He was a Joui patriot along with his fellow former comrades, Katsura Kotaro (who is currently a new leader of new Joui), Takasugi Shinsuke (Gintoki and Katsura's former friend turned enemy and the leader of Kiheitai) and Ryoma Sakamoto (a happy go lucky guy who is now left to space and becomes a successful businessman of Kaientai). Prior becoming a Joui patriot, he was raised and trained by Yoshida Shoyo, along with Takasugi and Katsura. When Kansai Purge happened, the school where he, Katsura and Takasugi was burnt down and his master was arrested by Tensho Sect. Gintoki, who was tied down, watched helplessly as Shoyo was taken away. While his master being taken away, Shoyo left everything to Gintoki's care and promised him that he would come back and he asked his student to protect his c