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FAQ + Interp Questions!
1) Why does Sakamoto speak with an accent? Why is it inconsistent sometimes?
Sakamoto canonically speaks in Tosa-ben, which has no Western equivalent. I've been in debates with several people about this, but essentially what we agreed upon was that the closest Western equivalent would "redneck." Essentially, he's supposed to sound like a country bumpkin. However, in canon when he begins to speak more seriously, the accent fades a bit. Also, Sakamoto has been away from Earth for at least over a decade and far from his birthplace for even longer, so the accent comes and goes and has faded quite a bit. It gets stronger when he's arguing with Mutsu because they speak with the same accent, and it does get a little stronger when he's excited or happy, or when he's not thinking too much. However, it's very weak, fading almost completely when he's negotiating a very serious deal or politely telling someone off (ie, when he's being a little more formal with his language). Additionally! His voice actor makes a lot of unnecessary sounds (??? like, high pitched noises, lots of "ooo's" and "aaah's" and other things) and has a sing-songy cadence while voicing him, so I do my best to imitate that in my writing.
2) What are your thoughts on his sexuality? Why does he flirt with men, when he canonically expresses a preference for women from Earth?
If you haven't noticed, Sakamoto does a lot of things to get a rise out of people. He's mischievous and loves a good tease, so if men are uncomfortable with him making a few crude remarks, he'll only get worse. Most of the time he's only messing around, however, he actually has a similar mindset for women as well. Flirting is a distraction and a way for him to focus his attentions on things that aren't work or stress related. Also, Sakamoto has canonically slept with aliens, some of whom may not even be gender binary. In Gintama, there are certain races with animal-like features, and it's very difficult to ascertain if these creatures have set genders. And, despite the fact that the Amanto are in some ways analogous to the Westerners that came in contact with Japan in the late 1860s (maybe later? somewhere around there), and may have brought in the idea that sexual conduct between members of the same sex was taboo, Sakamoto is from a transitioning period. Not to mention, he was at war with a group of others soldiers who were mostly male and must understand that people have specific needs. Additionally, he's traveled the universe and shown that first and foremost, he believes in selling happiness, so he is likely to be one of the most open-minded individuals in the series when it comes to things like sexuality.
As for Sakamoto himself, I'm pretty sure that he's pansexual as gender isn't important to him. What draws him to people (despite his perverted commentary) is ambition, drive, and the kind of beauty that is untouched by age or any forces of nature- The soul. For this reason, I feel that though he may have a preference for women from Earth, he's not particularly picky when it comes to being in bed with someone. Here is a thread where he ICly explains his feelings about gender.
3) What is his relationship with Mutsu exactly?
Mutsu is second-in-command on paper, but she's really his boss. He and Mutsu swindled death mere days after meeting, stealing the entire Kaientai and its workers while putting them in a good place. Even though Sakamoto's intentions are goods, his methods are shady, and it shows in his choice of employees as he hires an ex-pirate captain to be his first mate. She understands him on an intimate level like nobody else does, they're life partners in it for the long haul, and they're definitely best friends despite constantly bickering. Soulmates, for sure.
Sorachi chooses to keep the nature of their relationship ambiguous. Time and time again, Mutsu ensures that she was never "saved" by him, that her choice to follow him was indeed just that, her own. Without a doubt, they are both the other's most important person, but as far as my interpretation goes, his feelings for her are beyond friendly. Again, this is purely an interpretation, but note that he becomes livid when the pirates insult her worth, engaging in the only show of violence he's ever shown in the entire series (post-war, that is). Additionally, he has a vague exchange with Gintoki, who tells him that he would never say Sakamoto did "all of this" for just one woman. Mutsu may not be from a culture where things like romantic love and emotions are well understood, but Sakamoto grew up in a bustling home and seems to value life with all his heart. While I do believe that he loves her, I also believe that he wants nothing more than to be at her side watching the universe change as they sell their wares. She has given him all he's ever wanted: The Kaientai. And for that, he will repay her with his whole life. Here is a tag that sums up his thoughts on love.
4) We've hardly seen Sakamoto fight, but do you have an idea of what his fighting style would be like?
It seems as if Sorachi has highlighted, in the brief glimpses we've had of Sakamoto fighting, that he is definitely big on brute strength. As the largest of the Joui, he's probably used to being "large" for his people, and we do see him headbutt a pirate into a wall with his hands ties. He makes a sizable dent. That too, he is seen jumping from the air and using his sword, as well as throwing an Amanto who is sizably larger than him. From this I conclude that Sakamoto fights with a lot of strength, but his stamina is probably the lowest of the four Joui as it seems like he exerts quite a bit of energy. That too, Sakamoto hates fighting, so it probably wears him out.
5) Since he was at war, does he have many scars?
First of all, I am very proud for the recently released canon illustrations of Gintoki's scarred, shirtless body. For this reason I am certain that Sakamoto has many, although they are mostly on his back because he may have gotten sloppy before leaving the war. It is likely that he would run from opponents, injuring them grievously but not having the heart to kill them right away. He may have some scarring on the back of his knees and his ankles too, once again because he turned his back on the battlefield.
I also have another headcanon, and this one's definitely a bit of a leap, but my interpretation has one scar on the back of his neck, covered by the his scarf even if it would also be covered by his thick, curly hair. I think the war really took its toll on him and one night after a particularly terrible battle, his decision to drink alone resulting in something less than ideal. Sakamoto has always loved the stars, and he might just have wanted to become one of them. As soon as the sword touched his neck, I think he remembered how so many friends of his died in hopes of fighting for a better future, and he also thought of all the people he would have disappointed. For that reason, the scar is a reminder- Of his lowest point, and how far he's come since then. By no means do I think Sakamoto is a gloomy person, despite his PTSD (which I believe is the reason for his boozing and philandering, along with just being stressed out), I just think that alcohol and certain circumstances can put you in a dark place.
6) How did he canonically contract STDS? Are there condoms in Gintama?
He's an idiot.
Sakamoto canonically speaks in Tosa-ben, which has no Western equivalent. I've been in debates with several people about this, but essentially what we agreed upon was that the closest Western equivalent would "redneck." Essentially, he's supposed to sound like a country bumpkin. However, in canon when he begins to speak more seriously, the accent fades a bit. Also, Sakamoto has been away from Earth for at least over a decade and far from his birthplace for even longer, so the accent comes and goes and has faded quite a bit. It gets stronger when he's arguing with Mutsu because they speak with the same accent, and it does get a little stronger when he's excited or happy, or when he's not thinking too much. However, it's very weak, fading almost completely when he's negotiating a very serious deal or politely telling someone off (ie, when he's being a little more formal with his language). Additionally! His voice actor makes a lot of unnecessary sounds (??? like, high pitched noises, lots of "ooo's" and "aaah's" and other things) and has a sing-songy cadence while voicing him, so I do my best to imitate that in my writing.
2) What are your thoughts on his sexuality? Why does he flirt with men, when he canonically expresses a preference for women from Earth?
If you haven't noticed, Sakamoto does a lot of things to get a rise out of people. He's mischievous and loves a good tease, so if men are uncomfortable with him making a few crude remarks, he'll only get worse. Most of the time he's only messing around, however, he actually has a similar mindset for women as well. Flirting is a distraction and a way for him to focus his attentions on things that aren't work or stress related. Also, Sakamoto has canonically slept with aliens, some of whom may not even be gender binary. In Gintama, there are certain races with animal-like features, and it's very difficult to ascertain if these creatures have set genders. And, despite the fact that the Amanto are in some ways analogous to the Westerners that came in contact with Japan in the late 1860s (maybe later? somewhere around there), and may have brought in the idea that sexual conduct between members of the same sex was taboo, Sakamoto is from a transitioning period. Not to mention, he was at war with a group of others soldiers who were mostly male and must understand that people have specific needs. Additionally, he's traveled the universe and shown that first and foremost, he believes in selling happiness, so he is likely to be one of the most open-minded individuals in the series when it comes to things like sexuality.
As for Sakamoto himself, I'm pretty sure that he's pansexual as gender isn't important to him. What draws him to people (despite his perverted commentary) is ambition, drive, and the kind of beauty that is untouched by age or any forces of nature- The soul. For this reason, I feel that though he may have a preference for women from Earth, he's not particularly picky when it comes to being in bed with someone. Here is a thread where he ICly explains his feelings about gender.
3) What is his relationship with Mutsu exactly?
Mutsu is second-in-command on paper, but she's really his boss. He and Mutsu swindled death mere days after meeting, stealing the entire Kaientai and its workers while putting them in a good place. Even though Sakamoto's intentions are goods, his methods are shady, and it shows in his choice of employees as he hires an ex-pirate captain to be his first mate. She understands him on an intimate level like nobody else does, they're life partners in it for the long haul, and they're definitely best friends despite constantly bickering. Soulmates, for sure.
Sorachi chooses to keep the nature of their relationship ambiguous. Time and time again, Mutsu ensures that she was never "saved" by him, that her choice to follow him was indeed just that, her own. Without a doubt, they are both the other's most important person, but as far as my interpretation goes, his feelings for her are beyond friendly. Again, this is purely an interpretation, but note that he becomes livid when the pirates insult her worth, engaging in the only show of violence he's ever shown in the entire series (post-war, that is). Additionally, he has a vague exchange with Gintoki, who tells him that he would never say Sakamoto did "all of this" for just one woman. Mutsu may not be from a culture where things like romantic love and emotions are well understood, but Sakamoto grew up in a bustling home and seems to value life with all his heart. While I do believe that he loves her, I also believe that he wants nothing more than to be at her side watching the universe change as they sell their wares. She has given him all he's ever wanted: The Kaientai. And for that, he will repay her with his whole life. Here is a tag that sums up his thoughts on love.
4) We've hardly seen Sakamoto fight, but do you have an idea of what his fighting style would be like?
It seems as if Sorachi has highlighted, in the brief glimpses we've had of Sakamoto fighting, that he is definitely big on brute strength. As the largest of the Joui, he's probably used to being "large" for his people, and we do see him headbutt a pirate into a wall with his hands ties. He makes a sizable dent. That too, he is seen jumping from the air and using his sword, as well as throwing an Amanto who is sizably larger than him. From this I conclude that Sakamoto fights with a lot of strength, but his stamina is probably the lowest of the four Joui as it seems like he exerts quite a bit of energy. That too, Sakamoto hates fighting, so it probably wears him out.
5) Since he was at war, does he have many scars?
First of all, I am very proud for the recently released canon illustrations of Gintoki's scarred, shirtless body. For this reason I am certain that Sakamoto has many, although they are mostly on his back because he may have gotten sloppy before leaving the war. It is likely that he would run from opponents, injuring them grievously but not having the heart to kill them right away. He may have some scarring on the back of his knees and his ankles too, once again because he turned his back on the battlefield.
I also have another headcanon, and this one's definitely a bit of a leap, but my interpretation has one scar on the back of his neck, covered by the his scarf even if it would also be covered by his thick, curly hair. I think the war really took its toll on him and one night after a particularly terrible battle, his decision to drink alone resulting in something less than ideal. Sakamoto has always loved the stars, and he might just have wanted to become one of them. As soon as the sword touched his neck, I think he remembered how so many friends of his died in hopes of fighting for a better future, and he also thought of all the people he would have disappointed. For that reason, the scar is a reminder- Of his lowest point, and how far he's come since then. By no means do I think Sakamoto is a gloomy person, despite his PTSD (which I believe is the reason for his boozing and philandering, along with just being stressed out), I just think that alcohol and certain circumstances can put you in a dark place.
6) How did he canonically contract STDS? Are there condoms in Gintama?
He's an idiot.