3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei [Season 1 Episode5]

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Gintama’s ragtag crew traded their samurai swords for chalkboards and lesson plans, look no further than Episode 5 of 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei Season 1. Based on Hideaki Sorachi’s spin-off of the iconic Gintama series, this episode crams every bit of the original’s chaotic energy into a high school setting—and let’s just say, the result is pure, unadulterated madness (in the best way possible).

Let’s set the scene: three bumbling robbers from the first episode are back, and they’ve decided to hide out in Gintama High after a heist. Bad move. Instead of a normal school lockdown, the teachers (all familiar faces from the main series) turn the chase into a ridiculous competition. And this isn’t your average game of tag—we’re talking portable cannons, hemorrhoid jokes, and enough anime references to make any otaku’s heart skip a beat.

First up, the fan-favorite moments: Tsukuyo finally makes her appearance, and she’s as badass as ever. One minute she’s dissing the idea of using a bazooka to catch robbers (“That’s laughable!”), the next she’s firing it like it’s second nature. Fans were losing it over her—comments like “I kneel to my glorious queen Tsukuyo” and “Tsukuyo my beloved” flooded forums, and honestly? Same. Then there’s Zenzou, whose hemorrhoid struggles are a running gag here. Whether he’s falling on a bomb or just being the universe’s punching bag, his misfortune is so consistent it’s hard not to laugh (even if you feel a tiny bit bad for him).

Gengai’s up to his usual nonsense too—this time with a portable cannon invention that backfires (literally) and leaves him covered in soot. Oh, and did anyone notice this might be the first time we see his eyes without goggles? That’s a small detail but one fans were hyped about. Sakamoto, the math teacher (who knew?), steals the show with his ridiculous twist on “Love and Peace”—changing it to “Love and Gold” after Hata spends all the heist money on a gold-plated principal’s office. His laid-back, gaslighting energy is exactly what we love from him.

And let’s not forget the references! Evangelion’s iconic Gendo pose, Dragon Ball nods, even a Naruto quote thrown in for good measure—this episode is a treasure trove for anime fans. The teachers’ competition peaks with Hanzo holding chalk like a kunai (only to reveal it’s hemorrhoid ointment), Matsudaira suggesting host clubs for a Kyoto trip (typical), and Hijikata following along like the loyal sidekick he is.

What makes this episode work so well is that it feels like classic Gintama. Even though it’s a spin-off set in a school, the humor, characters, and absurdity are all there. Fans are calling it one of the funniest episodes so far, and it’s easy to see why—every scene has a gag, every character moment hits, and the nostalgia factor is off the charts. Whether you’re a long-time Gintama fan or just here for the laughs, this episode is a must-watch.

No cap, if you don’t laugh at least once during this episode, you might need to check if your funny bone is still intact. From Tsukuyo’s badassery to Zenzou’s perpetual bad luck, Episode 5 is a wild ride that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear. So grab your snacks, sit back, and enjoy the chaos—because Gintama High’s Class 3-Z isn’t done with us yet.

P.S. If you skipped the first episode, go back—those three robbers make way more sense now. Trust me, it’s worth it.
P.P.S. Tsukuyo’s still the best. Fight me.