Shirou's clones number 30 million

The Heavenly Dragon Man looked at the two speechlessly and muttered:

"Don't talk to me like that. It feels like you're calling me a scumbag. I was just joking with them, and in the end, I didn't do anything, did I?"

"Luckily you're only 8 years old, otherwise they would definitely have fallen victim to your cruelty," Mafia said quietly.

"Aren't I just like you? We're all the same person. Talking about me is talking about yourself, isn't it?"

"I would never do something so terrible."

"You're lying! If you had a prince-like status, you'd be even more outrageous than me."

"That's hard to say."

After the two finished arguing, Yushiro asked with a smile:

"By the way, what do you think of my Nero Festival?"

"Yan Ye is cheating!" the two said in unison.

“Yes, yes, that’s what I think too.” Yushirou nodded slightly and agreed. “Under normal circumstances, Kariya would never be able to beat Kirei. But he won anyway, it’s like a joke.”

“Actually, it’s quite normal,” Mafishrou laughed. “Kariya has a Mystic Code that Nero lent him. It’s the strongest Mystic Code that combines defense and attack, on par with an A-rank Noble Phantasm. It’s like an enhanced version of Moon Spirit Elixir.”

"However, the most surprising thing is that he would give you the golden apple he won."

That's right, about ten minutes ago, Matou Kariya forced the golden apple, the prize he had won, onto Shirou.

When Shirou came in to store the golden apple, he happened to run into his two selves chatting. After exchanging memories, they started chatting as well.

It's around 9 p.m. now, and normally it would be dark long ago.

But the outside world remained bright and clear, and the sky remained a clear, deep blue.

The reason for this is that Nero's Noble Phantasm disrupts time, causing day and night to be reversed.

Outside, the Master Tournament has already ended, no one has registered for the Servant Tournament, but the Citizen Tournament has a large number of applicants and is currently in the preliminary rounds.

Sakura is talking to Rin Tohsaka, or rather, it's Rin Tohsaka talking to her unilaterally.

"Golden apples, spring water of life, and animal-type insect fruits—I wonder if they can cure Kariya?"

The man from Tianlong pondered for a few seconds before slowly speaking:

"I can only say there's a sliver of hope. Are you going to give it a try?"

“We have to try. He shouldn’t die here,” Yushiro sighed.

"This was his own choice."

"What choice do you mean by 'choice'? Who would actively seek death? It's simply because they see no hope and can only close their eyes and wait for death."

Chapter Fifteen: Competition Methods

Section 15, Chapter Fifteen: Competition Methods

Meanwhile, inside the arena.

"As of just now, the preliminary rounds of the citizens' competition have finally concluded, and a total of eight contestants have been selected. I hereby offer you the Emperor's blessings."

Nero, who had already retrieved the Primal Flame from Kariya, stood leaning on his sword and laughed:

"Now, let's move on to the first match of the Citizens' Tournament: Rin Tohsaka versus Taiga Fujimura. Please come up to the stage and draw your match rules."

"Wait a minute! Isn't this supposed to be free fighting? Why do we need to draw lots to determine the competition format?" Fujimura Taiga asked instinctively.

Rin Tohsaka secretly compared the size difference between herself and her sister, and said:

"This is normal. I didn't fight at all in my previous competitions. I won them all by singing and running."

"So there's singing involved?" Fujimura Taiga looked surprised, then said, "Even if it's singing, I'm sure I can win!"

You idiot.

Rin Tohsaka looked her up and down, thinking to herself:

This guy looks like a simple-minded, muscle-bound idiot. I really hope I don't get to draw a fighting role; it would be best if it were something I'm good at.

"Please come in," Nero said with a smile, gesturing to the two of them.

Rin Tohsaka hesitated for a few seconds, mentally encouraging herself, and then closed her eyes before reaching her hand into the cardboard box.

Pick up the nearest piece of paper, carefully open your eyes, and look closely. It says "obstacle course" on it.

Oh no! I drew the worst option ever.

"Now, please welcome Mr. Fujimura Taiga to the front," referee Nero said with a smile.

"Huh...? Didn't she already have one? Why do I have to have one too?"

"So, does Fujimura Taiga want to give up this opportunity?"

“That’s right, I’ll give up the draw and use the obstacle course as the competition event.”

"Very well, I have received your wishes."

Nero raised his red sword high and softly chanted a spell.

The next moment, a rain of red petals fell from the sky, and a flash of golden light streaked across the sky.

In an instant, the empty arena was transformed into a primeval forest.

The weeds, branches, and rocks on the ground, as well as the spider webs and beehives on the trees, all increased the difficulty of traversing the area.

Looking at the thorny weeds all around, Rin Tohsaka felt a slight urge to back down.

But when he thought of his mother and sister watching from the sidelines, his expression immediately hardened.

Although I don't know why, Sakura hates herself now, but today's match might change her attitude towards herself.

If she gives up here, she'll definitely hate herself even more, and then it'll be all over.

Moreover, the Tohsaka family's family precepts have never included the practice of giving up halfway.

"Therefore, I hereby announce the start of the competition..."

"Wait a minute! Can I make some preparations?" Rin Tohsaka suddenly spoke up.

"Oh...? What are you planning to do? If it's not too complicated, I might be able to help you."

"I want to change my clothes. I can't possibly run around in the forest in a skirt, can I?"

"I see. It's a very appropriate request. I grant it."

Nero smiled slightly, pointed his red sword at Rin Tohsaka, and lightly tapped it.

moment!

Rin Tohsaka's elementary school uniform has been transformed into a well-fitting tracksuit.

"Thank you"

Rin Tohsaka was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

"No need to be polite. The way you all worked so hard in the competition is the best thank you I could ask for."

So handsome!

"Thank you so much!"

"Begin preparations... I hereby declare the competition open!"

Rin Tohsaka immediately ran out.

However, compared to her, Fujimura Taiga was like a human-shaped leopard, instantly putting distance between them.

This scene, projected through the sky, was vividly presented to everyone in the city.

Sitting at a food stall on the street, Shirou looked up at the sky and said with a smile:

"Sakura, do you think Rin can win?"

"do not know."

Sakura was also looking at the projection in the sky. Although her expression was still gloomy, her eyes had gained a bit more color.

"I think Rin definitely wants to compete against Sakura more than Fujii."

"Shirou... do you know that person, senpai?"

"Her name is Fujimura Taiga, nicknamed Tiger. Ten years later, she will be my and Rin's high school teacher."

"What will be the relationship between you and Rin in the future?"

"Let's just call them childhood friends who have a good relationship. By the way, Sakura ten years later is also a childhood friend."

Aoi Tohsaka, sitting to one side, looked back and forth between the two, puzzled.

She hasn't been able to get a word in edgewise since just now.

Although she had many things she wanted to say to her youngest daughter, she would lower her head whenever their eyes met. No matter what was asked, she remained silent.

As a result, she, as a mother, became an observer.

Moreover, she was also having trouble keeping up with the pace of their conversation.

Saying it's ten years from now is completely incomprehensible.

Although she longed to go find her husband, she was equally worried about her youngest daughter.

It's been a long time since I've seen her. She doesn't seem to be doing well. Is she being ostracized in her new home? Or is she being bullied by her new family members?

Noticing that their conversation had stopped again, Aoi Tohsaka seized the opportunity to ask:

"Did Shirou's family come in with him? It must be night outside by now. If his family didn't come in with him, they must be very worried, right?"

Family.

Upon hearing this word, Shirou couldn't help but sigh.

Having been reborn, it seems that there are no longer any people who can be considered family to me.

I have absolutely no memory of my biological parents; they are complete strangers.

"I guess I'm currently in a state of homelessness?"

"what……?"