Although Rin knew that Shinji was comforting Sakura and stopping the sisters from fighting, she still found his superior tone irritating. Her slender eyebrows raised, matching her voice.
"You're quite confident, Matou Shinji."
"I can't help it. The confidence you gave leaves no choice but to be self-assured," Shinji chuckled, flashing an infuriating smile to draw attention.
"It's the ti of the Holy Grail War, and I'm serious."
"So am I. Unlike your father, I take every battle very seriously."
At the ntion of Tohsaka Tokiomi, Rin's expression turned sour.
"You've got a lot of nerve. Let see just how serious you are!"
She reached into her pocket, and when her hand erged, there were four differently colored gems between her fingers.
But Shinji shook his head at her.
"You'll see soon enough, but not now. You're not in the right mindset to fight . I've just co from a big battle and used up a lot of energy, so it's not ideal for either. But if you insist on settling this tonight, I'll accept the challenge."
"Don't worry, I won't take advantage of you. I wouldn't feel right about it."
Only by doing this could she wash away the sha of her father's defeat and calm her emotions.
"Archer, you have no objections, right?"
"A correct decision, impressive for soone your age," Gilgash said with a hint of approval.
"If you were truly blinded by anger, I would stop you. The Queen of the Land of Shadows was my intended opponent ten years ago. Both she and I must be in perfect condition for the fight."
"That's right," Scathach nodded in agreent.
"Besides, the Holy Grail War has only just begun. It's too early to decide the victor. The sweetest victory is the one enjoyed at the very end."
"You are indeed a worthy opponent. I'm eagerly anticipating our battle. It will surely be the high point of this Holy Grail War," Gilgash said confidently.
"I think so too. Well, let's leave it at that for tonight," Scathach turned her gaze elsewhere.
"Cu Chulainn, are you coming with ?"
"We'll go on our own. This is the Holy Grail War, and we're both warriors before anything else."
Cu Chulainn twirled his spear, smirking.
"The hot-headed kid from back then can now say things like this. Living long enough truly lets you witness wonders," Scathach said, her voice filled with nostalgia.
"Fight as a warrior, then. I'm looking forward to seeing how you as a Servant differ from your past self. Don't disappoint , or you'll face the consequences."
"Ugh—!"
Cu Chulainn's previously built-up confidence faltered.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll give it my all. Seriously, you have new students now, so why are you still giving trouble?"
The last sentence was muttered softly but didn't escape Scathach's sharp ears. Her red eyes glimred dangerously, half-smiling.
"What was that? Care to repeat it?"
"No, I didn't say anything. Master, let's go," Cu Chulainn quickly grabbed his Master's wrist.
"Now?"
Bazett was startled.
"Yes, now. If we don't leave, it'll be too late."
As he spoke, Cu Chulainn leaped over the school wall with her, disappearing into the night.
"Still the sa as always, running fast," Scathach chuckled and looked away.
"Shinji, Sakura-chan, let's head back too."
"Yes, Shishou," Shinji responded, leading the way as Sakura held Scathach's hand affectionately.
"Shishou, your room has always been kept ready. I've already cleaned it for you."
"Still so fond of cleaning, Sakura-chan."
Scathach affectionately pinched her student's cheek, and Sakura giggled, just like she had ten years ago.
"It's my specialty."
"Has the family grown?"
"Yes, yes, my brother is very good at this."
"Oh? Is that so, Shinji?"
"Ahaha," Shinji scratched his head awkwardly.
"There are... complicated reasons."
The three, along with the silent dusa, walked and chatted like a family taking a stroll after dinner.
Just as they were about to leave the school, Rin shouted after them.
"Hey, you're just going to leave like that?"
"Uh, what else can we do?"
Shinji turned back.
"Did you change your mind and want to fight here?"
"No! But you should at least clean up after yourself. Look at the ss you made of the school!"
Rin, one hand on her hip, pointed down. Standing on the wall, she could see the school's devastation.
The broken ground and track were minor issues, and the marks left by weapons could be cleaned up. The real problem was the nurous craters left by Brahmastra and the collapsing structures. When the students returned, it would cause a stir.
"Why did you choose the school as the battleground?"
"Oh, because I've always wanted to."
"Huh?"
"Blowing up the school is a dream for many students. There's even a song about it."
Shinji began to sing:
"The sun shines bright, the flowers smile at , The birds say, early, early, why do you carry a bomb with thee? I'm off to blow up the school, the teachers are unaware, I pull the string and run away, and boom, the school is no longer there."
"How does that sound? Exciting, right?"
Soone did find it exciting—Gilgash, who burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha! You're quite the clown. It's been a while since soone amused this much."
"Thanks for the complint," Shinji bowed lightly, laughing along.
"Ah, Mo~! You guys—enough already!"
Rin was exasperated.
It's worth noting that in another tiline, Shinji and Gilgash ford a golden duo, frequently doing silly things together. Their laughter was so infectious that few could withstand it, not even Rin.
"Alright, enough teasing," Shinji waved a hand, stifling his laughter.
"I've already arranged for a cleanup crew. They'll be here soon to fix everything, and I'll even refurbish the sports field. I just made a lot of money recently, so I'm not short on cash. And hey, a broken stadium ans students can go ho early instead of staying late. If they saw sothing they shouldn't, it'd be bad—after all, we're classmates."
"You—"
"Of course, the main reason is that it makes happy."
Rin's mood, which had just improved, plunged again.
Damn it, give back my feelings!
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