Shirou's clones number 30 million

When Shirou awoke from his dream, he opened his eyes, glanced at the sunlight streaming through the window, and thought to himself:

Is it already morning?

Recalling the contents of his dream, Shirou's lips curled up slightly, and a smile appeared on his face.

Wang Fu is indeed another version of me.

However, I originally thought that the favored concubine referred to another version of myself, but I never expected that the favored concubine actually referred to Nero himself.

He was both a tyrant and a favored concubine; how interesting!

Chapter Nine: This petty behavior

Section 9, Chapter Nine: This Petty Behavior

Early morning, after breakfast, in the hotel room.

At Matou Kariya's suggestion, the group began to discuss their strategy for the Holy Grail War.

Of course, in reality, it was just Matou Kariya, as the Master, arguing with Shirou.

"The Saber group won't be able to fly to Fuyuki City for another two days. In other words, the Holy Grail War hasn't officially started yet."

Shirou paused for a moment, then said again:

"Therefore, we should launch a surprise attack on the Tohsaka family on the day the Saber group arrives in Fuyuki City, and take care of the most difficult Servant first."

As for Hassan, he has already been ignored by Shirou.

The Gate of Babylon is too overpowered, but in the end, Gilgamesh is just one person, while they have two Servants.

With Nero and Lancelot working together, they should be able to eliminate Gilgamesh.

Without Gilgamesh, the remaining Servants, even if they unite, have nothing to fear.

“Okay. However, Shirou can't show up; I'll go alone,” Matou Kariya said very seriously.

And that is the crux of his argument with Shirou.

"That's impossible! Given your physical condition, this will only hasten your death. Besides, I'm stronger than you, and I can still be of some use even against Servants."

"This isn't a matter of strength or weakness. Shirou is just a child. He can stay home and wait for me. Fighting is an adult's responsibility."

“I’m not a child. Although I look only seven years old, I’m actually seventeen.”

"Seventeen is still a child. Neither Kirei Kotomine nor Assassin are people who would go easy on a child. My lifespan is almost over, so it doesn't matter if I die, but Shirou is different."

"Don't worry, I have a life-saving trick."

"That won't do either. Shirou, let me lead two Servants into battle alone. That's the only thing I can do right now. In the last moments of my life, let me do something meaningful."

I understand how you feel, but you…

That's enough!

At this moment, Nero suddenly stood up, put his hands on his hips, and said with great pride:

"Your disputes are all too petty. Seven heroic spirits from different eras have crossed time and space to appear together in this city."

"At such an exciting moment, they are constantly scheming against each other, launching sneak attacks, ganging up on the weak, and trying to harm their Master. Such behavior is really petty."

“Isn’t this what war is all about?” Lancelot couldn’t help but say.

“That is indeed the case, but I do not like such behavior.” Nero’s reply was very decisive.

"So what do you want to do?" Shirou asked instinctively.

"Good question!"

Nero smiled slightly, drew his strangely shaped red longsword from his waist, and said loudly:

"It's time to hold a Nero Festival and invite all Heroic Spirits to participate. The winner will receive the Holy Grail and my reward."

"No, that's not enough. We should invite everyone in the city to participate."

Shirou stared at her speechlessly. As expected of Her Majesty Nero, it was a wonder that his other self could tolerate such willful and capricious behavior.

“In principle I support you, but in reality, it’s simply impossible.”

"Magic is powerful because of its mystery. The Holy Grail War should be conducted in secret in a place unknown to others. This is common sense."

"If the mystery were to be exposed, it would surely arouse the indignation of countless magicians, which would be no different from making an enemy of the whole world."

Nero smiled slightly, and then said:

"Since the performer has agreed, then it's decided. Once all the Heroic Spirits have gathered in Fuyuki City, I will immediately activate my Noble Phantasm and convene the new Nero Festival."

"Listen to me!" Shirou couldn't help but raise his voice a few notches. "Most Heroic Spirits are independent and do their own thing, especially the King of Heroes and the King of Conquerors, those two troublemakers. I don't think they'll follow your script."

"It's alright. Once I unleash my treasure, they will come to participate."

"Even if you say that... it's fine to just invite other heroic spirits to a banquet. But inviting the entire city to participate in the competition is a different story."

Are you afraid, you who play?

"This is not fear, but reason."

Nero suddenly reached out, touched Shirou's hair, and said with a smile:

"No need to worry, I will definitely win this Holy Grail War, I guarantee it in the name of Nero Claudius, the fifth emperor of the Roman Empire."

Shirou was speechless. That's why I hate people who like to talk to themselves the most.

If I had known, I wouldn't have used those riding boots last night. If I had summoned Red A, things might have been better.

……

In the white mist space.

Releasing his clasped hands, the Celestial Dragon said excitedly:

"As expected of Nero! Great idea! You must remember everything that's going to happen and come back to share it with us later."

Yushiro stared at him speechlessly, thinking to himself:

It seems that eight years of different experiences have led to some differences in our personalities.

"Don't gloat! Quickly help me think of a solution. What should I do if Nero is surrounded and attacked from five against two?"

"Don't worry, you're just blinded by your own perspective," Mafia said with a smile, trying to comfort him. "Given the Conqueror King's personality, he would never join forces with anyone else before Nero displays overwhelming power."

"On the contrary, if the other four Servants joined forces, the King of Conquerors would very likely side with you. In a three-on-three fight, it would at least be a 50/50 chance."

"Don't subconsciously ignore Hassan. Even though he's a bit useless, he's still a Servant." Young Shirou couldn't help but complain, then turned to the Celestial Dragon Shirou, his face showing hesitation, "Is there any way to save Kariya?"

"Oh...? You've only known him for less than a day, and he's already captured your heart?" Tianlong Renlang chuckled.

"Don't make such a terrible joke, is that okay or not?"

“You know my memories perfectly well. Didn’t you already know the answer before you even asked? There’s nothing that can save him.”

"Sigh... Even though I know that, I still can't help but hold onto a sliver of hope. For example, let him eat a Zoan-type Insect Fruit."

"Will this work? Although his body was destroyed by insects, it doesn't mean he can be saved by turning into an insect himself. Unless, he can develop his Zoan-type Devil Fruit to its awakened state within just a few days."

Shirou sighed and said no more.

Kariya's body was already riddled with holes, unless he went to Aozaki Touko to get him a new body.

However, Aozaki Touko's whereabouts are still unknown, and she cannot be found in a short time.

Instead of wasting time, it would be better to pin his hopes on someone who could save him and come to the White Mist Space to report.

"Alright, let's change the subject. Speaking of which, why didn't you buy Hancock and her two sisters? Didn't you have several opportunities?"

"Women will only hinder my progress in becoming stronger."

Speak like a human.

"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. You know, when I met them, they had already been slaves for almost two years and were filled with hatred for the Celestial Dragons. What good would buying them do? I have no interest in being their psychologist."

Chapter Ten: The Tyrant's Performance Begins

Section 10, Chapter Ten: The Tyrant's Performance Begins

"Well done. I've been swaggering around this city all day, but no one has been willing to show their face. The only strong person who has accepted my invitation is you."

Nighttime, in the dock area of ​​Fuyuki City, a Servant carrying two guns slowly walked to an open space.

A few meters away from him, Artoria, dressed in a men's suit, stood sternly and stepped forward to block Irisviel's path.

The next moment, a rain of petals suddenly fell from the sky, and golden light rose from the ground, instantly illuminating the dimly lit dock area as if it were daytime.

In an instant, the surrounding environment transformed from a dock area into an ancient Western city.

The streets were bustling with people, and there were stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and groceries along the roadside, as well as children playing with each other.

Within their sight, some people dressed in modern clothes were looking around blankly, seemingly out of place with their surroundings.

DiCarludo tightened his grip on his dual pistols, warily scanning his surroundings:

"A Noble Phantasm?"

"Did you make this, Lancer?"

Artoria's black suit instantly transformed into blue armor, and an invisible longsword appeared in her hand.

"No, my only Noble Phantasm is the twin pistols in my hands," Decaludo instinctively denied.

Suddenly, a projection appeared in the sky.

In the projection, a girl wielding a red longsword and looking exactly like Artoria loudly and spiritedly announced:

"I am Nero Claudius, the fifth emperor of the Roman Empire, who has descended to the Holy Grail War as a Caster."

"This is my treasure, and also the city of Rome that I am most proud of. Today, it has descended upon this place, spanning two thousand years."

“A festival is an activity that brings joy to all people, regardless of time or place.”

"Heroes from different eras gather here to engage in fierce battles for the Holy Grail. Such a grand event deserves the brilliance of the [Nero Festival]."

"Of course, it would be too petty for only Servants and Masters to participate."

"Therefore, I randomly selected 50,000 citizens from Fuyuki City to serve as both spectators and participants."