#though in this instance he seeks takasugi out on his own so there's more to work with

[piduai]

gintama is really mid when it comes to serious writing/plot because it's allergic to foreshadowing and character building and relies on suspense of disbelief & just trust me bro-ism for most of its dramatic moments and tearjerkers. like sacchan & zenzo have been around since FOREVER and were never shown being particularly cordial or having a history together prior to shogun assassination, even though they did interact before. but come this arc and they're childhood best friends with the shogun as a third, sacchan recognizes zenzo as a leader much stronger and more skilled than her that she respects and cherishes, and zenzo has a soft, almost romantic affection for her. all so it will feel sadder when he dies. but it doesn't feel sad, it feels annoying and forced and undeserved. and it's like that with most if not all of its serious parts, very out of left field & with no foundation despite wanting for a pay off