Dear Gintama gods and Sorachi-sama,
Seeing our three Joui boys reunited and finally working together towards a common goal was already enough to fill my heart to overflowing with warmth; I honestly would have been totally happy and satisfied if that was all we were getting in this chapter. But, as usual, you then go and completely blow me away by topping that development by the way of Hijikata’s revelation: he’s been looking for Gintoki for these past two years. TWO YEARS! All this time! Just the thought of that is enough to move me to tears. I know Kondou gave him his blessing, but the fact remains that looking for Gintoki was Hijikata’s own idea…this was something he thought up, decided on and carried out. He was willing to part ways from Kondou and the majority of his Shinsengumi brethren in order to complete this mission. And he did it all this time knowing full well why Gintoki left the Yorozuya, but he didn’t care. He didn’t judge: all he wanted to do was find the man who did so much for the Shinsengumi, did so much for him, and reunite him with his Yorozuya family because HIjikata probably knew deep down that’s where Gintoki wants to be, that’s where he belonged. That the Yorozuya is nothing without Gin-chan. It really colors their reunion from chapters ago in an even more poignant way: Hijikata must have been so happy when Gintoki finally returned to Edo of his own accord. So when Gintoki immediately got away from him again, I can only imagine how disappointed he was. That would also explain why he was tailing him covertly: at first I thought he was only trying get to Takasugi by the way of Gintoki, or at least try to see what they were up to, but now I know that a good part of the reason was because he wanted to keep him in his sight was because he didn’t want to lose him again.
And then, as if that wasn’t enough, those last scenes of the Shisengumi reinstating themselves for the sake of the Yorozuya? Dear gods, that totally aimed straight for my heart, which was already overflowing with warmth and fuzziness, and enveloped it in such tight, loving embrace that it’s in danger of bursting from euphoria. I especially loved how the moment of the Shinsengumi men standing attention to their demon vice captain totally mirrored the last time they stood attention to Hijikata in the Farewell Shinsengumi arc, when they were setting out to rescue Kondou, even down to their old uniforms. It felt so right: when Hijikata was at his lowest point, Gintoki was there to motivate him by sharing with him the most painful event in his life, something which he never even shared with Shinpachi and Kagura at that point. Then, as he stood side-by-side with Hijikata to push open the doors to the Shinsengumi headquarters, he was also in essence helping to push Hijikata onto the path he needed to take at the time. And now, sensing that Gintoki needs him in return, Hijikata is moving on his own to rally his troops so that they may fully lend their support to him, since he is now on a difficult path of his own, as he may soon be forced to make yet another painful decision for the second time in his life. When Toshi announced to his men that their battlefield is by the Yorozuya’s side, I teared up because I took that as not only confirmation that he wanted to fight by Gintoki’s side, but that he was also willing to die by his side as well. He is putting himself and his men in harm’s way for the sake of the Yorozuya, and I just…I almost can’t deal with how beautiful and wonderful that notion is. Even if I were to put aside my GinHiji moments, I still can say that the growth of their relationship and watching how it has changed over the years has really been both interesting and fun. But of course, because I am indeed a silly GinHiji-shipping fangirl, I must also say that it has also been most joyous and rewarding. I was just lamenting to a fellow Gintama fan the other day that I would be grateful if we got any type of interaction between Gintoki and Hijikata anymore since I didn’t expect there would be much opportunity of that with everything going on, especially not so soon. And even though technically, we didn’t get to see the two of the actually cross paths again, this was just as good because I know now it is not only inevitable that they will, probably soon, but that it will undoubtedly be EPIC when that happens. I cannot wait for Gintoki to see that not only has Hijikata brought the entirety of the Shinsengumi with him as support (I was so pleased to see Saitou and that familiar baldy again!), but more importantly, that he also brought the rest of the Yorozuya as well so they can finally have their proper, real reunion. Gods, I just hope Gin-chan doesn’t do something stupid like trying to skip out on them again…or even if he does try, hopefully Hijikata will be well-prepared to prevent him from getting away this time.
Oh and lest you thought I didn’t notice, Sougo being right behind Hijikata as he called everyone to arms to join the Yorozuya naturally signified to me that Sougo was willing to fight and die by Kagura’s side as well. Thank you for showering me with both GinHiji-ness AND OkiKagu-ness.
You have blessed me with so much this time, I really cannot thank you enough. Your bounty to me is too much, more than I deserve, but I will accept it with a copious amount of gratitude and humility while greedily hoping that you will continue to bestow even more upon me (and others like me) since I can never be truly satiated; every little morsel you throw my way unfortunately just makes me desire more. Your patience is greatly appreciated; please continue to feed me more.
A silly fangirl with yaoi dreams
PS: I do love the Joui boys so I thank you for letting them be on the same side again…I hope Sakamoto joins them soon.
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