Wow, thanks for such a in-depth comment! I guess the fact that Shinpachi (and Kagura) have such little understanding of what the war/Gintoki in the war was like seemed like a good hole to explore. Although also pretty painful. Considering how badly they must have lost going up against beam weapons and such, it's really pretty amazing that Takasugi's the only one who ended up completly shattered.

I've gotta say, despite the complete moron Katsura is, I love episodes and fics that show the other side to him - the one where he's a samurai who survived howevermany years of bloody war and came out mostly whole.

Thanks again, glad you enjoyed!