So, Gintama is cool and all but when it comes to the past, we barely know a damn thing. Here's the most infamous conversation that are raising so many questions.
-Takasugi and Katsura's conversation (Ep. 61):
Katsura: Takasugi...I hate you. In the past and in the present. But I thought of you as a comrade. In the past and in the present. When did our paths start to differ? Takasugi:What are you talking about? It's true that perhaps we had the same starting point. But even then, our goals were different. Each wanted to do his own thing. We set our sights on different goals. And thats how we lived. I haven't changed at all. What I've set my sights on hasn't changed at all. I...
*cuts to the others fighting*
Takasugi:Zura, you know, when all of you pick up your swords for the country or for your comrades, I actually didn't care for it. Think about it, that sword in your hand. Who taught us how to use it? Our samurai code, our way of living. Who taught us these? The one who gave us a world to live in was without a doubt, Shouyou-sensei. Yet this world took him from us. In that case, we have no choice but to fight in this world. We have to completely destroy this world that took him from us! Hey Zura, How do you feel living in this world? In this world that took our teacher away from us? *gets angry* How could you live in it in such a carefree manner? It pisses me off! Katsura:Takasugi. I don't remember how many times I wanted to destroy this world. But he! He bore it all. He...the one who should be hating this world the most, bore with it! What else can we do?! I won't destroy this country anymore. I can't. There are too many important people here. Right now, all I see of you is a desperate clawless beast who only knows how to indulge in destruction. If you can't stand this country then destroy it. But I won't stand by and let you destroy the people living in Edo. There should be another way. A way to change this country without any sacrifices! That must be what Shouyou-sensei hoped fo--
*A couple of Amanto interupts. They seem to know Katsura?*
Katsura: Amanto?! Takasugi: Zura, I heard. You and Gintoki fought in the Harusame before. I've been trying to get their cooperation and support. Thanks to you it went so well. Your heads will be my gift to them. Katsura: Takasugi! Takasugi: I told you. I just want to destroy....this corrupted world!
After that scene comes Katsura meeting Gintoki and about to fight the Amanto.
Katsura: *killing Amanto* Out of my way, I'm in a really bad mood right now. Random Joi Member: Katsura-san! Gintoki: Yo, Zura. What's with that hair? Did you get dumped? Katsura: Shut up, It's an image change. What about you? Did you get hit by a bomb? Gintoki: Shut up! It's an image change! Katsura: What kind of image change is that?!
*Katsura tells the Joi to get out now and that Benizakura is destroyed. He tells them he and Gintoki will cover them so they can runaway. Insert cool ZuraGin fight with music here*
Katsura: Gintoki! Gintoki: Hah? Katsura: There are things in this world that won't go the way you want it to! Forget the country! I can't even change a friend! Gintoki: *sarcasm* Zura, you have friends? Thats just your imagination! Katsura: Do you want to be cut into pieces, you bastard?! *defense mode(lol)* Gintoki! Gintoki: Hah? Katsura: Don't change. It'll take too much effort to kill you. I'd rather not do it. Gintoki: Zura, if you ever change...i'll be the first one to cut you down! GinZura: *smiles and points swords towards Takasugi who's watching from above* Takasugi! Katsura: That's how it is! Gintoki: The next time we meet, we'll no longer be comrades! GinZura: We'll cut you down with all our might!! Gintoki: You better hope...you don't run into us in the streets! Katsura: So long!
*then they both jump off the ship with Elizibeth style parachute. Gintoki is clinging to Katsura*
Gintoki: You're well prepared. What are you Lupin? Katsura: It's not Lupin, it's Zura! Ah, thats not right, it's Katsura! This is how I managed to escape the Shinsengumi all this time. *takes out the book* But I didn't expect him to still have this. We came from the same starting point. But...we ended up pretty far away from each other. Gintoki, do you still remember this? Gintoki: Yeah. I spilt ramen on it so I threw it away.
WHAT WE KNOW
-Takasugi, Katsura, Gintoki and Tatsuma fought together during the Amanto war AND shown as friends.
-During the Benizakura arc it looks like their mystery teacher Shouyou-sensei was of great importance.
-Katsura and Takasugi still have that notebook/text from their childhood.
-Shouyou-sensei apparently died sometime during the war.
THE QUESTIONS:
-What is the real reason why Gintoki gave up defending Edo from the Amanto?
-During the Benizakura arc, we've been shown Gintoki, Takasugi and Katsura when they were little. Where was Sakamoto?
-Who exactly is Shouyou-sensei? Why did he make such a big impact on Takasugi and Katsura?
-Did Takasugi join the Amanto solely for revenge on the death of his sensei?
-How did Takasugi lose his eye?
