25 Days of Macadamia Nuts

by zanganito

The school of Tendo Mushin Macadamia has one rule, "keep smiling." And with the approach of the holidays, Otae and Shinpachi will discover what happens as certain memories slowly melt away, like the chocolate covering on a chocolate-covered macadamia nut. *Spoilers for season 6*

8. Otae

8: Otae

.

.

---

The dojo holds so many old memories. Of her father, of growing up with Shinpachi, Kyuubei's selfless sacrifice, and Obi Hajime's lessons. She can remember them all as they used to be as she stands here.

Otae visits the graves of Obi Hajime and her father often with a glass of alcohol and one of gasoline. Offerings for them both. She is glad they cannot feel the cold on a day like today.

When she returns to the dojo, there is shouting and chaos and half-ripped decorations hangning from the walls

"Stop stepping on my foot," Kagura complains.

"Well, get your foot out of the way!" Sougo shoots back.

Otae smiles. It's hard to be sad when new friends are so boisterously taking up the empty spaces.

"Otae," Kondo shouts while running towards her. "We decorated the dojo for you!" He trips and falls forward and accidentally touches her.

.

.

And Gintoki has to spend the evening getting Kondo unstuck from the roof again.