Gintama 238

...I didn't understand this chapter in spoiler form...and even now with the full version out...I still don't. Although...Horray for MH getting online reading! *Hugs newly freed disk space.*


(Top text- The cover is the Night King! Grab a copy of the newest volume #26 on Thursday December 4th!!)

GINTAMA
Lesson 238: It takes subtle amounts of courage to sneak into a shopping cart.
SORACHI HIDEAKI

(Sign- Complaint house)

(Side text- Even tonight, the party’s only getting started…)

Guy: Welcome!

002

???: Maa~n it’s even colder tonight, isn’t it pops?

Guy: Tell me about it. Feels like snow’s just around the corner doesn’t it?

???: I could sure use some cheering up pops…this world is…man I dunno.

It’s like everyone here’s wearing masks of friendly people.

Guy: Yeah that’s Edo for ya. It’s only cold once a year, but people’s hearts are always frozen.

???: They all turned me down you know? Do you have any words of encouragement?

Guy: I sure do! But it’s in cup form though, arguably the best kind.

???: Ah, thanks pops!

Though I hope it’s not too much to ask, could you give me something sweet tonight?

Guy: Sweet?

???: Yeah, something like coffee flavored milk or strawberry milk. You got some back there?

Guy: Uh, I could have a look around for you if you want, but what’s with this sudden change?

???: I heard that’s good to drink something sweet when you’re tired.

Guy: I guess that may be true sir, but your hair’s already turning completely white, probably you should lay this stuff off.

???: I was born that way…

Guy: In any case, what’s your problem? I didn’t name this the complaint house for nothin’. You came here because you’re having problems right?

???: Huh?

Guy: In my experience, I’ve never seen a guy with absolutely nothing on his mind come here to drink.

They’ve all got a story to tell about how they feel like they’ve been stiffed by someone, and how life’s a piece of work.

???: Well, I mean. I don’t really have anything to complain about.

Guy: Don’t worry, what is heard at my little shop stays at my little shop. Even if someone tries to bribe me, my lips are sealed.

???: Hmm? Is that so?

Guy: Yep. So take a good long sip, and let those little things flow out of you. Think of me as your life counselor.

???: Well…alright.

By the way, I haven’t seen your face around here before…so you must be a newbie. Don’t worry, I welcome all kinds here.

I know that telling others is difficult, especially when you might forget it all the next day.

However, that’s what my shop specializes in. So feel free to go crazy.

(Sign- Speak of work however you wish,
Please come alone
If you meet someone you know, we don’t know you.
This is a chat house, feel free to share what you wish.)

(Sfx- Zatsu *Swif*)

004

Guy: Here you go sir, have you had time to think of what you’d like to complain about today?

Just dig deep in your bowels and let it fly.

(Handwritten- Here you go, Coffee milk.)

(Sfx- Koto *splish*)

Guy: Life’s too fleeting to keep everything bottled up, so let yesterday pour out of you and live for tomorrow.

???: Complaints….well I guess it’s the same as usual…

Nothing changes.

(Sfx- Basasa *swish*)

Guy: Oh

Welcome.

Sir, I hope you don’t mind if I get another glass out? After all it’s rare to see a Samurai around here.

???: Ah, sorry.

Guy: No not a problem.

???: Phew…Finally a bit of free time.

It sure is cold….This weather just crept up upon us didn’t it? It wasn’t this frigid yesterday.

Guy: Tell me about it, I’m positive snow’ll….

005

Guy: Why did the two of you get so quiet?

Could it be…

(Sign- Speak of work however you wish,
Please come alone
If you meet someone you know, we don’t know you.
This is a chat house, feel free to share what you wish.)

???: Ah…sorry.

???: Right it’s…*cough*
Um excuse me pops…do you have something warm?

Like Chikuwa, or Ganmodoki?

(TN- Ganmodoki is Deep fried tofu mixed with thinly sliced vegetables, and Chikuwa are tube-shaped fish-paste cake.)

???: Of course I’d like them with….

Guy: I already know

Mayonnaise right?

006

???: Um…I think you’ve got some more customers…

Guy: Hm?

???: Ah…it’s just that…um…just now you…

You come here often and talk about work….right?

???: No no, I’ve been here maybe two or three times before…something like that.

Guy: I’d say it’s more like fifty times.

???: Old man, don’t get into my business okay?

???: Wait so you came here to complain….

???: No way! I just came here to drink is all!

Guy: Oh tell your Gorilla boss…

(Sfx- dom dom *thump thump*)

(Sfx- Uho uho)

???: OLD MAAAAAN! QUIT GETTING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S BUISNESS!!

007

???: Oh you know that Gorilla?

Must be tough with a guy like that around.
???: It’s not like that I’m telling you!! I have no idea who that is! But you’d better stop talking bad about him or else….

Guy: Yeah that’s right, he comes here often too. You guys have some bad blood yanno? Telling each other to ‘die’ and what not…

???: OLD MAN!! I WAS DIRECTING THAT AT YOU!!!

Guy: There’s no need to get testy there buddy. It’s tough being a Mayo samurai…

But don’t blame your inability to get women on me. Especially when you’re crying about it, you come to me first.

???: You guys sure have a love-hate relationship, telling each other to ‘die’ and such..

???: I’m telling you, it’s really not as bad as this old guy makes it sound! Hell sometimes you tell the ones you love to ‘die’ every so often…but that doesn’t mean you actually want them to croak does it?

Guy: Hey hey people, you’re in violation there you know.

Here have a look.

Take gander at our rules,

You’d better be sure to remember all four of them if you want to be ensured a good time.

(TN- The sign says the same thing it did the first two times…I’m not writing it again.)

???: I get it! I get it! Put that sign away!

???: I gotcha already!

Guy: Take a good look at three especially sir.

???: What’s up old timer? I’m baaack! Hahahahah!

008

Guy: Oh hey there Gorilla-san. Been a while hasn’t it? I thought you had grown tired of my little shop.

???: Of course not! I’ve just been feeling this cold weather is all…man, it’s only getting worse!

But it’s never too cold to drink! And The Complaint house has got some of the best stuff around! So let’s have some fun! Guhahahahah!!

Gahahaha….

Guy: What’s the matter Mayo-samurai-san? Gori-san?

Your faces have gotten pale.

Hey hey, at the complaint house, outside friendships stay just that, outside. So enjoy yourself to the fullest Gori-san.

But do go on with your conversation Mayo-samurai-san. It was just getting to the good part.

???: Noooooooo!! I don’t have any story! I wasn’t talking about anyone! Old mannnnn! Stay out of my business!!

???: Huh? What story?

009

Guy: To be honest with you Gori…this guy’s been..

???: WHOAAAAA a UFO!! I totally see a UFO!!!

???: Uh…UFO’s are kind of normal around here though….

Guy: Gorilla, it seems like he thinks that you’re going to die a lonely sort….

???: LOOOK I’m telling you there’s defiantly a UFO flying right over us!!!

???: Poor Gorilla….

Seems like you’re not very good with the girls are ya? Maybe you should tell them you hang out with me.

Guy: By the way Gorilla-san…huh Gorilla-san? Are you crying?

???: I’m TOTALLY not crying! I’m fine! Who cares what he has to day?!

???: Yanno, I think I’m gonna get going.

Guy: Huh?

???: I may have hit the sauce a little hard…I’m getting dizzy.

Guy: Hey hold on a second there Mayo-samurai-san.

Let’s hear your story about Gorilla-san huh?

I’m sure that Gori would love to hear what you think of him.

???: NOOOOOOO I’m telling you I don’t have any stories you old monkey!!

010

Guy: Well, to be honest…this guy thinks you’re wasting your time on that girl in the cabaret…

???: Waaai---

Guy: She’s even resorted to getting a body guard, because you’re THAT annoying Gori-san.

???: Wow…a body guard?

She must really be frightened of you to get one of those people.

Guy: Yeah, he’s a good guy I heard…real dependable.

???: There IS no body guard! Where the hell did you even come up with that?!

But you know, Gori-san there are plenty of fish in the sea…is what he said…

???: Isn’t that Umezu over there?!!?

(TN- I think that’s a reference to Umezu Kazuo (1936-) Who’s a famous Japanese horror manga author…although it he’s done several different genres as time goes on. He’s mostly known for ‘The Drifting Classroom, which ran in Shounen Sunday from 1972-1974.)

Man: He’s often come here saying that with a body like yours, you’re better off dea---

???: LOOOOK!!! It’s defiantly Umezu!! He’s right there! He’s even doing the ‘Guwashi’ thing!! It’s awesome!!

(TN- Yeah it’s defiantly Umezu Katsuo. The ‘Guwashi’ thing is a catch pose from one of his other series ‘Makoto-chan.’ Which ran in Shounen Sunday from 1976-1981, and again from 1988-1989.)

Guy: It’s sad really, when your own buddy doesn’t believe in you.

Maybe you should listen to him and give up on that woman.

Goodbyes are bittersweet, but they have to be said in order to move on sometimes….

???: Good evening~

011

Guy: Well well! If it isn’t Pony-chan!

What’s this? Not working today?

???: I am, but I just wanted to stop for something quickly and then go…

???: Um I think I spoilt the fried eggs I had cooking,

So I have to get some from you sir if you don’t mind…

???: Aaaaah! Thank you so much Pony-chan!! I owe you!!

Guy: have a seat! Please! Hey you guys move over!

Let a lady have a seat!

Oh by the way Pony-chan, did you hear our conversation?

???: No I haven’t.

???: SHE DOESN’T NEED TO HEAR THAT STORY!! Here! Have a bit to drink and forget your problems Pony-chan!!

012

Guy: What’s wrong everyone?

Your complexions look really bad…

Huh? Gori-san?

You’re foaming at the mouth…

???: Well it’ll be fine I suppose…

Guy: Hmm? There’s something on your back…

An Onion?

Guy: There seems to be like an Onion on your back, better be careful…they can be sharp.

???: GORI-SAAAAAAN!!!!

(Sfx- Bushaaaaa *bisshhhhhhhht*)

Man: Oh geeze! What a mess!

???: I had to slay the demon, because I’m afraid of it. I acted out of self defense.

???: BY USING AN ONINON TO SLICE SOMOENE?!?

???: It’s all I had to defend myself from that fiend.

If you put enough killing strength behind your convictions…even an onion can be a secret weapon.

???: So you started OUT with the motive to kill?!

(Sfx- Pata pata *Tmp tmp.*)

???: Don’t worry, I didn’t target something vital. He should be able to recover. Now let’s continue drinking.

013

???: Old maaan!! I’m taking Gori-san to a hospital!!

Guy: That’s fine Mayo-samurai-san.

???: Heyyyy!! Wait a minute!!

???: Don’t leave me alone with this monster!! I’m too young to die!!

???: What are you talking about?

???: N…Nothing! I’m just worried about Gori-san’s safety is all!!

???: It looks like they’re already gone.

???: Come back quickly! Don’t take more than one panel!!

???: Isn’t it fine this way? We can drink together without them bothering us.

Guy: Oh my Pony-chan…you may not like Gori-san, but it seems you have the hots for this young man here.

Heheh enjoy your drinks.

You two do make a really cute couple…if I do say so myself…

014

???: Hahah, don’t mess around…

???: Now now…come closer.

???: Um…sorry…

(sfx- Toku toku)

???: Have you come to this shop before today sir?

???: No, this is actually my first visit to this place…I happened to find it by accident.

But it’s a nice little shop…the Complaint house.

Um…Pony-Ch…Pony-Sama…Did you come here because you had some complaints of your own?

(Sfx- Guhi *siip*)

Guy: Yeah she’s here often.

???: No no, I’ve been here…maybe 5 times at the most…

Guy: More like 5 years kiddo.

???: Holy Cow!! You’ve had a tough life over the years to come here so often!!

???: Great, now I sound like a whiner.

Sure I come once in a while, but it’s only to chat about the small things with you.

???: Wow to come so often…this Complaint House must be a specialist in dealing with all of life’s problems!

Guy: You could say that…after all, people need an outlet that they can let things go in. Life’s tough for you isn’t it? Especially with that little brother of yours….

015

???: Well he wasn’t a problem really until recently..

He’s been working with a less then reputable fellow.

???: I can see how that would be a problem…younger brothers can be easily influenced, and need lots of care…

???: No, my brother isn’t the problem, just the guy he’s working with.

He’s been visiting a rather strange man who calls himself a samurai.

Guy: Pony-chan, I remember you mentioning him…He’s the silver haired guy who never pays for the work done right?

???: Yes that Samurai.

???: Ah..a poor sam—

???: No, anything he gets is really his fault, for being such an awfully lazy person.

???: So your little brother goes to work for this guy, and doesn’t get anything in return for it?

He does sound like a pretty lazy person, not to pay his employees.

I remember at one time I used to be like that, but I’m sure glad I turned myself around…heck I was so poor I had to wash parts of me in the shower before the water went off.

???: Yes that does sound exactly like the Samurai that my brother is working for.

???: Yeah but I’m not like that anymore…I’m trying my best to make a bit of cash and get ends to meet.

If you want, I could talk your brother into working with me, and perhaps we can change him for the better.

???: You seem to understand what It is to be a Samurai..

???: Yeah I’m 100 percent more Samurai than you’d ever know.

016

???: In any case, it’s tough going even for a samurai like me…work’s getting harder to find…

And it’s really giving me trouble yanno?

???: You shouldn’t complain, I’m sure if you look hard enough you can find something…

???: I suppose so, but it’s like no one is looking for help nowadays. Everyone wants to just chill in the red light district now.

???: Heeey!!! You guys act like you aren’t trying to do the same thing!! What kind of Samurai are you?!

???: Oh it seems you’ve recovered from my strike huh?

Excuse me, can I buy another weapon and try again?

???: So that’s what it is isn’t it? You just want me out of the picture so you can be with him!!

How dare you step on the heart of a Samurai!!!

???: Pops! I just remembered something! I’m leaving!

Take care of yourself.

Guy: Hey! Wait a second there sir!

???: What is it?

Do you have more info you want to spill about people?

017

Guy: I’ve been listening to people talk about their jobs for countless years…

And it seems like no matter the ages, people will always have something to say.

Taking people’s grievances with a smile is something I’ve gotten used to.

That’s why I want to stay in this business for several years to come.

Because the more you complain…

The more you can love.

I wouldn’t be able to bear this type of job if I didn’t think that way when people come…

You complain about something because there’s something you enjoy within it too.

I strongly believe that after hearing you all.

You complain about what’s going on in your life, because you have something that you enjoy within them.

I don’t think this’ll ever change…no matter what the story is.

So with that, I think I understand you better…

Boss…no…

018

Guy: True Samurai…

(Sfx- Garara *clatter.)

Guy: I’m leaving Pony-chan to you.

Woman: Oh my, has the shop already cloed up?

???: Yeah just now it did…

Woman: Really…

???: Wanna go grab a drink?

Woman: Hm?

???: I know a good place for us to drink and have a good time…if you want to go.

How about it?

Woman: Uh…?

???: Until morning comes…

Let’s go relax and complain about work.

It’s….

Only normal after all…

(Sfx- Gyutsu *squeeze*)

019

{I think I now know…}

{The genuineness of being able to complain…..}

(Sfx- Garara *clatter*)

(Handwritten- Thank you come again-)

(Sfx- Hahahahah)

(Sfx- Tehehehe)

Gorilla: Waiiiit Pony-chan!! I’ll never forgive you if you run away with him!!

(Sfx- Dosu dosu *Thump thump*)

Scar: Gori-san! Don’t! You’ve still got that Onion stuck in you!!

Gintoki:….Who the hell was that?

(Side text- And what the hell just happened?!)

GINTAMA LESSON 238……………..END.

(TN- Nani kore…)