Though Sakamoto’s screen time in Gintama is extremely limited the way Sorachi was able to maximize that time especially in the later arcs displays how phenomenal of a character he is. He plays the fool but he’s honestly one of the smartest characters in Gintama with a business

Acumen that is unrivaled in the series. Unlike the myriad of other characters in the show Sakamoto’s soul never became clouded. He always wanted to be a galactic trader and for him defeat in the Joui Civil War was not the same crushing loss that it was to his comrades.

Naturally this is due to not having the same attachment to Shouyou as Takasug, Gintoki, and Katsura but even so he his truly heartbroken to see his friends be torn apart. His outside perspective is very interesting in its own right and he constantly tries to play the role

Mediator between the three of them. Despite how much he values his friendship with those three he knows that staying stuck in the past would only be counterproductive and so he makes every effort to fulfill his dream to replace the void his friends initially left him with.

Becoming the captain of the Kaientai and basically making his crew family fills that void and it allows him to move forward without regrets. His ability to show Mutsu the value and joy of being a trader and showing Nobu the error of his ways also displays that Sakamoto is

A more thoughtful individual than his antics indicate. It’s an interesting duality that Sorachi uses to create both great comedy and drama with his character. Within the great tapestry of the cast of Gintama Sakamoto doesn’t receive the same recognition as the other characters.

It however would be a mistake to think Sakamoto is not an interesting character in his own right and his role has little value. He is indeed a great character whose presence is essential to bring out the personalities of those around him either with his laugh or sharp remarks.