Scáthach's spear halted mere centimeters from Matou Sakura's throat, when a hand casually pushed it aside.
"Easy there, Sakura. No need to rush," Izumi said with a relaxed smile.
"Shishō is only teasing."
Scáthach blinked.
"…Shishō? It has been a long time since I've heard that title."
A faint sigh escaped her lips—nostalgic, amused.
Only one fool had ever called her that so brazenly.
She never expected to hear it again—much less from this boy's mouth.
And so, her lips curled ever so slightly, delight flickering in her eyes.
She took a moment to sense Izumi's strength.
And her conclusion forced a wry chuckle out of her.
Even if she descended in her true body… she might not be stronger than him.
In his presence, she felt threat.
Not the sweet, manageable kind—
But the kind of threat that made her heart leap, spine tingle, and battle-hunger surge.
Yes—within him lay the future potential to kill her with ease.
In the Nasuverse, perhaps none could take her life.
But in other worlds, there were monsters…
And Izumi was exactly the existence she had been waiting for.
Matou Sakura glared at Scáthach, sulking.
If Izumi hadn't stopped her, she really would have burned Command Seals just to punish the woman.
Izumi scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Sorry. It slipped out unconsciously."
"But I think I know who you were reminded of. He got summoned this time, too—
So… planning to stab him?"
Scáthach's eyes gleamed red.
"Oh? That idiot was summoned as well?"
"Fufu… interesting."
Her cute little disciple was here, after all.
Then she had a perfect reason to test how much he'd grown.
Far away at the church, Cú Chulainn suddenly shuddered.
"…What the hell was that? Bad premonition?"
He frowned, confused.
Then shrugged, deciding it wasn't worth the brain cells.
The summoning ritual complete, Izumi was about to introduce Saber Alter (Gun Lily) to Scáthach when a familiar magical signature rushed toward them.
Izumi smirked and glanced at Child Gilgamesh lounging nearby.
"Oy. The chuunibyou version of you is here. Aren't you going to greet him?"
Young Gil's eyes widened with shock—then delight.
He tilted his head, sensing carefully.
"…It really is him."
"Heh. Then I suppose I'll go take a look."
"And this time, I'll definitely insult him properly."
With that, the little king dashed outside.
Once he was gone, Izumi clapped his hands lightly.
"Well then, since everyone's gathered, let's wrap this Holy Grail War up tonight."
"My girl is getting impatient."
He sighed.
Ever since his power skyrocketed, he could clearly feel Ophis watching him—
as if she could crash into this world any second.
So yes, finishing this mess fast was only logical.
At this point, he didn't care whether this had turned into a "Lancer War" anymore.
The worldline was already beyond repair anyway.
Who cares? Finish it, loot, and bail.
Everyone nodded, taking his words seriously.
Izumi began issuing orders.
"This is Fuyuki City. You all know the layout.
Rin, you go deal with Kotomine Kirei."
"With Emiya Kiritsugu there, it shouldn't be difficult."
"Sakura, Shishō—go with her. Kirei's lancer is there."
Rin and Sakura nodded.
Kiritsugu and Scáthach did the same.
Next, Izumi turned to Le Fay.
"Le Fay, head to the place where we excavated the Grail."
"Medea is likely there. Eliminate her."
He had no intention of recruiting "C-mama" Medea.
He vastly preferred Medea Lily.
He was definitely not a lolicon.
He just happened to like girls who happened to be lolis.
Le Fay bowed politely.
"Understood, Master Izumi."
But then, Saber Alter suddenly spoke.
"I'll accompany her.
Master, you don't need my strength here."
Izumi froze.
…What?
Already?
Did Le Fay and this woman already get along so well?
After a second of thought, he nodded.
"Sure. Go together."
Le Fay alone could beat Medea, but just in case she had already summoned that certain red-haired swordsman…
Better safe than sorry.
With that settled, Izumi looked at the Einzbern group.
"Irisviel, take Illya and the others to the Einzbern castle.
The Illyasviel of this world is there."
"She's… had a rough life. Help her if you can."
Irisviel nodded softly.
"Of course. I'll bring her back safely."
The implication was clear.
The Einzbern girl of this world had suffered.
Illyasviel von Einzbern tilted her head, perplexed.
"E-Ehh? Nii-san, what do you mean by 'rough'…?"
"Did the me of this world live some tragic, horrible life?"
Her imagination ran wild instantly:
An orphan.
Bullied.
Starving.
Living on scraps.
By the time she finished mentally torturing herself, she looked ready to cry.
Izumi facepalmed.
"Illya, stop imagining nonsense."
"You'll know when you see her."
He flicked her forehead—hard.
"Ow—! Why, nii-san!?"
Tears welled up, sparkling dramatically.
Chloe and the others dragged her away before she could escalate.
Rin and Sakura sprinted toward the church, vengeance driving them forward.
The others left for their missions one by one.
And with that, the Tohsaka estate fell into silence.
Izumi stretched, cracked his neck, and grinned.
"Well then—time to stab Gilgamesh again."
"And steal all his treasures."
Still grinning, he walked off—
toward the king of heroes' location.