Gintama Chapter 687 Review
At long last, the time for Yorozuya to reunite is here. Well, technically it is, but not properly. They do work together, but their mind isn’t connected like old times. The teases continues. Despite the obvious changes, since chapter one, they have been the best of bros and nothing can change that. This was a satisfying chapter with its build-up for a proper and complete reunion, a fun action that told its differences yet remain familiar, and few surprises that had me quite amused.
Not a moment later, Hijikata is already being interrogated by the ladies. If only he remained cool before; now, he’s about to feel what Gintoki has suffered. As expected, it’s humorous with Hijikata sealing his lips on Gintoki’s whereabouts, no matter how many mayonnaise they can throw at him. That’s right, his torment involves with mayonnaise; that’s so like him. I laughed at Yamazaki, who technically betrayed him by siding with the heroines like he has been on their side. What a twist. “Crispy old man.” I can never get tired of the use of KFC puns.
You would think Hijikata would be strong enough to prevent from submission. I can see multiple tries that would eventually force him to spill out. Nope. It only took one try and not only he spills the bean, but for whatever reason, he has become a jar of mayonnaise. I guess he’s a god now? Funny because now he doesn’t know what’s so appealing about mayonnaise. That torture is incredible. Now the heroines know about Gintoki’s whereabouts, Otae is going after Shinpachi to tell him. That’s going to be interesting, but is it needed because of the next scene?
The main hype is the Yorozuya’s reunion. Kagura is not there, but it is a start with Shinpachi only, considering that he was the first new member. Let me tell you, those three pages have to be the most gut wrenching experience of the arc so far, and there’s no action involved. It’s all about the two making their first move to interact; it only takes one.
It’s quite the experience how the chapter slowly goes over the scene with each movement. When Shinpachi stopped, it was heart pounding. It had me pleading for anyone to say something, anything. What makes it tensed is how one of them actually wants to move, instead of running away or continue to hide. That’s more effective in character’s storytelling.
Gintoki wanted to say something, but couldn’t do it. He was shaking, probably due to fear of many things. Shinpachi wanted to say something as well, but chooses to move along. He stops again with a second thought, but ultimately move forward. Perhaps he felt it was too good to be true. It is possible that he may know that it’s Gintoki, but maybe he’s not ready? It’s tensed and somewhat heartbreaking once they move on. You can grasp that Gintoki is disappointed at himself; unable to contact. Why, Gorilla?!
The atmosphere suddenly changes with Naraku arriving and attack Gintoki. That’s not good at all. That means the next phase of serious action is here with Naraku already in Edo. Right? I was cursing at Sorachi for dismissing the reunion, but that quickly changes when Shinpachi returns to tag along with Gintoki without acknowledging him. Now I am praising him to high heaven. Seriously, there’s an undertone that maybe Shinpachi does know it’s him. Regardless, we are treated with a team in a fun action.
I really like how you can tell the differences with Shinpachi’s skills. Two years ago, his fighting style was portrayed like a novice but growing talent, which later on became slow but thoughtful. Now, he can keep up with the flow of Gintoki’s style as well as being agile to evade and fight swiftly. Being ranked at number seven at the poll did so much justice. I also like how he stays true to the code of Yorozuya; always butting in like no one’s business. You taught him well, Gintoki.
Thankfully, the comedy isn’t over yet. Just before Shinpachi uncover his identity, he got so desperate for a disguise that he takes a loincloth from a downed enemy and wears it to cover his face. Behold, the birth of Loincloth Mask! He’s going to be in a stealth video game one day. That and he apparently has undies fetish. Shinpachi’s reaction is funny, feeling like he chose the wrong side. I’ll say…
As nice it was to see them working together, it sadly has to cut short because Gintoki is a good man to put his life over his own. Just before I was about to feel sad for the short reunion, the boss appears and orders his men to aim for Shinpachi. It got serious now…right? Actually, this is a plot twist. They’re not Naraku. They’re working with that mysterious man. Then, the reveal. It’s been two years but finally! Shachi has returned and he wants to kill Shinpachi for being a fake. Hilarious!
It’s so kind of Shachi to honor Gintoki as his precious buddy and will take out anyone who tried to imitate him. I can’t stop laughing at Gintoki’s face that reads, “You got to be kidding me…” In a single panel, Shachi is taken out by his precious buddy; the series can now conclude. So to recap, those guys aren’t Naraku and their weapons are bamboo swords. That means the serious aspect is saved for later. That’s a relief. Now then, why the hell did it take this long for Shachi to reappear? Maybe Sorachi finally remembered.
There’s actually a backstory from Shachi. It starts off sincere with his recollection with Gintoki, who he is thankful to meet with him. After all, if it wasn’t for him, Shachi wouldn’t have a dream of becoming a successful mangaka. Good times. It got a bit depressing when he talks about life in prison during the war. It’s messed up that the guards just abandoned the place and let the prisoners burn. Shachi’s hope was about to be perished and he was trying to finish one thing before his life may end. It was rather touching. That is until I learn more about his could have been but should have been last action.
It’s not that he was working on something meaningful like writing a farewell letter or trying to escape. He was so busy to find a screen tone for the nipples. Yeah, he should just burn in hell for all I care. Someone did save the prisoners, but under an oath to atone their sins and return back once it is normal, or else a Shinigami will take their life. When I saw the mask, I was marking out. Finally, once again, it’s been two years, but Asaemon makes her return! Well, in a flashback, but it’s a sign of hope. That was nice of her to give prisoners a chance to atone their sins, which would explain Shachi joining the war to help...
I love how self-aware this series is. Sorachi actually mocks himself with the two missing characters that appeared once in the war or to be precise, volume 68. This tells me that he had a long-term plan all the long since the remaining characters didn’t appear until now. I wonder what would have happened if the series was cancelled. Like that would happen. This begs the question: where were Shachi and Asaemon during the war?
Shachi had a convincing and heartwarming story of his triumphant return to Edo. He struggled and thought if he had the rights to leave and persuade to redeem himself. That’s a nice character development. Then he just had to end the damn story with his newfound purpose to fight: to grab all Number 61 screen tones for the nipples. So, in other words, he went off to grab all screen tones while the war was going on in which could have legit ended the world. This guy has no sense of priority. So much for atoning his sins.
Asaemon was following him for a reason I thought to back him up, but instead, she was spectating until it’s time for a punishment. Seriously. On the positive note, she does appear at the end and this time, we finally get to see her new look. Fight me here and now, but she looks drop dead gorgeous. I’ll go far as saying the most prettiest of the heroines. Okay, it’s all debatable but who knew a longer hair would raise her beauty level. I’m like the last panel with the reactions, except I’m thinking, “Oh my god, she’s hot!”
So to recap once more. The not Naraku are prisoners, Shachi’s goal was to collect all Number 61 screen tones for nipples instead of fighting a war, and Asaemon, now the beauty title holder, was chasing him during the war. That makes perfect sense. Sorachi is a clever gorilla to hint a connection of the two with the fascination on nipples. The timing and execution couldn’t be any better. Well played.
This was a pretty entertaining chapter that satisfied the fans while keeping the hype intact. It’s not exactly a Yorozuya’s reunion, but it will do for some amusing segments. As fun the action was, it was hilarious how the serious tone flipped with the twist. Shachi is finally back with a face-palming yet humorous reason for his long absence. Asaemon returns as well, now praying for the series to go on forever with her in the spotlight. Ahem. The Journey of Loincloth Mask will continue.
