The Third Leg of a Crow

by ninjapanda16

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'. Shouyou came across the Corpse Eating Demon, only it was a white haired, crimson eyed, female child. Female!Gintoki. Editing In Progress. Chapter 1 and 2 Edit Uploaded.

3. Ch 3: The Dance of A Demon

Gintama: The Third Leg of a Crow

General Fic Warning: Genderbend, Female!Gintoki, Whole series spoilers, AU, OOCness, Not as humorous as Sorachi-Sensei's work - or anywhere near, Lack of fourth wall breaking, Any and all other Gintama warnings apply, Swearing, Child abuse, Darker then canon(?), Mentions of; beheadings, organ removal(hinted), blood, war,

Summary:

It isn't a passing whisper that catches his attention. In fact there is nothing soft in the way he learns about the 'Corpse Eating Demon'.
Shouyou still came across the Corpse Eating Demon, only it was a white haired, red eyed female child.

Title: The title of this fic comes from Japanese mythology of a flying creature depicted as a three-legged crow called Yatagarasu, (八咫烏, "eight-span crow") which is seen as evidence of the Will of Heaven and is symbolised as a form of guidance from Heaven.

Disclaimer: I don't know Japanese nor do I get half the references in this insaneness, stands to say that I don't own Gintama in any way, shape or form.

Gintama belongs to Sorachi-Sensei, our wonderful Gorilla who gifted us with this work of art!

Notes:

The Dance of a Demon

Edit: 17/03/17 and 18/03/17

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Who's that? What is that beautiful woman saying? Why is she laughing?

She mentioned something about marriage, didn't she?

What?! Kyokuchou already has Otae-san!

Keep it down, you moron!

You guys don't know? That's Okita-taichou's older sister, Mitsuba-san.

The one who sends us super spicy senbei every month?

Yep.

You sure? They don't really look alike. Sure there's the hair and eyes, but attitude?

Like they always say, if one sibling is carefree, the other is more down to Earth. Balance and all that.

Gahh!

My, it's still rowdy around here, isn't it?

Oh, Sougo! You made it.

Wait on minuet please. I have something to take care of first.

Sou-chan, don't. You mustn't be violent to your friends.

Gomen'nasai, Onee-chan!

Ehhh?!

You're still hanging onto every word Mitsuba-dono says, Sougo!

It has been a while, Ane-ue. It must have been a tiring journey all the way to Edo.

Sougo, why not have the day off? You can show Mitsuba-dono around the city.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Danna, I need a favour." Crimson eyes blink at the rotting shrine in front of her. White and blue yukata along with black and red shirt and pants replaced with construction clothing. "Ane-ue is in town visiting her fiancé's family. She wants to meet my friends. Problem is, I don't have any. So…"

Gintoki caught the nail between her thumb and the small metal stick and lifted it away from the wooded frame of the roof. "You want me to act as this friend of yours." She let the nail fall into the bucket halfway between empty and half full with old nails. She let out a sigh, "You came at a bad time kid. Kagura's eating us out again so this job, plus some, need to be done." She dug at another nail before growling when it didn't pull away.

There was a yelp and a crash on the other side of the shrine where Shinpachi and Kagura were meant to be working.

The two ignored it.

She let out other sigh and scratched at her hair, "I know it isn't the best idea, but how about bringing her out here? I'll send the kids onto the next job so Kagura won't bug you." Gintoki turned to face the teenager. "But if that's a no go, I can make time tomorrow."

Okita blinked before he fished in his pocket and brought out his flip phone. Hitting the numbers he knows by heart, he pressed the call button and held the phone to his ear. The silver head returned back to the building she was hired to repair with the two other Yorozuya members.

"Onee-chan?" He licked his lips, "Are you feeling up for a walk to an old shrine?"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

You could have stayed with us at the Shinsengumi compound tonight, you don't have to stay at your fiancé's.

I'm sorry Sou-chan, but I still have many things I need to do here. Sakata-san, I have to both apologise and thank you for today. We bothered you while you were working.

Don't worry about it.

Ane-ue, take care. We'll wait until you're inside.

Sou-chan… Is he…

You don't have to worry about that bastard. He went to work this morning without saying a word. He's nothing but a heartless bastard.

So, he hasn't changed at all.

Hey now, he just ups and leaves instead of waiting for you?

I'm sorry. It's my fault he's so self-centred. I didn't want him to feel lonely after we lost our parents, so I spoilt him. He's selfish, stubborn, and hates losing. He was alone because of that and didn't have a single friend. If he hadn't met Kondo-san, I don't know what would have happened to him. Even now, I can't help but be afraid. Is he doing well? Is he eating properly? Is he sleeping even though work is needed to be done? …You aren't really his friend, are you?

You want to know if he's doing well. Of course he isn't. He slacks off and becomes a sadist, he causes trouble and becomes a sadist. There's nothing good about that brat. How was it that you raised him? You've got to choose your friends carefully. If your kid hangs around someone like me, nothing good will come of it.

What a strange person. But…

Hmm?

It's no wonder he likes you. You and that man are quite alike…

Eh? Alike to who?

Oi, what are you two doing out here? The owner of this mansion… eh?

T-Toushirou-san…

There's coughing and Mitsuba collapses.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Hey, Zura, what do you know about a man named Kuraba Touma of something called Tenkaiya?

The Tenkaiya invest in illegal weapons trades with anyone willing to pay the price. Kuraba Touma is in the black-market business.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Wonderful! You really do do anything a person asks for.

That's the Yorozuya for ya. Just don't eat too much of it at once, you'll need it to wash away the taste of the hospital food.

Is that right?

Hey, what about you? Is there something you want?

No thanks. I always carry sausages around with me when I'm on missions.

Oh? Yamazaki-san? Is that you?

Shit!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

There's no time. Ane-ue… she doesn't have much time left. It's not fair. She took care of me when our parents died, but she did nothing for herself. Just when I thought she finally found happiness… even if it's for a short time, before she dies, I want her to experience happiness. I'm won't ask you to let him go. Just, please, give us time.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

She really loved him. Even after he coldly rejected her, she still waited for his return. Just when I thought she was back on her feet and finally on her way to attaining happiness, he showed up again. He's always getting in her way.

Despicable.

He's really a despicable guy.

I know that Ane-ue wouldn't fall for such a despicable guy.

I know he couldn't accept her because he understands that he could die at any time.

I know he rejected her because he was thinking about her future.

I know he wishes for Ane-ue's happiness too.

I understand all of that, but it pisses me off…

I can't stand him.

But it's fine if he stays that way.

Danna, thanks for listening to my long story.

Don't tell Ane-ue… no, it's not as if you're listening.

That bastard took a lot of important things away from me, but I have to go.

Kondo-san said I might die. Since this could be then end, I thought that I would tell the Jizou everything…

He's one of those important things too, ain't he?

Danna…

Don't think naps can get any better than this. Now to go and wake myself up… I've already had to lie to your sister about being your friend, I may as well stick around 'til the end. The storm is getting stronger, wonder if those two finished their job down by the docks.

Scarlet widened.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Ane-ue, I'm a lucky guy. The kind of terrible friends you don't always get to meet in life… I somehow managed to run into three of them.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Yorozuya Gin-chan rules.

1. Gin-chan has the right to say no to a job.

2. You pay Gin-chan half up front and the other half after the job is complete.

3. Gin-chan is not Yoshirawa.

4. Gin-chan picks who goes on the jobs.

5. Don't touch Gin-chans employees.

If you can follow these rules you have a high chance of the job being done.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Shinpachi, it's time you learn to drive!" Gintoki said, pulling the glasses wearing teenager into the passenger seat as Kagura climbed out, taking the rocket launcher and Tosshi with her, all three of the Yorozuya members – dressed in Shinsengumi uniform because it was there and it was better than ruining their own clothes – ignored Tosshi's whimpering. "See the pedal my foot's on? That makes the car go forward. Keep it on the floor. The wheel here steers the car, make sure to not hit anything, okay?"

She let go of the steering wheel and Shinpachi grabbs it instantly, "Why don't you continue to drive?!"

Crimson eyes look dully into panicking coffee ones. "You want Kagura to fire the rocket launcher?"

"No-"

"Didn't think so." Gintoki cut him off and moved over to as close as she could get to the door, lifting her free leg up and onto the chair, she waited for Shinpachi to move his leg to the accelerator. In a smooth motion Shinpachi swapped his foot with Gintoki's. "Nice job, Shinpachi!" With that, she shimmied out of the car window and latched onto the hand that Kagura offered. "Remind me to put in a complaint about the Shinsengumi uniforms, why don't they have anything for females?" She grumbled.

Silver hair danced in the air and Gintoki hefted the rocket launcher onto her shoulder – almost over balancing herself and falling off the moving car. "Keep it steady, Shinpachi!"

The trigger was pulled and one of the many Kiheitai beach buggy's exploded into a ball of smoke and flames.

"Outta the way! We're on official business here!" Kagura called out over the roar of the wind.

Despite knowing the only ones who would be able to hear her are the four on the beaten up Shinsengumi squad car, Gintoki joined in. "Make it easy on the rest of us and turn yourselves in!"

There was a return shot from the Kiheitai group and the only reason Tosshi didn't fly off was because of Kagura grabbing onto his ankle as he flew past.

"Okay, back in the car. This isn't a simple internal struggle anymore. Players form a different game are joining."

Kagura jammed the possessed Fukuchou through the back rear window before she clambered into the passenger seat, forcing Gintoki to flop into the back.

Bright blue eyes blinked, "Gin-chan, the train carts have been separated and the enemy isn't worried about the one that's slowing down!"

"You think Kondo-san is in the front?" Shinpachi asked, turning the wheel hard to miss a rocket that had been used in retaliation.

"Go to the closer one first." Crimson eyes turned to the floor of the backseat and a sliver eyebrow twitched. "And why are you hanging off my leg?!" She kicked out and Tosshi was hanging out the car door, gripping onto Gintoki's leg. "Make like the 'Demonic' Fukuchou you're meant to be and attack, Hijikata-shi!" Holding onto the front and back seats, Gintoki kicked her other foot out to detach the man clinging onto her leg.

"Sakata-shi! Please tell me you don't intend to leave me here alone! That's like sending Luffy to sail the Grand Line by himself to find One Piece! Too reckless and impossible!"

"We won't know till we find out! Now let go!"

There was the sound of a police siren and a Shinsengumi squad car pulls up next to the stolen.

"Fukuchou! Spread the word that the Fukuchou is alright!"

"What part of me hanging out of a car is alright?!" Tosshi exclaimed.

"About time you got here." Gintoki let out a sigh and stopped kicking at the possessed Shinsengumi member. "Oi, Kagura! Add babysitting onto the list of what they have to pay up for! We ain't doing this for free!"

"On it, Gin-Kyokuchou!"

"Fukuchou, we'll take care of the enemies in the cars, please use this opportunity to save Kyokuchou!" With that the squad car left.

"Damn it." Gintoki pulled her leg back in and used her hands to detach Tosshi. "Shinpachi, get up onto the tracks." She helped Kagura clamber back out the rear window, before she pulled herself onto the hood of the car, rocket launcher in hand.

Gintoki took aim and fired at the cart.

"Kondo-san? You there?"

A beat of silence.

"No one's home."

"What the hell was that?!" Kondo stuck his head out the freshly blown up door.

"Ohp. There he is. Hey, you alright? We heard something about an assassination and came to check it out. Have to say, this is by far the most noisiest assassination I've heard of." Gintoki let the rocket launcher rest on the beaten up car's hood.

"That already happened! Unless you're aiming for my head, too?!" Kondo snapped back before his eyes landed on Tosshi and his anger faded. "Don't tell me… you brought Toushi here?"

None of the Yorozuya answered him.

"Why? Why would you cover for us…?"

Gintoki stayed silent and crimson eyes moved to look at both Shinpachi and Kagura before they turned back to the Kyokuchou of the Shinsengumi. "It's a will. His."

Brown eyebrows narrow, "A will?"

"His soul's been consumed by a cursed sword. What you see now is nothing but a loser Otaku. Don't think he'll ever come back."

"A cursed sword, you say?" Memories from the time Hijikata started acting strange flashed through Kondo's head. "So his behaviour, is the result of a cursed sword…?"

"Honestly, he should have known better than to pick up a sword that's said to be cursed."

"What is Toushi's will?" Kondo asked, desperate.

"To protect his pride. The Shinsengumi." Gintoki watched the expression change on Kondo's face. "I have to say, it's too damn troublesome. So I brought him all the way out 'ere so he can do it himself. This is where our job ends. I'll give you my account so you can transfer the fees over."

Kondo bowed his head. "I will. I'll transfer everything I have to you." He lifts his head up, "But, Yorozuya, I'm going to add another job for you to do. If you find a need, you can consider it my will."

Crimson watches sickened, dark eyes. "Take Toushi and get away from here. It's my fault that things turned out like this. I don't want Toushi involved in this, not now that he can't fight. I… refused to listen when he tried to warn me about Itou, not only that, I let Itou twist me, resulting in Toushi being fired. I left him, without even finding out why he was suddenly acting out of line. And even with all that, he's still trying to protect the Shinsengumi.

"Even though he's so proud, he lowered his head and asked for your help, entrusting the Shinsengumi into your hands." Kondo locked his eyes onto Hijikata's body. "I'm so sorry, Toushi. I'm sorry, everyone. I'm, I'm nothing but a huge idiot." He closes his eyes. "Inform all squad cars that, they are to leave the battle front immediately. Tell them that Kondo Isao has dies in action. I've had enough of seeing my comrades fight each other."

Shinpachi and Kagura looked towards Gintoki.

Because she has the final say.

There's a buzz that rings through the air.

"Umm. Gentlemen of Yamato. Our Kyokuchou, Kondo Isao has been safely rescued!"

Four sets of eyes turn to the one on the radio.

"The winning cards are now in our hands. Those who smeared mud on our Kuokuchou's face, and repaid his kindness with evil… I daresay, they are scum! Now's the time to punish them in the name of the moon!"

"Oi, who are you?! What's with the tasteless speech?!"

"Who am I? I am the Shinsengumi Fukuchou, Hijikata Toushirou!" Tosshi slammed the radio down and breathed heavily.

"Hijikata-san…"

"Kondo-shi, I will give you my life. You are charged with a responsibility in exchanged for it. That is to not die! You have to live, no matter what. Because, so long as you're around, the Shinsengumi will never end! We entered the Shinsengumi because we admired you. You're an idiot, stop thing about difficult things, all you have to do is continue living as yourself."

A mayonnaise shaped lighter is lit.

"We will protect you."

A flame is brought to a cigarette.

"Because, you are the soul of the Shinsengumi."

And Hijikata Toushirou is back.

"Toushi…" Kondo's horror stricken face was brought up to look behind the squad car.

"You have already been crushed once, so, what do you think you are capable of protecting?" Ridding up besides the car and train on a motorcycle was Kawakami Bansai of the Kiheitai and Itou Kamotarou of the Shinsengumi.

"Hijikata-kun, looks like we have to settle this once and for all."

"If it's a sword you want, it's a sword you'll get." Hijikata held up the cursed blade. "This one can cut real nice." Swinging his elbow back, he broke the rest of the glass to the rear window and pulled himself out from it. "Yorozuya! I heard that rotten lecture of yours!"

"What?"

"Blabbering on and on like you're so great…" Hijikata lifted the cursed blade up and made to unsheathe it, only it didn't budge.

Gintoki leant back to inspect her nails with uninterested crimson eyes. "Just draw it already. Before you get the idea to draw your other one, sexual harasser-san."

"Shuddup! No one asked you for a comment! And quit it with the sexual harassment stuff too!" Hijikata snaps as he bites down on the smouldering cigarette while continuing to pull at the sword. "Though, I'll tell you one thing. Thanks for all that!"

"Oi, oi. What good are you if your soul keeps being consumed by that sword? Tosshi? Are you back already, Tosshi?" Gintoki asked, crimson still concentrating on her nails.

There was a glint of metal in the moon light.

"I am… the Shinsengumi Fukuchou… Hijikata Toushirou! If you want to take our Kyokuchous' head, you'll have to get past me first!"

A small smirk curved up under crimson eyes, "Sorry Gorilla. Unfortunately, no matter how much money you offer, we can't accept you job. He asked first."

Kondo gave a short laugh, "Didn't your job end?"

"It did." Gintoki agrees, "We'll be charging overtime." Her smirk grew as Kondo jumped onto the beaten up car.

"It's changed." Bansai noted. "The rhythm of his soul has changed. From bubbly anime songs to a deep rock 'n' roll, I daresay. But, so has yours, Itou-dono." Itou drew his own blade. "From cultured classical to a vicious metal, I daresay. It's fitting. Unleash this beautiful concert to your heart's content." He speed his bike up.

"Hijikata!"

"Itou!"

There are slashes exchanged, blood drawn and the back tyre of the police car popped.

Gintoki grunted as Kondo landed on her. Kagura gave a hiss as she threw herself back into the car.

"We've lost a wheel!" Shinpachi yelled.

"The train's catching up!" In a blind panic, Hijikata pushed his feet up against the train cart and turned himself into a bridge, keeping the car and train apart. The tyre burst again and came off its axel.

The door on the cart was then kicked open to show Okita, sword drawn and wounded. "Kondo-san, please hurry and get over here." There wasn't a hint of panic in his voice but it did echo with tiredness. The sandy hair coloured teen wavered on his feet, blood dripping from a head wound and an arm clutched tight. Multiple dead bodies and blood painted his background of the train cart he stood in. "I worked a bit too much. I can get overtime for this right?"

"Sougo!" Hijikata grunted in strain, "I'll get it from the accounts department, no matter what."

"That's good to hear." Okita gave a smile before stumbling to lean on the door frame. "I'm also counting on you to get rid of him. I would do it myself, but I'm a little tired." He slid down to sit. "Hijikata-san, you slip up, and I'll kill you. The next time you show any weakness, the Fukuchou's position will be mine."

Kondo paused in his walk over to his youngest police officer, conveniently pausing with his feet positioned on Hijikata's hands. "Are you telling me to leave Toushi alone and escape by myself?"

"Stop wasting time and get moving!" Gintoki snapped.

"Do it quickly and get off my hands!" Hijikata wheezed out.

It was the sudden roar of an engine that makes Gintoki turn her head and crimson was meet with the worn black of a motorcycle tyre. She threw her head back, forcing her body away from both modes of transport – one having been reared up in an attempt of a sneak attack – and onto the grass hill that mounted up to the train tracks.

"Gin-san!" Shinpachi managed to call out before he realised just how close the other part of the train was and chucked himself to the open cart. Hijikata behind him not a second later and the two train carts met, crushing the already busted police car between them.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki picked herself up and crimson eyes snap to Bansai riding over to her, sword kicking up dirt as it dug into the ground. She raised her bokken, swords met and the two were thrown apart. The motorcycle bursting into flames when the gas tank made contact with rocks and sparked.

The two pick themselves up, heavy breathing being shared and blood pumping.

"That's an interesting sound you're making." Gintoki paused to watch Bansai as he talked, "It's an obscure sound, messed up because of its bad form. A form of jazz?" He questioned, head tilting slightly to the side, listening to something Gintoki could never hear. "No, there isn't such a style in that. If I had to make an analogy, it's be like a drunkard's humming, I daresay."

She gave a moment, "You're with Takasugi, correct?" She asked and another pause echoed between them. Crimson eyes squinted. "Oi, oi, didn't your mother teach you it's polite to take your headphones off when someone's talking to you?"

"Sakata Gintoki. No, Shiroyasha. What reason would someone like you be with the Shinsengumi?"

She blinks before pulling at the gold trimmed clothing. "You mean this? Borrowing it for the job. Should have stayed in my normal clothing, this stuff ain't made for girls. But enough about me, let's talk about you. You have that guy wrapped around your little finger by giving him unquestionable power over the Shinsengumi, you gain a way into the underwear draw of the Bakufu."

"We are not so accepting to admit that someone who so calmly betrays his comrades is in our circle, I daresay. We also know that no one will gather around someone who acts against his own principles."

A silver eyebrow is raised, "You hang around Takasugi."

Bansai blinks under sunglasses, "…A fair point, but, I daresay, there is something about him that draws you in."

"So not his shortness."

"No."

Gintoki tapped a finger under her eye before she let out a sigh, "I'll fall asleep if I play this game with you. You're one of those people who sees colour in sound or something like that, aren't ya? So it doesn't matter what I say real-"

There's an explosion and crimson eyes widened.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Geniuses are always alone. No one understands me. I am not one to stay burning in a place like this. No one can understand that. No one realises my true worth. In that case, I have no choice but to force them to acknowledge my potential. Make the Shinsengumi mine. I'll use it as a stepping stone to establish my position in the world. I will etch proof that Itou Kamotarou lives in this world, into the hearts of the public.

So, you don't mind an unsavoury reputation? You wouldn't mind getting rid of Kondo, who treated you with so much kindness, for that purpose?

Kindness? He is the one who owes me. After all, I allowed myself to work under someone as talentless as him. Leaving aside gratitude, I do not remember calming to be displeased.

Laughter.

Oh, Itou, you think everyone apart from yourself is stupid, right? But you're frustrated that no one among those idiots can understands you. You want to be understood. You want someone to notice. You want them to know your potential? It's nothing as great as you make it to be. You're just lonely, that's all. What you're after isn't someone who'll understand and respect you.

What you really want…

There's the sound of glass breaking and Itou wakes up with one less arm.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Shinsuke saw through Itou. The only thing to note about him is his self-esteem that's higher than most." Gintoki turned away from the black smoke raising up into the night sky to listen to Bansai. "He's a mess that doesn't know his own place, even though he aims for recognition. To spur him on and make use of him is an extremely simple matter, I daresay. Just as we predicted, he fought with the rest of the Shinsengumi and neutralised their power for us."

"So you take advantage of a man's loneliness and use it to let you wipe out the Shinsengumi while they were weaken from the aftermath of this rebellion... I honestly couldn't care what happens in the Shinsengumi, I just got dragged into this with a job. However…" Her bokken snaps out to knock Bansai to the floor, crimson eyes glare, the light of the moon giving the red hue a glowing affect. "If those two kids are harmed, you, and Takasugi both, will pay." Gintoki turned away from the downed man before making a run towards the smoke lifting into the sky.

Picking himself up, Bansai followed. He didn't strike until they had gotten closer to where they could both see the train hanging off the edge of the broken bridge. The attack was cleanly dodged by the female and a heel made it into his ribcage before he tilted his head to let the bokken tip pass.

Bansai turned the sharp edge of his blade towards Gintoki and made to slice at the unprotected neck but a knee to his elbow blew that idea up. He watches as she twists and brings her other foot up to plant it on him. With a grunt, he brought up his forearm, stopping to boot from getting any

There's the whistle of the air being forced apart and he ducks and rolls under the bokken that was suddenly as dangerous as any other sword. He manages to push himself into the air before the wooden sword could land a hit. Using his wires, he pushed himself further away from the foot that followed him.

Gintoki lands on her feet and pulls her bokken out of the ground where she had used it as leverage before she makes to run after the other samurai. He turns, just managing to misdirect the bokken and he's suddenly locked in hard hitting strikes.

"I told you…" Silver hair shadows burning crimson and Gintoki holds her bokken with one hand while the other ran flat along the tipped area of a normal swords back. She swings and it's quickly turned into a jab when Bansai pulls back a little. "You'll pay if something happens to them. Move."

Directing the bokken away from his face, he leaves himself open for another foot to land on him. He flips himself over and pushes himself up with his arm and does it again because Gintoki is right there.

'I can't keep up!'

Four Kiheitai members run in as he lands on his feet. And he watches with wides eyes as she knocks one over the head and the other is met with a palm to the face, then griped and pushed back into another member.

"What's so hard about the word move? People seem to hold a knack for forgetting what it means!" She clotheslines another and she's runs at Bansai. She swipes and he's jumping over her.

And Gintoki runs again until something is screeching in the air and pulling her back. She looks at her arm and directs a cold glare over to Bansai. "Takasugi taught you manners, didn't he?"

Bansai holds his shamisen up instead of his sword, watching the tension shake across the tightly pulled wire. "You shouldn't struggle so much. Shinsuke would not like an arm or leg for a present, I daresay."

Gintoki smirked back, "I never was any good at giving presents."

"If you go and help them, you're only putting yourself in danger."

"Oh? And what would it matter to you? The worse that I could find are those two brats dead, and if I do, there will be no place you can hide from me. Sea, land or sky, I'll hunt you down and make you pay."

She continues to pull against the strings and Bansai watched in something a mix of horror and fascination as his strings snap.

"You can have a limb or two. I don't care. But there is one thing that won't snap. And that's this rotten bond I share with those kids."

Gintoki runs and there's a helicopter flying pass and circling to get a better angle to set the mounted gun at.

Shots are fired and crimson pins onto Bansai.

She rolls under his air born from and springs off of the bridge and digs her bokken into his back, knocking him into the helicopter and jolts it, breaking the windscreen.

He twists and pulls his sword out to jab it into the silver heads shoulder.

"What are you fighting for Shiroyasha?!" He yells as she lets the blade bite into her shoulder, a small price, she must think, if it keeps the guns from being fired, if it keeps you here. "What do you protect?! The world of samurai is over. Even if Shinsuke doesn't deal the final blow, this country will kill itself! You're alone, so you'll never be able to stop it! What point is there to protect this county? This place is crawling with Amanto! This country has no choice but to kill itself!"

"If you want to die, then throw yourself into the undertaker's home or something."

"Like you have, Sakata Gintoki? You are a ghost, I daresay. You once tried to protect the country of the samurai and fought alongside Shinsuke and the others. You haven't let go of those feelings and you still hold on to delusions. You are a living ghost! What you should be protecting doesn't exist anymore!"

Bansai twisted again and dug the blade deeper into Gintokis' shoulder.

"Die!" He slashes up and removes his sword form her shoulder, throwing blood into air as Gintoki falls back

There's a twing and he's paying attention to his strings that are wrapped around himself and the bokken belonging to Gintoki.

"I haven't let go? I'm the one holding onto delusions? I think Takasugi has tickled you pink a bit too much. Clean out your ears and listen closely." Crimson glares and it matches so well with the smirk accompanying it. "Not once have I fought for some cheap country!" She tosses a piece of rubble up into the air, bringing Bansai's attention to it. "I don't give a shit if the country or the samurai gets destroyed! Then and now, there has only been one thing I've been fighting to protect…" With one more light toss of the shrapnel, Gintoki caught it and her grin grew. "And it hasn't changed!"

There was a clatter of wood as the bokken is dropped, releasing it from the thin wires and the piece of rubble is pitched, hitting the tail end of the helicopter and catching the tail blade, sending the flying machine into a frenzy.

Kagura and Shinpachi smile as they jump out the windows of the wrecked train.

Kondo, Hijikata and Sougo are left to gape at the destruction.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Even if they leave him alone he'll die.

That's why…

That's why… they have to cut him down.

They don't want to let him die as a filthy traitor.

But in the end, as a samurai.

As a friend…

That's how they want to let him die.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Takasugi felt his lips tug up into a smirk.

"I told you, didn't I?" An emerald eye pinned onto the multiple bandages Bansai supported. "The only ones to take our heads are us."

Bansai paused in adjusting the bandages wrapped around his head. "…Shiroyasha said something that may be of interest to you, I daresay. It's caught mine."

Takasugi drops his smirk.

"'Then and now, there has only been one thing I've been fighting to protect, and it hasn't changed.'" Bansai turned around. "You wouldn't happen to know what she means, would you?" He walks away.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Three months' worth of rent, money for repairs and…

The rest's for the two brats.

Even after all these years, you're afraid that someone will find out who you were during the war.

Someone will turn the right corner one day. I just don't want the brats to be caught with whatever bullshit the Bakufu throws. They can't do much if there's no paper connection between me and them.

What about eye witnesses?

Baa-baa, I didn't realise how old you were getting.

Who's old?!

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Oi, are you drooling?

Don't worry, it's just machine oil.

Alright! Which one do you want?! I'll buy it, alright? Just answer me this, why a screw of all things?!

Ah! This one feels wonderful in my hands, but I don't want to part with this one either… Gintoki-sama, which one suits me better?

Aren't they the same?!

But they are not.

…Go with the one on in your right.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Gin-chan." Kagura pulled at Gintoki's yukata and pointed with her other hand, careful to keep her umbrella upright, "Are we monster hunting today?"

A silver eye brow was raised, "Monster hunting? No." Gintoki looked up from her list and towards Kagura, "Why do you ask?"

"But I want to beat it up!" Kagura points again and crimson eyes followed.

"Egh…" Gintoki twitched along with Shinpachi when they spotted what Kagura was pointing at.

Further up ahead, the Shinsengumi members armed with rockets, stood outside what was meant to their headquarters, only it was giving off yellow fumes and fungus moved.

Gintoki and Shinpachi turned, each holding onto Kagura's arms.

"Let's pretend we never saw that, right Gin-san?"

"Saw what Shinpachi? I didn't see anything."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

One, two, three… Ooo, enough to get a Parfait and maybe have a go at the pachinko machines again.

That's my mone-hehehrrr…

You little thief! You sure as hell choose the wrong person to pickpocket.

There wasn't anything in there anyway!

It's the principle of the matter. You're a hundred years too early to be stealing from me.

Like you're any better!

Tell me, why're you going around and pickpocketing in the first place?

I…I really need the money.

Hmm?

There's someone who I want to talk to, in Yoshiwara… I have no parents, so I'm limited in the ways I can make money. That's why…

You'll need a lot of money to meet anyone in Yoshiwara. Damn sleaze bags have offered numbers I'll never get my hands on, don't know why they don't go there in the first place if they're paying the prices down there.

Offered?

Mmm, I run Yorozuya Gin-chan, right job done for the right price. But you get idiots that don't look over the fine print. Anyway, from the looks of you, you're barely getting by day to day, so why are limiting yourself by saving to pay for a night? The truth would be nice, brat?

I'm not a brat, my names Seita… and… I was abandoned by my parents when I was little. I don't remember what they looked like. I can only remember Jii-chan, the one who took me in. He died three years ago though. Before he died, he told me that I wasn't abandoned, but saved instead. That my parents save me from the darkness. To be proud of them. And that… my mother is in the darkness of eternal night, shining as bright as the sun.

She might be my Kaa-chan. I want to see her. I want to talk to her in person. But no matter how many times I call out or yell…she never looks my way. I can't reach her. So I'm going to meet her, no matter how briefly, as a customer. So I did anything for money. Including stupid things, like stealing.

I think you're getting yourself a bit bent out of shape here. How would your Kaa-san like it, if she knew that you stole just to see her? You know, if you're willing to work and stop it with your stupid ways of gaining money, I might just know a place that'll be willing to hire you.

Tears fell.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

That kid's holding out pretty well, how long has it been since he's started?

You found a good one. He's clever, honest, and picks things up quickly. I'd like Catherine to learn from him.

He probably understands that this is his best chance. He's seen a lot for a brat.

Seita's changed. The look in his eyes? It's gotten better. Are you going there?

Huh? Whatcha talking about?

You know how Yoshiwara works, right?

It's where men's dreams come true or something like that…

You know that's not what I'm talking about. I mean the darker side to Yoshiwara. An area that's beyond the laws above the ground and only one man is making that possible.

Housen, the King of the Night.

Yes, the owner of Yoshiwara Shangri-La and the most powerful man in Yoshiwara. Of course, he has other names to him, but it doesn't make him any less dangerous. Those who have gone after him haven't seen the light of day again, or so they say. Watch yourself Gintoki, there's no telling what he'll do.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Sorry about, above or below, I live by my own rules." Crimson eyes narrowed and Gintoki snaps her bokken into the hostess' jaw, there's a clatter and a number of kunai fall to the ground with the hostess' body.

"Intruder! Intruder!"

Gintoki clicks her tongue and runs. "This has gotten out of hand."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

You're helping Seita correct?

Something like that.

Then I'll help you get out.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Kagura flicks the coin up into the air and three sets of eyes watch it spin as it goes up, "Yorozuya Gin-chan…" and falls back down into Kagura's hand, "Will take your job."

"Y-You…" Seita stutters before he jumps up from his seat. "Impossible! You can't meet a courtesan without money! This place doesn't work the same as above."

There are two odd clicks and bright blue and coffee eyes snap up. Gripping an arm each, Kagura and Shinpachi jump down the stairs with Seita between them, just missing the storm of kunai thrown down at them.

"What was that?!" Shinpachi asked and his gaze looks onto the blonde standing on top of a building above them, smoking a pipe without a care.

Seita sucks in a breath, "Tha-That scar…"

"Who is she?" Bright blue glared.

"They're like the police force from above, they punish those who break the laws of Yoshiwara. The Hyakka. The blonde with the scar… She's their strongest and their leader. She's known as the Shinigami Tayuu."

The Hyakka jumped down and prepared their kunai. "I am Tsukuyo. A pleasure meeting you."

Kagura jams Shinpachis' head down and pops her umbrella open just before the first set of kunai hit.

"Why are they after us?!"

"N-No idea!" Seita squeaked.

"Talk about it later! Get Seita out of here!" Kagura pulled in her umbrella and fired the bullets at the air born females only for the end to be clogged by a well-aimed kunai. She twists her weapon, stopping Tsukuyo from slicing at her with her knife. Kagura pushes back and throws the blonde off and makes to run after Shinpachi and Seita.

Bright blue eyes widened when Kagura finds herself blocked off and Tsukuyo is already aiming at the two.

"Shinpachi!"

"The only one I'm after," She muttered around her pipe and threw her hand out causing kunai to fly, "Is you!"

There's a clatter as metal meets wood and Gintoki is standing in front of both Shinpachi and Seita, bokken in one hand and the other holding a kunai between two fingers, stopping it from impaling her forehead. She pulled the projectile away from her face, showing bored, crimson eyes.

"Oh, hello."

"Hello." Tsukuyo greeted with a small nod of her head. "I'm Tsukuyo. And you are?"

"Sakata Gintoki." She moved her bokken to lean on her shoulder while the other flicked the kunai between figures. "I'm sorry for the brats, they were playing dress up and managed to sneak away from me. Please excuse us. Come on you three."

Three sets of eyes blinked.

"Gin-san?" Shinpachi asked as Kagura walked over to them.

"I understand, children can be handful at times."

Gintoki ushered the two teenagers and child and held her arms on Shinpachi's and Kagura's back. "Play along." She mumbled before speaking louder, "Let's go now, we shouldn't be wasting the nice lady's time." The four felt something hit the back of their heads and three of them crumbled under Gintoki's weight.

Tsukuyo turned away from her handy work and addressed the group of women behind her. "Tell Lord Housen that I've taken care of the intruders. I'll clean up this mess."

The females hesitated for a second before turning on the spot and taking off.

She waited until she couldn't hear the clicking of heels any more before she walked over to the dog piled four. "You can get up now." She pulled the suction cupped tipped kunai away from silver hair, "If you don't hurry and leave. I'll kill you for sure this time."

Gintoki picked herself up off of the three kids and scratched at her hair. "That's only if you can land a hit."

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"This is the safest way out of here. It'll take a day and a bit, but you will eventually get to the surface. If you come back, I will kill you." Tsukuyo said as she pulled the latch on the air pipe open.

"You sent your women away and put on an act to let us escape, but aren't you the leader of the Hyakka?" Seita asked.

Amethyst eyes turned away, "I am the guardian of Yoshiwara. I eliminate anyone who cause trouble in Yoshiwara. That's all there is to it."

"I don't plan on being killed by you people." Seita snapped, "And I can't leave. I'm only here to see Kaa-chan… to see Hinowa Dayuu."

Tsukuyo set herself down and lit her pipe. "That's all the more reason you should leave. The person who asked me to let you all go, is none other than Hinowa."

Seita blinked, "Kaa-chan did… you mean Kaa-chan knows I'm here?! She knows about me?!"

"Hosen, the ruler of Yoshiwara, fears of you making contact with Hinowa. If you stay here, you will be killed."

"Why?" Kagura stepped in, "There's no reason for anyone to interfere with a child meeting their Mummy!"

Tsukuyo closed her eyes. "It's because Hinowa might try to run away from Yoshiwara. Just like she did eight years ago, when you were a baby. I can't let you die. Or everything Hinowa did would be in vain."

"You know," Four sets of eyes turn to Gintoki in confusion before they took notice that crimson wasn't looking at any of them. "It's rude to eavesdrop."

"Ma," The cloaked male lifted his umbrella up, letting the group of five get a look at his dopy eyed face. "This is going to be more troublesome then I thought."

Kagura blinks and her eyes widened. "That umbrella… What's a Yato doing here?"

"Hand the kid over."

Gintoki fell into a stance, ready to draw her bokken. "You're going to have to be more pacific, there are three brats here."

Abuto turned his head slightly and sighed, "Can't say I didn't try." In smooth and quick movement, he closed his umbrella and ran at the group. Kagura kicked off her plat-formed shoes and only just made it in time to block the umbrella that was aimed towards Shinpachi, she gritted her teeth and tried to push back only the air from her lungs to be knocked out due to a foot being shoved into her gut and both she and Shinpachi were sent flying back.

Seita ran over to the two teenagers while Tsukuyo sent black kunai flying towards the Yato, only for them to harmlessly bounce off an open umbrella.

He set his weapon up to lean it on his shoulder before taping his foot twice on the metal pipe making crimson narrow and there's the sound off footsteps hitting metal. Gintoki turns, eyes widening.

"Move!" Before the word can register in any of their minds, the metal under the three kids burst upwards with the help of an umbrella, causing the two teenagers and child to be tossed into the air. Following the umbrella, Ungyou wrapped an arm around the waist of the youngest of the six and swung his weapon at the two still air born teens, hitting them further down the pipeline.

Both Tsukuyo and Gintoki made to run at Ungyou only to be stopped when two other umbrellas fall into their line of sight.

Gintoki pulled her bokken up to defend against Abuto's umbrella, the weight of his attack causing the metal under the silver heads feet to bend with the splintering sound of wood echoing slightly in her ears.

Tsukuyo bent back, letting the umbrella pass over her, placing her hands onto metal, she pushes herself up into the air and moved to fling more kunai, amethyst eyes looked over the spot she was before, only finding nothing.

"I really don't like killing women." Was sounded above and behind her and she only gains the sight of an umbrella before she's knocked down into the metal pipe, the force bedding it to shape around her body.

Gintoki ducked to the side when her bokken broke in half, still crouching, she thrusts the jagged end of her bokken at Abuto who didn't hesitate in grabbing it with his hand. His eyes widening when the bokken dug into his skin deeper then he thought the female had the strength to push it, causing the warmth of blood to run down pale skin. A sudden intrusion into the flesh of his leg told him where the other half of the bokken was.

With a frown he swiped at the silver head with the sound of metal hitting metal informing Abuto that the damage to the female wouldn't be as great as he intended, even though she was sent flying over to Kamui and the blonde female.

A nicely placed kick into the stomach sent Gintoki on top of Tsukuyo, the force enough to cause the abused metal to give way from underneath the two females.

"Gin-san!" Abuto turned slightly to look over his shoulder towards at the struggling child in Ungyous' hand. His attention turns back to Kamui, who was playfully holding his hand above his eyes – as if to block out the sun – as he peered into the darkness of the air pipe.

The vermillion coloured hair teen gave a whistle. "The silver head's strong. Hope we didn't kill her on accident, she'll have strong children."

Abuto twisted his hand to look at the bokken still dug into his skin. He blinked at it before he pulled it out, causing more blood to flow from the new opening while chips of wood stayed dug into the wound.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Abuto gave a sigh at the child shaking at his feet who was unable to take his eyes off of Kamui as he slaughtered the guards that were meant to be stopping them from getting to Hinowa.

"Taichou." He drawled out causing Kamui to pause before he turned his head towards the now one armed Yato. Abuto pointed down at the child that pressed himself against his legs when the other Yato turned to them, smile in place.

Kamui tilted his head playfully, an image ruined by the blood splatter sprayed on wood and under bodies. "I guess you wouldn't be used to seeing something like this. Or maybe it's something else?"

"I would say it's a combination of things, Taichou."

"W-Why are you smiling like that?! What's so fun about killing people?!" Seita stuttered, still shaking.

"Well that's a bit harsh." Kamui playfully chided, "Aren't they the ones keeping your mother and you separate?" The vermillion haired Yato turned and walked past Abuto and Seita. "As for smiling, it's to pay my respects to them. Regardless of how one lived, you should always send someone off with a smile." He stopped when he was half way down the small hallway, "You should also smile, you wouldn't want to meet your mother with such a face, now would you?"

Shakily, Seita picked himself up from Abuto's feet before stumbling to the wall, peering around it the child look down towards the only set of doors in the hallway. "K-Kaa-chan's here?"

"Eight years ago, when she was captured while helping you escape, she traded her freedom for you. Courtesan in name only, Housen locked her up here when he wasn't using her to attract customers. No clients. No freedom. Housen planned for Hinowa to rot to death up here. Or maybe Hinowa choose this for herself. So that you would be protected. Despite that all, you came here to see her."

With child light footsteps, Seita walked towards the barricaded door. Hesitating, he lifts his hand to place it on the door, only to freeze when Hinowa spoke.

"Leave. You won't find what you're looking for here. Leave."

"K-Kaa-chan?" With sudden movement, he was lifting the blockade from the door and drops it to the floor. "Is that you, Kaa-chan?!" He placed both hands to the door to push at it, when it didn't budge, he pulled at the blockade holders. "You know who I am right?! I'm Seita! Your son!"

He froze again when Hinowa spoke, all the while Kamui set himself up to lean on a wall, Abuto still didn't move from his spot next to the catwalk. "I have no son. I don't know any dirty brats like you."

"Why do you know?" Seita asked, placing his forehead onto the door, "Why do you know that I'm a dirty brat? You were watching me, weren't you? When I was looking up from below, you were looking at me, right? You never responded when I called out to you, but you did that in hopes that I would give up. You were struggling to stay quiet, weren't you?! Kaa-chan… I had no idea that you were suffering here. I had no idea of the pain you went through." Tears welled up, "I had no idea that you were protecting me this whole time."

Seita stepped away from the door before he ran at it, shoving his shoulder into it with a thud, he pushed again when the door bounced him back, hitting the door with another thud. "But it's my turn now!"

Kamui lifts his head up in interest.

"It's my turn to save you, Kaa-chan!" Seita ran at the door again, "It's my turn to protect you, Kaa-chan!" And again, "I won't leave you alone any longer! We'll leave here together!" And again, "So, Kaa-chan! Please, open the door!"

"Stop it!" Seita paused. "Your Kaa-chan isn't here. Didn't I tell you that?"

"K-Kaa-chan…"

"That's not true." Seita stiffened, and with wide eyes he turns slowly towards Housen. "If you want to see her so badly, I'll let you."

Kamui ran a hand through his hair as he picked himself up off the wall, "Wha-o, looks like we've been found."

"Taichou…"

Housen scoffed, and fiddled in his pocket, "Take her with you if you want." He pulled a clump of hair tied in a ribbon and tossed it to the floor. "Child, that, is your mother." Seita looked at the hair with horror stricken eyes. "Hinowa isn't your mother. Your mother left this world long ago."

Seita looked up from the hair, "Wha-What are you tal-talking about…?"

"You think a courtesan of Yoshiwara could give birth to a child unnoticed? Falling pregnant here means death to both mother and child, so, some of the females here hid your mother and helped in the birth. Your mother was weak and died giving birth to you. That woman, behind those doors, isn't your mother. Only a fool of a woman playing the role of a mother."

"Why…" Seita picked his head up and turned it to the wooden door, "Why did you come to this place? Why are you here? You should just forget about someone like me. Knowing that you are able to live up there is enough for me, enough for the rest of us. I'm not worth risking your life to protect."

Housen smirked, "You won't find your mother anywhere in this world. Now that you know, take that memento and get lost. Though, it's completely different if you want to see your mother in the afterlife." He closed his eyes and let out a chuckle.

There's the sound of a body hitting a door.

"I have a mother! Right here! My Kaa-chan is right here!" Seita ran at the door again. Tears gathering in his eyes. "The one who delivered me from this eternal darkness to the sunlight! The one who risked her life for me! I don't care if we aren't related by blood! You are my Kaa-chan!"

Housen frowned, "You don't know when to give up, child. You should have taken the chance and left. Go meet you real mother in the underworld."

There's the sound of air being cut and Housen's eyes widen as he ducks to the side. A sword passing by the place his head was imbedded into the door, stoping Seita from running into it with the glint of sharp metal.

"A sword?"

"You know, I wasn't told about this gathering we had going on 'ere." The three Yato's turned towards the lazy voice to look at the silver head female stepping over the corpses without batting an eye, the two teenagers behind her on the other hand, were the opposite and didn't move a foot onto the catwalk. "Would've been easier to find this place if we went with everyone else."

Seita pushed on the butt of the sword, causing wood to splinter before the weapon fell to the ground with a clatter when the door gave in. "A celebration for Okaa-san and her child, hmm? It'll be more fun though, if Okaa-san wasn't crying, don't you agree Seita?" The child looked on in shock before he spun to lock tear filled eyes onto the female samurai.

"Who are you?" Housen growled.

Gintoki's lips quirked up, "No one special. Just someone a kid asked to help find his mother."

Seita's eyes welled up again. "Gi-Gin-san!"

She scratched at silver hair, letting crimson eyes fall close, "What are you looking at me for?" One eye opened and she waved at him, "Your Okaa-san is behind you."

"But…" Seita questioned, "Is it okay? Is it okay for a dirty brat like me, to call someone as beautiful as her, Kaa-chan?"

Crimson blinks and Gintoki let out a sigh, "You're asking that after how long of calling her Kaa-chan? Call out. Yell 'Kaa-chan' from the bottom of your heart."

Seita turned to look at Hinowa's back and he stepped into the dark room.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Gintoki gave a soft smile at the sounds mother and son made before crimson locked onto the second oldest Yato in the room and a silver eyebrow twitch. "Oi, Scruffy!"

Both Housen and Kamui turned to look at Abuto who blinked. "Eh?"

"You owe me a new bokken, bastard!"

Abuto's mouth and eye twitched, "Get me a new arm and I'll get you your bokken."

"The hell does that work?! If I did that much damage to ya with a broken bokken there's a problem he-!" Gintoki took a step back and crimson was looking into familiar – but unfamiliar – bright blue eyes that were in front of her, a hand held up as though to pet silver hair.

"You're the one from earlier. Wow, you did good to survive that! You got good instincts too!"

"Oh?" Housen turned, "So you do have a woman you fancy, Kamui? The one who's been running wild in my city?"

Bright blue eyes close and Kamui turned a smile towards the King of Yatos. "I told you, I have no interests in alcohol or women, Housen-danna. The strong on the other hand…"

There's a swish in the air and Kagura is snapping her umbrella down, "Kamui!"

Kamui tilts his head to the side, one hand snapping up to hold the purple umbrella along with Kagura up, "I said the strong." He twisted to throw Kagura over the railing of the catwalk and onto the ground below, causing dust to kick up into the air.

"Kagura-chan!" Shinpachi called out in blind panic as coffee eyes looked into the dust cloud, not wanting to wait for either the dust to clear or a sign of movement form the female Yato, Shinpachi pushed off the red railing to run towards the stairs.

"Shinpachi, stop." Startled, Shinpachi turned wide coffee coloured eyes towards Gintoki, it took a moment for the image of the silver head digging a sword into the skin of Kamui's neck to register. "You too, Kagura." Blood fell from the thin slice.

"Gin-chan!" Kagura made to complain.

"I'm not getting between whatever family problems you lot have." Gintoki released the pressure of the blade slightly from Kamui's neck, with the younger making no move the silver head removed the blade completely, but didn't make to sheath the blade into one of the two sheaths sitting on her hip. "It's none of my business, but what is my business, is getting this job done."

Kamui felt his lips tug up as he brushed his fingers over the blood budding at the cut along his neck.

"Gin-chan…"

"You accepted the job, you complete it. It doesn't matter who or what gets in the way, you go around it," Crimson locked onto Kamui and he turned his smile to the silver head, "Unless it keeps getting in the way, then you go through it."

Kamui rubbed the blood on his fingertips while he turned to lean on the red railing, "I was only wondering what sort of woman could turn the King of the Night into a fool, but I was only disappointed. But, I got to meet someone more interesting." Bright blue eyes lock onto crimson, "Wouldn't you agree, Gin-chan?" He tilts his head and bullets fly past.

"Don't call Gin-chan, Gin-chan! I'm the only one allowed to call Gin-chan, Gin-chan!" Kagura yelled, waving her umbrella.

"Kagura-chan…" Shinpachi shared a sigh with Abuto.

"What else am I meant to call her?" Kamui tilts his head, a playful pout working onto his lips

"Gin-san."

The group banter was broken by the sound of heavy feet landing on thick concrete, causing multiple coloured eyes to stop on the form of Housen standing on the head of a rabbit statue with an oversized umbrella encased in its mouth.

"Enough with this talk." The aged Yato looked at Gintoki, "You said you have a job to finish. The only way you'll finish this job is if you, by some miracle, manage to kill me." He pulled his arms into yukata and lets the top half of the clothing fall away from toned skin. "Why don't you show me how strong your will is? Can you release them from my chains before I break you down? It's a shame, you would have attracted many clients."

"Shinpachi, Kagura. Get Seita and Hinowa out of here." Gintoki ordered as she walked over to the sword she had thrown earlier to pick it up. The sound of metal scraping wood was drowned out by the sound of concrete breaking. Predictably, the two teens made to protest, "You said it yourself Kagura," Crimson bore into black. "Your brother is the more dangerous one. King of the Night you say? What type of King hides behind the tears of a woman?"

Housen sneered, "You got some nerve girly."

Gintoki smirks back, "Wouldn't be alive if I didn't."

Hesitating, both Kagura and Shinpachi locked gazes before giving each other a nod and the two made their way towards the stairs, intent on meeting at them. All the while, Kamui moved over to sit on the railing next to Abuto.

"Chains you say?" Gintoki asks, walking back onto the catwalk. "Why use something that can be broken with a single strike?!" She flung herself over the railing just as Housen jumped up.

Having the smaller and lighter weapons, Gintoki was the first to attack, only crimson eyes widened when the sword was caught. A small trickle of blood leaked out of the slice in Housens' palm, not pausing, she swung her other sword and was met with a kick to her gut. Following his attack, Housen swiped his umbrella down, hitting both Gintoki and the catwalk.

"G-Gin-san!"

"Gin-chan!"

It was an added weight to his umbrella that caused Housens' smirk to fade, snapping his head backwards, he watches as the tip of Gintoki's katana pass the space in front of his eyes. Not pausing for another second to let the Yato gain any good ground, Gintoki brought her other katana forward only to pull back to gain a better footing on the umbrella as Housen lifted the oversized weapon.

With a swipe of the weapon, the King of the Night threw the female off, forcing her to twist in the air so that she landed upright and on her feet, knees bent to help absorb the landing.

From his new spot on the back of the broken rabbit statue, Kamui clapped his hands, a playful smile in place. "You've lasted more the ten seconds Gin-chan. I think I'm going to cheer for you."

The silver head stood up properly, but tension still echoed over her body and crimson eyes never left the form of the older Yato, "No one asked for your commentary, kid. I don't know how I'm going to die, but it sure as hell ain't to Ero-jii-jii who's going through puberty!" Gintoki quickly threw her weight down, letting the oversized weapon sail over her head. Taking the opportunity, she lashed a sword out at his open gut, only to blink because he's not there. With wide crimson eyes, she threw herself into a roll, preventing Housen from landing on her.

Blinking, Gintoki brought both of her katanas up to block the umbrella that's suddenly in her eye sight. The force from the attack still enough to send her flying into the bottom of the stone statue. With her vision swimming Gintoki only just manages to move her head in time to avoid the umbrella's gun barrel being smashed into her head front on. Thinking fast, she twists and pushes herself up from the broken stone covered floor and onto the weapon.

Metal pierced metal and the gun barrel become a suicide weapon.

Not once did crimson eyes close as Gintoki pulled one katana free from the gun barrel and put the others hilt into her mouth, freeing a hand to hold onto the oversized weapon Housen lifts with ease. Using the lift, Gintoki flipped herself up and away from the Yato's signature weapon to land on the broken head of the stone rabbit. She lets the sword fall away from her mouth and into her free hand, the room falls to a silence for a moment.

Both sides of the fight waiting for the other to make their move.

Booted and sandaled feet shuffle over stone before both left at the same time.

Again, Gintoki threw herself to the side, avoiding the umbrella brought down onto the already broken rabbit statue, causing it both to break completely and for Kamui to relocate once again. Being stuck in the air, she brought bother katana's up to lessen the blow of the umbrella that Housen was already swinging at her side.

Unable to hold up against the force of the attack, Gintoki was sent flying into the wall behind her, causing the air to be knocked out of her lungs and katana's to be jarred out of her grasp.

Gravity took hold of her body but before she could land on the stone floor and recover, a hand was at her neck, forcing her body to once again hit the wall with jolting force at a height that caused her feet to just dust the surface of the stone floor. Gintoki brought her own hands up, one digging into the tense space between thumb and index finger, the other gripping around Housen's forearm.

"Done already? That's disappointing." Kamui pouted, bringing his hand up to lean his chin onto it.

Red wood splinted under Kagura's grip.

"You're good for an Earthling, a female one at that." Housen smirked at the silver head struggling to pull away from his grasp, "But you took up the wrong occupation of being a samurai. A pity," He lifted his free hand to run a knuckle over Gintoki's cheek, causing the nails already biting into his skin to dig deeper in retaliation, he huffed a laugh. "You would have brought in many. Still would actually, if it wasn't for those scars. Tell me," The oldest Yato in the room loosened his grip around Gintokis' neck, who immediately moved to sucking in the oxygen she was struggling to gain. "How is it, that the men of this planet have let a pretty thing like yourself, become riddled with them?"

She didn't bother answering, instead Gintoki concentrated on gaining oxygen back into her body, a crimson eye left open to watch Housen – the other forced closed by blood trickling down from her new head wound – as she slowly eased her grip around Housen's forearm and let it fall to her side.

The King of the Night let out a short sigh, "I guess it doesn't matter overly much." His smirk returned, "Because you don't belong to the men of this planet anymore, but me." Housen moved his head closer to the one full of silver, "When a lion loses a turf war, they give up their land, along with their right to their females. The samurai lost the war, and as such, the land and female population became ours long ago! Females who step foot in Yoshiwara are mine."

Crimson eyes look on blankly and Gintoki swipes her hand up.

There's a burst of red and Housen vision goes dark in one eye, the tip of a black kunai the last thing the eye saw.

He lifts a hand shakily to his blinded eye and Gintoki smirks.

Standing next to Kamui, Abuto blinks, "So that's what it was."

"You have no right claiming anything. You weren't even apart of the war. Quit acting all high 'n' mighty." Gintoki ripped the hand away from her neck, letting her feet gain better stabilisation on the floor while fingers dig further into the flesh of Housen's hand.

"You bitch!" The oldest Yato in the room hissed.

"You have to be more creative than that." Gintoki's smirk grew and she lashes out with a black, small, thick heeled boot to plant it into Housen's chest, releasing the pressure point, Gintoki sent the Yato backwards – nowhere near as far as he sent her flying, but it's space between them. Another wave of blood flows from the wounded eye with the jolt of his head hitting the floor and Gintoki slumps onto the floor, her fingers lightly dancing along the bruising skin around her neck.

She ignores the stab of pain with ease as she tilts her head to look up at the three worrying looks given by the two of three teenagers and one child, "What are you three still doing here? Get outta here!"

"We can't leave you!" Seita was the first to speak.

There was the clatter of metal and the blood soaked kunai was dropped to the floor, drawing Gintoki's attention.

"You should listen to what she says." Kamui cheerfully swung his legs back and forward from his perch on the railing. "Weaklings will only get in the way."

Kagura growled and made to snap something, but there's a sickening thud and all she sees is Housen standing in front of a hole in the wall, dust and Gin-chans' blood and not moving.

Five sets of eyes widened, three voices call out and Kagura hears her heart stop, but also start.

It shows just how concentrated they were on Gintoki when five sets of eyes blink to find Kagura in the place Housen was standing in front of the limp samurai. Her purple umbrella tipped with dripping red and a crash sounds from across the room.

"Ka-Kagura-chan?"

The words ring on deaf ears as Kagura takes to running across the room, heels clicking on the stone floor only to stop when she jumps into the air, throwing herself at Housen – who is only just picking himself up from where we was hit to – She jabs her umbrella forward with the force behind awaken Yato blood, digging the umbrella tip into his arm. With a click of a button, a bullet lodges into bone. Blinded with bloodlust and the need to make him pay, Kagura lifts a leg up and swings, connecting her limb with the injured and blinded side of Housens' face, sending him flying once more.

"Oh? Looks like she's finally given into the Yato instincts." Bright blue eyes moved away from the two Yato's and pinned onto where the silver head laid, unmoving. "Gin-chan really is something."

Abuto gave a quick laugh, "Heh, so one follows his blood, and the other follows her heart. You two are as opposite as they come."

There's another crash and this time Kagura hits a wall.

Housen opens and closes his hand, frowning at the delayed relay of his action, "Damn brat has her fathers' and brothers' blood in her alright." Black eyes move to follow the sound of clicking heels, he brings his arm up to block the next kick, twisting his arm, he grabs a hold of the boot covered foot and moves to throw her again, only there's a pain in his shoulder and blood dripping off the end of the sword the smiling Yato jammed through his flesh.

He pulls on the leg that's still in his grasp and catches Kaguras' head in his other hand to slam the lost Yato into the ground, causing the stone floor to crumble under the force. Not even a second passes before Kagura finds her own grip on the arm holding her down, and her other fist is brought against tense flesh, causing blood to push past skin.

She tucks her legs to her chest to push them out, knocking the arm that's holding her down away, not removing her grip on Housens' arm, she follows the momentum of her attack and flips herself up into a one handed handstand on his arm – her umbrella left on the cracked floor.

Falling with gravity, she moves to land another hit on the head but there's a sickening crunch before she's thrown into another wall.

Housen and the others watch as Kagura picks herself up, her body performing jerky movements as she stumbles, one arm left limp and bleeding. With her grin still in place, she runs forward to a frowning Housen, her useable hand held in a fist, she jumps forward.

With a jerk, there are arms wrapping around hers and fingers interlocking behind her neck.

The growing group of spectators watch as the silver heads' boot landed on the hilt of the sword in Housens' shoulder in a way that sends the metal reeling up, ripping out of flesh and flying past Gintokis' and Kaguras' heads. Gintoki's other foot plants next to the newly formed gouge and she pushes, sending the two sides of battle away from each other.

All three fighters land on the ground with thuds and Gintoki unlocks her fingers from around the back of Kagura's neck.

"Kagura." The youngest Yato in the room pauses in her struggling.

"Kagura." She falls limp and tears gathered in bright blue eyes.

"G-Gin-chan…" Kagura tilted her head to look up at Gintoki, who is covered in blood but moving.

Gintoki lightly pushes Kagura off of her body and hefts herself up, crimson eyes snapping over to Housen who has lifted himself up and watching the gathered Hyakka members with a scowl. Gintoki reaches for the blood covered sword she removed from Housen's arm and flicks it out, sending blood to splatter on the floor.

"Now none of that. This city has seen too many tears already. Instead of adding to it, why not pull the plug to release the ones gathered?" Kagura blinked at the back of the head of silver before she closes bright blue eyes and brings her working hand up to scrub at them, opeing them just in time to watch both Gintoki and Tsukuyo run towards Housen.

She licks her lips and turns to grin up at Shinpachi and Seita. "Shinpachi! Seita!" She lifts her hand up to point at the sky as the two boys turn to look down at her. "Let's put an end to this eternal night!"

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

"Fire!" Tsukuyo ordered and a barrage of kunai was sent down at Housen, forcing him to step back as the group of females pinned him. The only thing stopping them was Gintoki falling back to the ground, not pausing, Gintoki rushes forward towards the Yato, leading her attack with her broken katana. Metal shatters as Housen brought his hand up to block the blade.

Blood from both parties' dripped onto the floor in no set pattern and Gintoki doesn't hesitate to bring her other katana up.

Blood bursts into the air.

Kamui looked on in shock at the scene playing out before him before a deadlier grin took over his playful one, "Looks like you are buying that bokken after all, Abuto."

There was a thud and Housens' severed arm lands on the ground.

Abuto gave a quick laugh after a moment, "Looks like it."

Gintoki's heel digs into the neck of the shocked Yato, dropping him to the floor and forcing kunai to dig further into flesh. Crimson burned and Gintoki brought her sword down again just as Housen swept his foot out, kicking the silver heads' feet out from under her, and he takes upon the opportunity to plant another foot into her side, causing ribs to crack as she's sent across the room again and out through paper thin windows.

"That's not enough!" Housen roars, flipping himself up and black eyes glare into the form of Gintoki struggling to pick herself up. "Gather as much thin, rays of light as you want! It won't be enough to dry me out! The King of Eternal Night!" With another roar, he ripped a few kunai out of his skin and without a pause, ditched them at Gintoki.

She grunted as they pierced her skin, but she doesn't pause in picking herself up.

"You cannot light up this dark night! You're nothing like the sun. You're nothing more than a candle that can be extinguished with a mere breath! That's all you are!"

"That maybe so." Gintoki ripped the kunai out of her skin, letting them fall to the floor. "Even if we're these frail candles, if you gather enough of them, they can still illuminate the darkness. Even if some are extinguished, if one remains, the rest can be re-lit, no matter how many times you extinguish them."

Crimson looks into black. "And you'll never extinguish mine."

The ground shook.

And the sky opens up.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

How pitiful people are.

Always yearning for what they don't have.

Always reaching for what can't be reached.

What does the King of the Night wand?

That would be light.

You were thirsty for the sun.

You shunned it and you hated it more than anyone else.

You envied it and you yearned for it more than anyone else.

The sun is something we can never obtain.

Yet you wanted to live under it and not on the cold battlefield.

Danna, you didn't dry up because of the sun.

You dried up because you tried to take the flames away from these women.

The women you both hate and love.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

She's not much of a sister, but do take good care of her. Make her stronger, would you?

You should also train some more. The best fights should always come at the end. It won't be any good if you die before then, I've taken quite a liking to you, Gin-chan. So, I'll be the one to kill you.

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

It seems you're as crazy as ever. I didn't expect you to take Housen down. Want to try me, the Umibouzu, next?

You're failing if you're trying to make me laugh. I wasn't the only person there, without them, I would have died.

So you say, Shiroyasha. But, my kid disagrees, he's saying that he was the one who killed Housen. That Housen's death was just the outcome of the investigation they were doing. With the disposal of Housen, Yoshiwara has fallen into Kamui's hands. But, he didn't do anything to it. Didn't send any people there to watch over it either. He's leaving it alone. He has no interest in Yoshiwara. His interest lies in you. He obtained Yoshiwara so that others wouldn't get their hands on all of you. Yoshiwara was saved, but, in the end, you'll be killed.

That so? What's one more person after the end of my life? Tell him thanks, if you ever see him again.

Kagura wants to save him. Despite all the badmouthing she does, she wishes for her brother to return to how he used to be. Even if the two of you end up facing off, I'm sure… What would you do? If he comes after your life in Kagura's presence, what would you do? Maybe you can find a solution I wasn't able to… I've said too much. I only wanted to warn you. As a parent's duty… Don't die.

Parent's duty…?

…T.T.L.O.A.C…

Chapter 3 End.

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