Silver Moon – Book 3 Chapter 10

After waiting patiently throughout most of the day, the Kiheitai was starting to get a little fidgety. Or at least, one person in particular was.

"Ugh, waiting around is so boring," complained Kamui with a moan. He currently had his chin resting on the table in front of him with his arms down at his sides. He honestly looked like he was bored out of his skull.

Takasugi just glanced at him for a second before closing his eye. "Have some patience, Kamui. You'll get to see some excitement eventually."

"Yeah, but when?" whined the boy. "Even Abuto and the others were allowed to go out and do something!"

"That wasn't even that exciting, you know," Abuto muttered from beside him.

Takasugi just slowly opened his eye as he stared at the Yato. "Don't tell me that you're already protesting the plan this early on. Didn't you agree to go along with everything that I told you this time around?"

"Yes," admitted Kamui. "But it still doesn't change the fact that this plan is incredibly dull."

"Oh, be quiet!" Matako shouted at him from across the table. "Just because you can't understand the complexity of Shinsuke-sama's plan doesn't mean that you have to criticize it!"

"He hasn't even told us what the plan is yet," mumbled Kamui in a displeased tone.

"Alright, relax, you two," said Takasugi from the head of the table. "At this moment, I'm only telling you what you need to know. You'll know the whole plan soon enough as long as things continue to go right. And I know you're bored, but rest assured, we'll be making our next move soon enough."

Kamui just looked away. "Fine…"

Takasugi eyed him for a second before smiling and lifting his kiseru to his mouth. He softly inhaled and exhaled while he attempted to gather his thoughts. Just then, a cell phone that sat in front of him lit up, indicating that he had received a message. He slowly picked up the device. As he read the message, Takasugi's smile slowly transformed into a malicious grin. He lowered his pipe away from his mouth as he stood up. He then pocketed the cell phone.

"I'm afraid I must take my leave for the time being," he declared. "I'm going to pay someone a visit."

His followers glanced up at him with confused looks. "You're going to visit someone?" asked Takechi.

"That's right," Takasugi replied as he turned away. "Bansai, make sure that the ship is ready to fly in a few hours. You can expect a call from me asking to be picked up."

Bansai stared at his leader with a blank face as he continued to strum the instrument in his hands. "Will do," he replied simply.

"Good man," said Takasugi, exiting the room…

Meanwhile, back at Shinsengumi headquarters, Yamazaki was making his way to the front gate. Somebody was currently hammering loudly on the other side of it, waiting to be answered. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" he cried.

As Yamazaki opened the door, he was somewhat surprised to find Gintoki standing there. "Ah, g-good morning," he stuttered.

Gintoki just blankly stared at the man. "I'm here for Kagura," he said bluntly.

"Oh, yes, of course," Yamazaki replied. "Come on in. I'll take you to her right away."

"Thanks," muttered Gintoki.

Yamazaki nervously glanced at the samurai as he led him inside. S-sheesh, why is this guy acting so serious?

At that moment, Gintoki looked straight at Yamazaki, causing the officer to flinch for a second before facing forward again. S-scary!

After that, the two of them walked over to a nearby building and entered it. They then walked down a short hall before arriving at their final destination. Gintoki simply opened the door and let himself in.

Upon entering, all eyes in the room fell on him. The Shinsengumi officers gave him blank stares while Shinpachi and Otae threw him worried looks. Kagura just barely lifted her head up from the wall to stare at him out of dread. Nobody said a word.

After taking a quick glance around the room, Gintoki decided to speak up. "I'd like to speak to Kagura alone," he said in a commanding tone.

Everyone continued to stare at the samurai for a second. Kondo then cleared his throat. "Of course, we'll clear out," he said quietly. With a single nod, the Chief then began leading everybody out. They all filed out silently behind the officer before eventually shutting the door behind them.

Kagura just stared at the door once it was closed. Her eyes then shifted to Gintoki. His eyes coldly stared back at her. It was now just the two of them, completely alone in her prison. It wasn't long before Gintoki started walking up to the girl, but soon stopped a short distance away from her. He was eyeing her from head to toe, trying to see if anything had changed from the night before.

Hmm…she definitely seems to have calmed down a little he thought to himself. But still, I shouldn't be careless. After last night, I have no idea what she might try to pull…

Meanwhile, Kagura simply stared back at him, waiting for him to say something. She didn't know what to expect from him, but she was already assuming the worst. Gintoki was not going to be happy with her…

After a spending a few minutes in silence, Gintoki spoke up. "Well?" he asked as he glared at the girl. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Kagura just clenched her teeth as she continued staring at the samurai. It hurt to meet his glare. She could hear the disappointment in his tone. She had no idea how she should respond to his question. She considered apologizing right from the get-go, but she didn't think that doing such a thing would help in the slightest. Gintoki wouldn't believe her. She knew that she had went too far last night. A simple apology wouldn't mean a single damn thing…

"I…I don't know…" she eventually mumbled.

Gintoki could feel himself growing a little angrier when he heard this. "You don't know?" he repeated.

Kagura turned away. Gintoki's glare was already getting too intense to handle. She bit her tongue for a second, trying to think of what she should say. She couldn't apologize, she couldn't defend herself, she didn't know what to do.

Maybe I can try and get some information? she wondered hopelessly.

Kagura gently turned back to look at Gintoki. "Er…how is Tsukky doing?" she asked quietly.

Upon hearing this, Gintoki clenched his teeth out of rage. He felt like he could barely control his anger at this point. "Don't even mention Tsukuyo at all," he muttered.

Kagura immediately winced at these harsh words. It truly did hurt her to hear Gintoki say these things in such an angry tone. But Kagura soon swallowed her self pity. She clenched her teeth and bravely looked back up. She decided that she would bear with this pain. She knew that she deserved it. She had committed the sin, and now she would have to pay the price.

Gintoki just stared at her, trying to read her expression. He wanted some answers from the girl. "What the hell were you thinking last night?" he asked her. "Just what in the world would make you want to attack Tsukuyo like that?"

Kagura could only hopelessly stare back at the samurai. She was once again faced with a question that she didn't know the answer to. "I…I don't know what came over me last night," she replied honestly. "When Tsukky and I were alone…I just suddenly found myself welling up with rage. I was so angry...I don't usually act so rashly like that, but for some reason, this time, I felt like I was completely blinded by my emotions…"

"Stop it," Gintoki suddenly commanded her. "You're just making excuses."

"No, I'm not!" Kagura shouted. "I'm telling the truth! I really don't know what came over me last night!"

Gintoki just gave the girl a curious look. "Hmph," he grumbled before looking away. This isn't really giving me any answers he thought. I already experienced her anger first hand last night when she attacked me. But what's the reason behind that anger? Is it the same as what she said last night?

"Kagura," he said, loud and clear, "is it true that you have a problem with Tsukuyo and I getting married?"

Upon hearing this, Kagura's mouth fell open. She had not been expecting to be asked such a thing. Coming to her senses, the girl took a silent gulp before deciding to answer truthfully. "Yes, I do," she whispered.

Gintoki simply watched her in silence. He didn't say a word.

"However," Kagura suddenly continued. "I would never do anything to hurt Tsukky like that! You know me, Gin-chan! I actually really like Tsukky! I would never want to attack her, no matter what kind of stupid problem I might have with her!"

Gintoki continued watching her for a second before he threw the girl his coldest glare yet. "It doesn't matter," he muttered. "You already have hurt Tsukuyo in more ways than you can imagine. Not only did you completely damage her body physically, but you also really hurt her emotionally…"

Kagura's eyes widened in surprise. She was at a complete loss for words. "W-what do you mean…?"

Gintoki paused for a second before choosing to reveal the truth to the girl. "Tsukuyo blames herself for what happened last night," he said quietly. "She feels horrible about it. She thinks that it's all her fault that you've been so upset. I'll bet she even thinks that it's her fault that you attacked her."

Kagura was completely shocked. "Th-that's crazy…"

Gintoki just crossed his arms as he looked away. "Well, you know how she is…she always feels like she has to take responsibility for stuff like this. Even if she is completely innocent, she won't let herself off the hook so easily. Even if I try to tell her that's she's got it wrong, she won't really listen to me. You really shook her up last night, and now Tsukuyo's wounds run deeper than just her body. You hurt her heart."

"Her heart?" Kagura repeated in a barely audible tone. The poor girl then looked down in dismay and forced her eyes shut. Urgh, I don't believe this! What have I done? I never wanted this to happen! I never wanted to hurt Tsukky like this! Never!

Oh, but that's not entirely true, now is it? I really did want it…last night….

How!? Kagura asked herself over and over. How could I have done something so reckless!? So stupid!? Gin-chan says that Tsukky feels horrible about this? I'm the one who should feel horrible! She doesn't deserve to feel that way! This was all my fault! Ugh, how can Tsukky ever forgive me…?

Kagura slowly looked up to find Gintoki staring at her once more. She couldn't sit still anymore. The guilt that was weighing on her was too much to bear. She felt like she had to do something. Gathering her courage, she decided to try something desperate. She had a question to ask.

"Can I…go and see Tsukky?"

Gintoki just gave her a weird look. "Are you completely out of your mind!?" he demanded. "I can't let you out of here! And to go and see Tsukuyo of all things! Do you even realize what you're asking!?"

Kagura tried to plead with the samurai. "But I just-"

Gintoki quickly interrupted her. "Just what? Just want to finish her off!?"

"No!" she shouted back. "I just want to apologize! You know…for everything that happened last night…"

Gintoki held his tongue as he stared at the girl some more. Huh, well this is new he thought. Is she actually showing some remorse? And her words…They actually seem kind of…sincere…

Gintoki just shook his head as he crossed his arms once more. "Look, I don't know if you're telling the truth or not, but either way, there's no way that I can possibly trust you right now. You've lost that privilege after last night. As far as I know, you're still a danger to everyone around you, especially Tsukuyo. I'm afraid that I have no choice but to just keep you here for the time being."

Kagura's head fell in disappointment. Well, so much for that…

"I understand," she mumbled.

Gintoki stared at her for one more second before he slowly turned away. He then gave a sigh. "Well, I guess that's all for now. I'm heading out."

Kagura soon whipped her head back up. "What? You're leaving?"

"That's right. I'm leaving for now, but I'll be back to check on you later."

"Oh, I see…"

Kagura just silently watched him walk up to the door before a thought suddenly struck her. "Oh, hey, wait!" she called out.

Gintoki stopped in his tracks and looked back at the girl. "What is it?"

Kagura sheepishly looked up at him with a small frown. "Er, the next time you see Tsukky…can you just…um, tell her that I'm sorry? And that I mean it?"

Gintoki was surprised to hear such a request. Despite his anger towards the current situation, he managed to give the girl a small smile. "Sure, I'll let her know."

Kagura tried to return his smile. "Thanks…"

After that, Gintoki faced forward once more and opened the door. He then exited the room while he shut the door behind him. Sitting outside the room, apparently waiting for him, was Shinpachi and Otae. The two siblings immediately looked up to the samurai.

"Well, how did it go, Gin-san?" asked Shinpachi.

"It went…fine," he replied bluntly.

"Did you manage to figure anything out?" asked a worried Otae. "Like why she chose to attack Tsukuyo out of the blue last night?"

Gintoki just softly scratched the back of his head. "Well, not really. She didn't really give me any straightforward answers…She honestly seemed kind of confused, just like the rest of us. And it's possible that she even seemed genuinely sorry for what had happened…"

"Well, she certainly does seem to have calmed down since last night," Shinpachi noted.

"That's true," agreed Gintoki, trying to make sense out of the whole situation. "I need to take some time to think things over, but I'll do that later. As for now, I'm heading back home. I think that a lot of our friends have congregated there waiting to hear some news on Tsukuyo. I think that Kagura is fine for now, so you two don't have to stay here and keep an eye on her any longer. If you like, you're free to come with me."

"Well, as long as Kagura is okay for now," said Otae with a short glance at the door.

"She'll be fine," Gintoki assured her. "That girl is tough as nails. She'll manage to survive without us." Gintoki then began walking down the hallway. "Anyways, let's get going."

The siblings both gave a single nod as they rose to their feet. They simply followed behind the samurai, who was leading them towards the exit of the building. As Gintoki walked, he couldn't help but notice an ominous feeling fall over him. For some reason, Kagura's last words were ringing in his ears.

"Er, the next time you see Tsukky…can you just…um, tell her that I'm sorry? And that I mean it?"

Shaking his head, Gintoki just stared off into nothingness with a grim expression. Something's not right here…

Tsukuyo was silently laying on her hospital bed, staring up at the ceiling. At this moment, she felt too awake to try to fall asleep, so she simply sat there with her eyes open. As a matter of fact, her mind was rather preoccupied with concerns over a certain young Yato girl…

I wonder how Kagura is doing after last night…Is she still her same vicious self from before? Does she still want me dead? Is she still…upset with me?

Tsukuyo looked off to the side with a frown. Oh Tsukuyo, you fool. Of course she is. You saw her expression last night, didn't you? She wouldn't get over something like that so easily…

She gently shook her head and looked up to the ceiling again. Hmm…I wonder how Gintoki is dealing with her. He's probably going to be hard on her. That's too bad…I mean, I know that she deserves it and all, but still, if this whole thing was actually my fault…

Tsukuyo's thoughts were soon interrupted when a nurse came by and knocked on the doorframe of her room. "Excuse me, miss," she said politely. "There's somebody here who would like to see you."

Tsukuyo slowly sat up and found a comfortable position where her wounds wouldn't bother her. "Someone's here?"

"That's right," clarified the nurse. "Apparently, you have a visitor. Is now a good time?"

"Oh, sure, now is fine," said Tsukuyo with a nod.

"Right, I'll send him in then," said the nurse as she walked away.

Tsukuyo just stared at the empty doorway. A visitor, huh? I wonder who it could be. One of my friends, maybe? Oh well, whoever it is, it can't hurt to see them. I honestly need something to get my mind off of Kagura…

A few seconds later, a man whom Tsukuyo did not recognize entered the room, much to her surprise. The man simply greeted her with a small smile as he walked up to her bed.

"Hello there," he said in a calm tone. "Would you happen to be Gintoki's fiancé?"

Tsukuyo simply stared at him for a second before giving a small nod. "Yes, that would be me."

"I see," said the man, continuing to smile. "You'll have to forgive me for barging in like this. Please, allow me to explain who I am. You see, I am an old friend of Gintoki's. He and I go way back. As it turns out, I was actually in the area for your upcoming wedding when I found out that Gintoki's bride had been unexpectedly hospitalized. I thought it was rather unfortunate to hear such a thing, so I figured I might as well come and pay you a visit."

The man then paused for a moment before gesturing to a nearby chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"

"Not at all," Tsukuyo replied as she tried to study the man with her eyes. To the best of her knowledge, she had never met this man before.

The man took a seat in the chair before smiling at Tsukuyo once more. "Anyways, if I'm not mistaken, I'm afraid that we've never had the pleasure of meeting one another. What is your name, dear?"

"I'm Tsukuyo," she said plainly. "And you are?"

The man just grinned to himself before he responded. "I'm Shinsuke. Takasugi Shinsuke."

Oh dear…well this can't be good XD Within the Gintama universe, I think that Takasugi is the last person you would ever want visiting you in the hospital. Like seriously, I think I'd rather take Kamui or Utsuro before this guy. Oh well, I guess it's Tsukuyo's problem now…(Wow, what a carefree author!)

Anyways, I thought of something fun that I can talk about down here! Throughout the following chapters, I've decided that I will be revealing my top ten favorite Gintama characters! Yeah! Woo-hoo! Applause! Applause!

Huh? Oh, nobody cares…

Well, I'm going to do it anyway! Starting with this chapter, I'll be talking about my top ten characters in order with one character for each chapter. I'll discuss what I like in particular about each character and why I put them in my personal top ten! Isn't that fun? Let's get started!

Number 10: Shimura Shinpachi

Ah, what can I say about Shinpachi? He's the straight man, and that's one of the most important roles in a comedy series! I oftentimes find myself laughing at him simply because his character type builds upon the already hilarious situation by pointing out the flaws. It's very entertaining, to say the least. I also think that it is very easy to connect with Shinpachi, as he is just your plain old everyday kid. There's nothing really special about him, but in a series like Gintama, that's what makes him stand out. I think he kind of symbolizes the audience, in a way. Aside from that, he's responsible, accountable, reliable, kindhearted, and just overall likeable. And it is for these reasons that he placed tenth!

Anyways, that all for now! Please feel free to leave a review with your thoughts on the chapter and your thoughts on Shinpachi! (Thoughts on Shinpachi? Wait, what!?) Next chapter, Takasugi has a chat with Tsukuyo…Please look forward to it! That's all for now! See you next time!