The Plot Begins!

5:40 a.m.

Having finished his morning training and just returned home, Shinji soaked in the bathtub and let out a satisfied sigh.

By the way, although the System no longer issued daily training missions, Shinji still habitually went out for a run that lasted over an hour.

After all these years, he finally understood why Japanese people loved soaking in baths so much. It was comfortable.

Unlike in his previous life, where he would just stand beneath the showerhead, quickly soap up and rinse off, then wash his hair. Even including brushing his teeth, it would not take more than ten minutes.

Working people valued efficiency.

6:20 a.m.

Shinji, wearing his school uniform for the first time in several days, appeared in the dining room just as Sakura finished making breakfast.

"Sakura, if you really want to go to Emiya's place, you don't need to worry about me. It's only breakfast, your brother can also..."

Thinking Sakura might be too embarrassed to say it outright, Shinji trailed off.

Sakura hurriedly replied, "It's fine with Senpai. I already let him know over the phone."

Hmm... After thinking for a moment, Shinji spoke again.

"Sakura, don't worry. Your brother fully supports his little sister's romance and all that. Go for it!"

"What are you talking about, Brother? I'm not going to Senpai's house because I like him!" Realizing her brother had gotten the wrong idea, Sakura argued with a flushed face.

This little sister was really shy, Shinji thought. Then, playing along, he waved his hand and smiled.

"I get it, I get it."

"Do you really understand, Brother?" Sakura asked doubtfully.

"I understand." Shinji nodded. "Being too embarrassed to admit it in matters like this is a perfectly normal reaction for girls your age. Your brother completely understands. Anyway, do your best."

"That's not it! You don't understand at all, Brother! Honestly!"

Sakura's face turned even redder. She also understood that her top priority now was to clear up her brother's misunderstanding about her and Senpai!

7:05 a.m. Shinji and Sakura had already arrived at school.

Seeing Sakura, who had worn a satisfied expression while clinging to his arm the entire way, Shinji showed a hint of helplessness.

Luckily, it was still early, so they had not run into anyone. If they had met someone they knew, even he would have found it a little awkward.

Shinji tried twice to pull his arm free from between those excessively soft—cough—things, but failed both times. He could only try changing the subject and look for another opportunity.

"Speaking of which, Sakura, do you want to know how to quickly get closer to that outdated twin-tail... no, Tohsaka?"

"?" Sakura was clearly intrigued, a huge question mark appearing on her face.

Taking advantage of the instant Sakura relaxed, Shinji pulled his arm free. Then he leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words.

Hearing Shinji's words, Sakura covered her mouth in surprise, her tone becoming uncertain. "C-can that really work?"

"Of course! Trust your brother!" Shinji gave a thumbs-up and winked. "There'll definitely be no problem! Creating a few little accidents now and then can have unexpected effects when it comes to bringing people closer! Sakura, you've seen it before, right? The kind of classmate who gets called on by the teacher unexpectedly, gets nervous, and calls the teacher Mom."

"Um... I think I have."

"At first glance, that kind of thing might seem embarrassing, but there's no denying it leaves a deep impression on both the teacher and classmates. It's very helpful for quickly getting closer to them!"

"It does sound pretty reasonable, but I still feel..."

"Relax, relax. Trust your brother." Shinji patted his chest.

"Yo, Shinji, Sakura. Morning."

Shirou's voice came from behind them.

"Morning, Emiya." Shinji turned around first.

"Good morning, Senpai." Sakura turned and greeted him with a smile, while once again tightly wrapping herself around Shinji's arm.

"Hey, Sakura..." Shinji said helplessly. He was just about to say something when Shirou interrupted him.

Looking at the two pressed closely together, he softly congratulated Sakura from the bottom of his heart. "Though it's a little strange to say this at a time like this—after your grandfather passed away—I'm still happy for you. Your long-held wish has finally..."

"Senpai!"

Sakura called out with a red face, seemingly trying to stop Shirou from continuing.

Hearing that, Shirou swallowed the rest of his words. He glanced sideways at Shinji, then continued, "Shinji, don't be so cold toward Sakura from now on. You're obviously someone others would envy."

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Shinji asked in surprise.

"Oh, right. Sakura, tell Mitsuzuri that I won't be attending morning practice today. Isshin needs my help with something."

After saying that, Shirou bid them farewell and entered the school gates first.

That was right. Since Shinji had only tried joining and quit soon afterward, Shirou had not left the Archery Club as he had in the original story. He was now the vice president of the Archery Club and one of its two main members.

Watching Shirou's somewhat hurried retreating figure, Shinji furrowed his brow and muttered, "What the hell was Emiya talking about?"

"It's nothing, nothing. Let's hurry inside too."

Sakura quickly urged him along, dragging Shinji toward the school gates.

"No, I mean, Sakura..." Shinji looked a little helpless. "You don't need to cling to me once we're at school, right? Even if we're siblings, we're already high school students."

"Oh my, does Brother feel embarrassed too?" Sakura covered her mouth and put on a mildly surprised expression.

"Don't be silly. Who would be embarrassed over something like that?" Shinji shrugged indifferently.

"Then it's fine. Let's go."

"No, I'm not even in the Archery Club. There's no need to drag me there too, right?"

"It's fine once in a while. Brother hardly ever comes to the Archery Club."

In the end, Shinji could not overcome Sakura's persistence and followed her to the archery range located at the northernmost part of campus.

It had to be said that the archery range used by the Archery Club was indeed one of Hohzuki Academy's highlights. Whether in terms of floor space, complete facilities, or luxurious decoration, no other club could compare.

The reason was probably that the school's chairman personally loved archery, though no one knew the real reason.

In truth, there were many things whose reasons could not be explained. For instance, despite Taiga's outstanding skill in kendo, she served as the Archery Club's faculty advisor rather than the Kendo Club's.

Shinji had once tried asking around indirectly, but Taiga never directly answered this question, which could be considered one of FSN's many mysteries.

As soon as he approached the Archery Club, Shinji clearly heard Rin and Mitsuzuri speaking inside the dojo.

Shinji made a quiet gesture, then stood at the entrance to the Archery Club and silently listened to the conversation between this unusual pair.

"Then I'll ask directly. How are things on your end, Tohsaka? You should have found a reliable partner by now, right?"

Mitsuzuri's voice rang out, her tone distinctly boyish.

"Whew—you're really getting straight to the point." Rin's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "But since you're asking that, does that mean you've already found someone?"

"No comment. Until Tohsaka comes clean, this side stays confidential too. So, how is it? Looking at that tired face of yours, have you found any leads?"