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*

20. Zura-Claus

20: Zura-Claus

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"Ho, ho, ho, ho," Katsura laughs as he enters the dojo in his Santa outfit, complete with a white beard and wig that doesn't completely cover his black hair.

"Zura," Gintoki says while his eyebrows twitch. "What are you doing?"

"It's not Zura, it's Katsura! I mean Santa Claus. And you invited me here, Gintoki."

"Yes, but I thought you'd have enough sense to come after class, not while the Shinsengumi are here," Gintoki whispers. On second thought, maybe he shouldn't have expected Zura to think so far ahead.

"Fortunately I'm a master of disguise." Katsura picks up a practice sword and stands next to Gintoki, facing the students. "Now who wants to learn from Santa?"

More likely Kondo is terrible at seeing through disguises, Gintoki thinks. Then he has a wonderful idea to entertain Katsura. "Everyone," he says, "if you land a hit on Santa Claus, you get two macadamia nuts. That's the Christmas special."

Katsura flails as Kyuubei, Hasegawa, Kondo and Sougo descend upon him. "Ow, ouch! That's not fair, Gintoki! I'm not going to have any macadamia nuts left!"

"You already have two, so stop complaining," Gintoki retorts.

But with the distraction, Kondo and Sougo don't realize who they're fighting.