Gintama is one of the most popular manga and anime series, known for its hilarious comedy, epic battles, and heartwarming moments. Fans of the series often create fanfiction stories, exploring various “what if” scenarios and alternate universes. One of the most popular fanfic topics is the relationship between Oboro and young Gintoki. In this article, we will delve into this fascinating fanfic trope and explore its origins, themes, and impact on the Gintama fandom.
Who is Oboro?
Oboro is a major antagonist in Gintama, first introduced in the “Shogun Assassination Arc”. He is the leader of the Naraku, a secret organization that aims to overthrow the current shogunate and establish a new one. Oboro is known for his cold and ruthless demeanor, as well as his incredible strength and combat skills. He has a tragic backstory, involving the loss of his family and his loyalty to a former shogun. Oboro’s character arc is one of the most complex and compelling in the series, making him a fan favorite among Gintama fans.
Who is Young Gintoki?
Gintoki is the main protagonist of Gintama, a former samurai who became a freelancer after the end of the Joui War. He is known for his laid-back attitude, his love for sweets and video games, and his incredible swordsmanship. In the fanfic trope of Oboro and young Gintoki, the focus is on Gintoki’s past as a child, before he became a samurai. This version of Gintoki is often portrayed as innocent, pure, and carefree, with a tragic backstory involving the loss of his family and his struggle to survive in a cruel world.
Origin of the Fanfic Trope
The fanfic trope of Oboro and young Gintoki originated from the “Shogun Assassination Arc” in the Gintama manga and anime series. In this arc, it is revealed that Oboro and Gintoki have a connection from their past, involving the former shogun and his family. This revelation sparked the imagination of Gintama fans, who started to create fanfiction stories exploring the possibility of Oboro and young Gintoki meeting each other before the events of the series.
Themes of the Fanfic Trope
The fanfic trope of Oboro and young Gintoki explores several themes, such as friendship, betrayal, redemption, and love. The relationship between Oboro and Gintoki is often portrayed as complex and ambiguous, with both characters having conflicting emotions and motivations. Oboro is torn between his loyalty to the former shogun and his growing feelings for Gintoki, while Gintoki struggles with his own past traumas and his desire to protect his friends and loved ones.
Impact on the Gintama Fandom
The fanfic trope of Oboro and young Gintoki has had a significant impact on the Gintama fandom, inspiring countless fanfiction stories, fanart, and discussions. Many fans have praised the trope for its emotional depth, complex characterizations, and exploration of themes not often seen in mainstream media. However, the trope has also been criticized for its potential to romanticize abusive relationships and for its deviation from the canon storyline of the series.
Conclusion
The fanfic trope of Oboro and young Gintoki is a fascinating and complex exploration of the relationship between two of the most compelling characters in Gintama. Its origins in the “Shogun Assassination Arc” and its themes of friendship, betrayal, and love have made it a popular topic among Gintama fans. However, it is important to remember that fanfiction is not canon and should be viewed as an interpretation of the source material. Whether you are a fan of the trope or not, it is undeniable that it has had a significant impact on the Gintama fandom and will continue to inspire creative works in the future.