The next day.
July 9, Marine Calendar 1508.
7:00 a.m.
At this very moment, for Gintama Star, it was destined to be etched into the river of history.
A night had passed.
The dark clouds and green glow of battle that had blanketed the sky had long since dispersed.
In their place was a cloudless expanse of blue.
Yet the atmosphere in every city, including Edo, was exceptionally grave.
Whether it was the outdoor screens on the streets, the televisions in every household,
or the livestreaming platforms online, they all showed the exact same image.
The backdrop was the solemn and dignified main palace of Tenshu Pavilion.
Tokugawa Shige Shige.
The Shogun renowned for his benevolence and beloved by the people.
He wore an orange haori over white robes, with golden patterned hakama below.
He sat upright before the camera.
His expression was calm yet resolute, his gaze seeming to meet the eyes of every citizen through the screen.
"I am Tokugawa Shige Shige."
His opening was concise and forceful, devoid of long-winded official rhetoric or hypocritical pleasantries.
"Just moments ago, I reached a final agreement with the World Government on behalf of the Shogunate."
The steady voice of Shogun Shige Shige instantly spread to every corner of the world.
Whether in bustling, prosperous Kabukicho or remote rural villages.
At this moment, everyone held their breath, stopped what they were doing, and watched in silence.
"For the future of this planet, so that we and our descendants may embrace a broader future and no longer remain frogs at the bottom of a well."
"I hereby formally announce—"
Tokugawa Shige Shige took a deep breath, as though every word weighed a thousand pounds.
"Effective immediately, Gintama Star shall withdraw from the Galactic Empire and unconditionally join the ranks of planets directly