Hype. Hype. Hype! This chapter is hype! ...and it seems like the series is about to announce the dreaded “five chapters to go!” It could be the case that perhaps the end isn’t exactly here just yet, but anything goes with this series. With that said this was an exhilarating chapter with the tide turning around significantly, more tensed action, and the cliffhanger readying for one hell of a showdown.
The sight of Utsuro gushing out blood and look actually puzzled by how this can happen felt so rewarding. He has been an arrogant cocky bastard for too long for his good. After the Dragon veins are stopped, now he feels like a total fool. He’s starting to taste the sense of defeat and it’s only going to get better from here.
Sadaharu is probably the best dog in manga of all time; arguably the MVP of the arc. Expected but pleased, he’s the one that stopped the Dragon veins and Altana is practically reserved within him. Now Utsuro is a mortal with one death means no respawn.
Just when I finished calling Sadaharu MVP, Shinpachi the Great has no remorse or don’t let any second fly by, and freaking slash Utsuro with his sword no less. The badass aura is too much for me to handle. Seriously, that panel was outstanding and what tops it is how Shinpachi says the same line as Utsuro’s with “your bonus time has run out.” That deserve that meme with the greatest come back line.
It’s superb that Shinpachi takes a stand for everyone about the swords being broken, and with Utsuro’s immortality vanishing, they got nothing to fear or feel weak. They’re about to beat the hell of him and it’s all said wonderfully by him. This makes the past beatdown all the more inspiring; everyone’s tribute has come down to this. Shinpachi’s kintama has grown unimaginably.
The trial to end Utsuro is incredibly intense. I love the scenery of everyone striking back with the sight of triumphant. It reminds me of Kingdom where the tide has changed, it creates a new atmosphere and the momentum of the former loser is unmatched. It’s rewarding and gets you pumped up for the end. When you think Utsuro will be downgraded significantly, he keeps bringing in the surprises and it’s not because of out of nowhere power-up. It’s just a proven fact that he’s one strong samurai that can still solo many; it’s only the fact he has to limit the use of taking hits now.
I’m still impressed with his maneuvers as a mortal; reckless fighting is no longer applied yet his stance is all the familiar terror. Shinpachi may have slashed him bad, but the altana in him is still present, so he could recover some and continue to fight. It’s tensed on how this moment is their only chance to ever winning against him, yet he’s still a powerhouse monster. There’s no doubt that he’s a worthy threat to be the final villain.
After those two Yorozuya members got their shine, Kagura gets her next and what a shocker, another great moment. She was awesome as usual and it’s a great reminder that her character never goes to waste in any time. Using her umbrella for distraction is a well-played tactic since Utsuro relies on his sword and he doesn’t know if he has struck her down or not. That’s how she was able to leap over and kick the shit out of him; damn, that was glorious. I love how she doesn’t give a crap if he dies, so long he dies alone. He has to use the scabbard to push her back hard, though thankfully, she’s fine.
The action is intense because not only Utsuro can die for good, but there’s the time limit so to speak with Sadaharu trying to maintain the Dragon. If he loses it, not only Utsuro becomes immortal again but Sadaharu will die; that’s some high stakes right there. What I truly adore is how this series really makes sure that everything counts, including the Altana crystal. It was once felt like a lost cause or filler, but now it matters significantly.
Leave it to Gintoki for being a badass for standing up for everyone; I love that shot with him standing around corpses. The shard he threw at Utsuro’s eye went into his body system since his body absorbed the blow. The problem for him is if he’s not immortal, all those crystals become effective; causing him to feel pain and a heart stroke. Gintoki doesn’t care how he becomes weaken by that; all he knows is that he’s standing with others to finish the job for good; simple but perfectly addressed.
The hype feels surreal. Kagura and Shinpachi are not done and joining with Gintoki, Yorozuya will fight against Utsuro in what it is building to be epic. You can always count on Sorachi for great delivery. That said is the series nearly over? Is this the final battle? There’s no announcement for when it will end, so it’s likely that we will get a lot more time of action and drama. It is at the ending, make no mistake, but how long do we have is all a mystery.
The visual is great throughout the intensity. Shinpachi out of nowhere slashes Utsuro was magnificent. Kagura’s kick was splendid. Gintoki standing in front of death is bone-chillingly grand. I do believe he has a new scar, seeing how deep that looks to be; I could be wrong. The battlefield is like a ghost town; ironically bringing so much life to it.
This exciting chapter sets up the next chapter to be monumental intense. While it’s hard to say that it will end in five chapters or beginning of January, it is definitely very close to the end of the faithful battle. Whether it ends here or not, no doubt I am incredibly hyped for Yorozuya to be one badass family.
