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!
Guest Reviews: (Oldest to newest): Thank you for the reviews my little guests!
Guest Mach 13: Haha! Gintoki's background is another reason I wrote this, see I can get past the fact that people think a child who's been left on their own would walk off with a stranger on their first encounter so yeah...
Guest March 13: Yeah, as you might be able to tell, I'm a writer that works with character interactions, and I find it fascinating how changing a gender can change things. There wasn't much I could bring into the Dokoboko arc, unfortunately (It's one of my favourite arcs) since it's arc more on the fun sides of thing. I'm also sorry that the Soul Switch isn't likely anything that you'd've wanted, as much fun as it would be to write Corpse Eater wondering around, it doesn't fit on how I want to bring up the Corpse Eater later on so... *shrugs* As for other characters opinions on this Gintoki, well I hoping the other chapters have cleared that up somewhat?
Guest March 30: Naw! Thank you!
Big Thank You to those who have Reviewed, Favourited and/or Followed!
And another big Thank You to uzumakinarutothejinchuuriki who's been an awesome support while I was writing the parts split into chapter 5 and 6~!
Now on to the story!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The Demon's Promises
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Sasaki was taken down. Doesn't matter really, his head was lost as soon as he let the murderers inside the palace. The Mimawarigumi have been removed from the security detail, I doubt it would be long until the group is disbanded completely.
And that's why we're here.
Kondo-san, I don't like this. Something about this situation stinks. I heard that the alleged criminals in the Bakufu murders were caught and are set to be executed tomorrow morning. No investigation to be conducted.
It is odd, you think they're trying to cover something up Toushi?
Feels like it.
Well, our first step is seeing to these murderers.
Oh! Kondo-kun! Hijikata-kun! Fancy meeting you 'ere of all places, but perfect timing anyway! I need to talk to yo- The hell you goin' you rotten cops?! Get back 'ere so I can kill you! You're not even listening to what I have to say! Oi!
It's no use.
I doubt we'll ever get something out of them.
Don't ignore me! Oi!
Danna, don't bother. No one will listen with the enemy you've picked up again.
Don't look at me like that, we got caught up in this as bystanders, it's Tsukki who came here to assassinate the former Shogu-
Tell the full story!
You're not denying you came here to kill the bastard!
Danna…
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
They believe Sadasada-sama is the one behind the Bakufu murders?
That's what they're saying.
Toushi.
We can't do anything about it Kondo-san. Our job ends at defending Edo. It's not our problem if those pigs want to feed off of one another.
Then look at what's in front of you. You want to ignore the fact that those five will be taking the blame for something they didn't do? We'll be no better than the pigs you hate so much.
What more can we do? We only have the word of five people on Death Row accusing the former Shougun. One of them being the Shiroyasha. And don't defend her Sougo, I'm not blind.
Scarlet glares.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A Long, long time ago…
There was a lord and his retainer.
The lord's wife was the most beautiful princess in the land, and she cared about him very much.
But the lord used the princess's feelings, threw her into prison and forced her to do terrible things.
The princess could only cry in her prison every night.
The retainer felt sorry for the princess and often came to wipe her tears away.
You see, he had fallen in love with the princess.
However the retainer was given an order and if he did not obey, he would be killed.
But he couldn't bring himself to kill the woman he loved.
Instead, they made a promise.
They would escape together.
"I will take you with me on the night of the next full moon."
And then they exchanged pinkie swears.
But he never returned, for the lord already knew about them.
And the retainer lost his left arm.
The retainer was told that, if he were to see the princess again, she would be killed.
Their promise was transformed onto a chain heavier then death.
So he swore to himself.
"It doesn't matter how many full moons come and go.
"It doesn't matter how many wrinkles we'll share.
"It doesn't matter if you forget about me.
"I'll live on until the day I meet you again."
And so, he continues to live by crawling on his three limbs.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
'Are you prepared to take on this country again, Sakata Gintoki?'
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Too bad Zura isn't here, he'd love to see this.
We're wanted criminals for real this time. Ane-ue won't be happy.
Don't worry, sister lover. If there's no place for us on Earth, we'll just go to space.
Yorozuya in space huh? That doesn't sound all that half bad.
You don't have to go that far, Yoshiwara will keep you safe.
I'll take my chances with space, thanks.
So you won't be taking your clothes off and dancing, Gin-chan?
Ow! Why'd you hit me Gin-chan?!
First off, were you the one who brought her with us? Second, were you the one who taught her that language?
It's your fault for telling dirty jokes to innocent little girls. You should know girls my age absorb everything like sponges!
Sponges pick up only what they want to! There's a difference between a sponge and a dirty rag soaked in milk!
Shut up toilet paper!
At least I have a use!
Laughter.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Promise me...
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The former Shougun looked down at the two shades of white, unimpressed in the fact that the crimson eyed female was still alive. "Oboro. I did not expect that you would have such trouble dispatching one person."
"She's an acceptation." Oboro doesn't turn to answer the man, instead he kept lead coloured eyes on the form of Gintoki – standing on the stairs she had just thrown him from – toeing a white, hooked senbon with booted feet. "This one's truly a Demon." The assassin continues, drawing once again dull crimson eyes to him. "She has survived multiple encounters with the Tenshouin Naraku over her lifetime and was branded as one of our own at a young age but she continues to allude us."
Two sharp intakes of breath go ignored.
Blood tipped lips twitch up, and Gintoki looks down at the scared male through silver hair. "You shouldn't send you men where they don't belong, Oboro."
Sadasada continued to dart his eye line between the two fighters – the dog and toy having not moved after the two brats left – and he frowns, "You have a history."
"This is not our first encounter." Oboro confirms, a hand tightening around the hilt of his blade.
"Oh?"
The room falls to a strange silence and Oboro lets his eyes dart away from Gintoki to land on the former Shougun. "During the Kensei purge," Lead returned to crimson, "She and two others, were the only survivors who lived with a man named Yoshida Shouyou, a heavy influence against the Bakufu. A leader. In order to gain his cooperation, we left his three remaining students alive. A mistake."
Crimson doesn't move from behind silver and Gintoki tightens her own grip around her bokken.
"Those three students, Katsura Kotaro, Takasugi Shinsuke and Sakata Gintoki, became known as three of the last samurai, dragging out the Joui war longer than it should have lasted in hopes of saving their teacher." The grey hair coloured male let his eyes fall close as crimson pinned him.
The former Shougun brought his hand up to fat to rub at his, a stubby smirk picked up "Yoshida Shouyou." He hummed, "I don't remember such a name. Then again, who remembers the names of the worms they step on in order to gain power?"
'A shame.'
Lead coloured eyes open to watch wood snap into flesh and a body is sent into thin walls.
A hooked senbon sinks into tense skin and Gintoki's arm falls limp.
"Gintoki!" Tsukuyo hisses, a set of black kunai at the ready as amethyst eyes glare, never leaving the men that enclose around the overly big room.
"A poisoned senbon." Nobume whispered as she pushes her back into the blondes', sheath sword ready to be drawn.
"How bad." The Shinigami Tayuu demanded, brows narrowing as the crows jump them.
Dark Crimson darted to silver then back to black, "It depends on where she was hit, I cannot tell from here."
"Just what type of watchdog are you?" Tsukuyo asks as she releases a series of kunai and Nobume left her back.
Sadasada groans as he picks himself up awkwardly from the wreckage he was left in, a hand coming away from his mouth to show red staining white, and he stares dumbly at the tooth that sits in the palm of his hand. His eyes snap away from it when he hears the ring of wood meeting metal and he looks up to see Oboro blocking the one handed strike from Gintoki that may have cost him another tooth – or something more.
He growls, "You dare defy me?! The Law?!"
Gintoki let her lips pull up, "I did knock." Her smirk fades as Oboro angles his blade to push her away and she drops, letting metal pass over her head as she lashes out her bokken in a jab, one arm uselessly hanging at her side.
Bringing his palm around to the wooded edge of the bokken, Oboro let his arm fall to a stop a bit away from the weapon and it's a burst of compressed air that rips the sword out of Gintoki's grasp. "Why do you continue to howl at the Heavens?" The assassin questioned, snapping Gintoki's attention back onto him with a frown. "You lost everything to the Heavens, yet you still fight them. Why?"
Her useable hand fell to her side and she looked past messy silver hair. "'You can shout, you can scream, you can cry'," Gintoki licked her dry lips, and they pull up into a half smirk, "'But you'll only ever hear yourself'. That's the point of the Heavens isn't it? To echo back?."
She lifts her arm and there's a thin flash of white echoed by canon fire.
There's a thud of Sadasada falling limp, a senbon sticking into his shoulder and Gintoki's vision swims.
"All you ever do is repeat that question."
Gintoki collapses.
"This is the police."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Promise me.
Promise me that you won't hurt them.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A glint of a pale thread twisted into a promise.
A pinkie never curled and forever unanswered.
"Promises shouldn't be made lightly."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"Say hi to Sensei for me."
Bloodlust.
A smirk.
Pain.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
To think that the ruler of a nation gave up his position for the sake of a mere samurai. To think that the wild monkeys would take up their swords for an ancient promise. Not even an elite like myself can predict what that woman does. She defies all reasoning, that Sakata Gintoki. I would say I hope that whimsical girl's stubborn streak isn't a result of that woman's influence but I know better.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
You could have killed her, or at least brought more harm to her then you did.
Get to the point Mukuro, no, Imai Nobume.
You never wanted to attack her. Not now, not before. Why?
A cry of a crow.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"He's dead." Okita started dully as he sat down next to the silver haired female, a hand automatically reaching for the other dango stick that sat in the paper box between them.
Gintoki pulled a coloured dango off of the thin stick with her teeth.
"He was assassinated last night. Kondo-san and Hijikata-san found him dead when they went to check on him." Scarlet and crimson watched as Okita twisted the bamboo stick between his fingers. "We've been ordered not to investigate into it."
She tapped the end of her own bamboo stick on her lips, "I'll take credit for his missing tooth, but I didn't kill him. You can even check with the brats, they had me hauled up back home."
Okita looked up from the sweet dumpling, "Danna, that's not…" He puffed out a breath and ran fingers through sand coloured hair. "That's not what I meant."
"What is it that you want to ask, Okita-kun?"
A breath caught in a throat.
Fingers dug into skin.
He can't push her away.
"Why…"
Warmth.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
I'm planning on reopening the Kodoukan Doujo, Otou-san.
Oh? Is that you Otae-chan?
Y-You're…
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Aren't you thinking a bit too big Tae-chan? No one's going to pay to learn the sword in this day and age.
It's exactly why this doujo is needed, Gin-san. A part of our culture is fading away, as the owner of a doujo, it's my duty to protect our culture by passing the knowledge down to future generations.
You understand how much effort this will take? Forget that, do you have anyone who's interested to learn the art of the sword in the first place?
I do, well sort of.
"Sort of"?
He practices the art of the Beam Sword.
Because that's keeping to our culture Ane-ue.
Shin-chan, you'll be surprised at who I found.
Huh?
Yo, long time no see. Aw-wow, you've gotten pretty big on me, Shin-bo!
Snot.
Tears.
Ha-Hajime-nii!
A long needed hug.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Gin-chan, how do I look?
How did Sadaharu's business look this morning?
Gross.
You look like th-Itai!
Hmph. Gin-chan looks like a fuzzy wart.
Fuzzy- how the hell do you know what a fuzzy wart looks like? Why fuzzy?
'Cause you're more fuzzy then hairy, yes.
Someone's not getting extra rice tonight, yes.
Gin-chan wouldn't!
Gin-chan will.
Gin-chan!
Itai!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
What's got you all up in a hustle that you'd call me out all the way here, Gen-jii-jii?
I noticed something when I was checking his body. Ma, I couldn't do much about it so I ignored it. In that mechanical body of his, is a time-triggered interstellar surge beam cannon. It's been programed to fire at the planets of the Alliance, if the cannon if fired, the rest of the galaxy will declare war on Earth.
…And you ignored it.
Okay, poor choice of words, I've been working on something Ginnoshi. Here, I've rigged this blade with a disruption device, it'll delay the activation of his emergency defence system, that's your chance to destroy the mechanical half of his body and fully disable him.
What will happen to his human half?
He'll die. That machine is the only thing keeping him alive.
Pass it here.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The last time Tae begged it was for her family.
The time before that, also for her family.
This time is no different.
But it is.
Because the reason is selfish.
Very selfish.
It's why she begs the one person she knows who will never buckle.
No matter what.
The one who doesn't want to be an older sister or a mother – or so she says, her action never match her words.
The one who doesn't care for how anyone sees her.
The one who'll do anything for Shin-chan and Kagura-chan.
Even if it means becoming the 'bad guy' in their eyes.
To save them, Tae knows Gintoki will do anything.
So she begs.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Water sloshes.
A door ruined.
Metal piercing metal.
And Shinpachi watches unfamiliar crimson.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Seppuku? Don't make me laugh. There's no way he'll be able to do that. That body isn't his. Face it, that back you just washed is nothing but a corpse mangled with machinery.
Say that again, I dare you to say that again.
Stop it, the both of you!
Forget it. Sorry, but I'm not interested in sitting around with a bunch of emotional saps and washing some dead guys back while waiting for my own death. It's simple. If you can't kill him, then I will. Weighing Earths life and a single life. Really, there's no contest. Or maybe you see it as his life against mine? Ma, doesn't matter.
Wait…I said wait!
A burst of soft pain.
How…How can two older siblings be so different? If you positions were reversed… I…
A sharp smirk.
Look at me.
Deadly crimson pins into teary coffee.
Does this really look like the face of an Onee-chan?
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Sorry Danna, but it's not right seeing you on your knees. You deserve to be the 'good guy' for once.
A rare photo erased.
And it's not just about older siblings. Otouto's and Imouto's have their pride too.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A bright red light.
A content smirk.
An arm severed.
Did you call me her Otouto? People throw the term family around too much. Who'd want to be related to that perm headed idiot? You've done enough, Gin-san. It's selfish, I know, but between you and Earth… Between you and Hajime-nii… I-we'll always pick so you'll smile back at us.
Crimson hidden by silver.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
I, Shimura Tae, will be the witness for this battle.
A hand swiped down.
Begin!
Hajime-nii!
A long needed smile.
Come, Shin-bo!
A hand raised.
A fight never to be finished.
Ippon.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Listen up, you two.
Tears are something pretty convenient, because they wash away sadness and other strong emotions.
But as you grow up, you'll learn that there's going to be times where it feels that the tears won't wash anything away.
There'll be times when you don't want to wash the emotions away.
Humans are a strange bunch. You want to know what makes a really strong samurai?
They laugh when they want to cry.
They walk together with the ones who embrace all of that sadness and other strong emotions.
But, Otae-chan, Shin-bo.
You have grown so strong, but it isn't time to hold back your tears.
One day you'll have to become strong Samurai, but it's not today.
Three sets of tears shared.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Coffee coloured eyes blink, trash bag in one hand, the other holding up a metal lid. "Ah, Umibouzu-san, what are you doing?"
Umibouzu grunted as he hefted up the weight of the telephone pole up, a vain twitching. "I'm going to kill that supposed guardian of yours."
Shinpachi blinked again. "Eh?"
"Shinpachi!" Both Umibouzu and Shinpachi look up towards the silver head leaning heavily on the window sill above them, hair messier than normal, eye lids dropping before being forced open and dropping again. "Where're all the spoons?"
The teenage male dropped the bag into the tin can and replaced the lid, "You need to have something other than pudding to eat Gin-san." Gintoki slumped further onto the window. "Kagura-chan left some rice for you, I'll prep a bowl. Why not have a shower beforehand?" Shinpachi offered as he readjusted his glasses.
Gintoki grumbled before she pushed herself away from the window to shuffle further into the building.
Umibouzu let the telephone pole fall to the ground. "Kagura left rice?" The Yato asked, blinking dumbly at the glasses wearing teenager.
Shinpachi nodded as he pulled his glasses off to clean them. "She says Gin-san didn't sleep well last night." He replaced his glasses. "I'm guessing you're here to see Kagura-chan. She's out walking Saduharu at the moment, but you're welcome to come inside and wait."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
I'm home! Ah, Papi, you're visiting? Perfect timing! I have something that I got to tell you.
Hmm?
I don't want to hear. I don't want to hear!
I got a boyfriend.
An innocent smile paired with a piece sign.
A silent scream and thin black hair being ripped from skin.
A serving dish dropped and a mouth left to gape.
Blank crimson.
That so? When's your first date?
That's your first question, Gin-san?!
Tomorrow.
A hum.
Gin-chan, what should I wear?
Depends on where you're going.
No idea.
You should find that out.
Kay, be back soon, Papi, Gin-chan, Shinpachi.
A door slid open and closed.
What's the big idea Shiroyasha?
Calm down, Tou-san. Once we know where they are going, we can work on destroying his image in front of Kagura, that way she'll dump him.
…That's not a bad idea.
It's totally a bad idea! Gin-san, didn't you go on any dates when you were fourteen?
Nope.
See- wait what?
Never been on a date.
Never never?
Never never.
A raised eyebrow.
First kiss?
Ah, Zura, I think.
You think? No, never mind that. You've kissed someone but never dated?
Didn't exactly have the time to do so Shinpachi. Plus, what's the point of dating?
Yeah, I don't know why I bother with you sometimes Gin-san.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
So what's ya connection to Kagura, huh? I know who the dad is, and you look nothin' alike to be her mother. So who the hell are ya bein' so familiar with my woman?
A silver eyebrow twitches.
Do you think anyone would notice if a two story tall brat disappears?
And rest easy dad. My works gonna be done soon and I'll be going back to my home planet. I'm brin'in' Kagura with me.
A dark eyebrow twitches.
I'll gladly help get rid of any evidence.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
It's too bad. I was planning on supporting a proper relationship between the two of you, but you did something a boyfriend should never do. You were too caught up in making sure Kagura-chan was all for yourself, you trampled over something precious. I don't care if you're a prince – or that she could be marrying into money – I will never approve of you.
The man who had his only daughter he affectionately – in a roundabout way – raised taken from him by someone he didn't know, greeted that daughter's boyfriend with a smile for her sake…
The woman who had two brats pushed onto her, who let go of her thoughts of "I'm not a mother, I'm not a sister" go for the sake of one of the people she protects in order to believe that someone Kagura-chan choses will protect her no matter what…
The one who hid his helplessness and loneliness, who swallowed his tears ready for Kagura-chan to make her own way in life…
Do you understand the feelings of such a mixed up family?!
Red rain.
Of course you don't.
See, I'm not worried about no giants. What I'm worried about is what those two parents will do. Nothing is worse than a parent having their child taken away from them.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Samurai-san, would you like your fortune told?
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Are you alright?
Sorry, didn't mean to bump into you. My body feels weird. Light but heavy. Heavy but light?
Do you need to sit down sir?
"Sir"? That's rude.
Dull crimson looked up.
Dark brown stared back.
Oi…
Don't tell me…
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Hijikata-san, Hijikata-san we have a problem.
Don't-don't come in!
Hijikata-san.
Damn it, Sougo, stop!
A door opens.
A pause.
Choked laughter.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Obnoxious laughter.
Oh? Is that you Kintoki?! We've run into an issue!
If you look around Tatsuma, everyone's in a bit of a pickle. Mainly, how the hell are we meant to use the bathroom?
You're still hung up on that?!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Okita huffed at the hair that fell into scarlet eyes. "Danna, have to thank you for making the complaint about the uniforms. Don't know how much of an issue this would be otherwise."
"Quit moving. You'll only make this worse." Gintoki ran figures through sand coloured hair, gathering long locks into a single bunch before tying them together with a red coloured scrunchy. With one last light tug, Gintoki moved his hands away and let sand coloured hair fall to one side of Okita's head. "How's that?"
Okita rolled her neck. "Odd."
He gave a snort, "Not pulling anything?"
"No."
"Then it's good. 'Kay, who's next?"
Scarlet blinked, "You're taking this well, Danna."
Gintoki gave a shrug before removing a hand from Yamazaki's hair to bat away the fingers that dug into curly, silver hair. "Leave my hair alone Tatsuma!"
Sakamoto let her arms drop down to rest on the top of Gintoki's head – who huffed out a sigh and went back to tying up the twin pig tails – "Kintoki isn't one for letting people tell her what to do." Azure peered past tinted glasses, "Does this one know?"
"Yep." Gintoki muttered around a hair lackey with cherries hanging off them. "The whole Shinsengumi knows. Same as the brats. Though," He inclined his head slightly over to Okita, "Only he-she-whatever, knows about the other thing."
"'Other thing' Danna?" Yamazaki tilted her head to try and pin her gaze into Gintoki's, only for her head to be tilted forward again with a pull of chocolate hair.
The tall female let out a whistle, "How long did it take for them to find out?"
"Zura blurted it out to the kids when I saw him for the first time after everything. These guys, a couple of months back I think." Gintoki pulled at cherry lackeys lightly, "How's that? Not pulling at anything?"
"Nope, thanks Danna."
Sakamoto pulled at silver hair, forcing the cross-legged male to fall back into her lap with a trailed off grumble. She raised one hand to remove tinted glasses, while the other – the scared one – curled into messy hair. Gintoki rolled his eyes and lifted an arm up to thread fingers into a mass of cocoa.
"You worry too much Tatsuma. I wouldn't've said anything if I didn't trust him. You know that."
"What's wrong with worrying?"
He gave a fond snort, "A lot."
The combine group of gender-switched Shinsengumi, Kaientai and Yorozuya members were left to blink at the two in confusion.
"We sure they aren't a thing?"
Obnoxious laughter was cut off by Gintoki shoving his palm up into Sakamoto's jaw who batted the hand away, "Kintoki's more of a sister than anything."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Does anyone know where Gin-san. Sakamoto-san and Mutsu-san went?
They're not here?
A buzz.
Don't worry about us.
Gin-san?! Where are you?!
We figured that since these guys are from space, they'd have a base out here.
And you didn't tell anyone?
It was an opportunity, as it turns out, Mutsu doesn't like being a male overly much. This isn't their main base though, nothing of note is here. We'll keep looking though.
A buzz.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Samurai-san, would you like to have your fortune told?
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Another one Sougo?
Yeah. The fourth on this week and it's not even Wednesday. I didn't think Shinigami were such hard workers.
Death comes for everyone. Though, I wished this killer would spare a thought for those who have to clean up after them.
They're probably doing it to annoy you, Hijikata-san. This technique never ceases to amaze me.
You're right, no ordinary swordsman can pull this off. Sougo-
Gimme a break. I was busy all night targeting you head, like normal.
You call that an alibi?!
Besides, I'm not the only one capable of this. In fact I'm willing to bet there are quite a few out there who can decapitate someone. Danna included.
Yorozuya?
It's not easy to take someone's head in one swing, much less cleanly. You need strength, a steady hand and the guts to not back out half way. You know, there are some who try to keep the head from falling to the ground and getting dirty by leaving some skin still attached when they cut. It's a practice known as the Hung Head, a style favoured by executioners, or so I hear.
Do you mean to say that the murderer is one of us executioners?
And you are?
I asked him to help us out with the investigation, Sougo. He's the Royal Swordskeeper, the eighteenth Ikeda Yaemon-dono.
"Royal Swordskeeper"?
Basically, the arms law officer who supervises all of the Shougun's family weaponry-
It's fine. Really, there's no need to address me so formally. Everyone knows that's a side job. I know that we're known as the clan of executioners who behead those sentenced by the Bakufu, no, that's not right, that we are scorned as the Shinigami behind our backs.
Oh, I get it. The quickest way to learn about a Shinigami is to ask a Shinigami-
A hand to the back of the head.
I understand that our job seems like dirty work to outsiders, but to us, we see it as our swords removing criminals of their sins and bring purity to their souls. We take pride in it. As we are the only ones who can do so. No one in our clan will swing their sword just for the sake of killing.
We're not suspecting you, we only want to ask questions about this technique-
Is what I'd like to say, but I don't think anyone outside the Ikeda family is capable of such a technique. It's not that this head was left attached by some flesh, but the fact that this head was chopped off so skilfully and cleanly that its cells are re-joining. To be able to leave even the cells unaware that they have been cut, it's the art that truly removes only a soul. The Ikeda clans' best form of the Hung Head Technique, Soul Cleansing.
And how many in your family can perform this technique?
Only a few. First, the late former Yaemon. The second would be me, who inherited the technique.
There are others, right?
No, there are none left in the family. But there is one on the run.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Asaemon, why is it that you still tremble?
The man in front of you is no longer your master, but a criminal whose head you must take. There's no need to waver. Perform your duty.
When people sin and degenerate into demons, we must return them to being human again when their time ends. That is the Ikeda clan's duty.
Would you be kind enough to make me human again with your sword?
Never forget. The only beings capable of turning people human again are not the demons who take human heads, nor the Shinigami who take their souls, but humans who sever their souls to save them.
A straggled gasp.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A faint smile.
Just listen to yourself. It ain't just the sin of killing her lord that she took on, is it? I wonder what would happen if word got out that the honourable family of the Bakufu executioners produced a serial killer and named him their heir.
A muffled laugh.
I see. You said the Shinigami approaches with a smile on their face, seems like you're not far off the mark. How faint does this smile have to be? You can call it a crime all you like. Thing is, they were all criminals who should've lost their heads had the former Yaemon not let them escape. And fate is a funny thing, because there's a familiar name on the list the former Yaemon let escape ten years ago, but you already know that. Shiroyasha, Sakata Gintoki.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"Does he mean to say that a Shinigami, who can't even have her own head, let alone those of sinners, can still serve a purpose?" Asaemon slumped into the barrel she sat in, lavender eyes falling close, a tight fist wrapped around a sword. "My sword can no longer cut anything, since I've lost my humanity."
Fish-like crimson blinked and Gintoki hefted a sigh, "'When people sin and degenerate into demons,'" Lavender opened, "'the only beings capable of turning them human, are humans themselves.'" Gintoki gave a small smile, "That 'bout right?"
"H-how do you know about that?" Asaemon asked, her head lifting to look at the silver head in shock.
"I heard it from a certain clumsy executioner in the past."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"Why are you hesitating? Your sword was sullied the moment you took you Otou-san's head-"
There's a choked off grunt as wood hits the back of a throat, leaving crimson shadowed by silver and bright blue, coffee, lavender, navy blue and scarlet to widen.
"Were you the one just running his filthy mouth?" Gintoki asked, ever so slightly pushing her bokken forward and doing so more pointedly when the man tried to bring his hands up to grip onto the practice sword. "You need to get your eyes checked. Whose sword is sullied? Where is it that you see the Shinigami? All of you should open your eyes and take a good look."
Crimson flashed and the group of men shiver as something trails up their spins, "Because she's standing right in front of you."
With a twist of her hand, Gintoki turns her bokken and swiped it out, dislocating the man's jaw and sending him into the sword of one of his fellow men. A small thick heeled boot followed after him, forcing him onto the sword further and sending a few of the armed men stumbling as she dug her bokken into the ribs of another.
With a twist, the group of men were sent back into one another – a few of them being caught on sharp metal – and with a swipe of a bokken and the flash of crimson, the rest were knocked back, hitting the stairs at odd angles.
Gintoki walked forward, paying no mind to the shocked eyes behind her and only pausing for a moment to grip onto the clothing of a man to throw him up the stair case, forcing the flimsy doors to break and hit the two men standing in front of the entrance.
A smirk played on lips, "You see, a Shinigami isn't kind enough to kill you in one go, this one in particular, both Shinigami and Demon, likes to play."
Silver shot forward.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
It probably wasn't something he was meant to think.
Even consider.
But damn it if it wasn't so obvious.
How captivating she was.
And it makes so much sense why she's known as one of the more dangerous samurai during the war.
A general.
It also makes him wonder why it took them being told point blank to find out.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"You don't intend to give her head to them or to us, do you Danna?"
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"Beautiful isn't it?" Takasugi let out a breath of white smoke to drift out and catch in the sea wind from his spot on one of the ships window sills. A splash sounds as one of the men was thrown in. A smirk picked up at his lips, "I did tell you that they wouldn't be a match for her."
He returned the pipe to his lips and an emerald eye watched – with two other sets eyes – as three kids joined Gintoki.
"You also said no words could describe the Shiroyasha in action." Nobunobu snuffed and Takasugi's smirk fell. "It's average."
Laughter.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
There's a gun fired, blood spilt and Gintoki falls to her knees.
A memory long forgotten remembered.
There's two swords drawn, blood leaked, metal broken in two and a sword in the wrong hand, but also the right one.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The Yaemon's sword is never wrong.
A skull cut in half and chains broken.
There's no longer a single criminal here who must be punished.
A lie.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Katsura. The next time we meet, one of us will be dead, but…
…The one still alive will create a brand new world. No objections here, Shougun.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Fish like crimson blinked dully at the upturned table in front of her, a spoon in hand and broken glass mixed with chocolate, cream-custard and strawberries sat at her feet.
Crimson blinks again and Gintoki spins – kicking the seat out from underneath her as she does – spoon traded for her bokken.
"You rotten cops!" is growled out of sneering lips and she takes off after the mayonnaise addict and sadist.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A heeled boot is planted into the back belonging to the Shinsengumi Fukuchou, sending him stumbling into the youngest Shinsengumi member Hijikata was chasing with a straggled off cry.
Okita bit down a grunt at the sudden extra weight on top of him and brought his elbow back, digging it into Hijikata's ribs.
And there's the blearing of a horn and two shades of red and one shade of blue turn to the truck that's right next to them.
'Shit.'
There's the rattle of wood hitting the ground and thuds of three bodies hitting and rolling and screaming.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Okita wakes up and there's the burning taste of ash and dust in his throat. Suffocating.
Hijikata wakes up and there's the heavy taste of iron and rust on his tongue. Drowning.
Gintoki wakes up and there's the sickening taste of mint and freshness everywhere. Choking.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Gintoki lifted her head up from her arms, sand coloured hair already a mess and both scarf and black jacket pulled off – draping on the back of the park bench Okita was sitting on, puffing at the ink coloured hair hanging in between navy blue eyes. She leant into the back of the bench and pinned dull scarlet onto twitchy crimson.
Hijikata stood, leaning into the bark of a tree, the white and blue yukata pulled on properly and nails played with the mayonnaise bottle shaped lighter, flicking it on and off.
On and off.
On and off.
On.
"If you have to smoke," Gintoki broke the silence, causing Hijikata to start and the flame snuffed out. She buried her head back into the arms that aren't hers but are. "Use a pipe."
Okita stopped his game of move the hair and moved his head to look over the back of the bench.
"What?" Hijikata asked, his grip tightening around the lighter.
She waved a hand. "You heard me, it's fine."
"Danna-"
Gintoki sighed dramatically, "Geeze, if you're that cheap, I got one back home, you can use that if you get it."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
So what? This thing will put our souls back into our proper bodies?
That's the idea.
What do you mean "That's the idea"?!
Quit ya yapping and get in there sexual harasser-san, I want my body back.
You're too calm!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
There's a flash.
A buzz echoing.
Static climbing.
Breathe catching.
And.
Shy scarlet looks up from under sand coloured hair.
Ecstatic navy blue framed by ink black hair bounces.
Dull crimson unbothered by red staining white.
Three sets of eyes open.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The Shougun's assassination has begun huh?
Yes, the bowl the princess used to make tea was lined with poison. The enemy is going as far as using Hime-sama. She could have watched her brother die.
To think someone tried to kill him in the palace. Someone's got deep pockets.
Or a deep reach in someone's underwear draw.
It sounds to me that you've been stalking Gintoki-san a little too much, Sarutobi-san.
A huff.
I do not stalk
Sure sure. How desperate they must be, considering they've reformed the Oniwanbanshuu. Sounds like a jealous ex., get rid of them but they keep crawling back, asking for more.
You make it sound worse than it is. With the fall of Sadasada, many have been gunning for the position of the Shougun, who knows how many are against Shigeshige-sama, we, the Oniwabanshuu, are the only ones capable of protecting him. So tell me, why is the name Hattori Zanzou, the leader of the Oniwaban, not on the list?
It's not rousing.
Huh?
Take a look. In one hand is guarding the Shougun. In the other, assassinating him. Assassinating him sound way more exciting.
A kunai to the arse.
I don't believe you, someone who's guarded the Shougun's family for years, wants to assassinate one of their members? You never change.
I keep to my creed.
I see.
The beeping of a door opening.
Still narrowed minded I see. It shows just how serious she can be when she has a goal in mind if she didn't notice you there, Gintoki-san.
This has nothing to do with me. What does is the fact that there's only one copy of Jump here.
Take it.
Eh?
It's not grabbing my attention at the moment. I don't care for what happens next.
Now who's narrow minded?
A magazine passed over.
A silent promise.
A request.
Like I said, this has nothing to do with me.
Tell that to that kid of yours whose friends Aniki is having his head sort after.
You're not giving me much of a choice here are you? You're gonna drag me into this mess of yours and the Bakufu no matter what.
At least I wipe my arse.
Only after something is stuck into it.
A promise accepted.
A request heard.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"This order is confidential, got it?" Both Kondo and Hijikata blinked at Matsudaira sitting across from them. "You better not mention it to anyone. You guys will be teaming up with the Oniwabanshou for a secret mission."
Matsudaira picked himself up to kneel and point at the two Shinsengumi members. "Escort the Shougun out of Edo!" He yelled, spit flying out of his mouth with the intensity of his voice. "Make sure he gets to Kyo even if it cost you your lives!"
"Tou-san!" Kondo hissed, sweat dripping off his face.
"You're being too loud yourself." Hijikata added, navy blue eyes darting around room, a finger held up to his lips before his eyes did a double take on the form of Gintoki lazing to the side, a hand holding her head up. "And what the hell are you doing here?!"
Dull crimson blinked back over Gintoki's shoulder. "Eh?"
"Hime-sama asked Yorozuya-chan to help out with this mission."
Gintoki turned her head back, returning to examining her nails with three sets of eyes on her back. "This had nothing to do with me 'til Kagura dragged in a request, turns out it was from Soyo-hime, asking us to help protect her Aniki."
Kondo snapped his head back to Matsudaira, "You couldn't have mentioned this earlier Tou-san?"
The older man gave a shrug, "What does it matter? She'll being doing her job and you'll be doing yours."
"Aren't they the same thing?"
The lone female in the room pushed herself up and sat cross legged, a hand ran through silver hair. "Not quite. I'm protecting an Aniki. You're escorting the Shougun."
The two Shinsengumi members blinked dully at Gintoki.
"That's right!" Their attention was snapped to Matsudaira as he stood up. "If Shou-chan stays in Edo, he'll definitely be assassinated!"
"Honey!" Was sounded outside the room, making two sets of panicked eyes turn to the door. "Honey! What do you mean, 'assassinated'?"
Kondo slid the door open a tiny bit, careful to make sure his body stayed in the way of the opening, "Ah nothing, Matsudaira-san." He waved a hand, "He's just had a little too much to drink. Toushi! I think it's time we pack away the sake!"
All the while, Matsudaira continued his rambling.
Kondo slid the door closed and walked over to the others. "Hold on Tou-san, how are we meant to escort him out?"
Hijikata stuffed his hands into his sleeves, "It is risky, someone's bound to notice that he's not here and that won't end well no matter who finds out."
Matsudaira gave the two a frown, "Why do you think you're teaming up with the Oniwabanshou?"
"There's going to be a few decoys." Gintoki started, bringing the attention back to the only one still sitting, "A few rumours placed here and there about the Shougun visiting a few places and the public won't have much of an issue. A messenger kept at the palace will keep the rats from chewing on wires for a bit too."
"There will be a few teams heading out." Matsudaira brought the jaw slacked gazes of the Shinsengumi members to himself, "The main one, with the two of you on it, will head to Kyo. Another one with a double will head north, and another east. Split the enemy's attention between four ways and also their numbers if they go onto attack."
"It's a simple tactic, but it works in a number of ways."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
It seems there are some strange dogs sniffing about. How upsetting. What have I done to deserve this? All I did was try to get rid of the decaying corpse sitting on the throne. Well, it matters not. Shigeshige, you no longer have any allies in this country. But I, Hitotsucashi Nobunobu, have allies, tools, in every nook and cranny. I can have your head without taking one step out of here. Look, a tool has made his way here. I've been expecting you, Kamui.
A fist meets a face, blood gushing and a body is sent flying out an open window.
Hey! What the hell are you doing?
Huh? I gotta kill the Shougun, don't I?
A playful smile.
A smirk.
That's not the Shougun. He's the next in line.
The Shougun in other words.
Doesn't matter. He hit his head hard enough that I doubt he'll remember anything when he wakes up. He's also trickling in his usefulness now.
Oh? I got it wrong? Then again, a ruler of a nation couldn't possibly be that weak. So what is he?
Like I said, he's just a tool.
So a pawn in your game of taking over the country. I could be wrong, but aren't pawns usually useful?
He was more useful before he let his greed take over. He wanted to be Shougun so badly that he resorted to murder, which has ended up with quite the fuss and a particular idiot being dragged into this. He's nothing more than a fool now. A dead fool.
So we'll be seeing Gin-chan again soon.
A tightened grip.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Kondo-san, where is the Yorozuya trio?
That's a good question, Toushi.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Familiar eyes on the wrong face.
The cry of two crows.
The loss of a head.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
You really should think twice before betraying the Shougun.
You-!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Kagura pushed herself forward, sending her human bounce pad into another traitor while she twisted in the air to land a heel on the shoulder of another, sending him down to the floor with her added weight. She didn't stay there long, performing a bend-back cartwheel, the Yato dug her foot into the top of a sword using arm, forcing the man to drop it before she swung herself up to give him a head-butt.
Bright blue eyes bounced over one of the many hallways of the ship before Kagura held her hand out, it wasn't long after that Soyo passed the doorway she was peering through to latch onto the hand Kagura offered.
"Kagura-chan, what's…?" Soyo asked, cinnamon eyes catching on red as Kagura led them further through the ship.
"I don't know." Kagura pushed them both back as they rounded a corner, glinting blades greeting them, she tensed up, releasing Soyo's hand in favour of bring up her umbrella to block the sword that was swung down at them.
Gritting her teeth, Kagura pushed back, knocking the sword away from them both before she lashed a foot out. Planting it into the man's chest, Kagura gave her foot a twist to catch it in clothing slightly, she pressed forward, using the man's chest and shoulder as though they were steps to get into the air.
Once again, her eyes bounced over the hall, counting the enemies before she rolled herself into a ball to swipe down an axe kick in the middle of the group of five, cracking wood and sending four of the five into walls and the last into the floor. Springing herself back, Kagura turned to call out to Soyo, only the blade that kissed Soyo's necked stopped her.
"Ka-Kagura…"
"Let her go!"
There's the slash of metal, shocked eyes and blood flying into the air.
"Quit stalling and get a move on, China."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Hijikata pushed the blade back before lashing out, leaving a chest open as he rounded to swipe at the flying kunai that were aimed at Kondo's head – who ducked under the extended blade to jab the ninja that jumped Hijikata.
A twist of the blade and blood was sent up into the air.
Navy blue and obsidian eyes snap up to the air before both Hijikata and Kondo dived into a roll, narrowly missing the number of kunai sent at them.
Pulling out of his roll, Kondo swiped his sword out, catching a stomach before he twisted to dig the blade into a fist with talons extending out of wrist guards. He brought his hand up to grip onto the wrist his blade caught and with ease he twisted, swinging the ninja up into an air born one. Reversing his grip on his sword, Kondo buried it into another ninja's gut, blossoming red onto white.
Hijikata turned his head out of the way of the kunai that came from behind him, his hand shooting up to grip onto the wrist and his body turns with his head. Loosening his grip on his sword for only a moment, Hijikata pulled, removing the blade from a body and slashed it up to drag over a hip and towards a shoulder.
Two backs hit and there's a flutter of white as more ninja jump up.
There's two panicked eyes and black digs into white.
"You're not going to make my job easy are you?" Gintoki asks as she pulled white cloth away from silver, Shinpachi following her led as a man walked up next to them, leaving navy blue and obsidian to stare in shock.
"I apologise. But I couldn't stand around and wait."
"Sho-Shougun-sama?!"
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Ocean blue eyes flickered between the head of sand and familiar vermillion that argued as they escorted the princess.
"What's the plan Taichou?" Abuto asked the young captain sitting at the very end of the ship.
"It hasn't change. Get the Shougun's head before Shinsuke does." With those words Kamui stood up before he stepped off the end of the ship, leaving Abuto to sigh after him.
There's the sound of wood splitting, a skull cracking and an argument stopping.
"Naw, too bad." Kamui whined as he straightened his stance on the body he landed on to look at the three across from him, a pout playing on his lips "I thought I could fly if I kept my umbrella open." He snapped his hand up, catching Kagura's wrist before it could make contact with his cheek. "Would you look at that? Greeting your brother after so long with a fist," He gave the wrist a squeeze, causing a growl to be pulled up from Kagura's chest as she tried to remove her arm from the grip. "You really are taking to the Yato's way. However,"
He lifted his hand that held his umbrella up and ocean blue closed. "You need to try again." Kamui brought his hand down and there was the thump of an umbrella hitting metal and two sets of the shame side of blue widened.
"Tell me, are all of you umbrella users insane or is it a family trait?" Okita asked, causing Kagura to twitch.
"Butt out super sadist!" She swiped her leg out, catching the sand coloured haired teen at the knee, forcing them to buckle out from under him.
The Shinsengumi member grunted, "The hell you doing China?!" He dug his heels into the cracked deck to push himself away from the female Yato's foot that would wave stomped down on something delicate. "Watch it!"
Kamui looked on, face blank of anything. "As funny as theatrics are," Scarlet and bright blue widened and attention is returned to the older Yato. "You should be paying attention to the enemy in front of you." He twisted his hand, lifting Kagura's feet off of the floor to throw her to the side while his foot snapped out, connecting with the metal of a sword and sending Okita off in the other direction.
"Kagura-chan! Okita-san!" Soyo called out, cinnamon eyes darting between the two that busied themselves by getting up. The princess flinched when she caught unfamiliar bright blue.
Kamui removed his gaze from Soyo and turned his open umbrella towards Okita, blocking the single black kunai that was thrown at him. He brought his umbrella back up to lean it on his shoulder, "You're the one I have more of an interest in. But at the same time," Kamui looked over his shoulder at the stern faced Kagura, "You're the one more likely to know where Gin-chan is."
"Danna?" Okita asked, bringing ocean blue back to him and the two older teens both ignored Kagura's growls. "What interest do you have with her?"
The male Yato blinked, "'Interest'?" He repeated, allowing his eyes to fall close and a playful smile to tug up. Kamui tilted his head, "I'm the one who's going to kill her."
Two hands tightened.
"I see." Sand shadowed over scarlet while vermilion hung in bright blue. "Oi, China…"
"Say anything and I'll gag." Kagura snapped back and she fell into a stance, "I don't wanna team up with you again,"
"The feeling's mutual."
Bright blue and scarlet locked onto the Yato standing between them.
"But for Gin-chan, I will."
"Deal."
Kamui's eyes darted from his younger sister and the police officer.
Silence.
A cannon shot.
Movement.
Kamui jumped up, a booted foot planting onto a blade – causing scarlet to narrow – while the other was caught in Kagura's grip.
Twisting her hands to gain a better hold, Kagura kicked her legs up – pulling her brother down slightly with the effort – to lock her legs around the arm holding the now shut umbrella. It was only a flat palm to her stomach that stoped her from curling up again to deliver a head-butt.
With a frown on his face, Kamui twisted so that his arm with Kagura on was the first to hit the deck, resulting in the female Yato relinquishing her grip on his arm with a gasp for breath on her lips. The crack of metal brought his attention back to Okita who smirked as he brought his broken tipped sword forward. Still on the floor, Kamui swiped his arm out and ocean blue eyes blink because the umbrella didn't hit, half of it wasn't even there.
There was pain as the broken sword dug into skin.
Kagura gripped her brother's forearm with one hand before bringing up her other in a flat palm strike onto his wrist, forcing him to release his grip on the broken umbrella while Okita choked as air was forced out of his lungs by a booted foot hitting his chest, sending him back into the side of the ship.
Kamui twisted, threading bandaged figures into pink cloth to throw his younger sister after the Shinsengumi member.
There was a squawk and the clank of red metal hitting wood.
A cannon firing.
The sudden hit of heat and wood was thrown into the air.
Ocean blue and cinnamon eyes are left to watch fire burst up.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
How?
Like I said. We were requested to protect a brother. Shinpachi went with the Shougun when he initially left Edo with the help of a ninja with a magnet up his arse.
Zenzou…
Yep. I stayed until I knew your movements before I left to meet up with the Iga ninjas to flush out any traitors in their ranks. While Kagura stayed with Soyo-hime.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
"Kagura-chan! Okita-san!" Soyo called out behind the hands she held over her mouth, tears gathering in her eyes as they darted over the deck, trying to see past the smoke that drifted off of wood.
"So-Soyo-chan…" Ocean blue and cinnamon darted over to Kagura's voice and Soyo let out a whimper at the sight of her best friend. Blood dragged down one eye and dribbled pass lips, legs shaking from the strain of standing up right and splinters of wood digging into them while two hands sat curled around the metal pipe that ran the female Yato through. "Yo-u alrig-ht?"
Soyo only managed to nod, hands still curled around her mouth as tears fell over them.
A bloody smile.
"Th-at-s goo-d."
Kagura fell forward.
And was caught by two bandaged arms.
"Idiot." Kamui muttered as he turned his unconscious sister, careful not to catch anything.
"Ho-ld it." Ocean blue turned to a single scarlet – the other held close by a gush of blood – who twisted on his spot on the cracked deck, a kunai sat between fingers and dug into the flesh of a shoulder while a broken sword made its home in his leg. Blood leaked out of multiple gashes. "What are," A swallowed breath, "are you doing?"
Kamui stayed silent before his stood up with Kagura in his arms.
"I suggest you get yourself and the princess out of here."
He turned and ignored the look Abuto gave him.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Gintoki scoffed at the puppet user, making the attention of the room turn to her. "He won't stop just because the Shougun has lost his head, figuratively or not."
"You know the enemy?" Momochi tilted her head.
The female samurai ran a hand through silver hair before giving a sigh and pushed off the wall she was leaning. "Yeah, enough to say that he won't stop. The Shougun's head will turn to a whole city, a city turns into a country, a country turns into the world, and so on and so forth." Fish-like crimson looked past the heads of Hijikata, Kondo, Shinpachi, Sarutobi and Shigeshige and towards the sky where five ships approached. "You wanna stop that bastard? You need to kill him first."
Six sets of eyes widened and look towards the sky.
"You guys do your job and I'll do mine. Protect your precious position of Shougun. I'll protect an Aniki."
"Yorozuya, you…?"
"She's right." Sarutobi muttered as she stood up, catching the attention of the room. "We have to fight." Charcoal eyes landed on crimson, "Gin-san…" the ninja trailed off.
Gintoki jabbed a thumb at Shigeshige, a smirk tugging on her lips, "I'll be with him."
Sarutobi gave a nod in return before she turned on her toe and ran.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
She'll be fine Taichou.
I don't care.
Sure you don't.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Don't lay a finger on him. Don't you dare lay a finger on our boss!
Sa-Sarutobi!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
I'm guessing they ain't plannin' on letting us walk.
Did you pull that observation out of your arse, Yorozuya?
There's an exit to your right about two steps, kindly take it, sexual harasser-san.
Is that a default tone for sadists?!
Hand over the Shougun.
What Shougun, Scruffy? All I see is a Stalker Gorilla, a mayonnaise addict, an Aniki, a fan-boy and a useless guardian. Oh, and rabbits. No leader of a Nation here.
A smirk.
A black, thick heeled boot was heavily placed on wood and the floor opened up, leaving four screams and multiple eyes wide.
Try again.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Hijikata gave a groan as he pushed someone's leg away from his face, leaving navy blue eyes to blink at the sudden change of lighting in the passage they landed in, "The hell was that?"
"A trap door." Gintoki answered, hulling Shinpachi up by the arm before holding her hand out for Shigeshige, her bokken still held in the other, "We need to move, they won't stay put for long."
The Shinsengumi Kyokuchou scrambled to his feet. "How'd you know it was there?"
"Fell into one earlier." The silver head scooped up the other bokken and pushed lightly at the teenagers shoulders – who was busy cleaning his glasses – making him walk forward, "We can probably lose half of them down here, but only if we move now."
Five feet set off running.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
There's a cliff to the west, near the Marici statue is a secret path only the ninja villager know about.
And you found out how?
A Shaggy-wanna-be told me.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
There's someone down there!
Friend or foe?
No idea, but it looks like they're carrying someone!
That's-Hime-sama's-!
Get someone down there!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
It was Gintoki holding her hand out that stoped the four males from running out into the clearing surrounding the statue. A single figure stood in the middle of the empty space, red dripping off sharp metal and into the growing pool underneath Zenzou and Sarutobi.
"Gin-!" Shinpachi started – his hand darting to the bokken at his hip – but the sound of branches snapping and heavy feet landing on the ground broke his attention away from the clearing.
"It's a little too bad that us rabbits don't lose our prey."
"They caught up." Hijikata mumbled as he and Kondo drew their own blades while Shigeshige flicked a kunai out to his hand.
Crimson never left emerald.
"You took your time, Gintoki." Takasugi flicked his blade out and red further painted dirt. "I was getting sick of waiting for you."
Gintoki pressed forward, ignoring the tension that was raised by the action as she stepped into the clearing.
"Yoro-!" Navy blue eyes made to follow after the silver head but movement from the Yato's stopped Hijikata from snagging the back of Gintoki's yukata. "Damn it, Yorozuya!"
"How far are you going to go, Takasugi?"
A smirk picked up at Takasugi's lips, "I've told you." He tilted his head to the side and emerald flashed, "I'm going to destroy this rotten world." Takasugi straightened up, "We once fought together and lost everything. One of us has sworn revenge on this country, gained the means to topple an entire nation, and is in the process of forcing a checkmate. But what has the other one done? She's tried to fit in with the normal with two kids by her side while struggling to protect the country that took everything."
Dull, fish-like crimson looked on. "Is that all that your eye is letting you see? I don't care for the power you've gained, the plans you make or the army – that for whatever reason – follows you. You should know that something like that won't scare me."
Gintoki's pulled her bokken out from the belt on her hip, causing Takasugi to tighten his grip on his sword. "I told that music seeing brat of yours that, not once have I fought for some cheap country. I don't give a shit if this country or the samurai gets destroyed." She raised her bokken out to the side, catching the attention of both parties of the fight and two sides where left seeing different things. "Then and now, there has only been one thing I've been fighting to protect and that thing has never changed, Takasugi."
A single emerald glared.
Silence.
"This country has nothing worthwhile for you to protect any more. There's nothing left for us to protect."
Flashes of past memory's never forgotten.
"What is it that you're grasping on to, Gintoki?"
What is it that makes you wake up?
What is it that's stopping you for getting revenge?
What is it that's making you happy?
What is it that's making it impossible for me to read you anymore?
What is it that's helping you move forward?
What is it that you protect?
What is it that you've found that I haven't?
"A promise."
Soft.
Quiet.
Silver hung over crimson.
"And one less back to watch over."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
The human spectators were left watching in awe as the two former comrades started exchanging blows.
"This is…" Navy blue blinks.
"Interesting." Abuto finishes, snapping the attention of the four males back to the Yato's that stood behind them, "But you should be worrying about yourselves first."
The Yato's press forward.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Takasugi threw his weight into a side-ways roll to escape the heeled boot that was aiming to squish his head under it. Getting his feet under him as he rolled, Takasugi's sword arm was the last to follow and he slashed it out after placing his free hand – finger tips – down to hold his balance out.
Metal grazed pass wood and both weapons where left to swing wide with nothing to catch onto.
Crimson and emerald caught and the weapons where brought together.
Gintoki leant her weight onto one leg and twisted, causing a sudden change of weight and positioning on the interlocked weapons, forcing the metallic one to be pushed away while her shin caught Takasugi's upper arm, sending him rolling and further away from the two downed ninjas.
Digging his blade into the dirt, Takasugi forced himself into a stop. Now upright and off the floor he pulled the blade away from the ground and ran towards the silver head moving towards him.
A yell exchanged and weapons clashed once, twice, three times before Gintoki pulled in on herself as she moved forward, entering Takasugi's space and Takasugi's free hand snapped into the small space between them, catching the butt end of the bokken before it could dig into his stomach while his other hand rounded downwards.
Opting not to get hit by the sword, Gintoki released her grip on her own and tucked herself down into a squat with one leg left out. She turned, swiping her leg out to kick Takasugi's own out from under him and crimson is left to blink wide and up when she doesn't hit anything.
Takasugi smirked down at the silver head before bring both practice and real sword down on her.
Metal bit into the flesh of a shoulder and a wrist is twisted and disarmed.
With her bokken back in hand, Gintoki threw her weight backwards to drop her hands to the ground, causing metal to dig further into her shoulder before sliding out, while her heel made contact with Takasugi's chin.
Blood and spit made contact with dirt and Gintoki picks herself up from her landing crouch.
A pause only broken by the distant sounds of fighting.
A memory passing.
The former comrades run at each other again.
Swords clash.
Red fell.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Shinpachi doesn't know how long they have been standing there, both sides squaring the other up – after half of the Yato's were brought down – but he does know what brakes the tension up.
The echoing sound of wood clattering to the floor.
Shinpachi turns his head to gaze out to the other side of the clearing – and he knows that multiple sets of eyes are doing the same.
And his breath catches in his throat.
Because Gin-san is kneeling, arms curled around her stomach and bokken at her side.
Red covered white.
Because Takasugi is standing, sword dripping with red.
And dripping.
And dripping.
And dripping.
And-
"Gin-san!"
Shinpachi runs.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
It was the flinch she gave that made Takasugi pull his attack back – don't stop, keep going. Stop, don't hurt her.
Cutting cloth and grazing along skin.
Leaving a trail of red.
He's only ever seen her flinch away like that a few times.
Only after injuries that left her off the battle field for weeks.
But she always, always, pushed pass them.
Because a flinch can leave you dead.
A single emerald eye is left to watch a bokken fall from a lax grip and arms curl around the thin line of red.
Left to watch Gintoki fall to her knees.
Left to watch crimson be taken over by absolute panic and horror.
Left to watch violent shakes.
Left to watch Gintoki fall apart.
Which isn't right.
Because Gintoki isn't meant to fall to her knees.
Because Gintoki isn't meant to break apart.
Because Gintoki isn't meant to show weakness.
Because Gintoki isn't meant to cry – never again.
Because Gintoki is the strongest person he knows – always will be.
"Gin-san!" Is called out, but Takasugi doesn't take his eyes off the silver head because he's still stuck watching.
Watching as she freezes.
Watching as an arm is slowly uncurled.
Watching as red fingers curl around the bokken.
Watching as-
He moves.
Pushes the teenager back and brings his sword up to block the bokken rounding on them.
"Gintoki!" He calls out – don't protect her! End her! Make her suffer! This isn't right. She's been through enough. Don't make her hurt anymore.
Crimson blinks and clears and the bokken rattles to the ground and she takes a step back.
"Takasugi?" She questions and her voice is quiet again – perfect. Wrong.
There's a jingle, a blade passing through a chest, and a cry of a crow.
"G-Gin-san…"
"You really shouldn't be here."
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
An explosion sounds.
The ground shakes.
And eyes are drawn up to the sky.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
There was an unsteady thump of blood dripping to the floor.
A single emerald eye glared into lead that stood behind silver, holding the bladed staff and stopping Gintoki from moving. "So you knew all along, you just bid your time to swoop in for the kill, damn Crows." Takasugi held an arm up, stopping a panicked Shinpachi from rushing forward to Gintoki as the Yato's and other humans – the Shougun and the Shinsengumi Fukuchou weighted down by the blue and purple ninjas – were pressed towards them by the number of Naraku's that surrounded them.
"Yo-Yoro-" Hijikata was cut off my the sound of multiple staffs being lifted and tapped onto the floor, twice before attention was pulled to the Crows near the statue parting as said statue moved to reveal a passage way cut into the cliff face.
"You have done well, disciples of Shouyou, retainers of the Shougun. Your efforts are truly worthy of praise." Multiple eyes watched the Tendoushuu member walked out of the dark path way.
'That's the bastard from then.'
"You have all fulfilled your roles. You can rest easy now. We'll ensure Shigeshige-sama's safety now."
Crimson and emerald blinked dully at the Tendoushuu member before they met with each other.
"I want to laugh." Takasugi's voice echoes his and Gintoki's gaze.
"Go ahead," Gintoki coughed out and more blood passed her lips, "You might shock them enough to kill them with how girly it sounds." She smothers a wince as the blade in her chest is pushed on.
"Gin-san…"
"Don't worry about me, Shinpachi." She swallowed and calm crimson met with anxious coffee, "Keep your eyes on the enemy in front of you. So long as you stand then so are the rest of us."
There's a crack and something is sent cartwheeling out of the passage way – unfortunately – missing the Tendoushuu member.
"Hey, Shinsuke," The attention was drawn up to Kamui who walked out of the dark passage way and didn't stop walking until he made it to the gathered group of humans and Yato, ocean blue eyes closed as he gave a playful smile and ignored the multiple staffs pointed at him. "Did I hit the right one this time?" Kamui opened his eyes and jabbed his thumb back behind him, "He said something about this guy being the Shougun."
He tilted his head and his eyes dart between the two former comrades painted with red, lingering on the blade in Gintoki's chest for a few extra seconds. "Aww, but it looks like I missed out on the fun. No fair."
"That tool you prepared was unexpectedly shrewd." Oboro started, catching most of the attention and lead caught emerald. "In order to oppose the Tendoushuu, you carried him so far and gave him so much power. But the moment we told him we'd make him Shougun, he discarded you, turned you into an enemy without a second thought. How stupid. You wanted to use a foolish king, but instead you ended up being used by him." Metal dug further, "You defied the heavens again and this is all you have to show for it? A simple puppet for the heavens to use?"
"Can someone like him be used as a puppet?" Takasugi asked after a moment, he caught Gintoki's eyes and lifted his shoulder.
Silver shadowed over crimson. "If he decided to go against Takasugi at a simple empty word from eye pickers, what's not to say he won't ditch you when something else comes up that tickles his fancy?"
"An acute point." The green skinned Tendoushuu member agreed. "But how hard is it to avoid us?"
A smirk picked up at Gintoki's lips, "Not very hard at all." Her hands snapped up to the blade that ran her through, cutting palms as she gripped it, she pulled the bladed staff forward before sliding a foot out to step on the edge of her bokken, sending the practice sword reeling up into the air. A sword passed over Gintoki's shoulder to dig into Oboro's one.
She lifted her hands away from the staff and twisted to grip onto Takasugi's blade, digging the sharpened metal further into the shoulder.
There was a jingle as the staff was ripped from Oboro's hand and Takasugi was in air behind the silver head, bokken in hand.
Silver and crimson.
Dark purple and emerald.
Forever etched into a useless eye.
The bokken was lashed out.
"Burn this into you memory." Takasugi smirked as Gintoki leaned into his back – the red dripping staff now in hand – while multiple battle cries sounded out behind them. "Remember the last face you saw with that eye. Was it mine, or hers? Even if one of us dies here, the other will definitely send you to hell."
"You think you'll survive?" Oboro growled out and multiple Crows jumped into the air. "You're both fated to die here!"
"Too bad." Kamui sounded as he and Abuto dropped in front of the two samurai, multiple bodies of Crows following after them, dead. "Neither of them are going to die." A smile pulled at his lips, "See they are both mine to kill."
Takasugi threaded Gintoki's arm over his shoulder before he hefted her up to gain a better grip onto the silver head as she spoke, "You got yourself a possessive brat, Takasugi."
The one eyed samurai gave a snort. "He was attached to you before he was attached to me. So it makes him yours."
"The hell does that work? He's following you around!" Gintoki paused and blood was coughed past red lips, gaining a frown from Takasugi.
"Listen up! Our first goal is getting out of here alive! If that means making friends with the guy you were fight five minutes ago, so be it!"
A rumble from the sky brought a smirk up on Gintoki's lips. "Move it!"
There where cries of agreement and black kunai rained from the sky.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Gintoki?
What?
What promise? What promise did you make that caused you to pick us over Sensei? I know that if you left us, you and Sensei would have been able to get away. I know that you, more than anyone wanted to save him, so what promise did you make with Sensei?
Bloodied lips licked.
There is one person I'll do anything for. Be it break other promise, walk over his corpse or ten others. For him I'll do anything. I know what Shouyou held dear all too well. And I promised that I'll protect it. Protect the soul of his student, our friend and Shouka Sonjuku's Takasugi Shinsuke.
Silence, soft emerald.
I see. I had no idea. I haven't been expelled yet, have I, his student, his daughter, my friend and Shouka Sonjuku's Sakata Gintoki?
A smile, warm crimson.
No. No you haven't.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
You really don't know when to give up. Then again, if you did you wouldn't be where you are today. But still, why do you continue to defy the Heavens, Sakata Gintoki?
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Shinsuke, pass her over, I'll get Gin-chan to them, you need to leave.
Gin-chan, you know that sister of mine? She's growing stronger under your care.
Had she not fallen unconscious, I don't think she would have stopped getting back up.
I'm not sure if that makes me happy or more worried.
But, please keep looking after her.
And, don't die 'til we meet again.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
A smile.
Shigeshige is fine. You once wondered what to call me the next time we, did you not? I would like "Shigeshige". Let us meet again in an era where we may address each other that way.
Sayounara, my buddies.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
How is Kagura?
Angry as expected. She doesn't like being confined in a room by herself. But she'll make a full recovery, so don't worry so much Gin-san, concentrate on your own recovery, the doctors said you should be in a coma with your injuries.
The fight wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Silence.
Gin-san, is this for the best? The Shougun's still alive, but now Edo's under the thumb of the Tendoushuu. Just what's going to happen to the world now?
It isn't the only thing he wasn't to ask her, but with the memory so fresh of the bokken that protects him being aimed at him? Well, he waits.
Before dawn. The night is darkest just before the dawn. But keep your eyes open. If you avert your eyes from the dark, you'll be blind to the rays of a new day. So keep your eyes open, no matter how dark the night ahead may be.
Huh?
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
I can't help but feel you've gotten off lucky, Shinsuke. You did fight the Shiroyasha after all.
Believe me Bansai, I was expecting much larger consequences then a few weeks in bed.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Are you meant to be up and about Kagura-chan?
Pah! I can come see Gin-chan whenever I want! Anyway, Soyo-chan sent a letter!
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Kagura-chan, everyone, I hope you are well.
Aniue-sama and I are doing much better then what we were in Edo.
We're now at the safest place in this country, the Imperial palace, under the Emperor's protection.
Here, there's no need to worry about any threats to Aniue-sama's life. In fact, there's no need to worry about any conflict at all.
The only problem is Anuie-sama's former retainers are worried about him so they came in masses as soon as they heard about the crisis. Day after day, they keep knocking on the doors.
Including all of you, Anuie-sama really is lucky to have such great friends.
Thank you all so much for being friends with Anuie-sama.
With you as his allies, with his friends by his side, I'm sure Anuie-sama won't lose to anyone.
So please, everyone, even though we're far apart and can't meet for a while, please don't forget Anuie-sama.
Please wait for Tokugawa Shigeshige.
We'll come back for sure.
In a world where the Shougun and the country don't matter, we'll come back to you as people just like you, as just a pair of siblings.
A promise that never was.
An older sibling laid to rest on a younger siblings lap.
…T.T.L.O.A.C…
Chapter 5 End
Hope you've enjoyed reading!
I have gone back and edited over the past four chapters, hopefully it reads better.
Anyway! Till next time, ninjapanda16 out!