The Land of the Samurai ; 侍の国 (Gintama x Reader)

Benizakura [Part 1]

The beautiful sakura blossoms flew along the path of the wind. It decorated the dirt paths with spots of pink; some of which found themselves coming through the open doors of the classroom. The soft touch of the petals made contact with your cheek and dropped to your desk.

"Everyone, from here on, you will be learning all sorts of things," your teacher, Yoshida Shōyō spoke.

You took a glance over at the young silver haired boy in the room. He was leaning on the wall at the back of the class, bathing in a morning sun by the open doors. The boy slept peacefully-it was as if he didn't have a care in world. In his small hands, slanted against his chest, was a sword with a brown sheath. It was positioned upright with his head on its hilt.

Diverting your gaze, you looked over to the other important boys in the room. Katsura was concentrating on the teacher, his green book in his hands. Takasugi had a hand on his chin, leaning against his desk. You looked forward and watched your teacher.

"Of course, as you continue through your journey, you will run into many different walls of adversity."

Gintoki's head accidentally hit his sword and he awoke from his nap. Yoshida Shōyō's words resonated with him as he sat up properly and his gaze didn't leave the teacher's figure.

"How you confront each issue is strictly up to you. How long I can remain by your sides, I do not know," Yoshida smiled at you. "So to begin, let me offer you all these words."

---

The edge of the teacup met your lips as you tasted the sweetness of the drink. Your eyes were closed as you sat on the ledge of the outdoor wooden path just outside Kondo-san's office. The captain himself was outside, in front of you practicing his swings with a wooden sword; Hijikata was standing beside you - a cigarette in his mouth; Sougo was laying in the office, his red eye mask over his eyes.

"What? Takasugi?" Kondo asked his Vice-Chief.

Hijikata released the smoke in his mouth, "Yeah, there's no mistake. It's reliable intel from our operatives."

"So, Takasugi is back in Edo..." your head perked up at the sound of his name.

"Takasugi?" Sougo spoke, "Isn't he the one who played us for fools last time?"

"That's because you disappeared into the restroom for so long!"

Sougo got up and removed his mask, "Huh? That's strange. "Doesn't that mean some diligent mayora guy... is even less competent than me?"

"You bastard!" Hijikata swung his blade at the sandy haired boy; Sougo easily dodging it and revealing his bazooka.

"Will you two stop?" you raised a brow. "Now, what about Takasugi-san?" you pretended as if you had no affiliation with him.

"The most dangerous extremist amongst the Jōi rebels. Takasugi Shinsuke. It seems he has gathered the one known as Assassin Nizō, an expert in Iaido, Okada Nizō; known as the Red Bullet for her terrifying skill with the pistol, Kohima Matako; a demented strategist who works from the shadows, Takechi Henpeita; and lastly, a master of swordsmanship who's shrouded in mystery, Kawakami Bansai. With these guys at the core, the Kiheitai has been resurrected."

"Kiheitai? That volunteer army that Takasugi led during the Jōi War?"

"Yeah. It is said that the man lives up to his reputation, strong as a demon."

Kondo stopped his swings, "But what's planning to do with a group like that in these times?"

"I fear he may be forming a strong military outfit in order to stage a coup d'état. Kondo-san, that man is dangerous."