Morning light streamed through the newly fitted doors and windows.
Warm patches of sunlight spread across the tatami mats.
The Night King's attic, once steeped in desire and oppression,
had now taken on an entirely new appearance.
Elegant suns and sparrows were painted on the shoji doors.
A faint scent of incense lingered in the air, replacing the cloying perfume of old.
The only thing that remained was the sweeping view from this highest point in Yoshiwara.
Only now, beyond the windows, lay a free sky and streets slowly coming back to life.
The attic's largest Japanese-style room had been temporarily converted into a dining room.
Everyone sat gathered around a long, low table.
"Let's eat—"
Sakata Gintoki dragged out the words as his dead-fish eyes swept over the lavish breakfast before him.
Steam rose from the pearly white Rice.
Tofu and kelp floated in the miso soup in just the right proportions.
The grilled fish was golden and crisp, while the rolled omelet was soft and fluffy.
Five or six small dishes of seasonal side dishes were neatly arranged beside them.
Most outrageous of all, there was even an unopened carton of strawberry milk specially set out for him.
The strawberry image on the package was so vivid it practically stabbed his eyes.
"Th-this is the reward stage after beating the BOSS, isn't it?"
Gintoki's hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly.
"Free lodging, three free meals a day, and such a luxurious spread."
He abruptly raised his head, a strange light gleaming in his eyes.
"Miss Sun Blade, we could totally set up camp here permanently!"
"Look, Yoshiwara was just liberated. There'll definitely be all kinds of messy factions coming to stir up trouble."
"If we stay here, we can keep the peace, and—"
"Gin-san!"
Shinpachi, seated across from