#it’s kind of jarring how much this is played for comedy in panel two considering that if they *hadn’t* done this ridiculous thing

[diltonsstrangescience]

[sparda3g]

Gintama Chapter 679 Review

I know I was asking for answers, but I think I will be fine if it doesn’t result to a cruel ending. Sorachi somewhat surprised the fans with a new backstory that leads to Gintoki’s discovery. The problem is that it’s clear that we are in for a dark and possibly depressing outcome. This chapter ignited a gripping story of master-disciple bond on a quest with inducing fear. This is not going to be easy...

It’s no wonder that we have plenty of comedy earlier. This chapter leaves nothing to laugh over; maybe with one panel of a kid falling on the ground hard, but outside of that, it’s downright serious. It’s too early to call, but I got to say, this backstory is perhaps the darkest one so far. It’s the culmination of father-son, master-disciple, and a man with a hard hitting temptation to end his heavy burden.

The beginning already starts off with the dark vibe with Gintoki in the flashback left on a journey to find something important. It’s the first time to see him looking extremely determined; it’s quite surreal. He asked the Inugami Maidens, Ane and Mone, to give him the pinpoint locations of every Dragon Holes. I admire Sorachi’s writing for using those two in plenty of significant plot points, even at this point. It goes to show you how his writing works. Whenever the character appears for an arc or so, they will hold a relevant contribution to exploit.

One of the sisters explained a newly informed detail of the Dragon Veins; even the lore gets expanded this late. There is no actual count on how many Dragon Veins are in the world; not even the Maidens can grasp all of them. Not only there are countless of it, but the size can differ from many. It can be the size of golf ball hole and it would be considered as a Dragon Vein. This does explain why Gintoki took a long time to resurface; at least in terms of reconnecting with old friends. There’s another reason why he took 2 years, but we’ll get to that soon.

The Maidens warned him that it can take forever, which already sound impossible because human nature, but without an actual response to them, rather to himself, he was hell bent to find “it;” even if it does take him decades. It’s astonishing how much he has spent his 2 year journey, going across Japan searching for every single one until he hits jackpot. The scary part is he would have left Yorozuya behind possibly forever. Could you imagine if he didn’t find it in 2 years prior? That’s how unbelievable his determination was. Thank God, he found it as early as he can get.

I thought the flashback ends there, but it’s only for momentary to unveil the grand revelation: Utsuro is alive. It’s no surprise for fans to guess, but it is undoubtedly a huge deal for the characters. After going through many hells he brought in, knowing he’s alive only brought the mood down further. Gintoki recovered Utsuro’s heart after 2 years, though it is left to speculate on whether the latter will resume his reign of terror or somehow, a miracle will bring Shouyou back. This is trivial since it can go to many directions with the heart in presence; not yet form a body. It could be a brand new Utsuro for all we know. It’s kind of freaky to even think on what to do if they cannot kill it.

I’m glad Sorachi shed the light on how Gintoki came to his decision to split up Yorozuya, though it came with an enthralling yet disheartening result. Gintoki proves to be smarter than what his image usually portrayed in comedy routine since he recalls Utsuro dropping himself into the vortex of the Dragon Vein. Because of it, he thought the possibility of his body being vaporized by the Altana in which he was originally born from it. In other words, how could he died by what he was originated from, let alone being his source of life. He describes with simple yet good thinking analogy with Utsuro to Altana and water to an ocean.

What grasped his attention were Utsuro’s final words as he was falling down into the vortex. It finally cleared up on why Gintoki went hasty to catch him. While he did want to stop him from escaping in a sense, he was compelled by his words, which is why he was really upset when he failed. It’s why Kagura and Shinpachi picked up his hurtful tone. It’s those words that gave Gintoki a purpose; to reunite with Shouyou somehow, someway. Could it be possible to save him? I was moved by his ambition as a loner. It is no longer for the sake of humanity and he’s not going as a Yorozuya; it’s Shouka Sonjuku’s Sakata Gintoki, going to put an end.

Back to the flashback and once again, it’s intriguing how much Sorachi continues to explore more of its lore at this time. There is one Dragon Hole that is enshrined for generations; even Ryuujin (Dragon God) dwells inside. That basically mean that hole is worthy of attention. The only question was whether Utsuro came out from there. Once the old man began to describe the story of a strange phenomenon, it was clear that Gintoki hit the jackpot. It’s a good thing the image of a mass of meat wasn’t fully displayed because it sounds rather disturbing.  What shocked me is Utsuro was a baby.

It’s not just because the fact he was once a meat and somehow turned into a baby without medical logic. What truly startled me is if Utsuro was a child in the flashback, why the hell was Gintoki carrying his heart now? That gave a serious bad vibe; believing that he would kill a baby to remove the heart. The chapter wasn’t over, but I was freaking out around that point. It felt like it was building up that it was just Utsuro’s organs, but with a newborn baby, the end path was looking very grim.

While the ending is arguably the main spotlight, the page of one night with the baby is up there. It’s probably the grimmest display this series has offered. The protagonist Gintoki has the baby that once led a life of murders and destruction. He had the chance to put an end to the baby’s life, even though he probably could return later on. Even so, the train of thought drove Gintoki to approach the baby with a small sword and had the range to put it end. This was heavy stuff.

I was clinching my teeth. Sorachi got me believing that Gintoki ended it there. The paneling is excellent in this one page; how it shows his temptation to go through with it. His eye roared with anger, inch by inch to the heart, almost ending his suffering. Sorachi will get the protagonist’s hands dirty. It may not paint a bright light for inspiration, but for the sake of deeper storytelling, it should be done.

The next page was a huge sigh of relief that he didn’t do it. It’s crazy to imagine how it would feel if he did do it. Although he’s not doing it for the world, he technically did carry its fate by letting him live. If Utsuro does return, vicious and all, it would be his fault. If he did kill him, it would paint him as a disturbing image. The other risky part is who knows what the baby will grow up to. What if it was going to be Shouyou? It’s amazing how this one scene could have leaded him to many possibilities, but not worth feeling satisfied.

It’s jarring that after raising the baby for a bit, Utsuro has grown into a child, presuming the same age as when Shouyou met Gintoki for the first time. It transpires to a short but really nice father-son/master-disciple bonding scene with those two. To think, the role has been reversed as the two’s journey along the way. I feel like Sorachi is being cruel to have Gintoki experiencing in his master’s shoe and later, harbor another hardship end. That said it does create a very appealing backstory.

It does draw us fans closer to Gintoki’s character. He truly cherished his master more than anyone, so even though he was bothered by his presence, he can’t bring himself to kill. He would rather risk raising a child that could bring horror back than killing with a gamble. As funny as the line, “I feel like I’m raising a final boss” is, it holds many truths behind it. I felt his sincerity when he remembered Shouyou, connecting with how he probably felt as his master. It’s really touching to say the least; the most heartfelt scene of the chapter. That is until the end happened.

The parallel is so striking. Not only it told us how the role has been reversed but it was the trigger for Utsuro to speak for the first time. Every single line from him gave me crazy chills. It’s haunting how he can remember a lot as a child; detailing everything that answered Gintoki’s question. Those words keep on coming and it draws closer to the grand twist. The look on Gintoki’s face is very telling; you know how tensed it is when he’s awestruck by his words alone. It could play off like a horror film; unable to comprehend the scene. The message is clear: Shouyou has returned.

Honestly, it’s early to say if that is really the case, but it would appear that he was at least on the polite side as of that moment. It could be Shouyou, Utsuro lying under a false presence, or someone else entirely. It’s very tricky, but that’s what makes it gripping. It was such a heartfelt scene that unfortunately reminded me that this was all in the flashback. Why does Gintoki now carry the heart? What went wrong? Does it have to do with the request? It still leaves more questions but I am thrilled to learn more.

This was a strikingly emotional chapter that Sorachi has outdone himself once again. Just because the series is ending doesn’t mean he is burnt out of writing. He continues to deliver a rich story with plenty of outcomes that is nothing but dark. The shivering tone of that one night was so intense I thought my eyes were fooling me. I did read it in the early morning, so you could imagine how I reacted. The storytelling has been excellent so far and the ending was touching but possibly alarming. We have a long wait for the next chapter. Damn you and your timing, Gorilla!

[sparda3g]

Gintama Chapter 687 Review

At long last, the time for Yorozuya to reunite is here. Well, technically it is, but not properly. They do work together, but their mind isn’t connected like old times. The teases continues. Despite the obvious changes, since chapter one, they have been the best of bros and nothing can change that. This was a satisfying chapter with its build-up for a proper and complete reunion, a fun action that told its differences yet remain familiar, and few surprises that had me quite amused.

Not a moment later, Hijikata is already being interrogated by the ladies. If only he remained cool before; now, he’s about to feel what Gintoki has suffered. As expected, it’s humorous with Hijikata sealing his lips on Gintoki’s whereabouts, no matter how many mayonnaise they can throw at him. That’s right, his torment involves with mayonnaise; that’s so like him. I laughed at Yamazaki, who technically betrayed him by siding with the heroines like he has been on their side. What a twist. “Crispy old man.” I can never get tired of the use of KFC puns.

You would think Hijikata would be strong enough to prevent from submission. I can see multiple tries that would eventually force him to spill out. Nope. It only took one try and not only he spills the bean, but for whatever reason, he has become a jar of mayonnaise. I guess he’s a god now? Funny because now he doesn’t know what’s so appealing about mayonnaise. That torture is incredible. Now the heroines know about Gintoki’s whereabouts, Otae is going after Shinpachi to tell him. That’s going to be interesting, but is it needed because of the next scene?

The main hype is the Yorozuya’s reunion. Kagura is not there, but it is a start with Shinpachi only, considering that he was the first new member. Let me tell you, those three pages have to be the most gut wrenching experience of the arc so far, and there’s no action involved. It’s all about the two making their first move to interact; it only takes one.

It’s quite the experience how the chapter slowly goes over the scene with each movement. When Shinpachi stopped, it was heart pounding. It had me pleading for anyone to say something, anything. What makes it tensed is how one of them actually wants to move, instead of running away or continue to hide. That’s more effective in character’s storytelling.

Gintoki wanted to say something, but couldn’t do it. He was shaking, probably due to fear of many things. Shinpachi wanted to say something as well, but chooses to move along. He stops again with a second thought, but ultimately move forward. Perhaps he felt it was too good to be true. It is possible that he may know that it’s Gintoki, but maybe he’s not ready? It’s tensed and somewhat heartbreaking once they move on. You can grasp that Gintoki is disappointed at himself; unable to contact. Why, Gorilla?!

The atmosphere suddenly changes with Naraku arriving and attack Gintoki. That’s not good at all. That means the next phase of serious action is here with Naraku already in Edo. Right? I was cursing at Sorachi for dismissing the reunion, but that quickly changes when Shinpachi returns to tag along with Gintoki without acknowledging him. Now I am praising him to high heaven. Seriously, there’s an undertone that maybe Shinpachi does know it’s him. Regardless, we are treated with a team in a fun action.

I really like how you can tell the differences with Shinpachi’s skills. Two years ago, his fighting style was portrayed like a novice but growing talent, which later on became slow but thoughtful. Now, he can keep up with the flow of Gintoki’s style as well as being agile to evade and fight swiftly. Being ranked at number seven at the poll did so much justice. I also like how he stays true to the code of Yorozuya; always butting in like no one’s business. You taught him well, Gintoki.

Thankfully, the comedy isn’t over yet. Just before Shinpachi uncover his identity, he got so desperate for a disguise that he takes a loincloth from a downed enemy and wears it to cover his face. Behold, the birth of Loincloth Mask! He’s going to be in a stealth video game one day. That and he apparently has undies fetish. Shinpachi’s reaction is funny, feeling like he chose the wrong side. I’ll say…

As nice it was to see them working together, it sadly has to cut short because Gintoki is a good man to put his life over his own. Just before I was about to feel sad for the short reunion, the boss appears and orders his men to aim for Shinpachi. It got serious now…right? Actually, this is a plot twist. They’re not Naraku. They’re working with that mysterious man. Then, the reveal. It’s been two years but finally! Shachi has returned and he wants to kill Shinpachi for being a fake. Hilarious!

It’s so kind of Shachi to honor Gintoki as his precious buddy and will take out anyone who tried to imitate him. I can’t stop laughing at Gintoki’s face that reads, “You got to be kidding me…” In a single panel, Shachi is taken out by his precious buddy; the series can now conclude. So to recap, those guys aren’t Naraku and their weapons are bamboo swords. That means the serious aspect is saved for later. That’s a relief. Now then, why the hell did it take this long for Shachi to reappear? Maybe Sorachi finally remembered.

There’s actually a backstory from Shachi. It starts off sincere with his recollection with Gintoki, who he is thankful to meet with him. After all, if it wasn’t for him, Shachi wouldn’t have a dream of becoming a successful mangaka. Good times. It got a bit depressing when he talks about life in prison during the war. It’s messed up that the guards just abandoned the place and let the prisoners burn. Shachi’s hope was about to be perished and he was trying to finish one thing before his life may end. It was rather touching. That is until I learn more about his could have been but should have been last action.

It’s not that he was working on something meaningful like writing a farewell letter or trying to escape. He was so busy to find a screen tone for the nipples. Yeah, he should just burn in hell for all I care. Someone did save the prisoners, but under an oath to atone their sins and return back once it is normal, or else a Shinigami will take their life. When I saw the mask, I was marking out. Finally, once again, it’s been two years, but Asaemon makes her return! Well, in a flashback, but it’s a sign of hope. That was nice of her to give prisoners a chance to atone their sins, which would explain Shachi joining the war to help...

…right?

I love how self-aware this series is. Sorachi actually mocks himself with the two missing characters that appeared once in the war or to be precise, volume 68. This tells me that he had a long-term plan all the long since the remaining characters didn’t appear until now. I wonder what would have happened if the series was cancelled. Like that would happen. This begs the question: where were Shachi and Asaemon during the war?

Shachi had a convincing and heartwarming story of his triumphant return to Edo. He struggled and thought if he had the rights to leave and persuade to redeem himself. That’s a nice character development. Then he just had to end the damn story with his newfound purpose to fight: to grab all Number 61 screen tones for the nipples. So, in other words, he went off to grab all screen tones while the war was going on in which could have legit ended the world. This guy has no sense of priority. So much for atoning his sins.

Asaemon was following him for a reason I thought to back him up, but instead, she was spectating until it’s time for a punishment. Seriously. On the positive note, she does appear at the end and this time, we finally get to see her new look. Fight me here and now, but she looks drop dead gorgeous. I’ll go far as saying the most prettiest of the heroines. Okay, it’s all debatable but who knew a longer hair would raise her beauty level. I’m like the last panel with the reactions, except I’m thinking, “Oh my god, she’s hot!”

So to recap once more. The not Naraku are prisoners, Shachi’s goal was to collect all Number 61 screen tones for nipples instead of fighting a war, and Asaemon, now the beauty title holder, was chasing him during the war. That makes perfect sense. Sorachi is a clever gorilla to hint a connection of the two with the fascination on nipples. The timing and execution couldn’t be any better. Well played.

This was a pretty entertaining chapter that satisfied the fans while keeping the hype intact. It’s not exactly a Yorozuya’s reunion, but it will do for some amusing segments. As fun the action was, it was hilarious how the serious tone flipped with the twist. Shachi is finally back with a face-palming yet humorous reason for his long absence. Asaemon returns as well, now praying for the series to go on forever with her in the spotlight. Ahem. The Journey of Loincloth Mask will continue.