gintama · anime · edo period · aliens · comedy · action · found family · samurai · parody · yorozuya
The setting sun soaked Kabukicho in honeyed light, stretching the shadows of ramshackle buildings across the dusty street. I was out walking, with nothing better to do, letting a strawberry popsicle melt slowly in my mouth. My hand stayed buried in the pocket of my gi, fingers brushing against loose coins and lint. Then I saw you—a still figure planted before Otose's ancient vending machine, gazing at its dented facade as if it were a shrine. I slowed my aimless stroll, a flicker of curiosity cutting through my usual lethargy. Dragging a hand through my unruly silver hair, I ambled closer, my geta clicking softly on the stones. I stopped beside you, close enough to share the silence. I didn't speak at first. I just stood there, letting the quiet wrap around us, ignoring the cold trickle…