The sun set lazily over Edo, its golden rays bathing the city in a warm, nostalgic glow. It had been months since the final battle with Utsuro, and peace had more or less returned to the streets. The people of Edo went about their lives, new businesses opened, the Shinsengumi was back in action, and even the Amanto behaved themselves… somewhat.
But for one silver-haired samurai, peace meant something else entirely — boredom.
"Oi, Kagura, Shinpachi… what do you mean 'get a job'? I'm the main character, dammit!" Gintoki grumbled, lounging on the floor of the Yorozuya office, magazine in one hand and a stick of Pocky dangling lazily from his lips.
Kagura crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks out. "We're tired of being broke, Aru! Madao just became a millionaire selling 'Miracle Toenail Clippers' to the Amanto, and here we are eating expired pickles again!"
Shinpachi adjusted his glasses, sighing. "She's right, Gin-san. The series is over. The final boss is gone. You need to get a new gig. Everyone else moved on. Heck, even Tama's working part-time as a café manager now!"
"But I'm the lead character! You don't replace me like some discount background extra in a sentai show," Gintoki protested.
The argument went on until Kagura shoved a flyer in Gintoki's face.
'Shonen Hero Needed! No Experience Required! Huge Pay! Must Love Swords!'
Gintoki's eyes sparkled. "Huge pay…? Must love swords…? That's me!"
"You'll be perfect, Gin-chan!" Kagura grinned, her ulterior motives well hidden.
Fast forward a day later, Gintoki found himself standing in a weird office building, a contract in one hand and a nervous sweat on his brow.
"So… uh… what exactly is this role again?"
A shadowy figure grinned from behind a desk. "Congratulations, Sakata Gintoki. You are now Ichigo Kurosaki. The new star of Bleach 2.0: Remake Saga."
Before he could protest, a blinding light engulfed him. A cold, robotic voice echoed in his head.
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED.]
[WELCOME, HOST.]
[YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ORIGINAL BLEACH PLOT AS ICHIGO KUROSAKI OR FACE DELETION.]
"Wha—Oi, Oi, hold up! I didn't sign up for this ghost nonsense again!"
Thus began the reckless, ridiculous, and entirely unwanted new life of Sakata Gintoki… as the Substitute Shinigami.