in darkness. I rather prefer that comfy and colorful place rather than staying in this dark space."

"Why?" Gintoki's alter ego asked the main host.

He paused for a moment before answering. "I simply... not so fond of it. Living in the darkness. The loneliness. The emptiness." Gintoki clenched his fists, "To be blunt, I detest it. So I'm thinking, how relaxing it is to me if I were to sit there while drinking sake... That would be a bliss."

"...Coward." The doppelganger frowned at his real self in disappointment. "Now, you just want to leave everything behind? You're giving up on striving to live? I know for a fact that you are stupid since we are two of the same people. But I never knew that you can be such a coward."

"Straight to the point will you?" Gintoki bluntly told him.

"Don't only focus on what is in front of you. Take a good look at your surroundings too. Especially behind you."

Behind me? He thought to himself. He doesn't need to take a look when he already knows what's behind him. There was absolutely nothing like what he saw earlier. However, Gintoki did as he was told, he turned around with little expectation.

To his surprise, the moon suddenly appeared with a silhouette of a woman that can be seen from afar as the moonlight cast a shadow illuminated her outline. The figure then nobly walked towards Gintoki's direction. With each step, she became closer and closer to him. Gintoki couldn't help himself but be fixated by her appearance.

The alter ego simply smiled at him, "I know you are tired. I know you want to rest. I know how lonely it is on this endless night. I know that better than anyone else that the road you're walking on is not some bed of roses. But, if you think you start to stray away from the path you walk on. Remember to depend on others, they shall be your moonlight to shine your way through."

He patted Gintoki's back, "The moon is everyone's best partner in the night. Your faithful moon is the precious woman that you fought hard to protect."

With that, he gently pushed Gintoki from behind, causing him to stumble a bit. "No need to push-" as Gintoki turned his head at his other self, the doppelganger vanished out of thin air. However, that wasn't the most surprising thing he saw. Beyond that river where the garden full of flowers laid, he saw him, looking straight at Gintoki.

"Sen...sei?"

"The time isn't quite right yet for us to meet, my cute samurai," uttered Shouyou with his soft smile.

"Sensei... I-"

"I want to be with you, is that what you're gonna say, hm?" Shoyou balled his hand into a fist while still wearing his pure smile. "It's been a while, but you haven't forgotten my lovely punch, right?"

"Eh?" There was a clear flusteration at his face. But it soon wiped off with a small laugh. "Honestly sensei, you haven't changed at all."

Shoyou stifled a laugh, "You're right. And you, on the other hand, changed a lot. You seem much more... lively now. Perhaps, you found a woman?"

With a grin, Gintoki replied, "Perhaps."

"He~ is that so. If that's the case, you don't want to leave her all alone, right? Then go back."

"But-"

"Gintoki, my identity as Yoshida Shoyou is long gone now. There's no need for you to be bound by guilt over a dead man. You belong among the living."

Gintoki understood what his teacher was trying to say. Even so, putting it into action is much harder than he thought. It's as if his body was chained by shackles, preventing him from leaving.

Seeing the troubled Gintoki, the teacher across the river called him. "Gintoki, it's not your fault that I'm not here with you now. You simply kept your promise and I'm grateful for that. It must be hard for you to carry all those burdens. But Gintoki, I don't want you to live simply for my own share, I want you to live simply as Sakata Gintoki who is not chained by any guilt from the past. Live on for your sake, and not mine." Shoyou told him his sincere thoughts about Gintoki.

Hearing those words, the guilt and burden that was shackling him, unveiled itself. With nothing holding him back anymore, Gintoki bowed to his teacher. "Thank you, for everything. I promise I will protect everyone precious to me. I won't... repeat my mistake, ever again." After making another promise with Shoyou, Gintoki turned away in the opposite direction of his master.

Making such a one-sided promise, that's so like you, Gintoki.

Shoyou sent Gintoki off with a smile while waving his hand at him. The sight of Gintoki parting away left him with mixed feelings. He knew that this would be the last time he would ever see him. Who is he to be kidding, they shouldn't even meet in the first place. Does God actually arrange this sort of thing to happen? Who knows. But if this is the work of God, then he must be a cunning god indeed.

Gintoki who was walking towards the silhouette of a woman earlier finally got a good look at the woman. It was a familiar woman that he knew and he couldn't help but feel happy seeing her.

"Sorry... for trying to leave you, Tsukuyo."

The woman didn't reply to him. Instead, she simply offered her hand to him. As Gintoki took a hold of her hand, she reactively smiled at him, fondly. Tsukuyo then pulled him as she started running and Gintoki just followed the woman's lead. Before he could realize it, they were heading towards the moon which radiates its light upon them. With each step they took, the light grew brighter, blinding their vision.

The samurai's eyes fluttered open as he just awoke from sleep. He found himself lying in a hospital bed with his eyes staring at the white ceiling. He tried to move but winced as he did so. The pain doesn't hurt that much, but it still stings. Then he realized that his body was covered with bandages. Gintoki glanced around, trying to get a better look at his surroundings.

Beside him, a figure with long black hair, dressed in nurse uniform was busy scribbling on her clipboard. The nurse seemed like she did not notice the now awoken man as she was facing the opposite direction of him. Gintoki took the initiative as he called out to her first, "Um, miss? Where am I?"

Surprised, the nurse spun around and the first thing that came from her mouth was,

"Miss janai, Katsura da!"

"... WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE!!!!"

Katsura: Phew, that was quite a work. Well done, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: *Thumbs up]

Author: Hey you two, I'm back.

Katsura: Author-dono, you finally back! Does that mean you are going to continue the story?

Author: Hm~ about that. I can't confidently say I'm back for good. Well, let's hope fate doesn't make it harder for me. I'm actually at my limit and could explode at any time now due to stress.

Elizabeth: [You look tired. How about getting some sleep?]

Author: Sleep? That does sound nice. Sleeping for eternity really sounds nice. Hehehe...

Katsura: Author-dono! You're interpreting it in the wrong way! Do not speak lightly of suicide! I won't tolerate such a thing. You didn't even give me my screen time yet, so you have no right to die.

Author: ... Speaking of screentime, I don't remember you being in this chapter. Do you perhaps change my plot story?

Katsura: ...

Elizabeth: [Yes he did.]

Katsura: Elizabeth! You little snitcher!

Author: Ho~ is that so. Listen Zura, I'm not in the mood right now but you know what, you gave me inspiration. I don't think sleep is what I need. Perhaps a good stress relief is all I need. C'mon, be my punching bag. Then, I'll give you the screen time that you want so much. Deal?

Katsura: Zura janai, Katsura da! And that's just abusing your authority! That's not fair!

Author: Deal or no deal?

Katsura: Tsk, DEAL!

Author: Thanks ;)

Author proceeds to punch the living shit out of Katsura. But Katsura didn't fight back. Looks like he really wants that screen time.

Elizabeth: [Remember everyone, pent up stress is unhealthy. Try to find a way to relieve your stress. But please don't use the Author as an example. Alright then, so long!]

Author: Don't expect a quick follow up though.

Katsura: Don't worry, you have been gone for too long that no one will pick up the story back.

Author: What did you say!