When Kiritsugu regained consciousness from the dizziness caused by the spatial transfer, he was surprised to find a man in a red suit also groaning awake beside him.
The mont their eyes t, they recognized each other.
"Archer's Master, Tokiomi Tohsaka!"
"The Einzbern hound, Kiritsugu Emiya!"
Both n were well-trained, and in the next instant, they sprang up from the grass. One pulled out a gun from his coat, while the other retrieved a jewel from his pocket, ready to engage in a life-or-death battle.
"Ahem, gentlen."
"Oh, fight, fight..."
"Tch, boring."
"Kiritsugu, you... sigh..."
The tense standoff lted away under the murmurs of the onlookers (except for Saber), who were clearly enjoying the spectacle. Kiritsugu and Tokiomi, realizing the situation, reluctantly put away their weapons and quickly moved to stand beside their respective Servants.
""Saber/Archer, what's going on?""
"Let explain, everyone."
Sakatsuki, who had dragged the two eavesdroppers out, stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"Saber, have you agreed to join the banquet?"
"Since it's a 'battle' without weapons, as a king, I have no reason to refuse."
Saber, the forr King of Britain, nodded.
"But before that, I hope you can hand over Illya..."
"Don't worry, I'll tell you."
Sakatsuki snapped his fingers, revealing a fox-like smile.
"Illya is currently hiding in Einzbern Castle."
""What?!""
Not only Saber but even Irisviel and Kiritsugu were shocked. The latter imdiately pulled out his phone, intending to contact Maiya, who was guarding the castle.
However, a small knife flew over, easily piercing Kiritsugu's phone.
"I wasn't finished, why the rush?"
The young man paused, then continued.
"Didn't you notice I said 'hiding'?"
"...What exactly are you planning?"
Kiritsugu's sense of unease grew stronger.
"Simple. Let's have a race to see who can reach Einzbern Castle first. The winner gets her."
Sakatsuki clapped his hands, cheerfully stating his goal.
Hearing this, Iskandar also realized.
"Oh! So that's the location we agreed on for the banquet?"
"Huh?"
Saber's eyes widened in disbelief, while Archer, who had been silently watching, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Tokiomi beside him, a glint of amusent in his eyes.
"Wait, why is it our stronghold?!"
"Well, Sakatsuki suggested it, and I thought it was a good idea."
"Sakatsuki!"
"Co on, Kiritsugu must already be scouting for a new base, right? Why not make use of the old one? Rider, Archer, are you in?"
Though kings have their pride, since this is their second life, free from all burdens, why not indulge in so unrestrained fun?
Without even thinking, the burly man laughed heartily and was the first to respond.
"A racing competition? Hahaha... Challenging , a 'Rider,' to a race? Waver, no need to hide, join us!"
As for Gilgash, who had already guessed Sakatsuki's intentions, though he feigned reluctance with a cold snort, he also agreed.
"This king is not so boorish as to refuse. Let's go, Tokiomi!"
"Ah? Uh, yes..."
Hearing this, Kiritsugu suddenly realized sothing. Having experienced countless storms, he couldn't help but shudder.
Racing, Einzbern, Winter Castle, that snowstorm, that forest, that race...
So this is your goal, Sakatsuki!
Sure enough, behind him, Irisviel was already fired up. This ti, she wasn't fighting for her own pleasure, but to save her daughter!
"Let's go, Kiritsugu, we must win!"
Kiritsugu is in danger!
***
"Finally, the Fourth Holy Grail War Racing Grand Prix has arrived! We are broadcasting this ground-level sonic battle live from a specially set track in the outskirts of Fuyuki City!"
"Due to the principle of secrecy, the comntator and live broadcaster for this event is none other than yours truly, Sakatsuki!"
"Now, let's take a look at the participants as they prepare for the race! The starting order has been determined by draw. First up, in position one, is Rider—his vehicle is his Noble Phantasm, the sacred chariot of Zeus, Gordius Wheel!"
"So this is the modern racing trend? My blood is boiling!"
Rider's laughter echoed through the skies.
"Don't lose, Gordius Wheel!"
"Moo!"
The two massive bulls snorted in response to the Conqueror's words. On the chariot, Waver, who had been dragged along by Rider, looked nervously at the lightning coursing around them.
"Why am I here too?!"
"Relax, relax. I'm a Rider with Riding rank A . There's no way I'll lose to the others. Just enjoy the ride, Waver!"
"Sigh... you're impossible."
"Next, in position two, is Archer. His vehicle is the sky-soaring light vessel, the Vimana, the royal throne recorded in the Ramayana!"
"Hoh? You're quite knowledgeable, chef."
The King of Heroes, seated on his throne, gave Sakatsuki a satisfied glance and arrogantly declared.
"This king will not unleash Vimana's full power. Try to surpass , mongrels!"
Beside him, Tokiomi remained silent, frowning. For this sowhat rigid orthodox magus, such a seemingly absurd carnival was beyond his tolerance.
"Since this king has returned to this garden, it is only right to enjoy all of creation. Racing is a decent appetizer."
Gilgash, having seen through his thoughts, smiled with amusent.
"Tokiomi, do not disappoint completely."
"As you wish... my king."
"Next, in position three, is Saber. Her vehicle is the pinnacle of modern technology, the rcedes-Benz 300SL, equipped with a straight-six engine!"
"Yahoo~"
Irisviel, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned out and greeted everyone with vibrant energy.
"Irisviel, be careful. This race won't be easy."
Saber, gripping the steering wheel as if it were reins, was fully prepared.
As for Kiritsugu, after failing to escape, he had given up resisting and sat in the specially modified backseat for Illya, looking even more nervous than Saber, who was driving.
Due to his efforts, Irisviel had reluctantly given up the driver's seat, but why did it feel even more dangerous now...
Having made Saber, who disliked him, the driver—Kiritsugu perfectly demonstrated the aning of "turning 'danger' into 'death'."
Farewell, Kiritsugu.
With that thought, Sakatsuki turned his gaze away and loudly announced.
"Finally, in position four, is the Caster team. Her vehicle is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, known as the 'ground-bound aircraft' of the track!"
Leaning forward, Miyu wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.
"Ready, Miyu?"
"Yes, ready, Onii-chan."
Perhaps influenced by the tense and exciting atmosphere, Miyu's face was flushed.
For her, this Holy Grail War was filled with rare experiences. Even her usually calm self couldn't help but feel a surge of excitent.
Setting aside the darkness and conspiracies, simply laughing and competing with heroes from different eras—this was perhaps the other side of the Holy Grail War that Sakatsuki had always wanted his sister to see.
And now, the young man leaned forward, shouting.
"Alright, all participants are in position. I hereby announce the comncent of the Second Fuyuki City (Following Einzbern) Racing Grand Prix! All participants, ready—"
The hastily projected traffic lights began to flash, and at a certain mont, suddenly turned green!
"Start!"
The mont the light turned green, the four vehicles roared to life, racing toward the sa destination!
***
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