#chapter 701

Dressrosa has a mediterranean vibe in general but the Spanish southern zone is predominant.

Where has Law’s crew been all this time? I want to meet a crew that actually follows plans they make.

*general panic*

Sorachi:

The rumor is true. This is the final chapter of Gintama. In Jump Giga. That’s right. It’s not over yet. Honestly, this is fine from a viewer’s point of view. It’s best to please the fans with the best conclusive ending you can come up with. For a Gorilla who don’t know how to end it, based on that chapter, he sure knows how to deliver a wonderful chapter before the finale arrives.

The last chapter was astounding with plenty of great moments, including the long waited reunion of Yorozuya. It’s been nearly a year since we last seen them together again and I do mean under acknowledgement; no more hiding or confusion. Now, it’s the perfect time. With that said as expected, it’s a wonderful reunion that fits perfectly with the series’ nature. Only this series could get away with its shifting tone with pleasantry remain.

The chapter begins with a short recap of the last chapter’s last scene, only with a different angle shot. Kagura loses Sadaharu’s shell as it falls down along with Gintoki. It’s like they’re about to lose two members of the family in one moment, so they jump together to save them. Thus, it begins a splendid build-up for the complete reunion. It builds with the help of many flashbacks where Kagura has traveled. All of which couldn’t help her to save Sadaharu, but all left with an advice.

If you recall the last chapter, whereas one guy told her that Sadaharu isn’t dead nor alive, this is the continuation of some sort. All of them told her that perhaps there’s a trigger to his awakening; something that he has been waiting for. Her last stop was with Inugami Priestesses. The last advice is the solution may be closer than they think. It’s not something from outside, rather something that bond them together. Something that is inseparable. The moment of Sadaharu’s awakening got me all cheery.

The shell begins to break and it’s such a gasping moment. The dialogue about a family waiting to return gets to me, let alone the sequence. At long last, Sadaharu has awakened. If this was in the theater, this would have a roaring applause; I believe it because I was cheering. It’s such a great moment. Family is key and that is what they all have been waiting for. Otae is touched by the scene, knowing Sadaharu awake for Gintoki.

Or so she thought…

In Gintama’s fashion, there’s a hilarious twist and it begins with Sadaharu biting Gintoki; like the good old days. Talk about timing because one fan questioned about the biting and how he/she missed it. Your wish has come true. Not only he bites him but he is devouring him. What just happened? What’s even funnier is how Kagura is so happy for Sadaharu, but dismiss the fact Gintoki is eaten. So priority I guess? There goes the original intention for the reunion.

It gets bizarre when two old men come out from Sadaharu’s arse. That really happened. They just casually begin playing Shogi while Gintoki remains in Sadaharu’s mouth. What is happening? Finally, he barfs out Gintoki, all in filth. At least it resume the good feel nature after whatever just happened. Rightfully so, because we get a heartwarming moment with Kagura and Shinpachi confessing their true wish.

They split apart because they have something they wanted to do. Yorozuya was designed for those who have nothing else to do and just take jobs from outsiders. Despite the purpose, Kagura and Shinpachi are deeply fond of it because they feel like a family. They are a family. It’s because of what Gintoki said made them feel like they too should move on. Reality is they found what they enjoy and want to remain as Yorozuya. Gintoki feels the similar way. His two young members have grown up. The hands grapping panel is touching, no pun intended. Laugh it out that maybe it’s Gintoki that has shrunk.

Actually, that’s exactly the case.

Hilarious how the comedy returns with that sort of unexpected twist. I was feeling so sentimental and then, Sorachi threw me off with Mini-Gin. However, what tops it is the apparent new random plot point for Gin. Those two old men are actually part of him; he’s three in one. We never saw this plot twist coming, but it was hinted all this time. Where? His name, Gin-san. It’s not a suffix, it’s a number. What?! I cannot believe we have a new development behind his character. I thought Black Clover recent chapter was a shocker, but this takes it! What’s next? He has Six Bokuto abilities to master?

As hilariously charming the reunion has been, it does end on a fantastic note. The enemy crew makes their way to attack Yorozuya, while all three Gin (I suppose) are devoured by Sadaharu. Kagura’s logic is to assemble Gin’s parts to bring him back, and that includes his attire. That’s a clever way to make him return in his old form. Sadaharu shoots out Gintoki from his arse and holy crap, no pun intended for God’s sake, that’s seriously awesome. Yorozuya is officially back. You got to love that callback line from chapter 1. This feels like the final chapter. It has the ingredients, but we are not going to end until complete satisfaction.

It has a delighting tie-in reunion with the rest of the cast. It’s pretty neat to see Katsura and Kondo working together. Amazing how one was a Prime Minister and the other was a groom to a Gorilla. What a story to tell. Despite their positions, everyone is back together again. What a wonderful cast of characters. Speaking of characters, we were missing a few notable ones and what timing, because those guys go through a wall with Prince Hata’s car. Madao makes his heroic return in his heroic design. But he is done.

He arrives to help out Yorozuya to reach to the top after they fell a couple of floors down. He thought about how much of a development he had from being a homeless to a famous hero. Never mind that anymore, because he is simply Madao; end of story. He proves to be a great supporting character that doesn’t need to be incredible in offense. His inspiring speech is enough to show how well he can contribute to others. Nothing has changed, but perhaps there are some for the better, hint Prince Hata. It’s a nice development cycle.

The next couple of pages can be used for a presentation on why Gintama is a gem for the fans. Not only you have tons of characters kicking asses, but you also have the comradery, the wackiness, and a sight that display a swell family. In short, it’s the idiotic sight that makes the series as a whole. For these characters, it’s what they wanted to see again. I’m really going to miss this series.

There’s a short scene with Takasugi slowly walking forward and Otae sees him. He throws Gintoki’s Bokuto right by her as to say, “Give it back to him. I have to finish one last job.” I realized earlier, Gintoki was using a lance or something, not Bokuto. That’s nice of Takasugi to return it back. The question remains though: what is his fate? It’s still worrisome. To add more worries, it’s time for the return of Utsuro.

There’s actually a lot to worry about. First, Takasugi’s condition suggest his time is very near. Second, there’s an impending doom for Edo as Altana is going out of control. If it explodes, well, dark ending here we come. Lastly, Utsuro is returning. The chilling tension build-up for the awakening got to me. It’s like witnessing the devil coming to life as the world is ending. Tendoshu is preaching to his lord, hoping that he has fulfilled his destiny. Utsuro’s body has grown up as well, which means the possibility of a fight is high. Finally, he has returned. His credibility as a villain is strong, so this gave me chills.

Katsura and Hitsugi have a fight and it’s really good. It’s short but sweet with a literal heart on the line. I like how one move could decide the victor, which is why it’s gripping to see them dodging and blocking. It’s settled with a blast. Katsura hangs on the edge, while Hitsugi has the advantage, even with a sword thrusted through his gut. The heart falls off of Katsura’s pocket and Hitsugi aims to kill Katsura with the spear. Thank God for Hijikata and Sougo to stop him. Or so they thought.

Throughout the combat, Katsura wanted to stop him from retrieving the heart, believing he wanted to revive Utsuro. The twist is Hitsugi wants to destroy the heart and so, the staff aimed for the heart, not Katsura. That’s actually neat. I like how they both shared the same idea, albeit if Katsura has changed his mind after his last discussion. The fact is both of them were fighting under a similar solution. Not to mention, the last time Hitsugi was around, Takasugi was involved, who didn’t want to destroy it. This adds up really nicely.

Utsuro is now revived and he’s there to reclaim his final boss position. Tendoshu is the victim of a believer that only asked for trouble and rightfully so. He preaches on if he has fulfilled his wish, but Utsuro let him know that he only has one: to erase himself. He knocks his head off and before you would think he will come back, the Altana blast his body off, essentially killing him. Of course, we can’t have a naked final villain, so fortunately for him, he grabs a cape to hide it. Still look badass till this day.

The cliffhanger ends with Takasugi confronting him. It’s time to find out if this is the chance to save Sensei. One thing that is left unanswered is whether this Utsuro is Shouyo or not. There’s a good chance that it is him, seeing how he isn’t as sadist as before, but it left us wondering on purpose for the next chapter. It’s an interesting contrast between Takasugi and Katsura. One confronting to save Sensei, and the other that’s about ending it. With Yorozuya on their way, it’s a really good cliffhanger.