#chapter 683

HELP!!! MY HEART!!!! These idiots will be the death of me!

Everybody is dressed in armor, ready to fight the common enemy. The youngest swordmaster, the dragons, Rosalyn, the royals looking solemn.

The past chapters have been nothing but emotional and somewhat dreary. While that is not a bad thing, it was concerning to believe the end for Joui 3 won’t be delightful, especially one with a potential death. Gintoki and Takasugi are back in Edo, so begin the buildup for a reunion. This chapter continues the trend of ominous tone, but once more goes back to the fun and humorous side that it was needed.

Takasugi has been really impressive in this arc so far. Rather than him showing you why, this time it lets others speak. It’s reassuring that Kiheitai is heading to Edo as well, so the reunion in one setting is definitely going to be very pleasant. That said Matako shows an act of maturity. Rather following him like a typical fan girl, she is conflicted on what to do.

Sorachi inserted the captain who took Gintoki and Takasugi to Edo on his ship to exploit the reason for Matako’s pondering. It’s writing technique to have one character’s line indirectly share with another from afar. Basically, Takasugi is more of a genuine good person this time. Despite the dark history that the captain knew about, he can’t help but felt the need to help him from his determination. It’s no wonder they were portrayed like good comrades.

The chapter wants to point out that with Takasugi being on good term, he and Gintoki never look so alive like best friends finally going on a journey that they have dreamt since school days. Plenty of series tends to showcase the friendship of two rivals. Some are good to believe and some are bad with its hammering. This one is fortunately good because of the past developments and interactions that you can buy in easily. It’s not out of nowhere, it’s organic as it can get.

It’s a warm feeling since we know Takasugi’s death clock is ticking rapidly. It’s sadder with Matako noting that he has never looked so happy in her time with him. After the captain’s speech, she backs up his claim about the two being best friends and not in for a duty. She doesn’t know if she doesn’t want to interfere or she wants to continue to watch him enjoying his remaining life. I don’t think she knows he’s dying, but regardless, it’s mature of her to think this way, yet sad to know all of this should have happened a long time ago.

I really like the sightseeing from Gintoki, clearly missed his home. The foundation between him and everyone is so incredible, any reunion will put a smile on my face. Well, besides one, we will get to that soon. The town isn’t done fixing, but it looks like certain areas are going to be more city-like than before. It’s a bit charming comparison to him and a brat of returning home. Everyone will eventually forgive.

Before going forward with the exploration, the chapter shifts to where Tendoshu are discussing with Hitsugi. I knew it was him under that casted mask and missing limbs. That said the information that the Tendoshu spout isn’t new, but the point is how manipulative and control they have against him; practically made him into their slave. They even go far as insulting him while he was still there, yet they know and proceed to do so. What a bunch of assholes.

I don’t know the plan is to have Naraku backstab them one day, but that would be some hell of an enemy of my enemy is my friend scenario. Hitsugi is doing it for his beloved master. He too seek for immortality, but that is more down the line of contribution than selfish reason. The stare is probably foreshadow, but we have to wait and see where the road lies ahead.

As for Tendoshu, they’re the worst since they have things in control as they love to have. There’s an elaborated reason for them seeking to take Altana from Edo. It’s basically Plan B in which they would take it and somehow create a replicated heart. They’re pretty much power hungry. The best part is they are getting their revenge against Utsuro after last time, so the table has turned. Remarkable to make me feel bad for him; well, the Shoyo part of him at least.

Another new info is the location of the Tengenism’s temple. It’s not even on Earth, rather floating in space since it’s a moving temple Kuyou. It’s practically a giant ship, but it’s worth noting because it’s where they keep Utsuro’s body. I don’t know if that would be the final battle setting, but it’s the only way to get the job done. That or somehow it will go down on Earth. Why is it in space? Because they have huge ego when they designed the ship with the mindset of looking down on Earth. Is it wrong to hope for crash and burn?

Takasugi has been a swell guy. He even offer Gintoki a time alone to catch up with his friends. Gintoki tries to avoid the opportunity with a reasonable argument that would cause a stir. Could you imagine if your hero decide to save a killer? Naruto could work, but in this series, no. Takasugi got him good with a response that exposed him. Gintoki is afraid of being conflicted on his decision because if he reunites with Yorozuya, he will start thinking as a guy who must cleanse evil. It’s challenging and I’m loving it. I seriously hope Sorachi can deliver the message profoundly.

After that, the chapter or series in general decides to go back to the humorous side and it’s worth it. As usual, it’s hilarious with the shenanigans with Hijikata and Yamazaki; oh sorry, Mobcop. It’s a great timing to reference Devilman since Gintoki is on the verge to lose his sanity. The image with him holding the glasses kills me. Even Sorachi is aware of the potential dark ending. Oddly enough, if Devilman Crybaby is the audience’s first introduction to the franchise, consider it a major spoiler.

I also got a good laugh at the explanation of how they followed Gintoki. Mobcop was supposed to be flying, which is why Hijikata looked hype when boarding on him. Too bad his gas apparently ran out, so they only latch on the boat underwater. I’m here thinking, “Wouldn’t Hijikata drown by that point?” Well, he was close to death at least five times. Mobcop’s fuel is anpan, which is a funny and clever reference to Robocop in which uses baby food. Although, he needs a specific type alas fine-grained bean paste, so apparently, he’s pretty picky.

After a good comedy, the chapter revert back to a serious tone, this time with Hijikata. He isn’t sure if Gintoki is doing something evil, which technically he is for now, but if he can confirm, then he will kill him. I thought it was touching for he reacted like he doesn’t want to say it but if it comes to it, then it must be done. You can tell how much he does care about him as a friend.

To make it more emotional, he reminds Mobcop the code of Shinseigumi, but also reflect that it’s the same group that Gintoki has saved. It would be a damn sad ending if it all goes to that route. Mobcop gives him a reality check of what’s no longer there, but Hijikata subtly tell him to shut up. I so can’t wait for a reunion. With those two back in Edo, it’s only matter of time.

We are back with more comedy and it’s so funny. After the heartfelt moment, the follow-up breaks away from the dreary mood and embark whacky plan in motion. Gintoki and Takasugi go their separate way, so normally, two against two would mean one take on one. Not for Mobcop; he literally split up to chase both respectively. Yes, it’s very normal for citizens to split from the waist down. Unless it’s Tokyo Ghoul.

I really like how Sorachi managed to freshen up the dynamic between him and Hijikata; this is why the comedy doesn’t get old. I like how Hijikata talks about what anpan he’s going to get for him but of course, each time he says it, it’s only a trolling remark. It’s only because Mobcop keeps screwing up. After being told to blend in, the most logic thing to do is disguise with the identity of another. Apparently, Hijikata has a twin brother now.

The dumb part about it is how Mobcop is pretty much saying that Hijikata’s job is only to get the anpan for him. Even when disguised as him, he was going to grab one, completely disregard the main target. I couldn’t stop laughing at the stupidity. It only breaks the trend once Mobcop acts natural and by his definition, it means no clothes, all free. That’s when Hijikata finally stop trolling and actually got the anpan for him, so he can stop humiliating him. Fan girls must be stoked.

The last couple of pages are hilarious. Gintoki almost caught them but they somehow blend in with the store ads, acting like mannequin. Mobcop exposes more than enough if you get what I mean. Somehow, it works unless Gintoki is lying, which I can definitely believe. Otherwise, he’s easily fooled. What got me laughing so much is after he left, it appears things are secured, but shortly after, he returns with a panic look. He buys an underwear, wears it over his head, and all the sudden, he’s tagging along with others in disguising. Why? Because Otae appears. Need I say more? Hijikata’s reaction cracks me up.

BEST SLEEP HE EVER HAD 🤣