#flames of yoshiwara

[agroupofcrows]

rare but beautiful gintoki decapitation momente. observe how the statue (kamui) is echoing it

[seigibathala]

T S U K U Y O

[lacerta123]

Even though I am the biggest Gintama simp of all time, this show still shocks me every time I come back to it and realize how good it is again. I was going into Yoshiwara in Flames and was like, yeah, this arc sold me on the series when I was a kid, but does it hold up? It doesn’t get talked about a lot. And the first two episodes I was like, yeah, the animations not as hot as i thought it was back then. Things that blew my mind, like Kamui fighting Hosen, Kagura losing her shit, maybe they were only good because they caught me off guard.

So I dropped it, and just now came back to finish the arc. Holy cow. I cried. Twice! What do I even say about Sorachi’s writing man. Is it in the way things are woven together? How does it get me every single time?

I’ve thought this before, but all of Gintama’s fights are more or less agents for expressing the strength of the feelings of its characters. It’s really effective.

And also, the strength of the symbolism. The sun, moon and flame imagery is really important for all of Yoshiwara, especially this arc.

The dialogue? The character writing? All amazing, of course.

Maybe it’s the theme. The themes of human dignity, connection, and how indomitable the human spirit is in the face of oppression. Maybe those are just good themes. Except if it was that I’d feel the same way about One Piece!

I think it’s the love. Every character, their actions are driven by their love for one another. It’s the common denominator. Everything becomes sharper in the light of that. Sorachi has an impeccable understanding of human emotion. He knows that deep down people just want to belong, to love, and to stand strong with human dignity. And he tells stories about that. About how it can go wrong, about how it can save us. About fighting for it.

Idk these are my unorganized thoughts after just watching Yoshiwara in Flames. This is still my favorite series.

[rosencrantzsguildenstern]

core serious arc = advances plot in a major way or opens up the way for plot to be advanced, excluding short arcs (harusame arc, festival arc, inugami arc) as well as arcs not generally viewed as part of that group (umibouzo arc) and character development/introduction arcs (yagyuu, red spider, mitsuba, etc)

[craftydragonperson]

Happiest Birthday to Yoshiwara’s leading courtesan, Hinowa. ⛅️

I will never understand what prompted such an absence after Yoshiwara in Flames. The arc was done but we definitely could have gotten more from her character.

Continue to light the way, our beautiful sun. ☀️

[humanoidtiephoon]

When the comfort anime don’t be comforting

[urmom-jokes-ceo]

yoshiwara in flames arc you'll always be loved

[joelletwo]

okay well unfortunately now i want to read more gintama. which arc was next on my docket.

[ibrokeeverything]

Yoshiwara in flames is not messing around y'all

[lotus-tower]

If umbrella ep beats 305 I’ll be sad but it wouldn’t be a big deal but if it does and then goes up against berserk kagura ep and it’s any sort of contest it’ll literally be so evil like umbrella ep better trounce every other ep boringly

[amalthea-fictions]

hello! i am here to make a request :) could you write Rengoku x Fem!Reader where reader is a demon slayer that has to work as an oiran in red light district to spy on clients. Reader is selected for this job because she is the only one unmarried.

thank you xoxo

AH this is such a cute idea because Kyo is such a GENTLEMAN!

-----

Your fingers are calloused from all of your years as a Demon Slayer, so the scrubbing doesn’t bother you so much.

Your hands are red and knuckles white against the brush. Of course, you’ve been going back and forth across the same spot for over an hour now, so it’s already glittering– but the wall is thin between this room and the next. Perfectly conducive to eavesdropping. So, what’s a few hundred extra floor scrubbings if it means getting valuable info for the Corps? 

“...aren’t as skilled as the ones in Yoshiwara.” The client is sighing.

You hear your manager scrambling. “Ah, that can’t possibly be true! Besides, Yoshiwara is dangerous!” 

The client snorts. 

You have to crane your neck with your ear against the shoji to hear your manager continue. “..’s true,” she says, hushed. “I’ve heard that attractive young men and women turn up missing all the time.”

That’s not the first the Corps has heard this rumor. What you’re interested in, is if it could be a–

“Pfft, ‘demons?’ You really think you can scare me into buying an oiran in this small town?”

You hear footsteps approaching your room from down the hallway. But you need to hear what your manager says next.

“If you want to risk your life, fine…” Her indignant snort is muffled through the wall.

The footsteps are closer. Tip, tip tip. 

“..but don’t come crying back to me when the Red Light Princess eats you for dinner.”

“Red Light Princess.” That’s a new one. Perhaps some of the other slayers should investigate Yoshiwara.

Tip, tip, tip–

You’re able to jump back into a tabletop position just in time, huddled over your floorbrush as the Tayu steps into the room. 

“Ah, there you are, [Y/N],” she smiles. You look up, pretending not to have noticed her entering. “Please, come with me.”

You bow your head politely and leave the brush on the bucket. The Tayu spins around and begins back down the hallway, and you follow.

“Is everything alright, madam?” You’ve quickly put back on the mask of a sweet, innocent courtesan. 

The house Tayu doesn’t look up, but continues gliding forward with perfect posture. “It seems you have made quite the impression in town, already.”

Your stomach churns. You’ve only been here a week, but haven’t been called by clients. There’s no way you could have done anything to blow your cover yet, right?

“What do you mean, madam?” 

She stops in her tracks to turn to you. Her smile is saccharine when she says, “You are being summoned by a client. He has asked for you by name.”

You must visibly blanch, because her gaze turns sympathetic.

“Ah, do not fear,” the Tayu chuckles. “This will be your first, no?” 

The Tayu continues down the hall and gives you “friendly and helpful” reminders over how to entertain the client for the night. You’re not worried about pouring tea, or playing shamisen, or making intellectual conversation. You’re worried about the fact that, fundamentally, a client could ask for… other services.

Of course you understood this when you accepted the mission. It’s just, the plan was always to lay low, and not stand out, so that this possibility could be avoided. 

You’re so lost in your thoughts, that somehow you miss the boisterous laugh echoing from the front of the house.

“That is him,” the Tayu says, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Are you ready?”

You nod and smile. Thankfully, your years of demon-slaying have helped you school your emotions enough for your face to stay blank as you step out of the hallway.

Because there, surrounded by giggling women, with his arms folded, and a smile from ear to ear, is the flame hashira Kyojuro Rengoku. 

The Tayu bows politely and hands you off. “[Y/N] will guide you to your room for the night, sir.”

“WONDERFUL!” Kyojuro shouts, earning another giggle from the crowd of women around him. “Thank you very much!” 

You say nothing to Kyojuro as you lead him away from the entryway and into the house, but you can feel his owl-eyed stare boring into you the entire time.

Finally, when you’re in the guest’s quarters, you slide the door behind you and spin to him.

“Rengoku!” You hiss, and then bow. “I mean– It’s a pleasure to see you– but what’s wrong? Why are you here? I thought I was only supposed to communicate with the corps through crow?”

“NOT TO WORRY!” He booms, and you stare daggers at him. His eyes bulge. “Ahem. Not to worry!” he corrects, now in a whisper. “I am not here on official demon slayer business!” 

You raise your eyebrow at the way he sets his pack of belongings on the floor. “Then… why are you here?”

“To be frank, I was worried about you!” Kyojuro offers you the biggest, sweetest smile. And suddenly your face goes red. And all of a sudden you’re acutely aware of how you’re dressed, all of the makeup plastered on your face, and the fact that you and him are alone in a pleasure room together. 

You brush your hair away from your face, turning so that the flame hashira (hopefully) cannot see the blush flaring your cheeks. “I– I appreciate the sentiment, really. But there don’t seem to be any demons here? And even if there were, did you not think I could handle myself?”

“Quite the opposite!” He assures, catching himself before he grew too loud again. “If it were a demon, I would not be worried at all. But I was quite uncomfortable hearing that you were sent to work undercover as an oiran.”

“B-but–” you stutter over yourself. Kyojuro really came here just to make sure you were okay? Suddenly it’s way too hot in the dress you’re in. “Kyojuro, by being here, you could compromise my cover!”

He shakes his head vigorously. “Not to worry! I had the house women convinced I am but a simple patron who was enraptured by your beauty!” 

Your throat works. 

By all means, he shouldn’t be here. But sending him away now would make you even more suspicious. And yet, you can’t seem to convince yourself that you even want to send him away.

“Moreover,” he adds, and his tone has changed. When you turn up to see his gaze, his expression is solemn. “The thought of you being forced to participate in unseemly activities for the corps is deeply unsettling. I would not want you treated so indecently.” 

Your brain has frozen. 

Your… your duty is to stay and collect information for the Corps. So you should. Right?

Suddenly Kyojuro steps forward and places his hands on your shoulders. Your heart stops. It’s not until he gently guides you away from the wall that you realize you’ve glued yourself there the entire time. 

“[Y/N],” he whispers. “Your honor is more important for me to protect than your cover.”

He slides his thumb across your cheek and you realize you’re crying. And now that you’re aware of the hot tears on your face, they seem to overflow. 

You try speaking but it turns into a shaky hiccup for air.

“I am sorry you were selected for this mission.” His voice is soft and sincere. 

You shake your head. “It’s– it’s alright.” You try and sound confident through the tears, but the truth is, this is the first time you’ve even thought about how you felt being on this mission. 

Kyojuro chuckles. “It does not seem that way to me.”

He smiles at you, and he’s bright and safe and warm. You lean your forehead into his chest. He responds by wrapping his arms around you. His uniform and haori smell of smoke and ash– and it’s comforting, being cradled by his scent. 

He holds you until you steady your breathing through the tears. Finally, he whispers into your hair: “Have you found enough information to leave yet?”

You shake your head. “Kyojuro, I’ve only been here a week–”

Your eyes widen as he presses his finger to your lips. “That is not what I asked, little flame.”

You sigh as he lowers his hand from your chin. “I… I have reason to believe there are demons in the Yoshiwara red-light district.” 

He smiles, and you can practically see his eyes overflowing with pride. “See? I knew you would make quick work of this mission!”

You shake your head. “But, Kyojuro, that doesn’t mean I can just leave–”

“If I recall correctly,” he interrupts, and you feel his arms around your back pulling you closer. Your breath hitches as you’re pressed into him. “A client can request to marry a courtesan, correct? And, with the appropriate dowry, she is able to leave the house.”

You blink. “Are… are you proposing to me?!”

He laughs. “Not to worry! I would actually propose to you in a more beautiful place than this. This is a means to an end.”

You try to process the meaning behind his words. But, between the heat of his arms around your back and the way he’s smiling at you, you can’t seem to put together any logical thoughts right now.

“So, what if I ask the manager to marry you in the morning? Then, once we leave, I will treat you to a dinner! And we can report back to the demon slayer corps together.” 

“I…” your heart won’t slow down. “I suppose that would work. But you’re sure–”

“Absolutely.” He smiles at you again, and cups your cheek. “Unless, the thought of being betrothed to me is that unbearable?” 

You shake your head, perhaps more eagerly than you intended, because he laughs. 

Then, he brushes hair behind your ear, and his fingers are gentle and tender. Every nerve in your body is on fire.

“Then,” he says, voice in a low whisper, “let’s get married, little flame.”

[demonslayedher]

I invite you all to consider

Tamayo & Yushiro in the background of Yoshiwara

--They had to leave their place in Asakusa, which wasn't far from Yoshiwara, but I bet they stuck around the same area if it was advantageous for trying to track Muzan

--Muzan visited Daki mere days before things went crazy, so they might even had tracked him there and were surprised to spot Tanjiro

--very surprised, what with that get-up

--they work in the background with a vague idea, or even definite intel that Tanjiro is tracking an Upper Moon, which they of course have an invested interest in seeing through, but also they don’t say anything to Tanjiro because they can't risk blowing their cover after all these years

--As Tanjiro fights Daki, Tamayo helps Koinatsu-oiran get to safety (this all started because I was curious how they might interact)

--As things get more chaotic they get caught up helping other injured people, which distracts Tamayo from seeing Nezuko in berserker mode

--But Yushiro might notice and then prevent Tamayo from seeing her, because if Tamayo were to try to do anything to help Nezuko it would risk her being exposed to an Upper Moon

--but also it would break her heart to see Nezuko like that, and Yushiro wouldn't want her to know until later. Or ever.

--even if they stay busy helping the last of the people who couldn't get away because they can withstand the physical danger of going through collapsed buildings, they will still be close enough to feel the force of the battle

--and then when Nezuko pops back out to absorb Gyutaro's final attack with her flames, Yushiro barely manages to shield Tamayo and get her to take cover in time to avoid being swallowed up in them

--Tamayo would be stunned to witness Nezuko's power, as terrifying to demons as the sun itself

--which plants the idea in her head that Nezuko may soon have nothing left to fear

[seigibathala]

Tsukuyo in Yoshiwara no Hen Official Merch

[saellefanwork]

𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬

Kamado Tanjiro x DemonSlayer!F!Reader x (Past) Rengoku Kyojuro

Reminder: This Demon Slayer fic is rated Explicit (adults only) for canon-typical violence and, disturbing and explicit sexual content

Return to Chapters List

Chapter 2: The Shadow of the Mentor

Tanjiro and you don't cross paths again for several weeks, until Tengen plans an infiltration mission in the Red Light District.

Author Note: The timeline here is different from the canon story (characters are older, it's implied that Tanjiro has been Kyojuro's tsuguko for a while before his death). That's why Yoshiwara's team composition is also different. Since this is not a fic focusing on the Demon Slayer story, but rather on the relationship between the characters, I skipped the fight scenes. So there won't be any epic battles here, unlike in my other fic "The Tears of Time".

TAGS applying to this chapter: Red Light District Arc, Grief, Sad, Angst, Depression, some Healing though?, Near Death Experience, Ghost, No sex here, only Feels, hints of Tanjiro/Kyojuro's Platonic Love

Several weeks passed without Tanjiro visiting you. Missions kept pouring in relentlessly, and it seemed that the hierarchy, perhaps aware of the changes in your relationship, no longer assigned the two of you on expeditions together. The solitude the young man experienced, punctuated by moments spent with his friends, provided him a degree of perspective on the situation. Despite regularly inquiring about your well-being from the girls at the Butterfly Estate (although they didn't always give him answers), he remained convinced that he had made the right choice.

However, this conviction did little to quell the emptiness he felt without you by his side. While he hoped to reconnect with you in the future, he couldn't envision how to do so without falling into the same patterns as before. After what had happened, perhaps you no longer desired his presence, not even as a friend.

One day, Tengen summoned Tanjiro and Inosuke at the Butterfly Manor. The three of them were tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearances of prostitutes within Tokyo's infamous red-light district. The Sound Pillar had previously dispatched his wives on an infiltration mission in brothels there some time ago, but they had returned with no significant findings. But it seemed the demon living there was active again, as there was an unprecedented resurgence of crimes, prompting the Corps to take action once more.

"We need an additional member, preferably a girl," Tengen declared, his strong arms crossed. "Let's get Aoi," he commanded, pointing toward the main wing of the building, where the butterfly girls were working.

Tanjiro furrowed his brows. He had been raised with manners and harbored deep respect for his superiors, especially his new mentor, who had taken over his training following the Flame Pillar's tragic demise. However, it contradicted his very nature to ignore the call to protect those who couldn't fight.

"Let's leave Aoi alone; she is already making significant contributions to the Kisatsutai," Tanjiro argued. "Can't we request another female Slayer for this mission?"

"They're a scarce commodity. My wives are on another operation, and Zenitsu's late puberty facial hair would make for a terrible courtesan. Your and Inosuke's looks, on the other hand, can still deceive some with some makeup and disguise. Unless you have a better alternative, be prepared to enlist your sister for the task," he concluded.

Tanjiro was about to protest when a voice interrupted him.

"I'm coming with you."

The young man's heart skipped a beat as he turned around, spotting your silhouette in the shadow of the building. You stood there in your Slayer outfit, your katana secured at your waist. His chest tightened, and without thinking, he whispered your name. Despite the circumstances of your separation, he had missed you dearly.

You stepped toward them, fully revealing yourself in the daylight. You had lost weight since your last encounter, and dark circles had formed under your eyes. Your usually well-groomed hair was unkempt, and your uniform appeared somewhat shabby. Tanjiro looked at you with concern, but he summoned the strength to smile gently and offer a greeting, which you acknowledged with a nod.

You couldn't help but notice that he had once again cut his hair short, just like when he had first joined the Corps; you guiltily wondered it was a result of what had transpired during the last night you shared.

"Hmm..." Tengen eyed your tenses expressions alternately with a skeptical expression. "Weren't you supposed to be prohibited from heading on missions together, following Kocho's request?"

"If I volunteer, then it's fine," you replied curtly.

"Well, that settles one issue," Tengen shrugged, displaying little concern for your love drama. "We'll keep Nezuko as a backup. We’ve wasted enough time already; let's go!"

"Wait, Uzui-san!" Tanjiro turned to you. "Are you sure about this? It could be the work of an Upper Moon. I'd rather... have you stay safe here," he admitted.

You were hurt that he considered Nezuko an option for this mission and not you. Despite being in a fragile mental state, you were still a competent Slayer.

"It's precisely because it might involve an Upper Moon that I want to come with you," you declared firmly.

I want to be there to protect you if possible, especially now that I'm stronger than I've been since... the incident on the train. And if you were to die, I want to die alongside you, you mentally added, but you kept your thoughts to yourself, aware that he wouldn't agree with your mindset.

Tanjiro was not a telepath, but your scent and determined expression spoke volumes. He knew he couldn't convince you to stay behind, yet he still felt uneasy about the idea of you joining them. It was evident that you hadn't had a good meal or rest in weeks. His master grabbed him by the collar of his haori and turned him toward their departure.

"Listen to your woman if you want to succeed in life. Her opinion matters the most, second only to the God of Festivities. Stop wasting our time and let's move!"

"Your woman is a pain in the ass," Tengen complained just two days later. "She's exhausted but refuses to sleep. She's like a zombie and is inefficient in her research."

"This mission is tough, and she's doing her best. Plus, I told you it wasn't a good idea in her state, Uzui-san," Tanjiro sighed, not wanting to argue further about the topic. "And please, stop referring to her as 'my woman.' She's... just a dear friend. You know very well that she is Rengoku-san's fiancée."

"Hmm, whatever you say, your heart's melody doesn't sing the same tune when you see her. Besides, Rengoku is dead," Tengen remarked casually.

Listening to his words, one might mistakenly assume that Uzui didn't hold much regard for the departed Pillar, but Tanjiro knew better. The two men had been close friends; the shinobi had simply grown accustomed to burying his loved ones and moving forward.

"That still doesn't change the fact that she's not my woman," Tanjiro responded sourly. He carefully smoothed the folds of his kimono and checked his reflection in a mirror, ensuring that the makeup you had applied earlier remained intact. With night descending upon them, everyone had to return to their investigations separately. "I'll head back to my brothel. I think I've found a lead... I'll reach out to you when I get more intel."

The echoes of roaring flames and crumbling buildings gradually faded into nothingness, as Tanjiro teetered on the brink of life and death, poisoned by Upper Moon Six. His vision plunged into an abyss of darkness. Within this eerie realm, an icy stillness prevailed. Tanjiro wandered aimlessly, guided by an indistinct longing for something he couldn't define – perhaps a way out of this frightening place. He could discern your scent. Maybe you were close to his body.

He longed to return to you so badly...

"Kamado!" a voice called out from behind him.

Surprised, Tanjiro's gaze shifted to the silhouette of his former mentor standing only a few steps away. Kyojuro's arms were folded, a gentle smile graced his face, and his fiery eyes were locked onto his tsuguko.

His white and red haori was draped elegantly over his shoulders, waving slowly behind him, and the golden buttons of his Slayer gakuran gleaming softly. At his side, he carried his trusty katana with the flame-shaped tsuba that Tanjiro had inherited. The Hashira looked exactly as he did in life, radiating strength and vitality. His very presence dispelled the surrounding darkness, providing a reassuring warmth, much like before.

"Rengoku-san, Aniki!" Tanjiro exclaimed, tears immediately welling up in his eyes.

He stepped toward his mentor, overwhelmed with the desire to embrace him before stopping himself, remembering the gravity of his current situation.

"Aniki... I'm sorry. I failed. I slew an Upper Moon with Uzui-san and the others, but I couldn't protect the people of the entertainment district... a lot of people have died. And as for your fiancée, she's alive... However, I couldn't fulfill my promise to take care of her. I did all that I could, but... I just can't fill the void you left..." Tears now flowed freely down Tanjiro's cheeks, and he futilely wiped them away with the sleeve of his uniform.

The Flame Pillar placed a reassuring hand on his tsuguko's shoulder.

"Kamado, my boy, you were magnificent. You fought valiantly, and I commend you. You pushed your limits to the absolute extreme and emerged victorious. Thanks to you and your friends, these demons won't harm anyone else and will face retribution in hell. As for my former fiancée... I know the current situation is difficult for both of you, but she truly loves you, believe me. Hold on to hope. The two of you will find your way through this."

"You're mistaken, Aniki. She has eyes only for you; she doesn't like me that way. I fear I've only made things worse for her by trying to grow closer to her. I... I'm so sorry... I feel ashamed. To think that you had discerned my feelings for her when you were still with us, and instead of resenting me, you entrusted her to me... and yet, I failed..." Tanjiro's voice trembled as he sobbed, his tears mingling with hiccups.

He held Kyojuro in such high regard, idolizing him as much as he envied and begrudged him for occupying such a significant place in their lives, especially in yours, only to leave behind an equally immense void... The idea of letting him down was unbearable.

Kyojuro's spectral form embraced him gently. Though insubstantial, his warmth immediately enveloped and consoled his protege.

"Kamado... have more faith in yourself. She loves you. She chose me because circumstances made her realize her feelings for me before the ones she harbored for you, and I was deeply honored that such an extraordinary woman wanted me. But I'm certain she already loved you when I first met her. Don't try to take my place. You're an exceptional young man. Hold your head high and set your heart ablaze, especially in the face of adversity. She will return to you."

Tanjiro managed to suppress his tears and stared at his mentor, who was so kind and encouraging. His smile and reassuring gaze had the power to reignite even the most dimmed flames within one's soul. Despite the passage of time, this man would eternally remain a role model for the younger Slayer, someone he would forever admire and regret. He vowed to himself that he would heed his master's words and attempt to regain his self-confidence, honoring him in the afterlife.

"I'll do my best, Aniki," Tanjiro promised with a feeble smile. "At least, if I survive... I think I'm dying..."

"You're alive. Nezuko neutralized the poison, and you'll wake up shortly. Take care of yourself and our beloved, Tanjiro. The three of us will meet again in our next life."

The Hashira pressed his forehead against his subordinate's then straightened up, affectionately ruffling his burgundy hair with a broad smile. His silhouette vanished as mysteriously as it had appeared, but the warmth he emanated lingered long after his departure.

Tanjiro gradually regained consciousness. He was alive, albeit severely wounded, amidst the debris of Yoshiwara. The rest of his team was surrounding him, bent over him with worried expressions. He was so grateful that nobody had died... But perhaps his greatest reward was your presence close to him.

You wept profusely, cradling him in your arms.

"Tanjiro! I thought you were gone... I was so terrified." You hiccupped loudly, unable to stifle your sobs.

"Thanks Gods, Nezuko managed to burn the poison with her Blood Art. But you're still seriously injured... focus on your wounds to stop the bleeding, okay? The Kakushi will arrive soon. Hang in there and stay with me, Tanjiro. Promise me?"

He stared at you for a few moments, taken aback by your pleas and your tears. They weren’t for your fiancé, but for him. He turned his face slightly, nestling his cheek into your warm hand.

"Always," he whispered, closing his eyelids with a faint smile.

You were expecting (dark) smut, you got bittersweet relationship development instead. Maybe in next chapter ;)?

Tell me if you want to be tagged for next and last update of this story!

@gyusimp @kimiwotabenakatta-blog

Next chapter: "Closure" (will be released in two days maximum)

[rosencrantzsguildenstern]

gintama spinoffs i need in the anniversary announcements:

kaientai fucking around in space

kiheitai and 7th division plotting world destruction fucking around in space

takamagahara host club backstory

anime centering entirely around those 2 siblings from episode 333 life death and shades

[lacerta123]

This was a post I made on Reddit in response to someone saying Gintama was sexist because the women need rescuing every other arc. Which is nuts to me because it’s not even true.

Gintama has its issues, but it also has some pretty explicitly feminist themes in its writing. I love the fact that the male and female cast get equal attention during the serious arcs. It means the female cast is extremely well developed. Both Gintoki and Kagura got their own final arcs which is so cool (Shogun Assassination and Rakuyou respectively). Gintama regularly portrays its female cast as equal to its male cast in terms of dignity, importance, and often strength.

Also the character designs in Gintama are not overly sexualized, and the camera never leers at their bodies in uncomfortable ways. And Kagura, who is 14 years old, is never sexualized. She is always portrayed as a child, and even when she tries to look sexy, it’s always portrayed as humorous, like a kid playing with makeup.

The female cast of Gintama never gets underused. Even in arcs that arnt explicitly about the female cast like Yoshiwara in Flames and Courtesans of the Nation, they still play important roles and get considerable screentime (Sa-Chan in shogun assassination arc, Nobume in Farewell Shinsengumi arc (tho that’s 1/2 her arc)) And don’t forget Otose! She’s the beating heart and soul of Gintama and I will die on that hill.

Here’s a spoiler-y breakdown of the arcs, with a good deal of focus on refuting the idea that the Gintama girls are “damsels in distress”.

Harusame Arc - Kagura refuses to be a used as a hostage and kicks off the side of the ship, which feels like a refutal to the women as weak hostages that need protecting trope. Both her and Shinpachi were kidnapped, and in no way was she portrayed as a damsel in distress

Benizakura Arc - Matako is portrayed as a threat, and a capable member of the Kiheitai. Kagura goes off on her own and drives the plot forward by herself. She does get captured, but is portrayed as difficult to contain because of her strength, and her vulnerability isn’t exploited against the rest of the cast. She’s hardly a prop getting tossed around by the plot because of her femininity, like how Nami was in One Piece’s thriller bark. Tetsuko goes to the Yorozuya to ask for help, but it’s because she’s a non combatant and it makes sense to hire someone who knows how to fight. She meaningfully contributes by crafting Gintoki’s sword for that fight. She’s portrayed as the more skilled sibling in a traditionally male dominated craft. And the arc is an ideological battle between her and her brother which she wins.

Fuyo Arc - Fuyo could be considered a damsel in distress, because she’s in trouble and needs help. But I don’t think a female character needing help automatically turns them into a damsel in distress. She ends that arc with her own two hands. I’m a big fan of giving female characters the agency to finish their own stories. Her being in danger was not used to aggrandize the male cast, if Gintoki had finished the fight for her while she cried in the distance (arlong park) then I’d have a problem.

Yagyu Arc - Otae is a damsel in distress in this one, because the whole point is to rescue her from a bad situation. But a lot of respect is given to Otae’s agency. Gintoki says he’d respect her decision to marry whomever she wants, but seeing her cry makes him think it wasn’t really a decision made with her happiness in mind. Basically the arc is about convincing Otae to choose her own happiness over her sense of duty. We get full insight into Otae’s thought process and the arc only ends when she changes her mind. Kyubei says she loves Otae because of the fact that she has strength as a woman, something appealing to Kyubei who was raised to believe you can only have strength as a man. While fighting Kyubei, Gintoki and Shinpachi don’t hold back on account of her sex, and remark that whether you’re a man or a woman, you can still be an asshole. Kyubei remarked that Hijikata holding back was disrespectful to her efforts as a martial artist.

Mitsuba Arc - This arc actually is sexist though, but I read somewhere that Sorachi expressed some regret over not making Mitsuba more of a character.

Hasegawa Prosecution arc - This one was also bad, not because of how women are portrayed, but because of how sexual crimes are portrayed, which is a problem I have on a whole with Gintama. Sorachi writes his women strongly, but doesn’t give things like stalking, voyeurism, ect. a lot of narrative weight. They’re hardly endorsed, but they also arnt taken seriously.

Yoshiwara in Flames - Explicitly feminist. The story of a bunch of female sex workers rising up to violently overthrow their male oppressor, and reclaim their own identity as women. This is made very clear when Tsukuyo joins the fight vs Hosen and asks Gintoki where that Fire he was boasting about is and he says it just got here [referring to her and the Hyakka]. This line decentralizes Gintoki’s importance and makes the arc explicitly about the women of Yoshiwara overthrowing their oppressor rather than a story of Gintoki overthrowing Yoshiwara’s oppressor for them. Hosen and Kamui both express dehumanizing views of women that are opposed by the narrative. You might see Hinowa as a damsel in distress, but like Otae she has agency within her imprisonment (that’s kinda the point of her character) and she ends her own battles, narratively speaking. The violence against her (the reveal that she was hobbled) furthers her story rather than just existing so a male character can look good by getting outraged about it. You might find her comforting Hosen at the end to be a “forgive your abusers” type deal, but I didn’t. Since her narrative was the sun shines on everyone, and Hosen was trying to crush that sun and destroy her spirit, her shining for him at the end was her ultimate triumph over him. That he never broke her. She never forgave him though. The story is about women who’ve had womanhood defined for them through their usefulness for men standing up and redefining it on their terms. They define that through something they take pride in, motherhood. They declare every last woman in Yoshiwara to be Seita’s mother, and they are proud of that. Also in the ending, most of the women of Yoshiwara are still sex workers, just self employed and with the freedom to leave. That’s an explicitly pro-sex worker sentiment. Also Kagura, when Shinpachi says he’ll protect her, he ends up snapping her out of her rage, protecting her personhood rather than her physical body. That’s a subversion of a sexist trope.

This is as far as I’ve gotten in my rewatch, so I’ll give it a rest. But Courtesans of a Nation arc is also explicitly feminist in its messaging.

Actually I’m not done yet, I changed my mind. Even though Hinowa is almost certainly getting raped by Hosen, the anime doesn’t show any of that. Sexual violence against women isn’t sexualized or romanticized unlike in other shows (One Piece panning over Nami’s body as she’s being assaulted). Also, when Hinowa asks Seita to let her down and for him to go with Kagura and Shinpachi to open the sky hatch, she says they both have their own battles to fight. That Hinowa needs to fight. Hinowa is not powerless and weak just because she is a victim.