Surprise and Unexpected Turns

Shirou could only respond with a wry smile.

"After all, the time for the Holy Grail War is approaching, so it's understandable that Dad is excited."

Although Wang Xiaoming had been a bit too rough during training, he was very careful. The damage he caused was only superficial bruises on the skin.

Even Shirou isn't very skilled in "healing Magecraft," could easily erase it. In fact, Shirou didn't even need to lift a finger; Sakura took care of it herself.

As for the Holy Grail War that Shirou mentioned earlier, both Shirou and Sakura knew about its inside story.

"But can Uncle win? This Holy Grail War..."

Sakura's tone was somewhat low.

After all, as a participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War ten years ago, Sakura, who was just a child at the time, still has indelible memories of that Holy Grail War.

"Of course we can win."

Without the slightest hesitation, Shirou immediately replied.

"Besides, I can be of help this time too."

Just as Shirou said, he will also participate in this Holy Grail War, which is the [Fifth Holy Grail War].

However, this time it's not as a [Master]...

"Hmm, where is Miss Mordred?"

Sakura suddenly asked about Mordred, who had recently returned with Shirou.

After learning about the series of events that occurred on the Rail Zeppelin from Shirou, Sakura was relieved but also learned of Mordred's existence.

However, Shirou felt that Sakura's mood seemed somewhat negative after Mordred moved in.

Hmm, it's probably just my imagination.

"She should still be resting."

Struggling out of his thoughts, Shirou answered Sakura's question. Then, as if remembering something, he said to Sakura:

"By the way, Sakura, if you hear Mordred say anything unpleasant, please don't take it to heart. She doesn't mean any harm; it's just her personality."

"Yes, I understand."

Sakura nodded.

In fact, even without Shirou's reminder, Sakura already knew this after spending some time with Mordred.

That "rebellious knight" was actually a soft-hearted guy who was all talk and no action.

"Is that so? That's wonderful!"

Seeing Shirou's silly smile, Sakura couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.

She understood that Shirou was comforting her in this way after he realized that something was wrong with her emotions.

However, my emotions weren't directed at Mordred, it's just that...

"Sakura!"

The shout that suddenly came from behind reached the ears of Shirou and Sakura, who were walking ahead.

"Good morning, sister."

Sakura turned around and looked at Tohsaka Rin, who was standing in front of her panting heavily. She couldn't help but chuckle and gently patted Rin's back.

"Phew, I'm alive again!"

As her breathing gradually calmed down, Tohsaka Rin let out a long sigh of relief and then put her arm around Sakura's shoulder.

Good morning, Sakura ~

"Um, sister..."

Feeling troubled by her older sister's overly affectionate behavior, Sakura looked to Shirou for help.

Good morning, Tohsaka.

"Good morning, Wang."

Rin's morning grumpiness dissipated under the impact of her sister's energy, and she gracefully greeted Shirou, regaining her perfect state.

That was an absolutely flawless stance in the eyes of outsiders, but in Shirou's eyes...

"Tohsaka, here's your lunchbox."

Shirou had long seen through Tohsaka Rin's true colors, handed over the bento box in his hand.

"Ah, I'm so grateful..."

Tohsaka Rin, who had just received the bento box, seemed to realize something was amiss, when she heard Shirou's voice again—

"By the way, this is a bento box made by Sakura."

"..."

After giving Shirou a fierce glare, Rin withdrew her hand that she had been about to extend back.

Actually, it doesn't matter who made the bento; what matters is that Rin needs a way out, and Shirou doesn't mind giving Rin a way out.

Sakura had been watching the interaction between the two from the sidelines, sighed inwardly. She remembered that when she was little, her uncle had once used a single word to describe her sister's awkward personality.

In retrospect, the word "tsundere" truly does perfectly encapsulate the older sister's personality.

Since Shirou still needed to attend his club's morning class, Sakura said goodbye to Shirou after the three of them entered the school.

"Then, see you after school, brother."

See you after school.

Sakura, watching Shirou leave, turned her gaze to Tohsaka Rin.

Logically, the two, who were in different grades, should have separated after entering the school, but seeing Rin's hesitant expression, Sakura couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"Sister, is there anything else?"

"... Yes, Sakura, I'm preparing to participate in the [Fifth Holy Grail War]."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Rin said this to Sakura.

The plot has been mostly organized.

Incidentally, this volume contains some personal opinions and significant modifications.

If there are any bugs, please don't blame me.

(I try my best to prevent bugs from appearing)

Above~

Chapter 377. Surprise and Unexpected Events

"Sakura, I'm preparing to participate in the [Fifth Holy Grail War]."

Sakura didn't show any surprise after hearing Tohsaka Rin's firm words.

In fact, Sakura had known about her older sister's thoughts from the beginning, and naturally understood the obstacles involved.

"Then, Tohsaka Family Head?"

"Um, Sakura... Father..."

Upon hearing Sakura's Tohsaka Tokiomi, Rin instinctively tried to explain, but Sakura interrupted her before she could finish speaking.

"Sister, my current surname is... Matou..."

Seeing the somewhat troubled expression on Sakura's face, Rin felt a pang of sadness.

Although his relationship with Sakura hadn't changed at all because of the "adoption," Sakura would always change the subject whenever he mentioned his father, clearly not wanting to talk about it.

This puts him in a difficult position, as he has been trying to restore their relationship.

Now, if I can win the Fifth Holy Grail War and obtain the Holy Grail... then I'm sure I can restore Sakura's relationship with her father to what it was before!

Thinking of this, Rin quickly perked up.

"I've taken care of Father, so just wait and see, Sakura. I will definitely win this Holy Grail War!"

After saying that, Rin turned and walked towards her classroom.

Watching Rin's departing figure, Sakura shook her head helplessly.

As Rin's younger sister who grew up with her, Sakura naturally understood her older sister's thoughts.

"But we can't go back."

Thinking this, Sakura suddenly pictured a certain man's smiling face in her mind.

"... Uncle Kariya."

"Mr. Ming, I'm afraid I'll need your help to look after Rin during this Holy Grail War."

Hearing Tohsaka Tokiomi the microphone, Wang Xiaoming had just picked up the microphone, was still completely bewildered.

"What happened?"

"Because she was determined to participate in the Holy Grail War, Rin forged a document in an attempt to get me and Aoi away..."

On the other Tohsaka Tokiomi looked at the "winning notification" in his hand, which promised a month-long trip to Hawaii.

God knows how long it took Rin, who never seems to hold onto money, to save up for this trip.

After hearing Tohsaka Tokiomi's general account of the situation, Wang Xiaoming on the other end of the phone subconsciously twitched the corner of his mouth.

So you, as the father, do nothing but send your daughter to cause me trouble?

"But are you sure? Letting Little Rin participate in the Holy Grail War. After all, this is the Holy Grail War, and even I can't guarantee 100% that I can protect her."

Wang Xiaoming didn't believe that Tohsaka Tokiomi couldn't see through Rin's trick. The so-called being fooled was definitely Tohsaka Tokiomi's deliberate act.

"After all, she'll eventually become a full-fledged Magecraft..."

Tohsaka Tokiomi's somewhat helpless voice reached Wang Xiaoming's ears.

After what happened ten years ago, although Tohsaka Tokiomi has become quite indifferent to the succession of the Tohsaka Family, Rin still needs to inherit the Tohsaka Family in the future.

In this way, the upcoming Fifth Holy Grail War will become the best touchstone for Rin's progress on the path of Magecraft.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Tohsaka Tokiomi finally dialed Wang Xiaoming's number.

"Mr. Ming, if Rin encounters any trouble next, please take good care of her."

"I see."

After listening to Tohsaka Tokiomi's considerations, Wang Xiaoming finally agreed to his request.

"It's Tohsaka Tokiomi. He said Little Rin is also going to participate in the Holy Grail War."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Xiaoming looked at Lily standing beside him and asked her a questioning look, then explained to her.

Because of Kariya, Wang Xiaoming harbored a certain prejudice against Tohsaka Tokiomi. However, regarding Rin, Wang Xiaoming also fulfilled his responsibility on behalf of Kariya, protecting her and Sakura as they grew up in peace.

"So I plan to have Shirou look after her then."

Lily had watched Rin grow up and had a great fondness for this polite child. Therefore, Lily naturally had no objections after hearing Wang Xiaoming's plan.

"Speaking of which, about what I mentioned before about Mordred..."

After discussing Rin, Wang Xiaoming suddenly asked Lily about the Servant his son had brought back from the Rail Zeppelin.

At first, Wang Xiaoming, fresh from his trip to the Middle East, was startled when he first saw Mordred. However, after Lily recounted their experiences on the Rail Zeppelin, a bold idea suddenly popped into Wang Xiaoming's mind—

If the [Holy Grail System] could mistake the battle that took place on the Rail Zeppelin for a small-scale [Subspecies Holy Grail War]...

Therefore, as Servant left over from the previous Holy Grail War, Mordred's existence should not actually affect her participation in the Fifth Holy Grail War. [Note 1]

After Wang Xiaoming shared his thoughts with Lily said she would try to change her understanding of the [Holy Grail System].