Author's Notes: Thank you to all the reviewers/followers! I really appreciate the feedback and encouragement.

I changed the title of the story from "The Reverse World" to "New World Order", because well, it just sounds better.


Extra Lesson 3: Stalkers Are Delusional Even When the Truth Hits Them in the Face


Isao Kondo hung onto the top of the tree crown with his binoculars watching the boy he knew turn into a man. He was a Jimmy, but he has grown into a skilled swordsman. A little more courageous and skilled, he was proud of his little brother, even though Kondo had nothing to do with mentoring Shinpachi, but at least he would like to take credit for it. Again, the title of Big Brother and Little Brother were just endearment terms. Tae still has yet to say yes to Kondo's proposal…or even say yes to a date with the Gorilla.

At least from the looks of things from the day before, Shinpachi was at least in the captain's rank with a spiffy customized uniform. As he hoped, even if this was the world he wasn't too familiar with, Kondo was already beaming with pride learning Shinpachi was at least doing well for himself.

The morning went by quickly, as he observed his so-called little brother from afar from the barracks. Shinpachi was the first one in the entire compound to wake up early and begin his practice before the other Shinsengumi members assembled for daily strikes. It wasn't long until Kondo met Okita some point in the morning as he followed his own assignment. Okita ended up falling asleep aside him; he found it interesting that Shinpachi and this world's China Girl had some tension between them, which led them to a small competition of who could teach the "best" lesson. The rest of the members got the short end of the stick ending up bruised and exhausted quicker. Eventually, they called it quits when Gintoki pulled the two apart and reminded them they had important matters to tend to.

Unlike the Shinpachi that Kondo knew, this one was very intense. He had this stern, determined outlook at everything in front of him. The Gorilla couldn't help to tear up on his binoculars. He was so proud of him, he was everything how strong samurai should be. Again, trying to take credit without doing much of anything.

Shinpachi changed out of his practice clothes and into his uniform. A unique coat compared to the other captain's outfit. He wore a long trench, signature gold rectangular pattern across the double-breasted coat, collar popped up with a white silk cravat round his neck. Sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing the white material inside of the coat and elbow length black hand covers on both arms. He carried two swords on his left, one of brown and gold and the short sword of a burgundy and black.

He pushed his glasses up to his bridge of his nose exiting the building. The loud clack from the sliding door put everyone at attention. He paced in front of the squads with his hands behind his back, demanding what they're dedicating their lives to, the Shinsengumi.

Ah, the clear voices of the members reciting Code reminded Kondo how much Hijikata acted in front of the squads. His eyes started to water again.

"Dismissed!" Shinpachi shouted as all the squads scattered to do their duty for the day.

One member ran up to him, "Vice-commander!"

Vice-commander? Oh, Kondo was so proud.

The young man took Shinpachi aside, whispering into his ear. He nodded along to his message. It was inaudible; however, Kondo was only able to read, "Understood." from Shinpachi's lips.

The messenger ran off.

Shinpachi examined his surroundings before entering the building again.

"Kondo-san." Hijikata shouted to the gorilla up in the tree.

"Toushi, not now." He replied still having the binoculars glued his face.

Hijikata clenched his teeth, "You and I should switch persons to watch."

"Non-sense. I have a very fulfilling sense of pride overlooking Shinpachi. He's grown into a very honorable man." He finally put down his binoculars down to talk the former vice-commander at the base of the tree.

Kondo had a beaming smile.

A sweat drop went aside his temple, "That's good an all but, I think this a good time to stop monitoring him if you want to save some of your sanity." Hijikata treaded cautiously with his words.

"Thanks for your concern, but I think I'll be all right." He returned looking at the compound.

Hijikata sighed, "Suit yourself."

"Maybe you can get me some of the sausage from the fridge."

"Good grief…" Hijikata face palmed. "You might want to take a step back away from the spying for a while. There's something you might find unsettling."

Kondo spotted a familiar figure, a woman with brown hair and a pink kimono. He settled his body closer to his binoculars.

Everything he had hoped, Tae was in this world, and she looked as beautiful as ever. Her hair was a little tidier, draped to one side of her shoulder, and the material of her clothes were much more luxurious from what he can see. He was so glad that Tae was doing well herself.

Then he noticed the bento boxes in her hands. How thoughtful, Tae is so proud of have her younger brother as the vice-commander, only he deserved to have the best… meal… possible from his older sister.

Kondo's stomach started to churn. Even though Tae's beauty was like no other, her cooking, well, wasn't exactly…edible.

She chitchat with a few of the men at the entrance, giving them a small packet of crackers for their trouble as the men led her inside to a spacious room facing the garden.

Kondo shifted to another branch to get another view.

She unwrapped both bags placing four of the boxes at opposite ends of the table with the lids still on.

Shinpachi, Gintoki, and Kagura greeted Tae with a bow before taking their seats.

Kagura next to Shinpachi, and Tae next to Gin.

They uncovered the lids, ever so slowly.

Kondo swallowed hard, anticipating was going to explode or toxic fumes would come out. He twitched a little, as they placed the lid it under the feet of the box.

It turns out, it was normal. No dark matter or eggs charred to a crisp. Best of all it looked actually good. A serving of rice with a pickled plum in the middle, steamed vegetables, cabbage salad, and Hamburg beef.

Breaking their chopsticks and blessing their food with underwhelming enthusiasm, they ate in silence.

It was awkward, even Kondo felt it from the distance. Usually a small conversation or asking for extras would be the norm for them. However, the interaction between them felt forced, and cold.

They ate like civilized people, taking small bites, chewing a little longer, slurping when necessary.

The redhead captain completed her meal, "Thank you for the meal." To her empty plate, then Tae. "Pardon, I have things to attend to." She promptly took her weapons and left the room.

Shinpachi finished his meal, enjoying his cup of tea, as Gintoki was taking his time eating.

"Gin-san, how do you like your lunch today?" Tae smiled.

"It's great as usual. But, I have to say, you're spoiling us with lots of beef lately." He ate the last of his meal, eating the plum.

"Non-sense! I'm so happy you're eating my homemade meals." Her cheeks grew red. "Say, I may try something new tomorrow." She winked at the men with her index finger up.

Shinpachi cleared his throat, "Sister please, we are at headquarters, personal matters should not be displayed or spoken in front of high authority."

"I-I apologize, Shin-chan." Tae lowered her head.

Gin placed his chopsticks down, "Don't be rough on your sister. She works just as hard as we do, even more."

The young woman turned her head expressing some relief.

"Cooking is dedication and love."

The vice-commander was disgusted, clearing this throat, "Excuse me." Shinpachi left the table.

Her eyes swelled, she continued collecting the empty boxes, sniffling a little.

Kondo was taken a back a little. Never has be witnessed such disrespect from Shinpachi, let alone making a woman cry.

Gintoki escorted Tae out of the room, placing his arm around her shoulder.

"N-N-No way…" The Gorilla on the branch was shaken to the core.

As he continued to watch the two, the Commander of the Shinsengumi, stopped dead in his tracks, looking over his shoulder staring at the Gorilla looking at him, deviously smiling.

"T-That bastard…h-how…" Kondo stood up wanting to challenge that silver permed jerk. Realizing his mistake, gravity took its place. His fall was loud enough for the birds to scatter from the compound.

He didn't move, contemplating if he should budge for the person walking towards him.

Hijikata blew out his cigarette. "I tried to warn you."


They sat down in a booth waiting for their tea arrive.

Kondo sighed in despair, triggering the pain from his sides.

Hijikata lit a cigarette.

"My sources say that guy is married to the glasses' sister for a few years now after he promised that he would revive the Shimura family dojo. He teaches once a week while the kid teaches during most days. It's been flourishing since too."

Kondo was silent, staring into the abyss of the empty cup.

"The Shinsengumi are highly respected in Edo and is ranked number one out of all the sects mostly because of their community involvement. And crime is the lowest since they were established in Edo."

"Ah, it seems that we're really not needed in this world."

Hijikata tapped his cigarette into the ashtray, "Too good to be true. I don't believe a word of it. There is no way that silver haired guy can manage the Shinsengumi. He can't even control those two kids and run his own business."

"What am I going to do now? I've lost most of my men. The love of my life is married to another person." Kondo trembled.

"Were you paying attention to me at all?" The smoker interjected.

"What am I going to do now? What am I going to do now?" The older man began to whack his head against the table.

"Alright, you get back and I'll work this." He helped Kondo up to have him stop beating his head any further, signaling for the check.

Kondo cried uncontrollably on Hijikata's shoulder. He patted his head hoping he'd stop embarrassing him in front of all the patrons.

"You know, if you wanted to know something, you could have asked." A familiar voice from across the bar.

It was the Commander himself, Gintoki Sakata.

He lifted his sake cup to them from across the restaurant.

Hijikata shoved Kondo back down to his seat, marching to the sweet-tooth freak. "I don't know what type game you're up to, but we'll figure it out and return to our normal lives. This prank has gone far enough."

Gin burped, turning his attention to him, "Game? Prank? I think you got a screw loose in your now, buddy."

Hijikata scowled.

"I don't know who you are, but clearly you know who I am, and what I do." He smirked. "I'm flattered, really."

The anger vein emerged from the side of Hijikata's temple.

"Instead of asking your pals following my men around, you could have just made an appointment to talk to me or view our public records. We don't have anything to hide." Gin stood up reaching for his wallet. "We'll be running into each other a lot." He placed the cash next to his drink. "Look, let's just start from the beginning. I'm Gintoki Sakata, Commander of the Shinsengumi." He extended his hand out.

Hijikata flicked his hand away, "I don't want your pity."

"Heh…" Gintoki shook off it off, taking his jacket from his seat making his way out. "See you around."

Hijikata fumed, "I can't stand that guy. He gets a big title and acts like he's better than everyone else."

Kondo was still sobbing, "Tae…"


The Commander of the Shinsengumi sighed, "This bunch is troublesome. Trying to nip this in the bud is harder than I thought."

Shinpachi and Kagura sat across from their leader.

"Alright, tell me more about these stalkers." Gin yawned.

The vice-commander laid his folder onto the table reading from the documents, "Isao Kondo, a son of a farmer who was a practitioner of the sword. Blah, blah, blah. Executed by beheading for treason." He rolled his eyes, "Why are we even bothering this man? We have bigger issues to deal with."

"Shinpachi, you're missing the point. These men are threatening the peace."

He crossed his arms and rolled his eyes to the First Division Captain.

"This man called 'Toushirou Hijikata' was nothing but a dead end. From his family name, we integrated the closest of kin that resides in the outskirts of Bushuu. The family members have no recollection of ever seeing this man or know of a family of this name or appearance. The family's criminal records are clean."

"We should keep an eye out for these three men especially with the upcoming missions. The last thing we need is them ruining everything we worked hard for. Rest up for tomorrow's mission."

The vice-commander and the captain bowed taking their leave.


It has been days since Shinpachi has seen her. The only thing that truly makes him happy amongst the daily chaos that ensues in Edo. His escape is in Yoshiwara and it is not for the obvious, but for the entertainment and beauty from a very specific oiran he has been seeing for the past few weeks.

She held her head bowing, "Good evening, Master Shinpachi." Lifting her head up, Tsuu welcomed him.


"What a day." Gin walks into his bedroom with his pajamas to turn in for the night.

"Is everything going okay?" Tae asked already in her futon.

"Nothing that you should worry about." He pulled back the blankets of his own futon.

She sighed, "I-I apologize, I should not meddle in your work affairs."

He was midway dozing off.

"I was too personal today for my actions as well." Tae continued, only to hear her husband snore. Being ignored was still something she was not used to; however, she knew better.

Kagura watched their bedroom from her sleeping quarters. Polishing her sword close to the door as she kept a close watch of the shadows of Gin and Tae's room. Once the lights went out of their room, it was her turn to retire for the night with her sword and parasol next to her side.


"Men, I've decided what my purpose in life is." Kondo boldly announced.

Hijikata and Okita had his attention after sorting out more documents through the Odd Jobs file cabinet.

"I'm going to be a monk."

Their faces dropped, "Whaaat." Both said in unison, Hijikata dropping the cigarette from his mouth.

"I am going to dedicate my life to the Buddha and—"

"Before you go off, there's something you should know." Hijkata handed him a calendar book. "There's an Amanto Summit tomorrow, and we're security."


Author's Notes:

Oiran are the highest-ranking courtesans, entertainers and are very cultured. They are very different from typical prostitutes in Yoshiwara as they can turn away customers.

I had hard time writing this because there wasn't much of a backstory I could write about Shinpachi. He's playing the straight man of the series, and we have a bit of a background with his family and when I do research of his real-life story, it's not all too exciting. There's another bit, his real-life counterpart was the Second Division Captain of the Shinsengumi and lived a long and happy life. Just for the flow of the fic, he's the Vice-Commander. Although, in the Soul Switch Arc it was clearly reflected his real life status as the "Leader of Unit Two".

This was a short chapter and slow, but it will get better.

Also, I've been very busy with school work and mostly writing reports, getting back into novel writing is been a challenge for me.

I would love to hear some feedback. Thanks for reading!