Silver Moon – Book 4 Chapter 9

The next morning, Gintoki got up early and made sure that his plan would be fully prepared to be executed. He felt fairly confident in this plan that was created entirely through late night thinking. However, something unsettling about his idea was that it basically all hinged on his two useless employees showing up to visit him.

Well, they were oftentimes more useful than he gave the credit for, but this life-or-death situation put him on edge.

Eventually Tsukuyo also woke up, and Gintoki was very careful to keep an eye on her to make sure that she didn't leave right away. She didn't though, instead choosing to hang around and take care of him. She also talked to his doctor about his recovery among other things.

As the morning wore on, Gintoki started to become anxious. He feared that Tsukuyo would excuse herself to go home, and that he wouldn't be able to stop her. He knew that he couldn't keep her in that hospital room forever, after all…

Come on Gintoki thought, looking at the doorway. Where are you guys?

Thankfully, it wasn't much longer before Gintoki's assumption ran true. Shinpachi and Kagura stepped through the door, greeting Gintoki with gentle smiles.

"Good morning, Gin-chan!"

"Feeling any better, Gin-san?"

Gintoki simply smiled and nodded, genuinely happy to see them for a change. The two kids then turned to Tsukuyo.

"How was the stay here last night, Tsukuyo-san?" asked Shinpachi.

"It was fine," the courtesan replied. "I didn't mind keeping Gintoki company."

Kagura then placed her hands on her hips and bravely puffed her chest out. "Maybe if Gin-chan wasn't so afraid of being alone like a stupid little kid! Bueh heh heh heh heh!"

Gintoki felt a vein appear on his forehead. Shut up, you stupid brat! This is a serious situation!

"Well, it's a good thing you guys are here," Tsukuyo told the kids. "Since Gintoki seemed against the idea of being left alone, I felt bad about heading back home for the time being. But now that you two are here, I'm sure that you can keep him company."

"Oh, you're leaving, Tsukuyo-san?" asked Shinpachi.

"Yes, I need to go home and bathe, and also get some decent food in me. I don't mind staying in the hospital, but it's like Otose said: I need to take care of myself too."

"That's fine," said Kagura. "Take care of yourself and the baby. We'll take care of this baby right here for you," she said, gesturing to Gintoki.

In response, Gintoki kicked her in the shoulder. His legs still worked perfectly fine, after all. She just glared at him.

"I'm glad to hear it," said Tsukuyo with a smile. She then started to gather up what few things she had brought with her, and prepared to leave. "I'll leave him in your care then."

"You can count on us," Shinpachi assured her.

"We'll just leave all the real work to the doctors anyway," Kagura pointed out.

Tsukuyo smirked at this, and then started walking towards the door. Suddenly, she felt loose arms clasp around her, similar to the night before. Tsukuyo was surprised at first, but then gave a sigh.

"Gintoki…what are you doing?"

Gintoki just continued to hold onto her. He knew that his following performance would have to be good in order to make the people in this room do what he wanted.

Tsukuyo gently removed his damaged hands from her body. "Don't tell me that you still want me to stay here? I really need to go home…"

Gintoki could tell by her tone that she was tired, and he honestly hated that he had to put her through this, but what other choice did he have?

Tsukuyo then turned around and looked into his eyes. "Come on, you'll be okay if I go home for a few hours, won't you?"

Gintoki paused, but then nodded.

Tsukuyo breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that he wasn't being so stubborn. "Good, now I-"

Gintoki suddenly silenced her by covering her mouth with a broken wrist. It was the only idea he could think of to get her to stop talking and pay attention to what came next.

Once he made sure he had everyone in the room's attention, he suddenly gestured with both arms to Shinpachi and Kagura. He then shifted his gesture so that he was now pointing at Tsukuyo. He repeated this gesture many times, hoping that they would get the hint. He continued to shift from Shinpachi and Kagura to Tsukuyo, until eventually the boy figured it out.

"Oh," he said, realization on his face. "Gin-san, do you want me and Kagura-chan to accompany Tsukuyo-san?"

Bingo thought Gintoki. He quickly nodded his head yes. He then turned back around to find Tsukuyo giving him a weird look.

"Gintoki…you can't really be serious. Do you really want Shinpachi and Kagura to come with me?"

Once again, Gintoki nodded his head.

The others also looked confused. "But why?" asked Kagura.

Because there's an assassin on the loose trying to kill her and he won't strike as long as Tsukuyo is accompanied by others Gintoki explained, even though he knew the words would never reach her.

Tsukuyo just gave a sigh. "I think I know," she told them. "He's just being overprotective…probably because of the baby."

Gintoki just stared at her. Well…it's not untrue…

"Gintoki, this really isn't necessary. I'm just walking home…"

Gintoki just stared at her in silence, waiting for her to ask another question. Eventually, she sighed again.

"Is this really necessary?"

Gintoki nodded once more. He then got behind his two employees and pushed them towards his wife as if to emphasize that this must happen.

"What exactly do you want us to do?" asked Shinpachi.

"Just keep an eye on her?" asked Kagura.

Gintoki nodded. Shinpachi and Kagura then looked at each other for a moment.

"Well, I guess it would be all right…"

"I really don't mind, honestly…"

Gintoki smiled at them, and then placed a bandaged hand on each of their shoulders in order to show his gratitude. However, it didn't stop there. He knew that they wouldn't mind doing him this favor, but it was always possible that they might somehow get distracted. If he really wanted to make sure that they dedicated themselves to the job and got it done right, he would have to add a big incentive.

Walking away for a moment, he soon came back holding two envelopes in between his teeth. He then patiently waited for Shinpachi and Kagura to hesitantly reach out and take them. They soon opened the envelopes, and their eyes sparkled.

"Is this-"

"-our pay!?"

Gintoki nodded once more. The envelopes each contained a small sum of cash. Don't ask how, but the night before, he had struggled and eventually succeeded in placing what little money he had on him into those two envelopes. It was truly a struggle that took nearly an hour without the use of his hands, but he had done it. All for this moment.

"Wow, we never get payed!" Kagura exclaimed.

"This…this must be pretty serious!" Shinpachi shouted.

Suddenly remembering what their current duty was, the two of them straightened their backs and gave the silver-haired samurai a salute.

"We promise to protect your wife and not let her out of our sight, sir!"

Gintoki was amazed as how much more seriously they started taking their job. He was hoping that this would be the case, but it was still surprising how effective it was. Maybe I should pay them more often he thought.

Gintoki then gave them one last smile, showing that he was content with their promise. He then crawled back into bed, indicating that they were free to go.

Nodding in agreement, his two disciples set to work. Shinpachi immediately stepped out into the hall, and glanced in both directions. He then gestured for Tsukuyo to slowly advance behind him. Meanwhile, Kagura carefully watched the courtesan's back, making sure that she wasn't being followed out of the room by anyone other than herself.

Tsukuyo just shook her head at this, a little embarrassed that her husband apparently thought that she needed an entourage of kids just to walk down the streets. Still, as she left the room, she couldn't help but feel as if something was rather odd about this scenario. Why had Gintoki insisted on such a thing? It puzzled her, and yet she couldn't quite think of an answer at the moment.

Meanwhile, Gintoki simply watched them leave, satisfied with both their work and his performance. With Tsukuyo gone, he had at least guaranteed that she wouldn't be alone long enough for Yagami to strike. Not yet, anyways…

Gintoki looked out the window. Now that Tsukuyo is on the move, I'll bet that Yagami will start tailing her, waiting for his chance to attack. But he won't get his chance, since Shinpachi and Kagura agreed to stay by her side all day. That means that Yagami will probably just follow them around and keep his distance.

Gintoki then clenched his teeth. Shit, if that's the case, he's going to find out even more information about me. He'll know exactly where I live, on top of everything else! At this point, even if Yagami gets defeated, what's to stop him from coming back in the future? He'll know where I live and he'll know who to target…

Gintoki shook his head. The way things are…I might just have to kill the bastard…

Gintoki didn't necessarily mind doing just that. This Yagami guy was honestly a piece of shit, and killing him would probably be the best way of ensuring his family's safety.

Gintoki resumed his thinking. The best time to do it…would be tonight, whenever Tsukuyo decides to come back to visit me. Yagami is sure to tail her back to this location, the hospital. That will give me the perfect chance to hit him with a surprise attack…

Filling up with determination, Gintoki looked out the window once more.

When Tsukuyo returns…that's when I'll make my move…

Later that day, Gintoki was informed that he had received some visitors. He signaled to the nurse to go ahead and let them in. He had actually been expecting these guys to show up at some point.

Sure enough, the annoying Shinsengumi trio took the liberty of entering his room.

"Hey, Yorozuya," said Kondo with a bright smile. "How's it going?"

Gintoki just stared at him with a frown. As if the answer isn't obvious. I'm injured and in a hospital. How do you think it's going?

Eventually, the silence started to get to Kondo, who nervously scratched the back of his head. "Ha ha, er, yeah, you look like you're doing well…"

What part of me looks like I'm doing well!?

"Hey, Kondo-san," Hijikata chimed in, "I hope you remember that this idiot can't speak right now. His throat's been crushed."

"Yeah, I know," Kondo replied. "It's just…formalities and all…"

"You don't have to pity him, Kondo-san," Hijikata continued with closed eyes. "You'll only make him feel ashamed for getting his ass kicked."

I don't feel ashamed! Gintoki thought loudly. And who said I got my ass kicked!?

"Hey, let's go easy on the boss," said Sogo calmly. "He's probably still traumatized from the attack. We should talk about something else."

Sogo then turned to Gintoki with a blank expression. "Yo, boss, how's life been? I heard you knocked up your wife."

That's the last thing I want to talk about right now! If I could even talk!

Sogo just casually crossed his arms. "Yup, before long, we might have a little boss running around the city."

Hijikata unpleasantly frowned at this thought.

"All right, all right, that's enough, Sogo," Kondo interrupted him. "We need to stay on task."

Kondo then turned to Gintoki, who quickly calmed down. "Listen, Yorozuya, the reason we came here is to talk to you about your attack yesterday. We know that you are currently unable to tell us anything about the incident, but don't worry. The Shinsengumi has taken it upon themselves to investigate the crime in hopes of catching the attacker."

"Our biggest guess," said Hijikata, "is that it's probably one of the anti-Bakufu rebels roaming the area. You never know how dangerous they can be."

Gintoki just rolled his eyes at this. Not even close. It's actually the higher-ups in the government that're trying to kill me this time…

"Although, knowing you," Hijikata continued, "you might have just been beaten up by street thugs or maybe a high school gang."

I wouldn't be taken out by something stupid like that! Gintoki angrily retorted.

"Hey, boss," said Sogo, calling his attention. "I made a sketch of what I think the attacker looked like. Tell me, was it this guy?"

Gintoki looked up at the sketch, only to see a picture of Hijikata.

"Just nod your head if you want us to kill this guy," Sogo told him.

Honestly, Gintoki might have felt inclined to nod if this situation wasn't so serious. Instead, he just shook his head, upset that these guys were really no help at all, and that the only reason they came to visit was to torment him with words.

The room then went silent, before Hijikata removed something from his waist. He then set it down on Gintoki's lap.

"Found it at the crime scene," he said with a shrug.

Gintoki just stared down. It was his wooden sword. It was still in one piece, but Gintoki noticed small cracks in places along the edge. He could tell that the sword had seen a lot of action last night.

"You know," Hijikata continued, "a wooden piece of crap like that…it doesn't exactly seem very reliable." He then paused before sneering. "Well, then again, I guess that makes it a perfect fit for you."

Gintoki just frowned before lifting the weapon up with both limp hands. Sure, it had snapped before, but it had still helped him survive through countless situations.

"Yorozuya," Kondo called his attention. "We believe that you should wield a sword capable of protecting what you need to protect."

Gintoki just curiously stared at him, wondering what he was trying to tell him.

Kondo then reached inside his uniform and withdrew a rolled up piece of paper. He slowly unrolled it, before looking it over. "This…is a very important document that the Shinsengumi had prepared just for you. Do you know what this is?"

Gintoki continued to stare at him. Of course not, how am I supposed to know unless you show it to me?

Kondo cleared his throat before reading the paper in a loud, clear voice. "This document allows Sakata Gintoki the right to carry a sword on his person at all times." Kondo then paused in order to let the information sink in.

"Do you understand now?" asked Hijikata.

"Congrats boss," said Sogo. "You're now excluded from participating in the sword-ban."

Gintoki's eyes widened, and his ears hardly believed what they were hearing. Kondo soon placed the document in his lap, on top of his sword. Gintoki quickly looked it over, confirming that it was true. According to this paper, Gintoki could now legally carry a sword with him.

I don't understand the samurai thought. These Shinsengumi guys did something like this for me? What? Why? How?

"The entire Shinsengumi agreed to it," Kondo explained. "When they heard you were in trouble, we all agreed to help give you a fighting chance."

"Be grateful, idiot," said Hijikata stoically.

"He looks confused," noted Sogo.

Kondo just laughed at this. "This kind of thing isn't impossible, you know. The old man who watches over us, pops Matsudaira, doesn't mind doing us a favor every once in a while. He can make stuff like this happen. You know the prestigious Yagyu family? You'll kind of be like them from now on. Allowed to carry a sword through special exception."

Gintoki just continued to stare at the document in disbelief. It was almost like the Shinsengumi was trying their hardest not to make him look like a criminal at that point. And what were the odds that it came at a time when the government was trying to kill him specifically for past crimes?

Kondo then laid a hand on Gintoki's shoulder. "Don't worry about it," he said. "The Shinsengumi looks out for its citizens."

Sogo then stepped forward, and brought out what appeared to be a brand new metal sword. "This is the sword that we had crafted for you. As per what the document entails, the Shinsengumi had to hand pick the sword out for you in order for it to be completely legal."

"Don't worry," said Hijikata. "We heard you had a favorite sword smith, so we had her make it. Some blue-haired girl by the name of Tetsuko."

Gintoki didn't know where they had heard that from, but it was true that he had always appreciated Tetsuko's skill as a blacksmith more than anyone else in this city.

Sogo then handed the sword to Kondo, who officially presented it by placing it in Gintoki's injured hands. "It's your choice," said the chief. "It's up to you whether or not you choose to use it. But we at the Shinsengumi truly believe that you should use it to protect what you need to protect. Don't forget that."

Gintoki silently took the sword and examined it. It had a black sheath and a black handle, with a white diamond pattern going across it. If his hands were capable of movement, he would have considered drawing it.

A sword to protect what I need to protect, huh?

Gintoki's thoughts soon drifted to that of Tsukuyo and his unborn child. He immediately felt his resolve grow stronger.

He eventually looked at Kondo and nodded, showing that he understood. Kondo and the other two simply smiled back at him.

"Well, if that's the case, we'd best take our leave," said Kondo, turning away. "We need to get back to investigating that crime scene."

"If anything comes up, we'll let you know," said Sogo.

"Rest up," said Hijikata.

Gintoki just watched them leave, and then stared down at the three items that had been piled in his lap. His wooden sword, his new metal sword, and the document that allowed him to wield it. Shifting around, Gintoki pushed the items to the end of the bed and rose to his feet. He then looked down at himself.

I can move just fine he noted. The only setback is my hands…but I can work around that…

Gintoki then glanced at the clock. Tsukuyo will probably be back in a few hours to check up on me. And when that happens, she'll bring Yagami with her…

Gintoki soon went and started opening some of the cupboards in his hospital room. He soon found what he was looking for: rolls of bandages, and lots of them. Scooping as many rolls as he could into his arms, he carried them back to his bed and set them down.

Gintoki then stared at his hands, and strained himself. By using intense focus, and withstanding some pain, he was able to move his fingers ever so slightly.

That'll have to do he thought, nodding. It's time to get to work…

And that's the chapter. I feel like I might have some mixed feelings about it. One part of me wants to believe that Gintoki's wooden sword is all he needs to get him through trouble, but the other part really likes the idea of him wielding a real sword. I mean, that should be obvious, just look at the previous arcs. I always give him a serious weapon XD

Still, despite my mixed feelings, I thought the idea of Gintoki receiving permission from the Shinsengumi to use a sword seemed pretty cool, so I wrote it this way. Now Gintoki can use the blade whenever he wants, but he can still wield the wooden sword too. I honestly like it, but I wonder if I took too many liberties by doing this. Who knows? XD

On a side note, I did have some fun inserting the Shinsengumi here. I really don't write about them a lot, so it was a nice change. I should include them in the fun and chaos more often.

Anyways, that's all for now. Please feel free to leave a review with your thoughts on the chapter and please look forward to the next one! Next time: the battle begins! See you then!