"Then let me see what kind of... hmm."
"Just how capable you are, protected by this 'Asura's Human Resentment.'"
"Besides, there's no rush to clear up the misunderstanding."
The moment Maynard finished speaking—
"Gin-chan! I'm coming to help you!"
A clear yet anxious cry shot out from behind Gintoki like an arrow tearing through the smoke.
Kagura!
After leaving the heavily wounded Kawakami Bansai and Kijima Matako in Shinpachi and Sadaharu's care,
she could no longer hold herself back. Gripping her purple umbrella, she rushed over like an enraged little lion.
Not far away,
Elizabeth had long since crouched beside Katsura Kotaro, holding up a sign that read "Under Treatment" as she tended to his injuries.
Takasugi, too, had Takechi Henpeita at his side, though no one knew when he had appeared.
Gintoki's expression changed drastically. "Idiot! Don't come over here, Kagura!"
The man practically roared, his voice filled with unprecedented panic.
He knew all too well how strong Colonel Maynard was.
Kagura charging in would be no different from a lamb walking into a tiger's jaws.
Without the slightest hesitation,
at the exact moment he shouted, Gintoki gathered his remaining strength. His feet slammed against the ground as he wielded his twin swords, turning into a silver-blue afterimage and launching a desperate charge first.
He had to draw all of the enemy's attention. He absolutely could not let him attack Kagura.
"Oh?"
"You're taking the initiative to protect that girl?"
Colonel Maynard's gaze shifted slightly, a trace of admiration flashing through his eyes.
But he remained even more composed. "Commendable courage, but—"
The battle erupted once more.
Yet Colonel Maynard merely stood where he was, either shifting slightly aside or raising a hand to block.
He effortlessly neutralized Gintoki's storm-like barrage of twin-blade slashes.
His movements were simple, efficient,