Matou Sakura, originally Tohsaka Sakura, is Tohsaka Rin's younger sister, hailing from the magecraft family, the Tohsaka Family.
However, due to certain reasons, little Matou Sakura was sent to the Matou Family, and for over a decade afterward, she endured significant hardship.
Originally, Matou Sakura, whose heart had already died, had despaired of this cold world. She had resigned herself to everything, but then she met Emiya Shirou, that wicked man.
It was Emiya Shirou who made Matou Sakura feel a flicker of warmth. In the time that followed, Matou Sakura and Emiya Shirou grew increasingly familiar with each other, and her smiles became more frequent.
Because she found light and belief in her heart, Matou Sakura also gained the strength to resist.
A few days ago, she suddenly gained many memories—memories of battling and living with a blindfolded lady. This made Matou Sakura understand many things, such as...
...the Holy Grail, which can grant wishes.
Knowing of the Holy Grail's existence, Matou Sakura developed a desire to obtain it. If she could get the Holy Grail, she could wish for all her painful experiences to disappear, making herself a clean, untainted girl, and then pursue the pure love in her heart.
For this, she needed to be strong.
As the true inheritor of the Matou Magic Crest, Matou Sakura was not as frail as she appeared on the surface.
Her brother was a hot-tempered person who often bullied her, using various methods to torment her.
Normally, she would swallow her anger, but last night, when her brother broke into her room to do something, she exploded!
Currently, her brother should still be locked in the basement, covered in fat bugs.
And just half a day ago, late at night, she also summoned a Heroic Spirit of her own.
Matou Sakura kept all of this hidden from everyone. She was preparing a grand plan, one that would crush others and allow her to be the final victor.
"Heh~"
Thinking of this, Matou Sakura couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. Tohsaka Rin looked over, her expression slightly hesitant, but finally, she bravely asked,
"Sakura~ Are you thinking of something happy?"
Tohsaka Rin tried her best to make her voice gentle, but the tremor in it was not well concealed.
"Oh~ No, no, it's just that Senpai's cooking is too delicious. I'm fine, Onee-chan."
Matou Sakura deliberately showed an innocent smile, and at the end, called her "Onee-chan."
The power of that "Onee-chan" was immense. Tohsaka Rin's eyes widened, visibly reddening, but she struggled to hold it in, put down her chopsticks, and stood up.
"Excuse me, I'm going to the restroom."
With that, Tohsaka Rin turned and ran off.
Mo Shuying sighed inwardly at this scene. Tohsaka Rin was truly perfect, but she had one weakness: Sakura.
Tohsaka Rin felt guilt towards Sakura. She had once questioned her parents why they had sent her sister away, and why it wasn't her who was sent. For over a decade, she hadn't fulfilled her duty as an older sister, which made Tohsaka Rin feel very remorseful towards Matou Sakura.
Red Archer quietly ate his meal beside them. He was a Guardian who was Emiya Shirou from the future. The term "Guardian" here referred to another class, one that transcended the seven main Servant classes. As someone from the future, he knew many things, including Sakura's plight and some of her subsequent actions.
He knew, but like Mo Shuying, he said nothing.
He only stood up after finishing his meal and said,
"Not bad, but it would taste even better if you sprinkled some pepper on the grilled fish next time."
After speaking, he took his plate to the kitchen, leaving Emiya Shirou looking thoughtful.
After dinner, Fujimura Taiga and Matou Sakura bid their farewells and left.
So, only this group remained at the dining table.
"Um... Ahem, the first Holy Grail War discussion meeting will now begin."
The recovered Tohsaka Rin stood there, cleared her throat, and spoke.
"To deal with the upcoming battles or unexpected events, we still need to have a strategy meeting."
Luvia sat cross-legged, arms crossed, and chimed in.
"The enemies we know of so far are Bazett and Caster, a powerful user of Rune Magic. There are also three Masters and Servants whose identities are unknown. Honestly... this information is essential, and it's better to figure it out beforehand if possible."
As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." Information warfare is also very important.
"How about this: this afternoon, Archer and I will go out and look for valuable clues. Luvia, you can set up defenses around here. This will be our base from now on, and it can't just disappear like your place did."
As Tohsaka Rin arranged the next steps, Emiya Shirou's mouth hung open, as if to say, When did my house become your base?!
"Mm, I understand. Don't worry, I guarantee on the honor of the Edelfelt Family that I will make this place as solid as a fortress!"
Luvia patted her chest, causing a ripple.
"Mm, I'll go call Illya over in a bit, and pick up some groceries on the way back."
Tohsaka Rin and Red Archer stood up, ready to depart.
Mo Shuying glanced at the two and said,
"I'd like to go out too."
Everyone simultaneously looked at Mo Shuying, who remained calm.
"Don't worry, I won't run."
"Ah, no, it's just that it's not very safe outside right now, and you're alone..."
Luvia spoke up.
Mo Shuying smiled and shook his head.
"I'm actually safer alone than with the two of them. Don't forget my class."
It was only then that they remembered Mo Shuying was an Assassin. He really didn't seem like an Assassin at all, apart from his Presence Concealment.
"Alright, be careful on your way. Will you be back for dinner tonight?"
Tohsaka Rin nodded in agreement.
Emiya Shirou, standing nearby, was startled.
Mo Shuying nodded.
"Of course I'll be back. You might not find such good food anywhere else. Alright, I'll be back early."
With that, Mo Shuying activated Presence Concealment and stealthily departed.
Afterward, Tohsaka Rin and Red Archer also left the Emiya Residence to begin their investigation.
Mo Shuying had two objectives in going out.
First, he genuinely wanted to clear his head. As a former shut-in, he hadn't really been anywhere, and this was an opportunity to experience a foreign culture.
Second, he wanted to look for clues—clues about other Masters and Servants. And also... he wanted to check out Ryuudou Temple.
He was still bothered by the Caster Mom incident. Although it hadn't caused him any substantial harm, being schemed against felt unpleasant.
As he walked along the street,
passersby couldn't see him due to his Presence Concealment.
It was quite miraculous, really. Even though the entire Fuyuki City was enveloped and isolated, its residents seemed completely oblivious. They went about their daily lives, working as usual. He figured it must be the Holy Grail's doing.
Mo Shuying ambled along, heading towards Ryuudou Temple, and eventually arrived at a park.
"Huh? Isn't this where I was [born]?"
Mo Shuying remembered this place; it was just like the one in the alternate dimension.
As he walked into this somewhat nostalgic place, suddenly...
"Gurgle~"
A strange gurgling sound echoed. Mo Shuying turned to look and saw a short-haired girl in a suit lying on her side on a bench, looking rather pathetic.
"Gurgle~ gurgle~"
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