Gintoki didn't return after that day. Neither did Zura and Sakamoto.

There are rumors about them losing their lives as samurai -quite similar to what happened to him, except he doesn't know what happened exactly-, about one of them dying, about them being cowards. Too many truths around him and so little time to lose. He has to find those guys quickly, or his fingers won't stop trembling.

Tatsuma takes a month and a half to be in perfect condition for traveling and, as soon as he is ready, gathers money and supplies and goes in the adventure of searching for his comrades. He needs to see them, to let them know he is well now. He wants to express his gratitude towards them for their endless support, for the nights with alcohol and the nights without laughing when they would try to cheer him up.

He wants to tell Gintoki about his new dream. For endless moons he stayed and stared at the ceiling, wondering the meaning behind his injury and, at the end, decided it is useless to look for a deep meaning and just do what he does best: being a merchant.

Just like he supported a pointless war, he wants to use whatever it is in his power to create a future where war is no needed. A universe where both Amanto and earthlings can do just exchanges, receiving something positive. Instead of resisting an Era that will come inevitably, to take advantage of said change and open the barriers of this world to expand it. He would join with a group of people with the same mentality and go forward towards what is in front of their eyes.

Sakamoto asks in several houses and establishments secretly known as old Joui allies; places where they had stayed in the past. He wanders through rivers and mountains, red light districts and small towns. His body dances on both sea and ground until it is too tired to even move.

One day, arrives at a bar by request of the owner. The man had known about a wandering samurai trying to get information about the teenagers that once where three of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Joui war.

"You are the guy who wants information about the Shiroyasha and his two comrades?" A man on his forties with a big complexion asks him.

"Yes. I was a comrade of them, but had to stay at camp because of some injuries. I was wondering where they went; I was sure they would come back, but it seems something serious happened. What do you know?"

"This is on the house," The man serves a cup of sake to him and sits next to him. It is not a busy time of the day, so the owner can take some liberties. He man smiles. "Sakamoto Tatsuma."

Tatsuma is not surprised the man identifies him, but is surprised about the honesty.

"I heard they were arrested by a weird group of assassins two weeks ago. It was near the sea. What I know is that, not long after that, there was some important execution performed by this group. They were there and managed to escape."

"They escaped? If that happened not a long time ago, maybe I can find them? What do you think, old man?"

"That must be right. I thought they had died at that time. I was quite the fan of you guys, but it seems the government is too deep in Amanto business now. It is quite the sad story for all of us."
"Hahahaha, what a pessimistic view! You must have some trust in them if you wanted to see me. When will you tell me what you really wish to tell me?"

"Okay, here it goes: I thought they had been goners for sure. That, until an old friend of mine was talking with his brother. They were commenting on the most recent news from the other prefectures." The owner takes a drink and exhales, placing his cup on a wooden surface.

"The thing is, they eventually talked about the Shiroyasha," Tatsuma's heart runs once again. "it seems people have witnessed someone that matches his physical traits on a town in direction to Edo."

"I see. Thank you, you have helped me a lot. I really appreciate it."

The man places a firm hand on his shoulder.

"It is alright. We always appreciated your efforts for the war, even if you are too young to be in this kind of situation. I am sad to say I have no idea of where Katsura or Takasugi are right now, but perhaps if you reach the Shiroyasha first, you might be able to know it."

Sakamoto stands up, ready to leave the store and stops just before crossing the door.

"Thank you. I won't forget this, as I am now in your debt."

The man looks at the almost empty cup with a smile on his face. "No problem. When you find your friends, please come back here so we can have a drink together."

Tatsuma plans his trips to Edo. It is not an easy task to search for a single man in the several villages along said road, but he looks at the stars. Thanks to his father being a merchant, he knows how to look for directions according to the configuration of the sky. His family always uses a great amount of ships to give their services to the rest of the country from the Tosa region. Maybe because of his own genetics, he loves to stare at the sky, particularly at how the stars are settled. Maybe his family is the reason why he adores ships so much.

In his travel, he learns new things: That Gintoki's codename, Shiroyasha, is greatly feared amongst several communities; that the group of assassins were searching for a particular man, and that this man had been arrested for years until he was executed. He also learns this man might have relation to his three lost friends. Also, thanks to his conversation inside the bar, he knows his friends just decided to take different paths after they escaped from their captivity.

Finally, at an old ryokan, he find him. It is totally unexpected but long awaited, and the way Gintoki looks at him tells him he is surprised as well.

Tatsuma does not waste time and flies in his direction, long limbs surrounding Gintoki's body like if he was a precious jewel.

Gintoki is not the same person he said goodbye to back at the infirmary tent. His arms seems longer, due to a weird lack of muscular mass. His bones and veins are more noticeable, and Tatsuma wonders what kind of diet his partner has been following in the recent weeks.

The way he looks at Tatsuma lacks spark, lacks energy. There is no passion in them anymore and Gintoki's face seems ten years older. His skin is dry and pale and feels strange to the touch of his warm hands.
"K-Kintoki! I am so glad to find you, I missed you so much!"

Soon, Gintoki returns from his mysterious personality to a one he remembered more. It is as if Sakamoto had awaken the Gintoki that said goodbye to him in the past. Perhaps Gintoki remembers the promise he has not been able to fulfill.

"What have I told you!" The shorter man yells at him, like he would do in normal circumstances. "My name is not 'Kintoki'! Do you really that this show would not be broad-casted at the kid's schedule if I had such a horrible name?! The name's Gintoki, oi!"

Tatsuma takes both of his hands and looks at him with stars in his eyes.

"Hey, can we stay together? I have searched for you so long!"

Gintoki brushes his own hair, cheeks pink. "Yeah, why not? But you will have to pay costs for both of us. I was working to pay my stay in here, but I am already tired. It is such a pain, you know?"

If the owner of the bar looked at the 'Shiroyasha', would he be surprised? Probably yes.

The both enter their room. It is a little space with Tatami floor, of about eight squared meters of area. Two futons are spread above the tatami, next to each other, and yet separated. Tatsuma has a better idea.

As soon as the door closes, Tatsuma carries Gintoki with both arms despite his surprised protests. He attracts one futon to the other with his foot, and places his comrade on top of both futons with a lot of care. Like handling a delicate flower, with the difference that this flower seems confused.

He smashes his lips against Gintoki's mouth, playfully kissing him. He has both of the man's wrists trapped thanks to Tatsuma's hands holding them down. He missed his comrade that is more-than-a-comrade to him like he could miss sake if he spent two days without drinking it. Life is just not as beautiful without his Gintoki by his side. All the time of waiting has made him feel hunger and unbearable longing.

Gintoki tries to breath, and separates a little. Reddish tones over his otherwise pale skin, the man exhales and inhales with work, his forehead connected to Tatsuma's forehead.

"Forgive me, Tatsuma. I left you by yourself." The man laments.

"It is okay," Sakamoto whispers, smiling softly. "The fact that you are here is more than enough for me."

He wants to ask a lot of question. He wishes to know what happened between him and Takasugi and Zura. Tatsuma wishes a lot he could understand why they suddenly left the war. Is it related to the man who was imprisoned?

They dedicate two hours to their love, warmth combining. He would have time later to ask questions. Right now, his senses try to capture the smell and the taste of Gintoki's body. He would kiss his neck and chest, caress his hair, whisper all the words he could not say months ago and hid inside of him to remain a mystery.

They relax side by side, both chests going up and down with intensity after the hard exertion. Tatsuma looks at Gintoki and brushes aside the curly silver filaments, which go back to their original form once he leaves them alone. Tatsuma stares at the ceiling and connects the dots with a wide smile upon his face.

"Gintoki, come with me a little, okay? Let's go to the roof."

Gintoki follows him and both climb the small building, walking on the tiles of the roof and sitting down afterwards.

Sakamoto looks at the sky and wonders if the fantasies he had in the past can still become true. "Everything will be alright," the voice inside his conscience tells him.

"Gintoki, I want to tell you something. I have decided how I will fight from now on."

"Ah? You know? How is that?"

Sakamoto does not look at Gintoki, instead looking at an invisible space where their future is placed in.

"I'll go up there. We cannot change the times that are coming, so we have to go to the Amanto and have a good relationship with them. So I'm going up there and I will start a business that makes the best of both worlds."

Gintoki doesn't answer to that, so Sakamoto feels he can go forward.

"But I can do it alone. Having a crew can take a great effort. But it will be worth it," Silence. "What do you say, Gintoki? You are too good for just staying in this world. Come with me and we can start a new adventure together."

Gintoki does not answer.

"Gintoki?" Sakamoto turns around to see his partner.

Gintoki is sleeping, and Tatsuma wants to get shot on the face.

"Hahahaha! Heavens, please! Punish this guy!"

Days later, he is ready to go. He insists one more time for Gintoki to go with him, but it is useless. Sakamoto is sad, but resigned to it.

"What will you do from now on?" Tatsuma wonders.

"I am not sure. I have my fights to do here. But maybe I will catch one falling star or two and then send them back to space."

Tatsuma smiles and does not allow himself to kiss Gintoki once more, instead planning ahead of time his next visit to Earth. Gintoki will always be there to catch him and then send him back amongst the stars, and it is such reason why Sakamoto Tatsuma allows himself to go without remorse.

His partner would always wait for him and make sure he could have a home to return back to, so he leaves with a smile on his face.