After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got down to business. Assassin conveyed that Emiya Kiritsugu was willing to speak with Shirou.
"An Servant who has made a contract with the 'World'...!"
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Saber's cheek. That man made a contract with the 'World,' just like me...?
"Shirou, are you planning to meet him?" Irisviel asked.
"That Assassin is a Servant who made a contract with the 'World.' He probably possesses important information that we don't know about--
Why the Counter Force interfered in this Holy Grail War, and why he targeted Irisviel's life.
We can't find the answers to any of that through battle."
Irisviel nodded. "I understand. Have Saber and Assassin accompany you.
Although I'd really like to see what kind of detestable face the man who has targeted my life time and again has, he probably doesn't want to... No, he doesn't dare meet me, I suppose."
"Regarding that..."
Hundred-Faced Hassan said, "That man said he would only meet Shirou. He won't allow anyone to accompany him—not even Saber, let alone me."
Saber warned him, "Shirou, it's a trap!
Your opponent is the kind of person who will stop at nothing to kill his target. He must be plotting something. You can't go!"
Shirou thought for a moment before saying, "Don't worry, Saber...
I've already beaten him three times. I don't mind beating him once more.
Besides, I'm not alone."
"What do you mea... Ah!"
Saber finally understood. Shirou's Servant wasn't only Assassin—there was also that woman who had never shown her face from beginning to end, remaining in spirit form the entire time.
She had such little presence that Saber had nearly forgotten she existed.
Shirou had made up his mind. He was going to meet the Assassin named Emiya Kiritsugu.