Analyzing the deeper meaning behind Gintoki's opponents and their affect on him (possible spoilers!)

Okada Nizou

A thread ~

As Gintoki’s first opponent that was more than just a “bad guy”, Nizou acts as a “wake up call” to Gintoki’s hectic yet peaceful life in Edo. From the moment he first appears on screen, despite meeting Gintoki for the first time, Nizou says some very interesting, if not -

triggering and close-to-home things about Gintoki, that become more obvious and carry a deeper meaning on a rewatch. Using words such as “protect”, “beast”, “promise”, and “soul”, Nizou is already using some important key words that are repeated throughout the whole series and -

relate to the whole theme of Gintama. Additionally, he’s making some accurate assumptions of Gintoki and what kind of samurai he is. Although these words can be found triggering for him, Gintoki continues to be keep his priorities in check and protect who he needs to protect -

during the Infant Strife Arc, all while making some witty jokes, though this may seem to be his way of avoiding what Nizou has to say about him. During the Benizakura Arc, Gintoki has his second and last fight against Nizou, both fights having an effect on Gintoki. In the second-

fight, it is clear through his facial expressions and reactions that Gintoki did not expect to fight an abnormal sword like the Benizakura that made Nizou so much more stronger, resulting in his loss. From this fight, Gintoki is reminded of a long last name of his during the war-

and that he cannot beat Nizou or protect anyone unless he brings out the his old self. During the last battle, it is obvious that he is now more prepared as he lets his memories as the Shiroyasha take the wheel and overpowers Nizou with this strength no one would have expected. -

Gintoki is more so described as even stronger and improving faster than the Benizakura itself by Murata Tetsuya, and even he goes to ask if memories of the Shiroyasha’s past battles have been awakened. Due to Nizou and the Benizakura’s strength, it had awakened the long lost, -

yet not forgotten Shiroyasha deep inside him. With Nizou (and the help of the Benizakura) as Gintoki’s opponent who had his own goals and ideals, not only did he introduce the Kheitai as the antagonists in the story and gets the plot going, but he also awakened certain memories -

that Gintoki had been trying to suppress all these years. Nizou served as a reminder and wake up call to Gintoki who lived a far too comfortable life, thinking that he can just move on from his past without it waiting to slip back into his present life.