A for the effort.

Just a little constructive criticism:
- I can't blame you for portraying some of the characters in a somewhat simplistic way since there's not much canon info on them (eg we have yet to see Takasugi's genuine soft side with regards to women, if he even has one, and maybe a little backstory on Matako). But a couple of artistic liberties would have been nice.
- the retellong of the Benizakura arc was way too long. It could have been summarized in 2 chapters max.
- the complete 180 of Bansai, Takasugi and Matako seemed so abrupt. Yes, Takasugi and matako went through a pretty traumatizing experience and still managed to find comfort in each other, but I feel it would have been more effective if they took the villain's route instead of being cliched villains seeking redemption (with the help of the series protagonist, no less). But that's just me.
- you have a lot of potential when it comes to relaying the flow of your stories. Your effective use of flashbacks and banter between characters is great. In the future, I would suggest practicing on setting the mood for your scenes instead of simply describing what's happening. Appeal to the senses, make readers feel and empathize with your main character's feelings. This is especially helpful when writing stories centered on just one character.

All in all, I'd give your fic a score of 7/10, buy consider the fact that I tend to be extremely critical of fanfics, especially those made by people who show a ton of potential. Plus, fics about Matako's relationship with Takasugi are EXTREMELY RARE and you didn't have a lot of material for your reference.

Keep it up, and I hope to read more of your work in the future.

such a nice fanfic...good work
thank you and please write a sequel...

I suddenly ship this couple so hard….. :3

This weapon that shinsuke was planning to buy…. Is it inspired from G.I. Joe?

Wow, you are pretty good to make matako into kinda cute girl.

His hairstyle concealed his LEFT eye. Not right eye. Don't mix it up.

Wow, I absolutely loved this! They were so in-character (especially Gintoki in this last chapter!) and since I love this couple, it was so nice to see...I love how you didn't just make them a complete tranformation; you gave them regret and continued grief and trial...Lovely job, I really enjoyed reading! Thanks! :D

Ahh, I'm only on chapter two, but I'm really enjoying this! This is very well-written; can't wait to read more!

A really fantastic way to end this great fanfic. I'm so glad you wrote it, made me look at Takasugi and Matako in a totally different way. And Gintoki's appearance HNNNGGGG! Please write more xx

Can't believe the next chapter will be the final. I really wish for a nice ending for both of them xx

When he told her to meet him at the river when all that would be over is really romantic :3
thank you for the update and hopefully the conclusion won't be too soon, I'll miss this story so much xx

Another hot chapter :D as far as I'm concerned there should be love scenes in every update xx

Finally a LEMON! I love how is written although I really would have liked if it was a bit longer and detailed. Nevertheless a great chapter and hopefully there'll be more like this (but longer and more detailed LOL) xx

Finally the LEMON! It's very well written although I really would have loved it even more if it was a bit longer and detailed. But nevertheless great chapter xx

Finally she managed to get close to him. Next chapters will be very exciting from now on xx