Shinto, Kamitani Residence.
I didn't expect the Grail to choose Kirei after all...
In the spacious courtyard, Kamitani Yuu sat in a chair, watching Sakura warm up while his thoughts drifted. After receiving the signal from the Church that morning, he had dispatched a crow familiar as his representative to the cathedral on the outskirts. While he was slightly surprised that Kirei had summoned Assassin, he didn't dwell on it. As long as he ensured at least three Servants survived until the end, Assassin's existence was trivial.
However, the "Old Worm" has indeed joined this Fourth War... I wonder who he picked as his pawn?
Recalling the loathsome winged insect he had spotted in the corner of the cathedral, Yuu rubbed his chin, considering when to hunt down Matou Zouken and "extract" his resources. On his way back from the church, he had detoured past the Matou estate, but the old man was nowhere to be found. Otherwise, Yuu would have delivered some "warmth" right to his doorstep.
On the other side of the courtyard, Sakura stood on the slightly damp grass, practicing the Bajiquan she was still mastering. With every punch, her form improved, her movements shifting from stiff to fluid like flowing water.
"Phew—"
Ending with a closing palm strike, Sakura exhaled a long breath and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a small hand. Despite having only recently started, she displayed an unparalleled talent for martial arts. In just a few days, she had grasped the basics Yuu taught her.
As expected of the Tohsaka bloodline. If they hadn't been distracted by magecraft, the Tohsakas probably could have produced several martial arts grandmasters. Looking at it this way, the rumors about the "Jewel Old Man" Marshall Zelretch leading students astray were likely true.
Daddy should be watching me, right? Sakura thought expectantly, stealing a glance at Yuu.
The sunlight filtered through thin clouds, casting a soft glow on the silver-haired young man. He was tall and lean, with deep, perfect features. He was easily a "B+" rank by the standards of a beautiful youth. Sakura gradually became dazed by the sight, not noticing Yuu walking over to her.
"Sakura, why is your face so red? Are you sick?" Yuu asked with concern, looking down at the black-haired girl. He had noticed her staring blankly for quite a while.
"Ugh—" Hearing his melodic voice so close, Sakura flinched. She snapped out of it, shaking her head vigorously. "No, it's—it's nothing, Daddy. I'm just a little tired..."
"Is that so? If you feel unwell, you must tell me immediately." Yuu reached out and gently patted her head.
"Mhm, I know~" Under his touch, Sakura's cheeks grew even redder. Trying to deflect her embarrassment, she looked up and asked, "By the way... Daddy, am I not going to school today either?"
"Fuyuki isn't very safe lately. I'll feel better with you at home." Yuu looked apologetic; he knew staying inside all day was boring for a child. But during the Holy Grail War, he couldn't risk someone targeting her while he was away. Even with Rune protection, he was uneasy. Furthermore, because the Great Grail purification was at a critical stage, Odin had been in the underground cavern since yesterday and couldn't protect her.
"As an apology, how about I take you to the amusement park today?" Yuu suggested. While the war usually demanded tension, it was still daytime—battles were for the night.
"Really, Daddy?" Sakura's blue eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Of course. Let's get ready and head out."
Afternoon, Shinto Amusement Park.
"Sakura, do you want something to eat?" Yuu asked as they navigated through the bustling crowds. Though they'd had lunch at a nearby restaurant, several hours of walking meant Sakura likely needed a prana—or at least a calorie—recharge.
"Daddy..." Sakura didn't answer his question; instead, she tugged on his hand.
"What's wrong?" Yuu stopped and looked at her.
"Look, Daddy. Is that Karen-chan?" Sakura pointed toward a bench. There, a small girl in a tiny nun's habit sat alone. Beside her stood a familiar white-clad figure.
"Wait, it really is... but is that Irisviel next to her?" Yuu narrowed his eyes. Fuyuki was a big city—how on earth did those two run into each other?
"Daddy, let's go check on her. It's dangerous for Karen-chan to be there alone." Sakura hesitated, a look of worry crossing her cute face. "And that strange big sister... she doesn't look like a good person."
"Right." Yuu nodded, feeling equally uneasy, and led Sakura toward Karen.
Meanwhile.
"Little girl, why are you here all by yourself? Did you get separated from your parents?" Irisviel asked gently, her heart aching as she looked at the girl who reminded her so much of her own daughter in age and appearance.
"..." Karen looked up silently, then shook her head, signaling the woman to mind her own business.
"Eh? No?" Irisviel tilted her head in a daze. "Then are you waiting for your father?"
"Sigh~" Karen let out a weary breath, seemingly annoyed by Irisviel's prying. However, as she prepared to speak, she spotted Yuu and Sakura approaching in the distance.
The little nun's amber eyes lit up. She waved toward Yuu and shouted at the top of her lungs:
"Daddy! I'm over here!"
___
There's a few advance chapters on my P@treon
Usually upload 2 Chapters a day in there, except Saturday and Sunday
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