#chapter 653

It’s pretty cool to see how Umibozu went all over the universe to collect the Altana in order to face one greatest foe of his life. It’s a bit sad that one of the scientists wondered why Umibozu went out of his way to collect Altana crystal when his wife Kouka is dead. That line alone shows that they know each other for a while and his curiosity sees Umibozu rejuvenated his interest. His expression says the achievements have been unlocked.

The chapter explains the Altana and how Umibozu is using it to end Utsuro. It’s a good thing that the last arc already shows the weakness and key to victory before this chapter; otherwise, it would have feel like a great deus ex machina at the last minute. Utsuro’s strength was slowly showing off from immortality to Altana; it never left an impression that he is always unstoppable. Not to mention, the last arc already hinted Umibozu to play a key role to save the world.

The explanation does make sense on how he came close in the last arc. Altana is the source to Utsuro’s immortality, but it didn’t elaborate before on why he needs to go back to Earth to prevent actual death. It turns out that it’s a rare occasion that people can be born from Altana from their home planet. It treats it as their blood veins, as if to say the world is his/her body. It’s why Kouka starts to feel human and sick once she left her home planet. It was not only dying but it had little Altana crystal left to save her.

This explanation certified that Utsuro isn’t immortal; rather has a powerful mortal body. When Umibozu breaks the crystal inside his body, it actually did work; it never said it didn’t. The idea is to use Altana source from outside of Earth because the body can’t function well with another source. It’s like injecting a different blood type to a person. It treats it like a virus and Umibozu searched everywhere to create weapons with Altana use. The best part is how he builds up for the greatest discovery.

His hair is back and glorious as ever!

The transition to comedy is seamless and caught me with laughter. I was hooked to the buildup and then he went out of his way to present his newfound hair. It’s comical how Sorachi actually treats it as deus ex machina, only for useless perks. Too bad Kamui has little-to-no respect for his old man to rip off his hair like a wig. There goes his hair already; I should have foreseen its death flag.

The mood tried to bounce back to serious note with the introduction of a unique gun. The problem is it’s a gun for a hair and it takes a couple of seconds to make it grow. The reaction toward his asinine discovery is hilarious. Yorozuya keeps on pummeling him and one time, they just shove him at the enemy like a bulldozer. If anything, his weapon can truly benefit the world with bold men. Then again, I can only recall him to be the only one.

The sense of seriousness returns when he finally shows its useful perk. When Altana is combined with a weapon, it can now override the immortal body and becomes simply mortal. The cannon of his are combined with it, so he can actually kill them in one killing blow. It also helps that the particles spread around the area, so the rule still applies. Why Umibozu didn’t use it earlier is beyond me; hell, even Yorozuya has the same complaint. Thank God no one died...

He also made grenades, which Kamui got a head start of using it. The tone completely shifts to seriousness and it’s a heartwarming end to the chapter. Umibozu and Kamui have kind words to Kagura as if they finally learned their lesson from her and they want her to do what’s important to her: protect the family. They allowed themselves to stay behind and take care of endless enemy troops in order for Kagura to save Sadaharu. It’s a really nice family scene.

The best part is that Umibozu made a sword for Gintoki because he believes the way of a Samurai. What’s touching is Gintoki using the ideology of having two swords, completing the warrior status. One can be addressed as a sole protector among themselves. However, even with a new sword, he always has two swords and they can’t be broken. The family theme is nice in here. Both families have their strengths and care, and they won’t let this war break them apart.

The presentation is presented on the comical aspect. It’s hilarious on how it was building for a great reveal, only to end on a ridiculous note. It doesn’t get old to see Yorozuya beating Umibozu down. The cannon scene is a cool moment, though that was a bonus weapon rather than the hair gun. Seriously. There’s a tender moment by the end with the gentle family theme. Gintoki’s new sword looks promising. I once imagined that Altana sword could be one way to kill Utsuro and here we are.