To outsiders, it looked as though he had been intimidated by Aoko and didn't dare act recklessly. In reality, he had refrained from doing anything unnecessary because he trusted Aoko.
Though he trusted her, he was still somewhat dissatisfied.
"Don't be angry."
Aoko said with a beaming smile, "The little girl who ran off just now was Sakura Matou, right?
"Just as you told me, she really does have considerable talent in magecraft.
"If we're only talking about talent, she might... No, she might even be more outstanding than her sister.
"I can somewhat understand why Tohsaka sent her to the Matou Family.
"With blood that exceptional, it really would be a shame if she couldn't become a magus."
"Little Sakura isn't just talented. She works harder than anyone else, too."
Shirou wore a proud expression.
To Shirou, Sakura Matou was both the younger sister he had known for nearly ten years and his junior in the school's Archery Club. At the same time, she was also his apprentice in magecraft.
After the Fourth Holy Grail War ended, Sakura Matou had been presented with two choices.
She could return to the Tohsaka Family and live an ordinary yet happy life from then on.
Or she could remain with the Matou Family, continue studying magecraft, and become the magus representing the Matou Family in the future—
Sakura Matou had decisively chosen the latter.
Shirou hadn't asked her why. He respected the girl's decision and made the necessary arrangements.
Although Aoko had only heard about this from Shirou, she immediately understood Sakura Matou's motivation.
It's because of you, you idiot...
She wants to stay by Brother Shirou's side.
She wants to be of help to Brother Shirou.
That was why Little Sakura had given up returning to her mother and sister's protection