Sorry for the long wait, everyone! As I said, application season is hell. But man, so much has happened while I was out. Seeing the Wano arc end in the anime was a huge milestone. We spent 4 years in Wano, and we had a lot of great moments. I hope to do those moments justice when I get to them in this fic.
I also hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!
Edit 2/3/23: Don't forget to check out the new end note at the end of the chapter!
Beta-read by Pure Red Crane and Izzu.
Lesson 10: Roommates Teach You That 'Personal Space' Is Just a Theoretical Concept,
Much Like Unicorns and a Balanced Diet
The alliance members could only watch in astonishment and fear from their vantage point high above the mountaintop as the colossal azure dragon hovered ominously over the town below.
"Is that really…?!" Sanji exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
The samurai standing next to him nodded his head. "Yes, that creature down there is indeed Kaido. He possesses the ability to transform into a dragon!" Kin'emon confirmed, his voice strained as he tightly clutched his sword, his knuckles turning white.
Momonosuke could only stare in sheer terror, his breath catching in his throat as the nightmarish memories flooded his mind. He recalled the horrifying scene from that fateful night: his injured and unconscious mother, his little sister desperately crying out to awaken her, his home engulfed in flames while he dangled perilously from the rooftop as a giant hand tightened around his throat, one loosened grip away from certain death, all while the booming voice of the pirate emperor echoed in his mind.
"What is your name?! Say it!"
A wave of nausea washed over him, causing him to hunch over as he struggled to remember how to breathe. With a puff of smoke, he transformed into his own dragon form, clutching his head in a desperate attempt to quell the torment of those memories.
"Momonosuke-sama!" Kin'emon rushed to his side, cradling the young dragon in his arms.
"What?! Momonosuke-sama?!" Shinobu gasped.
Kiku was equally stunned. "That little dragon...?!"
"Momo-kun?!" Katsura exclaimed. Even Gintoki widened his eyes at his classmate's sudden transformation.
"I will explain later, but yes, he has fallen into this dreadful state! Of all things, he has taken the form of a hateful dragon!" Kin'emon lamented.
Luffy continued to gaze down at Kaido. "He's flying over Okobore-chō!"
"It seems he's getting closer to Kabuki-chō as well!" Shinpachi shouted, a fact not lost on Gin.
Kin'emon turned back to the scene before him. "But why would Kaido suddenly appear now of all times?!"
Law interjected with a grim tone. "Sorry, Kin'emon. As a matter of fact, Straw Hat, Zoro, and I all blew our cover…"
Kin'emon stared at him in horror. "You what?!"
"What kind of shoddy operation are you running, Law?!" Sanji yelled.
"If there's anyone who doesn't have the right to criticize me, it's the Straw Hat Pirates!" Law snapped back in annoyance.
"Oh, right, sorry about that." Chopper and Nami apologized, suddenly remembering everything their captain had done a few hours prior.
"But that's all that happened!" Law continued. "Let's start at the beginning: Kaido is making weapons in this country, which he deals with Doflamingo and Caesar Clown for the artificial devil fruit, SMILE. We destroyed the major factories on Punk Hazard and Dressrosa and sent his trading partner and weapons dealer to prison. We're the ones who picked a fight with him, meaning he's only after me and Straw Hat!" Before Law could finish, Luffy and Gintoki took off down the mountainside.
"Where are you going, Luffy!?" Nami shouted after her captain, concerned over the sudden burst of action.
"Gin-san!" Shinpachi yelled as well, having the same concern.
"Shinpachi, Kagura! Stay here! I'll be back later!" Gintoki ordered, speaking to his comrades with a commanding voice that Luffy's group would never have expected from the seemingly frivolous samurai.
Gintoki bit his lips. If Kaido was approaching Kabuki-chō, there was a chance Otose and the others were in grave danger. After today's earlier scare, he wouldn't leave that to chance, nor could he involve his two younger employees.
"Luffy-dono?!" Kin'emon started to follow, but Law intervened.
"Don't go after him! I'll take care of it. If anyone else is caught, they'll know that all the Straw Hat and Heart Pirates are here and trigger a nationwide manhunt for us! Let's be reasonable. We're the only ones who were seen. Your plan is still secure, understood?"
"Then what will you do?!" Kin'emon inquired.
Law grunted in exasperation. "I wish I could just let him go…but Straw Hat's already gotten involved with the people of this nation. It will affect the plan if he starts acting out of emotion." Law picked up a stone before activating his Room, the bright blue dome expanding outward from him.
"There's no point in the alliance if we don't have everyone in the same place when the big battle happens. So, I'll figure out a way to handle this. Just stay out of sight!" He gave one final warning before tossing the stone toward the direction Luffy and Gintoki ran off in. As it neared the edge of the Room, he used Shambles to swap positions with the stone as he chased after the Straw Hat captain and the Yorozuya boss.
"Captain!" Bepo shouted after him, but he was already gone. Shinpachi and Kagura exchanged glances before sprinting toward the forest.
"Wait, you guys are going after them too?!" Chopper questioned.
"Of course! Do you really think we're just gonna stay here? That's our home down there!" Shinpachi answered.
"What about what your boss told you?" Zenzou asked.
"We never listen to him anyway. Why start now-aru?" Kagura stated.
Nami frowned. "Even so, you guys shouldn't go by yourselves. No doubt it's gonna be a warzone down there right now. Sanji, you should go with them."
Sanji nodded. "Works for me. Besides, I still have a few choice words I'd like to give that bastard after the crap he pulled earlier." Despite the suddenness of Kaido's arrival, the group had far from forgotten the permhead's overly cruel words to Momonosuke.
Kin'emon shot to his feet in a rage as Shinobu cradled Momo. "That's right! I shall never forgive that man! A thousand acts of seppuku wouldn't be enough to atone for what he said to Momonosuke-sama!"
"As enraged as I am as well, Kin-sama, I'm afraid there is a much greater concern for you regarding Kaido's appearance…" Kiku began.
"Hm?"
Further down the mountainside, the pirate and the samurai ran side by side, their eyes fixed on the dragon as it circled above Okobore-chō.
"Dammit! It's still so far off!" Luffy grumbled.
"Straw Hat! Sakata-san!" Law shouted as he teleported behind them, much to Gintoki's shock.
"How the hell did you catch up so fast?! You hiding a portal gun somewhere?!" Gin retorted.
"Traffy! You suppose the townspeople are alright?!" Luffy wondered, his concern evident.
"You idiot! This is what comes with doing good things for people!" Law berated as the trio continued to race down the mountain.
"Kaido's coming after us, right? So, I'll stop him!" Luffy declared.
"Why did you not tell me earlier, Kiku?! You head back! I will save Tsuru!" Kin'emon ordered.
"This one is sorry, Kin-sama!" Kiku apologized.
"How could she not have remarried to protect herself after twenty years?!"
"To think that you were Otsuru-san's husband, Kin'emon-dono! She always talked about you, even if she never mentioned your name! She said she had a few chances, but said she knew her husband would return one day!" Shinpachi shouted after him.
"Tsuru…" Kin'emon looked down, lost in thought.
"We can deal with all that later! First, we gotta catch up to Gin-chan and Luffy!" Kagura declared as she took the lead, racing ahead of the group.
"Right, we'll catch up to them, check up on your friends at the Snack Shop, and then hide out until Kaido gives up and leaves." Sanji listed off. "And once that's done, I can go ahead and bury your shit-head boss."
"We're sorry about what Gin-san said! I'm sure he didn't truly mean it!" Shinpachi gasped while running as he tried to apologize for Gintoki.
"And how would you know that?!" Kin'emon questioned him, still furious.
Before Shinpachi could answer this, his Haki picked up a fast-approaching presence. It wasn't moving like a missile. It was sporadic. Moving so randomly at such a speed made it difficult for the group to keep their senses on the incoming...something. But one thing was clear: it made no attempt to hide its bloodlust.
"Everyone, watch out–!" he exclaimed hastily to warn the others.
"Found ya~" A voice sang playfully.
The group stopped in their tracks, but their response wasn't fast enough. Kagura barely had time to acknowledge the threat before a blur of black and gray burst out of the foliage, sending a fist right to her face and sending her crashing out of sight into the forest. The remaining four people could only stare in shock.
"I know I was the one who wanted to check out the mountaintop, but I was hoping to come across something a little more interesting. To think, the oh-so-scary ghost everyone's been clamoring about was just a little rabbit."
Standing before them with a cheery smile on his face was a young man who looked almost exactly like Kagura: blue eyes, fair skin underlying limber and toned muscles, vermillion hair tied into a long braid, and dressed in a traditional black martial arts uniform surrounded by a light-gray cape. He flexed his hand as he curled his fingers back into a fist. Shinpachi quickly recoiled in recognition as the other prepared for a fight.
"Kamui-san!?"
"Kagura-chan!" Kiku cried out before turning to the enemy and readying her weapon. "You!"
The enemy turned to the remainder of the group, chuckling as if the sight of Kiku and her courage was mildly funny.
"Oh, there are more of you. Good! Let's hope you guys are more entertaining than my loser of a sister." And with that, the Yato teen launched himself forward, fist cocked back and aiming right for Shinpachi's chest. Fortunately, the attack never reached its target.
"Tendron Strike!" Instead, it was blocked with a full-powered kick from Sanji. Fist and foot struggled for a bit before both fighters were sent stumbling back, quickly recovering as they stared each other down, one with a smile and the other with a scowl.
Sanji glanced briefly at his leg as stinging pain radiated through it. "This brat is strong." He thought to himself. "If I hadn't used armament, that punch would've broken my leg."
Kamui marveled at his opponent for a moment. "You actually blocked my punch! And you're still able to stand on that leg, too! Nice, nice!"
Sanji reached into his pocket to pull out his lighter. "Hey," he started as he lit his cigarette, his voice dangerously low. "Before we start, let me just make sure I heard you properly. Earlier, you said that was your sister just now, right?"
"She was. What of it?" Kamui asked, genuinely confused.
"So what the hell do you think you're doing? Didn't your parents ever teach you it's not proper to hit girls? Especially if they're family."
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," Kamui answered cheerfully. "I never considered that weakling family to begin with!"
"...Is that right...Well, I guess that's good to know." Sanji raised his leg before igniting it, the dancing flames revealing his face twisted in anger. "Now I don't have to feel sorry about kicking your head off your shoulders."
Kamui simply laughed the threat off heartily. "Well, you're certainly free to try." Kamui's cheery smile shifted into a sadistic grin as he assumed a battle stance.
"You guys go on ahead. I'll distract him!" Sanji ordered the three samurai behind him.
"Sanji-dono—!" Kin'emon began to protest but was quickly cut off.
"Well, hold on now. 'Fraid we can't let everyone go that quickly. We got a couple of questions we wanted to ask first," a new voice drawled behind them. Shinpachi and the retainers turned to see a one-armed man with long, ash-brown hair and black eyes. He wore a dark grey uniform, black combat boots, a black cloak, and a deep purple parasol slung casually over his shoulder. He wore a lazy smile as if trying to put his opponents at ease. It did not work. Kamui pouted at the other, making his dissatisfaction known.
"Abuto, that's not fair! You get three of them! At least let me get one more." Kamui complained as if they were arguing over who got a larger slice of cake. Abuto sighed in exasperation.
"Quit whining, captain. Quality over quantity, remember? Besides, no way you can be trusted to actually question anyone. We have a job to do, remember?"
Kamui just shrugged. "I can't help it. If they act like prey, I'll want to play predator."
Abuto just rolled his eyes. "It's that attitude that made the boss pair us up." The brunette sighed. He then looked up. "You just play with your new friend. I'll handle business here."
"Shinpachi-san, please get behind us," Kiku warned the bespectacled teen. Contrary to this order, Shinpachi stepped forward, his usually gentle eyes turning sharp and determined.
"No, I can help as well. I've dealt with him once before. Kin'emon-dono, please, lend me your other sword."
Kin'emon briefly regarded the young man, his eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and determination. "Very well." Kin'emon unstrapped his other katana and tossed it to Shinpachi, who swiftly caught and unsheathed it as the three samurai faced off against the Yato.
A hint of recognition crossed Abuto's face. "Oh, yeah, I remember you now. Back in Yoshiwara, when Boss Housen was still in charge. I hardly call that 'dealing with me,' considering I tossed you around like a ragdoll the last time we met. How's that stomach wound holding up?"
"It's fine now," Shinpachi answered bitterly, recalling their last encounter." I don't suppose you can let us go now."
The man just shook his head. "Afraid not. Orders are orders."
"Yeah, I thought not." Shinpachi sighed before readying his sword. "Sorry, everyone, but we can't escape from both simultaneously."
Kin'emon groaned before mirroring Shinpachi's action. "Damn it," he cursed aloud.
Unperturbed by the conversation before him, Abuto gave them a neutral look. "Just so you know, even though you saved my life last time after the captain's little sister went nuts, I also saved your life immediately after. That means we're starting with a clean slate here. Don't expect to be calling on any favors to get yourself out of this mess."
"Be careful, everyone. These two are Yato, and strong ones at that," Shinpachi gritted his teeth before informing his allies.
"Yes, be careful." Abuto took out his umbrella. "Because one mistake might turn you into a cripple."
With a powerful kick off the ground, Abuto propelled himself forward faster than anyone could track as his umbrella collided with Kiku's stomach with a resounding thud. The impact forced the air from her lungs, sending her flying into a tree with enough force to crack and send it toppling over. Abuto then swung his umbrella towards the remaining two, blowing them away and causing them to cry out in pain as they crashed to the ground.
"Kiku-chan! You bastard!" Sanji exclaimed as he turned to confront the scruffy bastard but quickly bent backward to dodge an oncoming roundhouse kick from Kamui. The force of Kamui's kick created a strong gust of wind, toppling the nearby trees unfortunate enough to be in its path.
"Hey, now." Kamui grinned playfully. "I thought you were going to distract me."
Sanji did a backward cartwheel out of the way, positioning himself to retaliate. He quickly jumped into the air before descending fast, bringing his flaming heel down on his opponent's shoulder. "Diable Jambe: Épaule Strike!"
Kamui could feel it as the kick dug into his shoulder. The sheer force of the strike, coupled with the intense heat, managed to actually damage him. At least a little. The realization only made him more excited, as he quickly latched onto the blonde's burning foot before throwing him into a nearby tree. Sanji coated his back with Haki, allowing him to withstand the damage and recover swiftly as he emerged from the shattered remnants of the tree. He then leaped into the air, unleashing a furious barrage of flaming kicks so fast that they appeared as one massive fireblast. "Diable Jambe: Extra Hachis!"
Kamui raised his arms, enveloping them in Haki to defend against the subsequent blows. When Sanji finished his assault, Kamui had been pushed back considerably but otherwise no worse for wear.
"So, you're the type who likes to announce all their attack names," Kamui mused aloud.
"Is that a problem?" Sanji retorted, frustrated by how easily his attacks had been shrugged off.
"Nah, I think it's cool!" Kamui grinned widely. "It's just that I never had a reason to do it myself. Usually, the guys I fight don't survive past the first hit. Maybe I'll give it a shot." Kamui rolled his shoulder and darted forward, his fist aimed at Sanji's chest.
"Yatoooo…Punch!" he shouted childishly, throwing a standard left straight into Sanji's chest and knocking the chef back. He leaped up, raising his leg as he descended. "Yatoooo…Kick!" he swung down with an axe kick, barely missing Sanji, who quickly rolled out of the way as the ground beneath them cracked and caved in. Kamui let out a puff of air as he assessed his actions. "Hm…well, it's a work in progress."
"You can work on it later," Abuto called from behind as he swung his umbrella, aiming to swat Shinpachi's head off. However, the young samurai adeptly evaded the incoming attack. Abuto followed with a kick, but Shinpachi managed to avoid that as well. Shinpachi retaliated, delivering a precise strike that left a deep gash across Abuto's cheek.
"Well, not bad, kid! Looks like you even managed to learn some Haki since last we fought." Abuto complimented the young samurai before his expression turned dark. "Unfortunately, you still have a ways to go."
With a mighty step, Abuto stomped his foot into the ground with enough force to make a crater. The flying debris and violent tremors threw Shinpachi's concentration off as he tripped and tumbled into Abuto's awaiting umbrella, spearing directly toward his heart.
"Zansetsugama!" The tip of Abuto's umbrella was sliced off by the shearing wind generated by Kiku's sword, forcing him to jump away from the oncoming flying slashes. He did not get much chance to breathe as Kin'emon rushed up beside him, a flaming sword held high above his head.
"Karyu Issen!" Kin'emon brought his sword down, slashing the Yato warrior clean across the chest, the intense flames of his blade instantly cauterizing the wound before any blood could flow. The three samurai quickly regrouped as Abuto examined his wound. It hurt like hell, but he had sustained far worse before.
"Hey now, take it easy on us, alright? We Yato are an endangered race, after all. There aren't a whole lot of us left." Abuto muttered aloud before smirking at the others. "Then again, I guess I could say the same about you samurai, right?" he added, much to the ire of his opponents.
Sanji spat out the blood from his mouth. He had been attacking this monster for a while, and his kicks were barely getting through. Kamui's natural defense was as good as his offense. He never would've imagined that someone could be so tough. Meanwhile, Kamui got a couple good hits on Sanji, each hitting like a cannonball. The worst part about this was that the damn punk was still playing around.
"So this is a Yato…" Sanji thought as he glared at Kamui.
"You have interesting powers, but this won't be good enough against me." Without warning, Kamui quickly raised his arm over his head to block the swing from his sister's umbrella that had come from behind him. He didn't even bother to turn and face her. "That applies to you as well, of course."
Using his arm as a fulcrum, Kagura flipped herself upside down and over his head, the end of her umbrella aimed directly at his smiling face as she blasted him point-blank with an explosive round, the detonation flinging her backward to be caught by Sanji.
"You okay, Kagura-chan?" He asked as he set her down upright.
"I will be once I've kicked his ass a little more," Kagura growled. She was roughed up pretty badly, her outfit torn and covered in dirt and twigs due to her unexpected trip into the forest. The giant welt on her cheek was especially noticeable. Despite all that, she was clearly more pissed off than hurt.
"That brother of yours is a real piece of work."
"You don't know the half of it-aru."
Sanji kicked the ground a bit, checking his condition. "He's strong. I hope you're stronger."
"Unfortunately, you'll find that she's not." As the smoke cleared, Kamui emerged, looking less damaged than they had hoped. Kagura clicked her tongue. "My stupid sister is too dumb to give in to her Yato instincts. She's only on the level of a chihuahua." Kagura angrily threw a kick at him, creating an enormous crater upon impact with the ground as Kamui deftly dodged it, the agression not even phasing him. "Thick-headed determination and quite the temperament, but more bark than bite."
"Don't talk like you're better than me, you punk shih tzu!" Kagura threw a punch, this one coated in Haki, only to make another, bigger crater when her brother dodged again.
Kamui created some distance between them, twisting and opening his umbrella. Kagura mirrored his actions, and simultaneously, the siblings initiated a barrage of gunfire, each using their respective umbrellas as shields. Sanji took cover behind Kagura and her overpowered umbrella as the two vicious siblings continued their barrage.
"And here I thought I was the only one with sibling problems." Sanji couldn't help but comment.
"I'm not interested in talking about a MOTHER-ABANDONING BATTLE-JUNKIE!" Kagura yelled loud enough for her brother to hear over the gunfire. "What are you doing back here, Baka-Aniki?! Shouldn't you be off somewhere dry-humping a couch cushion with the Harusame?!" Sanji stared at the girl, dumbfounded at the language coming out of a child.
"Nah! I left those guys a while ago and got myself a new boss. He's way more fun." The yato boy chuckled aloud. "Even though he ain't a Yato himself, he's definitely got the spirit of one, considering his plans for this country. Not that a yapping little rodent-like you could do anything about that." Kamui answered with an uncaring smirk. The tone of the man's speech caught Sanji's attention as he glanced towards Kamui.
"Wait, what plans?" Sanji asked.
Unfortunately, Sanji's question was drowned out by gunshots, earth-shattering destruction, and the Yato siblings' increasingly loud and disturbing insults to each other. Eventually, a brief pause in the chaos allowed Kagura to address Sanji directly.
"Oi, Swirly Brows. When you get the chance, make a run for it and go over and help Shinpachi and the others."
The blonde turned towards the girl in disbelief. "You expect me to leave a girl alone to face that maniac?" Sanji retorted.
"This isn't your fight! He's my stupid older brother. As the smarter younger sister, it's my job to teach him a lesson and smack some sense into that empty head of his."
Kagura's determination to confront her brother herself caught Sanji off guard. Nevertheless, it conflicted with his principles to leave a girl to fend for herself against a significantly stronger opponent, despite her evident strength. Sanji glanced at Kin'emon, Kiku, and Shinpachi. They were holding their own against the older Yato, but barely. As he grappled with his decision, a powerful gust of wind and a deep rumble alerted him and everyone else to a new threat barreling right toward them.
"Is it just me, or is he coming this way?!" Bepo panicked at the sight of Kaido suddenly flying towards the mountain.
"Oh, crap!" Penguin and Shachi screamed simultaneously.
"Did he notice us?!" Chopper yelled in terror.
"That's not possible! There's no way he could spot us from that distance!" Katsura asserted.
Brook's spirit departed his body due to sheer fright. "But he's definitely coming! We gotta get outta here!"
Meanwhile, the battle between the samurai and the Yato came to a screeching halt as Kaido's approach grew closer.
"I wonder what Kaido-san is doing, coming this way?" Kamui raised his head, the commotion catching his attention.
"Whatever reason it is, it can't be good for anyone," Abuto stated.
Further down the mountain, Luffy, Law, and Gintoki could only watch in shock as Kaido soared overhead, their presence concealed by the dense tree cover.
"Oden Castle, huh? Uurp." Kaido burped, still somewhat tipsy. "That place certainly brings back memories. It would make for a great hideout. So that's where they are…those damnable punks who took SMILE away from me! They won't get away!"
He gathered a fiery inferno within his gaping maw, the intense flames coalescing into a concentrated sphere before he unleashed it. "BLAST BREATH!" A colossal, conical burst of scorching flames surged from his open mouth, hurtling across the landscape at breakneck speed before colliding with Oden Castle.
BAKOOOOOM!
The blast's sheer force and searing heat obliterated everything in its path, piercing through the other side of the mountain and continuing its path of destruction beyond. When Kaido finally ceased his assault, Oden Castle had been reduced to nothing more than a smoldering, excavated crater where the mountaintop had once stood.
Sanji and his group could only watch in disbelief at the colossal devastation that unfolded before their eyes in less than a minute. Their initial shock gave way to fear and concern for the safety of their comrades waiting at the castle.
Kamui let out a whistle. "Man, watching Kaido-san do that never gets old."
"No kidding," Abuto concurred. "Judging by the rest of your reactions, I'm guessing you had some buddies waiting for you up there? Well, not anymore."
With gritted teeth, Sanji and Kin'emon twisted around, ready to resume their battle and finish them so they could check and see if their friends had survived. However, their intentions were again thwarted as a growing rumble swiftly approached them from uphill. They turned once more to confront a tsunami of dirt, rocks, and blazing trees,
"It's a landslide!" Shinpachi shouted.
Kamui and Abuto swiftly escaped, leaping out of harm's way just ahead of the deluge of debris triggered by Kaido's Blast Breath. Sanji and Kagura moved to do the same but realized that Kin'emon, Kiku, and Shinpachi wouldn't be as fortunate. They rushed towards them, desperately reaching out as the landslide ultimately overwhelmed them.
As the dust and rubble settled, the two Yato warriors surveyed the decimated landscape, searching for any signs of life.
"You think anyone could've survived that?" Kamui asked.
Abuto shrugged. "Unlikely. Maybe they could've survived the collision, but that means they'd be left to choke on dirt."
Kamui pondered this for a moment before making his final decision. "Well, then, I guess we should report this back to Kaido-san. If any rebels were left on this mountain, there aren't anymore."
"I have a feeling I know the answer already, but don't you want to search the rubble a bit? I mean, that is your sister buried under there."
Kamui just smiled as he turned to leave. "And I've already said it before – I stopped considering that weakling to be my family a long time ago."
At the foot of the mountain, Law could only gawk in total shock at what just occurred. He was only snapped out of his stupor at the sound of footsteps taking off in two separate directions.
"Hm? Straw Hat?! Sakata-san?!" Law looked around, noticing Luffy and Gintoki were no longer beside him.
Kaido was now on a drunken rampage through town, his massive draconic body demolishing entire neighborhoods merely by flying low over them. Still too inebriated to acknowledge his surroundings, he never even took notice of Luffy leaping from rooftop to rooftop.
"Gear Second!" Luffy activated his technique, using his newfound power surge to leap high above the clouds. "Gear Third!" He then brought his thumb to his mouth. He inflated his right fist to as big a size as he could make it as gravity began to regain control and send him plummeting down directly over Kaido's head with the force of a meteor.
"GOMU GOMU NO ELEPHANT GUN!" Luffy brought down his giant fist directly on top of the emperor's skull, screaming with all the rage his body could muster as he sent the dragon tumbling to the earth below.
BOOM!
The impact unleashed a devastating shockwave, splintering houses into fragments as the residents of Bakura-chō, pirates and locals alike, fled in a chorus of terror and chaos.
"Aaaahh! Kaido-sama has descended upon us!"
"Watch out!"
"Clear outta town!"
"What happened?! Who is that?!" One pirate pointed up as Luffy fell to the streets.
"That's the guy who took down Urashima and Holdem-sama!"
"Run away! He was crazy enough to attack Kaido-sama!"
Luffy touched down, immediately making a break back for the smoldering crater that remained of Oden Castle, only one thought on his mind. "They've gotta be alright! They must've done something! Right, guys?!"
"Speed-sama!" Luffy halted as he heard someone utter the name, and he turned to find a group of Beast Pirates surrounding the battered and bloodied centaur woman.
"Hang in there! What happened?!"
"We thought you left town! What were you doing riding on Kaido-sama's cape?!"
Luffy shoved his way past them, knocking them out with a small burst of Conqueror's Haki for good measure. "Horselina! What are you doing here?!" He asked as he knelt down, cradling her head. "Where's Tamako?! You took her back home, right?!"
Her eyes fluttered open, barely holding on to consciousness. "Along the way…Kaido-sama spotted us…" Speed gasped as she struggled to answer him. "I fought hard…but I couldn't…protect the master."
Luffy clenched his fists in anger, his fury reaching levels he hadn't thought possible. He pounded the ground in frustration. "Dammit! I should've escorted her home!" As the Straw Hat captain continued to curse himself, Law ran up from behind.
"Straw Hat! What do you think you're doing?! We've got to flee! Considering his huge size, he may not even realize what just happened! Are you trying to ruin our plans?!"
Luffy simply rose to his feet as he responded with unwavering determination. "If I defeat him now, it's all over anyway!" His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. "We don't even know if Kin'emon, the others, or even our crews are alive right now!"
Luffy charged down the street towards Kaido's still form, ignoring his ally's warning. "Kaido! I'm right here!"
The dragon's body shifted slightly as his bright, piercing eyes shot open. He ascended into the air once more, having finally sobered up from his drunken slumber. He turned his gaze downwards, fixing it upon the audacious intruder who had interrupted his brief, inebriated nap. "And you are...?" he rumbled.
"Monkey D. Luffy! The man who will be King of the Pirates!"
Gintoki swiftly moved across the rooftops, his gaze fixed on the snack house, although he couldn't see enough to tell if it was damaged. Meanwhile, a sense of unease gripped him, his fingers nervously caressing Lake Toya. Deep within his gut, he sensed that the unfolding events were more complex than they appeared, his instincts alerting him to a lurking, familiar danger. Yet, he managed to maintain a clear head, his experiences having taught him to control the surge of adrenaline and focus on the task before him.
Off in the distance, he could make out the form of Kaido as a more diminutive form jumped around him, occasionally throwing giant-sized punches as the Beast Pirate commander, his war cries echoing through the air. Gin clicked his tongue at how recklessly the rubber brat acted, though he couldn't exactly blame him either. He was, of course, worried about Shinpachi and Kagura, along with the others, but he chose to believe that they were okay. They were with Zura, after all. And as much grief as Gintoki had given the idiotic Joui leader, he knew he could trust him to make a clean getaway and keep everyone safe.
Suddenly, Gintoki's instincts jolted him into action, his Haki picking up a surge of killing intent aimed right at him. He leaped back just in time to evade a sword attack, demolishing the house he was on and forcing him to land on the ground. He narrowly avoided another strike from a purple-clad arm. Rolling to safety, he finally faced his assailant, his eyes widening in recognition.
"Takasugi..."
"Yo, Gintoki. It's been a while." Takasugi greeted, withdrawing his sword from the rubble of the house he had reduced to ruins. His tall, commanding presence was accentuated by his unique purple kimono, adorned with butterflies, and bandages covering his left eye and forehead, a constant reminder of what he lost all those years ago.
Gintoki stood, readying his sword, saying nothing to the man he once fought back to back with. There was tension in the air as their eyes locked with a calculating coldness. It became heavier as Takasugi launched himself at Gin. As their swords clashed, their weapons infused with Armament, there was a brief struggle for supremacy.
"What the hell are you doing back here, you bastard?" Gintoki questioned.
"What, an old classmate can't drop in for a visit?" Takasugi asked mockingly.
"Cut the crap. I'm not in the mood to deal with an annoying guest like you. At least have the decency to call ahead."
"I hate to annoy you further, but I didn't come by myself. I happened to bring along someone else that you may be familiar with. Well, something to be more exact." As Takasugi spoke, his sword began to morph and wriggle, taking on a murky red coloration as it started to grow in size. Gintoki's eyes widened in shock as he noticed numerous unsettling mouths resembling leech-like maws split open across the blade. The insides of the mouths emitted a blood-red glow, lined with concentric roves of razor-sharp teeth, each one vying for Gintoki's blood and life force. Taking advantage of Gintoki's shock, Takasugi pressed forward with his new larger blade, sending Gintoki flying across the street. He quickly righted himself mid-air, landing on his feet and sliding backward across the road to a stop. He looked up to see Takasugi slowly approaching him, his sword now doubled in size and surrounded by multiple flaying tendrils covered in razor-sharp maws, transforming it into a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and steel.
"I bet this feels familiar to you, doesn't it?"
"Benizakura…What the hell are you doing with that sword, Takasugi? Last I recall, Zura and I destroyed that toy of yours."
"You two destroyed the original Benizakura and its copies, yes, but you should know as well as I do that it doesn't destroy the Devil Fruit from which it drew its power."
Mushi Mushi no Mi, Model: Parasite. How could he ever forget that damned fruit? The original Benizakura had 'consumed' the same Devil Fruit back then, too, giving birth to the unique Parasite Sword – a monstrous, semi-sentient blade capable of siphoning the strength and life energy from its opponents, learning their skills and abilities, and using that to evolve and grow even more monstrous ad infinitum.
"It took me considerable time to find it again after it re-entered circulation, but I was able to reclaim it a few months back and bond it to my own sword. What you're looking at here is the new and improved Benizakura II."
Their swords clashed again, but now, Gintoki felt the unnerving presence of the weapon's parasitic power. As their blades met, the mouths on Benizakura II shot out in tiny tendrils, hungrily seeking contact with his exposed skin. Their teeth locked onto the flesh of his arm, and he felt a disturbing sensation as the weapon began to drain his strength. Gintoki's mind raced as he realized the peril he was in. The longer he remained in contact with the parasitic sword, the weaker he would become, and Takasugi would grow stronger. With a burst of adrenaline, he wrenched his arm free, the tendrils taking chunks out of his flesh with them, along with a portion of his vitality.
"I also recall your buddy ended up turning into some gross monster trying to wield that thing." Gintoki panted as blood began to flow freely from his wounded arm.
"Nizou's fate was unfortunate, but ultimately, it was one of his choosing. He knew of the risk of wielding the Benizakura, but he chose to allow it to assimilate him, regardless. His desire to become a sword himself superseded everything else. You'll find I do not share that same desire."
Their swords eventually deflected each other towards the ground, carving destructive paths through the terrain and the buildings around them. As Takasugi prepared for another strike, Gintoki evaded, witnessing the blade's havoc on another building, causing panic among the bystanders as they scrambled to get away. Gintoki was reluctant to strike back with full force, knowing that their clash would only increase the damage to the district.
"I need to change our location." Gintoki thought to himself as his gaze darted around.
His eyes briefly moved to Snack Otose, the place he needed to protect the most. The silver-haired samurai jumped back, landed on a roof, and ran. His eyes were on the forest, where there should be few people to get caught up in the fight. However, Takasugi did not make it easy. He slashed his sword again, destroying another house. Gintoki hadn't jumped off that roof yet and had to run on the ground. From there, the attacks became more frequent. Gintoki gritted his teeth in frustration. It was a considerable pain in the ass having to fight Benizakura the first time, so he was not relishing the idea of having to deal with it a second time, especially now that it was being wielded by Takasugi.
Gin suddenly realized something; Takasugi's relentless attacks prevented him from leaving the district streets. The sword was always aimed in a way that forced him to move deeper into town, as if there was a specific purpose to keep him in this area.
"Why? What for?" Gintoki gritted his teeth as he racked his brains for an answer. He could still see the snack house. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Kaido get knocked down by Luffy again, watching the draconic form shrink down as the rubbery pirate's own form literally ballooned in size as they took their battle to the streets.
Suddenly, Gin's path was blocked by a squadron of Kaido's soldiers, forming an unyielding wall of swords and spears. With lightning reflexes, the silver-haired samurai swiftly jumped over them, using the face of one of the pirates as a springboard, knocking him out cold before taking down the rest of the front line from behind, each foe crumpling to the ground under the weight of his precision strikes. However, the ceaseless arrival of reinforcements slowed Gintoki's progress, allowing Takasugi to catch up and slash his back. Gintoki winced at the sharp sting as he felt just a little more of his energy stolen away by the parasitic sword. While it wasn't enough to hinder him, the moment he needed to process gave the pirates the opportunity to surround him, guns aimed and at the ready. Takasugi smirked as he approached, casually moving past the Beast Pirates. The silver-headed samurai's eyes darted around, trying to find an escape route.
"Give up, Gintoki."
"What are you planning? Didn't you want them gone?" Gintoki growled.
Takasugi couldn't be bothered to answer. "You don't need to know."
Gintoki's frown deepened, and his eye twitched. He was completely surrounded, and there were still innocent people in the vicinity, which Takasugi was undoubtedly aware of. This was what the terrorist was after - a situation where Gintoki couldn't fight at full power, lest the town be leveled due to their battle. He sighed, frustrated and annoyed, before finally settling on the only real option available to him. Without warning, he launched his wooden sword into the air. It flew high, and everyone couldn't help but stare at it as it disappeared over the buildings.
"What the hell?" One pirate voiced in confusion.
"Why would this guy just toss away his only weapon? Is he an idiot?" Another couldn't help but cackle, thinking that the silver-haired man must've simply surrendered. But Takasugi knew better. He quickly turned back to his old ally before being greeted with a fist to the face.
"Kuh!" Takasugi grunted. For the pirates, that was their cue to open fire. Bullets rained across Gintoki, who was only protected by a quick application of Armament over his vital areas. His limbs, however, were not as fortunate as they were pierced by bullets, forcing him to take a knee. Takasugi capitalized on the opportunity and thrust his blade into Gintoki's shoulder, staring down his rival.
"This is over now, Gintoki." Takasugi's parasitic sword continued to siphon Gintoki's strength as the devilish mouths on Benizakura seemed to grow more insatiable. At the same time, Takasugi's own aura grew even more sinister.
Gintoki glared silently at the terrorist, even as Kaido's men got closer. As the men chained him, his mind raced for answers. Why would Takasugi, of all people, choose to ally himself with the Beast Pirates? Beforehand, he was their greatest enemy, and for good reason. Why change sides now? These thoughts were suddenly interrupted as a familiar bellow echoed through the town.
"Thunder Bagua!" A thunderous impact reverberated through the destroyed town, shaking the bones of every person still remaining. Luffy was sent hurtling through the air, his Gear Fourth form rapidly deflating, sending the young pirate spiraling wildly through the air before finally crashing down near where Gintoki was detained. The silver-haired samurai turned his head in time to see Luffy lying on the ground, completely unconscious and bleeding from several wounds all over his mangled body. Some nearby soldiers diverted their attention to check on the fallen pirate. Takasugi finally removed his sword from Gintoki's shoulder, the weapon shifting back into its standard form as he sheathed it.
"That brat really raised hell…but in the end, one blow was all it took!" One Beast Pirate remarked.
"That's the sheer power of Kaido-sama's club for ya!" another exclaimed. Kaido stomped over, causing every soldier to stiffen and stand at attention. Kaido ignored them as he looked down at the unconscious form of the foolish young pirate who would dare to challenge him.
"What kind of king did you say you were gonna be, boy?"
"Dumb kid," Gintoki thought to himself. "If taking down that bastard were that easy, this country wouldn't be in this state to begin with."
"Dammit!" Law watched from his hiding spot as he watched Luffy and Gintoki get surrounded. "I've got to at least drag Straw Hat away from here! I should have enough stamina to...Aah!" He winced as he felt a sharp pain embed itself in his shoulder. The thundering sound of hooves alerted him of Hawkins' approach, followed by a squadron of Beast Pirates.
"Don't even think about it, Trafalgar," Hawkins warned, pointing his pistol at Law.
Law cursed his luck. "Not him again!"
"Seastone throughout the world is born here in Wano," Hawkins explained, "and only in Wano can you find the artisans capable of crafting it this small."
Law looked back down at his shoulder when he finally saw it: a small nail deeply embedded in his flesh. "A seastone nail?!"
"Straw Sword!" Hawkins drew his unique blade, sending it forth to capture the now-cornered Heart captain. Law quickly deflected the straw blade's attacks before leaping backward to give him more space. He quickly removed the nail from his shoulder.
"Room!" The blue space enveloped the area once more. "Shambles!" In a flash, Law was gone, replaced by a single stone. Hawkins clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"He can't have gone far. Spread out and find him." He ordered his men.
"Yes, sir!" They yelled as everyone scampered around to find the escaped pirate captain.
"I'll be damned! He's still breathing!" One soldier voiced in surprise as he leaned closer to examine Luffy.
"As I figured," Kaido grumbled.
"Sir?"
"I don't know whether it is an indomitable spirit or an empty bluff, but he's been glaring at me this entire time."
"Seriously?!" Another pirate shouted.
The first soldier inspected Luffy's broken form, searching for any sign of conscious resistance. "He's just plain knocked out…at least, that's how it looks to me…"
"It's not just about appearances," Takasugi chimed in as he approached the scene. "He's part of the Worst Generation, after all. Even though he's a brash punk, it would be unwise to underestimate him."
Kaido finally took notice of his presence. "Ah, Takasugi! What business do you have out here?"
"I'm just here to fulfill my promise, Kaido-san. Actually, it's quite fortuitous that you are here. I have a little gift for you." He beckoned the soldiers behind him forward as they brought forth a bound and chained Gintoki, who was split between glaring at Takasugi and Kaido.
"May I present my old comrade, Sakata Gintoki. Though back during the Joui War, some of you may have known him as the Shiroyasha." The younger pirate crew members could only look confused about who this silver-permed man was. At the same time, the older veterans who actually fought during the war shifted uncomfortably away from the man despite him being chained up.
Kaido scratched his chin in recollection. "Ah, yes, I vaguely recall some young punk running around the battlefield by that moniker. So this is him, huh? Hard to believe someone so famous back then would have such lifeless eyes now."
"Don't worry about that. They always stand out during my big scenes." Gintoki somehow found it in him to make a retort.
"Heh, looks like we got a real joker. I appreciate the gift, Takasugi. So, you really don't feel anything about having to give up your old comrade, huh?"
Takasugi simply smirked. "I can assure you. The days when the two of us were comrades passed long ago."
"That may be the one thing we actually agree on," Gintoki stated as he stared down the man he once called his rival and ally.
Watching the exchange, Kaido burst out into laughter as he made his way past them. "Wororororo! Lock them up! Once their spirits are broken, they'll make for good soldiers!"
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers saluted.
"And don't mention anything about pirates on the notice boards. Interest in the outer seas is strictly prohibited!"
The pirates surrounding Luffy leaned in to restrain him with handcuffs. Unexpectedly, a surge of power emanated from Luffy, causing multiple soldiers to drop to the ground one after another.
"What happened to you guys?! What kind of joke is this?!" one of the few pirates still standing began to panic.
"Well, well, I heard the rumors, but that little brat actually has the same Haki as Old Man Oden," Takasugi remarked in mild surprise.
Despite their situation, Gintoki couldn't help but smirk at the rubber brat's spunk. "Even out cold, he's still trying to pick a fight." Kaido was less amused as he turned back towards Luffy.
"You too? That other brat also had the Color of the Supreme King." Kaido gritted his teeth in annoyance. "We don't need all these supreme kings running around!" He assumed his dragon form once again and took to the air, surveying the aftermath of the scuffle. "I'll deal with Trafalgar later... Now it's time to drink again. Damn, I've already sobered up." Then, with a final, dismissive glance, he propelled himself forward, vanishing into the embrace of the clouds. His departure was like that of a retreating storm, the only evidence of his presence was the destruction below and the lingering echo resonating through the sky like the distant rumble of thunder.
"It's a relief to see that you're all unharmed!" Kiku rejoiced, peering down into the massive sinkhole where the remaining members of the alliance were gathered.
"Okiku! Sanji! Please help us! The sudden appearance of this sinkhole saved us, but at this rate, we'll sink into the ocean soon!" Chopper called up. He was currently in his Guard Point, acting as a platform for the others. However, it was evident that everyone's combined weight would eventually cause them to descend further.
Sanji quickly used his Skywalk to dive into the hole, grabbing hold of Nami, Carrot, Shinobu, and Sacchan and lifting them out. He wiped his brow of a job well done. "Alright, I've managed to save all the ladies!"
"Save us too, jackass!" the remaining men called up in frustration.
After some persuasion from Nami, Sanji successfully extricated everyone else from the sinkhole. Chopper hurried around, checking for any severe injuries from the explosion, but everyone seemed okay. He then turned his attention to Kiku and Sanji, who appeared to be the most injured from their earlier battle.
"It's fortunate that your jutsu helped save everyone, Shinobu!" Kiku expressed her gratitude to the kunoichi as Chopper applied ointment to her wounds.
Shinobu puffed up in pride. "Indeed! My unique Juku Juku Enticement Jutsu can ripen anything into a more mature form!"
"That's right! Anything that Shinobu-dono touches will instantly become rotten." Kiku explained to the group with all the tact of a bull in a china shop.
"Don't say it like that!"
"That would definitely explain a lot about you," Nami told the violet-haired kunoichi.
"The hell does that mean, you bitch?" Sacchan shot back.
"Where are Kin'emon, Shinpachi-san, and Kagura-chan?" Brook asked.
Sanji pulled out a fresh cigarette, lighting it as Chopper wrapped a bandage around his arm. "It's a long story, but after Kaido destroyed this place, we got caught in a massive landslide. Kagura-chan and I secured everyone beneath some trees that provided enough cover to create a pocket in the ground. We had a hell of a time digging ourselves out, but we at least managed to survive. Those three continued down the mountain. Kin'emon went to see if his wife was safe, while Shinpachi and Kagura-chan went to check on their friends at the snack shop."
"I hope they're all okay." Carrot expressed her concern.
"We can only hope," Kiku replied before her gaze hardened. "Now, prepare yourselves to hear what this one has to say about our current situation."
"Otose-san! Catherine-san! Are you two alright!?" Shinpachi quickly slid the doors open to the pub. Outside, the snack house was a total wreck, with the roof to the Yorozuya office completely caved in.
"Granny! Are you still alive?!" Kagura called out as she entered.
"Relax, you two. We're alright, somehow." Otose walked out from the backroom. "Catherine's still hiding out back. The moment that big scaly bastard flew over, she went white as a sheet and has been out cold ever since. I guess seeing your former boss will do that. I also got word back from Tama a while ago. It was a close call, but she and Tsuru are safe. Those two are still in Okobore-chō tending to the wounded."
"That's a relief. What about Gin-san? He should've arrived here before us."
The old proprietress just shook her head. "I don't know. Though I have a bad feeling." She began to walk towards the bar. "When I went outside to check if it was safe, I found this lodged in the front wall."
Otose reached behind the bar and pulled out Lake Toya, handing it over to Shinpachi and Kagura. The two didn't know what to make of it. Sure, Gintoki had forgotten it in the past, but in the middle of a crisis like this? Even he wasn't foolish enough to leave his primary weapon behind.
"Gin-chan, where are you?" Kagura wondered aloud, echoing the deep concern that everyone was feeling at that moment.
Udon – a region once flourishing with life and verdant forests was now reduced to nothing but wastelands and weapon factories. At the core of this desolate region stood the Prisoner Mine, where lower-class citizens, criminals, and rebel prisoners toiled until their strength gave out and death claimed them.
"Strike! Strike the iron!" The overseer's command cut through the air. "Forge tougher, stronger weapons, and the capital will prosper! Your lives are the property of Shogun Orochi! If you wish to live, work the iron! If you seek respite, my blade will grant it to you! Move those supplies, double time!"
As the prisoners submissively followed these orders, excited murmurs circulated among the jailers about the arrival of two new inmates. With a deep groan, the front gates began to open.
"Ooh, here comes the new famous guy!" A procession of soldiers on horseback and madsauri entered, with Luffy at the center. Despite being heavily bandaged and panting with each exhausted step, he glared intensely at everyone around him. Walking beside him was an equally bandaged Gintoki, who exhibited a complete lack of interest to his surroundings, as though he couldn't be bothered by the overseers' taunts and jeers now aimed at them.
"So that's the guy who supposedly destroyed a whole town by fighting with Kaido-sama over in Kuri!"
"Really? That little guy?! I thought he'd be as big as the All-Stars! Wait, what about the guy behind him?"
"Word is he was some big-time Joui back in the day. Doesn't look like much, but apparently, the older members of the crew were shaking in their boots when they first heard we caught him."
"Good to see ya, new guys! Hope you're ready for this!" one guard taunted the duo.
Two more guards approached them, taking a closer look. "That's quite a fierce look in your eyes! Can't wait to wipe that light out of them!"
"At least one of them is worth the effort. This guy already looks lifeless!" the other guard laughed, pointing at Gintoki.
Luffy shot another menacing glare at the guard, who became increasingly displeased. "What was that?! He just challenged us with a look!" The guard raised his sword, ready to teach the fool who would dare to act defiantly in the face of his jailers a lesson.
Shunk!
"Aargh! I'm bleeding!" Before the jailer could swing his sword, a fishbone shot out of a nearby cell and pierced his neck like a dart.
"What just happened?!" a guard yelled.
"You idiot! Didn't you remove the bones first?!" scolded another.
"What's in that cell?!"
"Nobody knows!"
Far back in a dimly lit cell, despite his hunger pangs from eating poisonous fish, the lone inmate couldn't help but smirk at witnessing his jailers panicking over a small fishbone.
"Alright, you're going in here until your spirits break and you swear loyalty to Kaido-sama!" The guards shoved Luffy and Gintoki into a dark cell, slamming the doors shut behind them.
"You two are gonna be doin' hard labor tomorrow! We'll be happy to work ya to death! Gyahaha!" The guards cackled to each other before leaving the two captives to contemplate their grim fate.
Gintoki sat himself up against the wall, trying to scratch his head despite the handcuffs hindering him. "Man, they even have the annoying cliché evil laugh typical of low-level thugs. Can this place get any more predictable? Probably why that shitty Gibbon author of ours hasn't even been bothered to describe them."
But Luffy wasn't paying attention to the silver-haired samurai. He seethed with anger over the events of the past 24 hours—the apparent destruction of his friends and crew, the grim fate of the young girl he had promised a better life to, and his subjection to this humiliating state, all at the hands of a single individual.
"I'll get you, Kaido!"
Much to both prisoner's surprise, Luffy's promise of vengeance was uttered in tandem with another prisoner right next to them. The darkness concealed his form, but they could discern a one-armed man with fiery red hair and a voluminous cape. Despite not seeing each other for two years, the pirate captains Monkey D. Luffy and Eustass Kid instantly recognized each other's voices.
"Hmm…oh…it's you…"
Gintoki could only grimace. "Oh great, now there's two of you."
WANO, ACT ONE: END
So, with that, we finally reach the end of Act One!
There are some things I need to clarify about the Gintama cast and their abilities in using haki. Let's focus on the Yorozuya trio to start. All three of them can use both Observation and Armament Haki. Still, they have varying degrees of mastery and affinity towards these abilities. Gintoki has nearly mastered both types of Haki and has access to more advanced techniques; this is sensible, given his status as a war veteran. Shinpachi has a higher affinity for Observation, while Kagura has a higher affinity for Armament. Although they have a good understanding of the basics, they need more experience to make full use of their skills.
The next chapter will be more of an omake-style chapter, something light and fun, while I plan out how to write Act 2. There are a lot of moving pieces as the cast members move across the Land of Wano, so I want to make sure I know what I'm writing.
I want to give one final shoutout to my beta-readers, who contributed heavily to the content of this chapter. This was the first chapter where we had the main characters participate in major fights, so I knew I wanted to go all out for this. Big thanks to PRC and Izzu.
I'll try to get the next chapter out soon, but if it takes me longer than expected, Happy New Year, and I will see you all next time!
Edit 2/3/24: So yeah, a major change to the power system for Takasugi. I was thinking about how I could make some of these fights involving the Gintama characters have more of a One Piece vibe since they are a part of this world now while still keeping to the Gintama style, and this felt like the best method. I thought for a while about what to give him until I finally settled on giving him Benizakura, which I thought was fairly suitable given its history with him and the Kiheitai in the original series. I just revamped its lore to better fit the One Piece world better, and this is what I ended up with. As a result, I fully intend on giving Gintoki a power-up later in this arc to even the odds against Takasugi and Benizakura II. As for what will be…well, you'll just have to wait and see.