Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 342 The Reason for the Fight

Tosaka Residence, Magic Workshop.

The old typewriter-like magical device was inefficiently and tirelessly "printing" information in a way that [Tōsaka Tokiomi] believed was safe.

And [Tousaka Tokiomi] was sitting upright on a chair with his eyes closed.

She always has an elegant smile on her face, and her demeanor is as impeccable as ever.

It seems that the head of the Tohsaka family doesn't care much about what is happening in the outside world.

But Kotomine Kirei, who was standing quietly at the side, looked at Tōsaka Tokiomi who was like a statue, and keenly caught the unknown flaw of his teacher.

The beads of sweat that kept sliding down [Tōsaka Tokiomi's] forehead, the other party's slightly trembling but tried hard to restrain his fingertips, and even the slightly rapid breathing that was clearly observed.

All of this is declaring one thing:

[The head of the Tohsaka family, Tohsaka Tokiomi, appeared calm on the surface, but in reality he was completely distraught.]

Unexpected events in the church, the actions of unknown enemies, that powerful Saber whose true name is unknown, Gilgamesh, who has been difficult to control since the beginning of his summoning and is now off track...

All of this has exceeded Tōsaka Tokiomi's original expectations for the Holy Grail War.

His well-thought-out plan that was sure to win was on the verge of bankruptcy under the current circumstances.

in other words:

After witnessing Saber killing two servants and learning that the three church bases were completely destroyed.

[Tousaka Tokiomi]'s mind was overloaded.

He no longer knew what to do.
-
The moment this realization took shape in Kotomine Kirei's mind, the corners of his mouth involuntarily curled up slightly.

It was a smile that he himself had not even noticed.

There is neither warmth nor irony, yet there is a certain strange emotion contained in it.

It was as strange as the shaking of a cocoon before a monster broke out.

[This is really... interesting.]

He is clearly his teacher, and his own interests are clearly closely related to [Tōsaka Tokiomi].

However, as long as you see that this man is already in chaos, he still has to force himself to maintain that elegant demeanor.

He couldn't help but feel a twisted emotion climbing up from the bottom of his heart like a black vine.

It was a strange emotion that he couldn't help but feel, and it was difficult to describe it accurately in words.

This emotion brought him a sense of satisfaction he had never experienced before.

So, what exactly is this emotion?

[Kotomine Kirei] was a little confused.

Just as Kotomine Kirei was secretly pondering the name of this emotion, the magic device that had been working non-stop nearby stopped.

As [Tōsaka Tokiomi], who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened his eyes, [Kotomine Kirei] beside him also quickly walked towards the device.

He took down the information and began to read it.
-
Tonight, three church locations were attacked.

The results of the preliminary investigation by the 'Agent' are as follows.

The [Aura Disk], the main facility at the church that monitors the ranks and number of servants, is missing.

All the bodies in the church had extremely neat and smooth cuts on them, and all of them were missing their arms.

The male corpses lost their reproductive organs, and the survivors lost their [Command Seals].

While both cuts are very smooth, there are actually two types of cuts.

The enemy here is tentatively identified as the 'Borrowed Limb Murderer', whose characteristic is that he is good at swordsmanship, and there should be two of them.
-
In another stronghold where heavy firepower was stored, all the bodies disappeared.

But there are still traces of resistance, according to Saber and the 'Agent'.

The enemies here may be the [Master of the Matou family] and Matou Zouken.

At the last temporary gathering place of the "Agents", all the corpses had been skinned.

There were no signs of resistance, and there were witnesses in the city of hanging human skin on the "tree".

The enemy is tentatively named the 'Flayer'.
-
In addition, a new victim has appeared in the serial murder case in the downtown area.

At one of the scenes, there was a [Heroic Spirit Summoning] magic circle drawn in blood.

It is speculated that he is a Master participating in the Holy Grail War.
-

After reading the information, Kotomine Kirei lowered his eyelids and hid his face in the shadows.

Then he spoke slowly in his usual calm tone.

"Teacher, how should we act?

"The church is already urging you to give an answer.

"You seem a little uneasy. Have you noticed something?"

After hearing [Kotomine Kirei]'s question, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] finally started moving like a clockwork puppet.

"Church, reply. Yes, reply to the church."

After repeating it several times, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] slowly regained consciousness and the ability to think.

He smiled with feigned nonchalance and waved towards Kotomine Kirei.

"Uneasy? Kirei, you're worrying too much.

"Things should not be beyond our ability to handle."

After pondering for a moment, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] gave his own strategy.

"Tomorrow's meeting between Servants and Masters will probably feature a large number of Servants, who will attempt to investigate these incidents and obtain the Command Seals.

"In order to avoid angering the King, the Tohsaka family cannot attend the meeting."

After saying this, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] felt his face turn red.

But after suffering a loss at the hands of Gilgamesh and wasting a stroke of his Command Seal, Tōsaka Tokiomi was no longer willing to do anything risky.

He gave a 'suggestion' to Kotomine Kirei who was standing beside him.

"In order to hide Li Shuwen's real name and abilities, it's best if you don't attend the meeting.

"We wait and see what happens. Ideally, we can lure that powerful Saber (Fang Yi) into a fight with the 'Limb Borrower' and reap the benefits."

Speaking of this, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] seemed to feel that he was being a bit unfair to his partner, the [Church of the Holy Land].

He paused again and added.

"We can't just sit there and do nothing. Let's just let Li Shuwen investigate the matter of the limb borrower.

“But just investigate and don’t get into conflict with the other party.

"We have no reason to fight these people."
-

Upon hearing this 'immovable as a mountain' strategy, [Kotomine Kirei] nodded on the surface.

But he felt even more disappointed with [Tosaka Tokiomi].

[Do nothing again? Can such a strategy really lead to victory?]

However, just as Kotomine Kirei turned around and prepared to leave the workshop, a magic device beside him suddenly emitted a slight humming sound and spit out a brand new piece of information.

He subconsciously wanted to go forward to check, but saw Tōsaka Tokiomi suddenly waved his hand and almost couldn't wait to walk forward himself.

However, when [Tōsaka Tokiomi]'s eyes swept over the information, his face suddenly darkened, as if the temperature of the entire room had dropped several degrees.

Kotomine Kirei watched quietly, doubts rising in his heart.

[What kind of information could make his teacher lose his composure instantly?]

[Tōsaka Tokiomi], who was holding the information, had his fingers trembling with extreme anger, and the paper was almost torn between his fingers.

His pupils shrank slightly and veins bulged on his forehead, as if he was about to pour out all his anger.

"Kirei, the situation has changed!

"Now we have a reason to fight!!"

His voice was low and hoarse, filled with suppressed anger.

"Go gather [Li Shuwen] and, no matter what, eliminate the 'thief' who is trying to destroy the Tosaka family's assets!"
-
Hearing these furious words, Kotomine Kirei was slightly stunned and quickly began to calculate in his mind.

As the local boss of Fuyuki City, the Tosaka family naturally has some properties.

The industry with the greatest profit is renting out "spiritual land" for profit.

These 'spiritual lands', after being nourished by the magic in the earth veins and influenced by the unique magic of the Tohsaka family, will bring good luck to the people who rent them and make their business prosperous.

These sacred places are not only the foundation of the Tohsaka family, but also its lifeline.

【Is someone destroying these sacred places? 】

he asked tentatively.

"Someone is destructively extracting the 'spiritual veins' from the land, affecting the effectiveness of the 'spiritual land' leased by the Tōsaka family? Is it a servant, or a master?"

However, before he could finish his words, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] interrupted [Kotomine Kirei]'s question.

"That's the Servant and Master who fought against the Einzbern Servant at the mouth of the Miyuan River!"

[Tosaka Tokiomi]'s roar squeezed out from between his teeth, mixed with the endless anger in his heart.

"Ever since the battle, the spiritual veins at the mouth of the Weiyuan River have irreversibly 'withered', rendering several 'spiritual sites' permanently ineffective!

"The Tohsaka family's fixed income has been reduced by one-seventh."

There was a clearly visible 'flame' burning in his pupils, and he was gripping the cane in his hand tightly, with his knuckles turning white, as if it would break with the slightest force.

"This is destroying the very foundation of my Tohsaka family's continuation!"
-
[Kotomine Kirei] Looking at his face twisted with anger, he felt a strange feeling.

This was not the patriarch he was familiar with.

This is a man who is furious because his reverse scale has been touched.

"And now, another area's 'spiritual vein' has 'failed'!

"A large amount of human flesh and some distinctive body parts were found in an abandoned factory near the area where the church's 'agent' was located.

“It has been confirmed that these body parts are those of the deceased in the church!
"He is the accomplice or the mastermind behind the 'Borrowed Limb Murderer'!!!"

[Tōsaka Tokiomi] almost shouted these words.

At this moment, his eyes were so fierce that he seemed to want to eat the Servant and its Master alive.

"This shameless thief and his servants are destroying my Tohsaka family's fortune!

"I'll send people to keep a close eye on him. As soon as he starts drawing on the 'spiritual veins' again. The Tōsaka family's unique magecraft will be able to detect changes in the 'spiritual land' and lock onto him. He won't be able to escape!!"

After controlling his emotions a little, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] took the initiative.

"Also, spread this message to the 'Agents' and those Masters."

[Whoever can kill this 'limb borrower' will be rewarded by the Tohsaka family].

Kotomine Kirei lowered his head slightly to hide the strange look that flashed in his eyes.

"I understand. I will carry out your order immediately."

He issued orders to his followers and walked outside, ready to contact the church's 'agent'.

Only the extremely angry [Tōsaka Tokiomi] was left in the workshop.
-
At this moment, Tōsaka Tokiomi had lost his usual composure, like a beast that had been forced into a desperate situation.

His face also became extremely ferocious, and he vowed to tear apart all threats in front of him.

However, Tōsaka Tokiomi's anger did not last long, as he was interrupted by the somewhat strange words of Kotomine Kirei who had returned.

"Teacher, someone from the Magic Association has come to you personally with the head of the Matou family, seeking your help." "I hope you can fulfill the ancient covenant."

"Ms. Zhuang is here too."

In just a moment, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] frowned.

"Okay, I want to see how Matou Zouken is going to explain the matter of that base to me and the church.

"Please ask him to come into the hall."

However, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] did not notice the rather strange smile on [Kotomine Kirei]'s face beside him.
-

A few minutes later, in the lobby of the Tohsaka residence.

When he saw Matou Sakura with an indifferent expression beside Zhuang Zhengyan, Tohsaka Tokiomi's brain froze.

All the countless words he had just thought of to deal with Matou Zouken were completely destroyed at this moment.

And when Sakura Matou saw her biological father, she did not show any excitement.

The girl simply raised the [Magic Seal] on her right wrist, which was in the process of fusion, but with the blessing of Miss Merlin, it had already been "fused" in the eyes of everyone, proving her identity.

After bowing coldly to [Tōsaka Tokiomi], he explained his purpose.

"According to the ancient covenant, I, Matou Sakura.

"As the second-generation head of the Matou family, I have paid a price and requested assistance from the Tōsaka family under the witness of the Magic Association.

"The Motosaka family lent a hand and provided shelter during the Holy Grail War."

[Tosaka Tokiomi] looked at Matou Sakura in front of him, opened his mouth, but could not say anything.

What should he say?

In what capacity does he say these words?

How did Sakura become the head of the family?
Or should I ask Zouken Matou why he transplanted the [Magic Seal] to her so early?
But [Tōsaka Tokiomi] clearly understood that the qualification to say these words was lost the moment he gave his daughter away.

【However, sending Sakura away was indeed the right decision. 】

Therefore, after being stunned for a moment, [Tōsaka Tokiomi] finally squeezed out a dry sentence, showing a little kindness.

"According to the covenant, I, Tōsaka Tokiomi, shall provide protection to the head of the Matou family.

"As for the reward, I don't want it this time."

Matou Sakura interrupted [Tōsaka Tokiomi] and resolutely said the words she had practiced for a long time.

“I now own all of the Matou family’s magic books and magic patents.

"Under the witness of the Magic Association, I will transfer my magic patents and some magic books to you in exchange for your protection."

The girl's mind is also very simple.

[I am Matou Sakura. Seeking help from Tōsaka Tokiomi comes at a price.]

【As for the person who helps me for free, Lord Fang Yi alone is enough. 】

[And in return, I will offer my 'return gift' when the time is right.]

Zhuang Zhengyan, who was standing by, added a lie that Fang Yi had fabricated at the right time.

"While I was investigating the 'Limb Borrower', I happened to meet Zouken Matou, who was attacked and on the verge of death, and Ms. Matou, who had successfully transplanted the [Magic Seal].

"Fuyuki City hasn't been peaceful lately, so I just escorted this child back."

After hearing these words, [Tousaka Tokiomi] felt even more grateful to Zhuang Zhengyan.

He turned his head and spoke to Kotomine Kirei who was standing beside him.

"Kirei, please share with Ms. Zhuang the information you just received regarding the Tōsaka family's 'sacred site' and how to locate the 'limb borrower'.

"At the same time, the Tosaka family's collection of magic books is also open to Ms. Zhuang! You can choose any magic!"

Hearing these words, Zhuang Zhengyan's eyes lit up instantly.

After giving the order, [Tohsaka Tokiomi] bowed to Zhuang Zhengyan and made a promise in a very solemn manner.

"You are always welcome to the Tosaka family, Ms. Zhuang!"

After finishing these tasks, [Tousaka Tokiomi] looked at the little Sakura Matou and let out an inaudible sigh.

After taking one last look at his daughter from a father's perspective, he became a magician and head of the Tohsaka family.

He quickly calculated the compensation he deserved and expressed his attitude to the relevant personnel of the [Magic Association] nearby.

"I agree to the request of the head of the Matou family. I will open the shelter of the wives and daughters of the Tosaka family to Matou Sakura for use.

“Specific compensation.”
-
A few minutes later, a [Self-Compulsory Certificate] was signed.

After Matou Sakura's little hand shook with [Tousaka Tokiomi], the transaction was successfully completed.

He just looked at Sakura Matou who stood up and was about to leave in the empty hall.

The corners of [Tōsaka Tokiomi]'s mouth twitched for a moment, and he finally asked an unnecessary question.

"How have you been this year, Ying?"

Sakura Matou stopped walking out.

The girl naturally knew the answer.

Not good. Very bad.

Although you made this decision with good intentions, you are actually pushing me into a fire pit.

If that man hadn't appeared, I would have ended up in an extremely tragic situation after Kariya's failure.

But after she clenched the unfinished bracelet in her hand, which she wanted to give to Fang Yi, she recalled the man's words and expression.

A sweet smile appeared on Matou Sakura's face, and she responded very maturely.

"I am fine.

"Thank you for your concern, Master Tohsaka.

"It's getting late, please go to bed early."

After showing kindness to [Tōsaka Tokiomi] for the last time, Matou Sakura walked out of the hall without looking back.

Looking at the sky that is gradually getting darker as if it is going to rain, and feeling the somewhat cold wind blowing through at night.

After the girl tightened the [magic outfit] that had turned into a shirt, she unexpectedly felt a hint of warmth.

[If I hadn't been sent there, I probably wouldn't have met that man.]

【From this perspective, perhaps being sent away is an extremely lucky thing. 】

She thought so.

Standing in the hall, [Tousaka Tokiomi] watched Sakura Matou leave.

Although he felt something was wrong, he finally gave up questioning the other party.

Something must have happened to her that I don't know about, but she's smiling, so she must have met a good person and experienced something good.

He walked into the magic workshop and began to introduce the magic of the Tohsaka family to Zhuang Zhengyan.
-

A few minutes ago, at another stronghold.

Zhang Yong threw a flyer distributed by the church with the effect of "Keeping Out Idlers" towards the somewhat embarrassed Cheng Xiang, and asked meaningfully.

"Will you or your servant go to the church meeting tomorrow?"

Cheng Xiang glanced at the Berserker [Hijikata Toshizo] he summoned, who was wearing armor and had no communication skills.

This Heroic Spirit had previously used the [Type A Heroic Spirit Binding Equipment] to drain the magical energy from the 'Spirit Vein' like draining the pond for fish.

Help him get rid of the side effects of using [Eternal Sincerity], a [Delayed Injury Resolution] [Noble Phantasm], and restore his physical injuries to normal.

He kept shouting things like "Even if I'm alone, the Shinsengumi won't perish."

Apparently, he was unable to go and obtain intelligence, and was subsequently recalled by his own [Command Spell].

So he muttered in his heart in a bad mood.

[Probing? Or asking knowingly?]

[I clearly knew that the 'agent' I had just taught had found the factory and seen my unprocessed remains, so it's very likely that I had confirmed my identity.]

【Why do you still ask such a question? 】

He suppressed the anger welling up in his heart and tried to reply to his temporary partner in a calm tone.

"Name your price. What's the price I'll give you for risking your Servant to attend the meeting and bring one of my 'eyes' to pass on information to me?"

[Zhang Yong] smiled slightly, made a gesture of counting money, and directly chose to ask for a huge amount.

You are the only choice the other party has to obtain intelligence. If you don't kill them now, when will you?

"10000 points, no bargaining."

Unexpectedly, Cheng Xiang shook his head firmly and directly rejected the other party's proposal.

"There's no need to go through all this hassle. I've only completed one mission, so I can't give out so many points as a reward right now.

"All my remaining points were spent on urgently contacting you through private messages."

After hearing these words, Zhang Yong subconsciously glanced at the other person's body, pretending to be in deep thought, but in fact he began to speculate on the other person's abilities.

[Does his ability to withstand damage and digest severed limbs require consuming points to accumulate something?]

[Or say]

Seeing that Zhang Yong did not react, Cheng Xiang directly took out a relic and slapped it in front of Zhang Yong.

“I’ll lend it to you for a few days after you sign the agreement.

"This [Book of the Dead] has a negative attribute that states [Drop upon Death] under certain circumstances.

“It is classified as a [Relic] of the [Unbindable] category.

"But in exchange, the returns on holding it are also higher."

Listening to the other party's description of the function of the [relic], [Zhang Yong]'s eyes lit up.
-

A few minutes later, a sewer.

After parting with Cheng Xiang, Zhang Yong threw out an arm with two Command Seals and conveyed an order to the Servant beside him.

"Teach me the 'sword technique' you used when you activated your Noble Phantasm under the blessing of the Command Seals to imitate and master the Cheng Xiang transplantation of the Command Seals.

"This arm I have stolen must be used eventually."
-

The next day, I learned that Ms. Zhuang had mastered the method of exploring the status of the "spiritual land" and thus finding the Berserker.

He rehearsed his lines with Miss Zhuang and agreed on the code words to be used when the "Borrower" appeared.

He also arranged a 'play' to build his own persona as a master of [mimicry limb implants].

After placing Miss Swordsman in the city center so that his heroic spirit could be transferred quickly, he completed the preparations.

Fang Yi walked towards the church with firm and powerful steps.

But before he could catch a glimpse of the servants in the church, he heard the rather dull sound of swords clashing.

As he got closer, he saw a red archer engaged in close combat with a sword-wielding servant.

Interesting! It looks like I might be able to connect with this red archer.

But when he looked at the sword technique used by the sword-wielding servant, he felt something was wrong.

(End of this chapter)