MY 20 FAVORITE MOMENTS IN LESSON 489:

Moment 1: I know Saitou rang the Yorozuya’s doorbell at the end of the last chapter, but to be totally honest, it didn’t even register on me that he must be a separate entity from Gintoki until I saw him in this chapter.

Moment 2: This adorable human peeking pile. I don’t think I even realized Shinpachi was at the way bottom being squashed by everyone the first time I read this chapter. They actually broke his glasses. Loved that little detail. 

Moment 3: The afro talk.

Moment 4: Gintoki being all threatening to defend his home was cute.

Moment 5: SO GROSS.

Moment 6: I thought the more important question was, WHY DID HE LEAVE IT ON THE TOILET????

Moment 7: I loved the letter and the fact that Saitou was so shy. He’s such a cutie.

Moment 8: My boys when they were young!!!! I love Toshi’s hair so much. And even though Sorachi-sama was totally retconning their history by including Saitou in it, I totally didn’t mind.  Young Saitou is pretty adorable too.

Moment 9: This poor guy! I wanted to give him a hug to help him get over all his insecurities. 

Moment 10: I saw it as the Yorozuya deciding to be matchmakers for Zura and Saitou.

Moment 11: The smile that only a blind mother could love.

Moment 12: He’s so awkward and misguided!!

Moment 13: I just love it when everyone else reacts in horror while Kagura is just like whatevs. The Queen always keeps her cool.

Moment 14: I was greatly distressed by that sight...even though Eli looked adorable in the Shinsengumi outfit.

Moment 15: I really felt Zura’s horror...

Moment 16:  ...so I was shocked when he did this. Elizabeth’s sign made the moment especially heart-wrenching.

Moment 17: Zura deserved that. I mean, I know he didn’t want to blow his cover, but he didn’t have to hit Eli. It’s not like Saitou told him to do that.

Moment 18: This just made me like Saitou even more. How sweet of him! I don’t understand why he had to hang Elizabeth upside down like that, but at least he didn’t mean any harm about it.

Moment 19: Again, Zura deserved that...even though I felt bad for him.

Moment 20: Just, all those afros and the fact that Zura was still all in.

SHIPS TALLY:

Zura x Saitou: it felt like Saitou totally fell for Zura already.

Zura x Elizabeth: I’m sure punching Eli hurt Zura more than it hurt her...even if it was kinda unnecessary. But look at that pain in his eyes...that was real suffering right there.

Saitou x Elizabeth: I thought it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Disclaimer: Gintama is not only about shipping. Gintama is hilarious, clever, exciting, poignant, heart-breaking, loving, brilliant, and just so freaking amazing.  It is only due to Sorachi-sama’s generosity that I can enjoy Gintama on yet another level, the shippy level, and I am forever grateful for that. GINTAMA IS LIFE AND LOVE.