Maybe a Fake Gintama

The third part of this novel, or the final section, is also from a female perspective. However, compared to the first two parts, this one focuses more on the romance between the female and male protagonists. And since the female protagonist is non-human, it adds some extra intrigue.

The story is simple: the female protagonist, a yokai (supernatural creature), lives in the untouched wilderness, far from human society. One day, while soaking in a hot spring as usual, she encounters the male protagonist who has wandered into her realm. Their story begins here.

The opening is somewhat clichéd, involving a misunderstanding at the hot spring. The story remains readable despite this trope because the female lead is a yokai.

As they spend time together, the naïve female protagonist gradually falls for the man who accidentally entered her world, and the man is also drawn to her. Everything progresses naturally.

They start from misunderstandings and gradually move closer to each other.

The female protagonist takes the male protagonist to places only Yokai can go, such as the demon world.

But the man's favourite thing is the wine the woman personally pours for him every night, along with her homemade meals.

Unfortunately, the good times don't last. One day, the man suddenly says he has to leave. The woman firmly decides to go with him. But... the man refuses.

One night, the man leaves the woman behind and departs alone.

The woman wakes up to an empty pillow beside her and can't let go of the loss. She searches for him for a long time in the human world but never finds him.

When the woman meets the man again... it's ten years later.

Seeing the man lying in a rundown hut, on the verge of death, the woman cries out, "Why? Why didn't you tell me you were terminally ill?"

"I... never loved you," the man says resolutely.

The woman knows the man just wants her to forget him, so she stays by his side, caring for him.

The man constantly tries to drive her away during this time, even saying harsh words.

But until the man's last moment, the woman doesn't leave him for a second.

Finally, at the end of his life, the man looks at the woman with the same gentle eyes he had when they were in love.

"I really... want to taste the wine you pour for me again..."

With that, a tear slowly rolls down the man's cheek, and he closes his eyes.

"If there's a next life, I... will pour wine for you for a lifetime..."

The end.

"End my foot!" Kawaki ripped the novel in half, shouting angrily, "Who's terminally ill? Who died? And who wants to drink that awful wine you pour? Who fell in love with you? Where's the hot spring? Enough already! Stupid fox!"

Seeing Kawaki's crazed expression, Shinpachi adjusted his glasses and commented expressionlessly, "He seems really angry. But based on Kawaki-san's reaction, the last part must be entirely fictional."

"Why did the male protagonist have to use my name!" Kawaki shouted, clutching his head in frustration, "I don't remember anything like this happening! And apart from the name, not a single plot point is accurate! Damn it!"

"Really? It's all made up?" Gintoki said in surprise. It all sounded like something you'd do."

"Like hell it is!" Kawaki yelled, spitting in rage. "Only an idiot would get along with that kind of woman! Only an idiot would sleep in the same bed as such a dangerous woman!"

Thinking momentarily, Kawaki rubbed his chin and said, "But there is some truth to it. I did run away."

At this, all three of Gintoki's group looked at him with disdain.

"Don't misunderstand! Anyone would want to run from that kind of woman... Do you know what control freak means?" Kawaki raised a finger, his expression severe. "Any creature that accidentally enters her territory gets turned into her toy. Yes, that woman is that dangerous. It was really tough for me initially, hiding from her every day."

"But..." Shinpachi suddenly recalled something. "The final moments of Lady Kyu... weren't they..."

"Hey, Shinpachi, did this novel really originate from Yoshiwara?" Kawaki interrupted and asked.

"Yes," Shinpachi nodded. "Although it's not clear now, it started gaining popularity in Yoshiwara."

"That damn woman..." Kawaki clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. "This time... I'll settle things with her!"

Turning back to Gintoki's group, Kawaki said, "Anyway, the task is to eliminate all copies of this novel in Edo and erase the memories of anyone who has read it. I'm counting on you."

"Got it... no way!" Gintoki retorted, leaning on his cheek with disdain. "How are we supposed to erase memories?"

"Anyway, I'm counting on you guys," Kawaki turned to leave. "As for everyone in Yoshiwara's memories of this novel and the royalties earned, leave it to me."

Watching Kawaki storm off, Shinpachi sighed, "Looks like Kawaki-san and Tsukuyo-san will be fighting again today."

"I... finally remembered!" Katsura exclaimed, eyes wide with realisation.

"You remembered the last time you saw Elizabeth?" Shinpachi asked, puzzled.

"No, that novel... doesn't have a single scene with me!" Katsura slapped the table and stood up. "This is bad! As Kawaki's former comrade, I should appear in the introduction of the male protagonist! Who's the author?!"

"Is that really what you're concerned about?!" Shinpachi shouted, "You should be worried about Elizabeth!"

"The author..." Kagura pulled a copy of "The Kawaki Tales" from under her seat, opened the first page, and found the author's name at the bottom left corner, "Sakamoto Tatsuma..."

Everyone: ...

...

In Yoshiwara, Kawaki walked down a corridor with a face full of anger, heading somewhere. As he walked, he remembered the strange looks from the courtesans when he was walking down Yoshiwara's streets, and his fists tightened.

"Tsuku-tsuku——!!" Kawaki shouted, sliding open the door to Tsukuyo's room. "What's with this novel?"

Tsukuyo, who was in her underwear and untying her bra strap, froze, staring blankly at Kawaki at the door.

The air... froze.

About zero-point-one seconds later, Tsukuyo's face turned as red as blood, and her eyes started spinning like pinwheels.

"Sorry. I didn't see anything..."

With that, Kawaki bowed his head and closed the door, then turned around and ran as if his life depended on it.

However... Kawaki underestimated Tsukuyo's speed. Just as he was about to reach the corridor's corner, with a shout of "Die!!" and the sound of kunai, Kawaki was struck down, kunai sticking out of his back and head, rolling his eyes.

Ten minutes later.

Tied up tightly and bleeding from countless wounds, Kawaki smiled apologetically at Tsukuyo, who was sharpening kunai with a cold gaze. "Uh... I really didn't see anything, so can you stop?"

Tsukuyo's sharpening speed increased.

"I saw it, I saw it! I definitely saw it!" Kawaki quickly corrected himself, "It's my fault, it's my fault!"

Tsukuyo's sharpening speed slowed.

"Tsuku-tsuku, I have something to ask you." Kawaki rolled on the floor.

"What is it? Tell me in the afterlife," Tsukuyo's eyes were cold.

"What's with this?" Kawaki pointed with his bound hand at the fallen copy of "The Kawaki Tales." "It came from Yoshiwara, right? Did you do it? If it was you, we're even, so..."

"No, not me," Tsukuyo replied indifferently.

"Was it Hinowa?"

"No," Tsukuyo replied. "The author has nothing to do with Yoshiwara."

"Then who is it?"

"See for yourself."

Two minutes later, Kawaki's roar echoed from Tsukuyo's room.

"Tatsuma——!!"