That night, at the Matou residence.
Although it was February and the temperature wasn't high, Shinji felt the heat radiating from his sister next to him.
Maybe it was because of something he said yesterday, but today his sister was properly dressed in a warm-colored open coat over a thin white T-shirt.
However...
You should at least dry yourself off after bathing!
It's completely see-through, sister!
Wearing an outer layer doesn't mean you can skip the inner one!
What were you thinking?
Catching a cold is one thing, but not wearing anything underneath can affect your development and shape! It's exhausting!
Thinking this, Shinji felt he should remind his sister not to be careless, not to overwork herself, and to remember the difference between boys and girls. But before he could phrase it properly, Sakura dropped an eraser near his feet and leaned against him!
Seeing the hidden triumphant smile in Sakura's eyes, Shinji was dismissive and indifferent.
After all, she's his sister. Feeling excited about his sister being close is impossible!
Only a pervert would get excited over a sister's touch!
And he...
Was a gentleman known for miles around.
Throughout their study session, not only erasers but also pencils, pens, and various stationery items seemed to fall into Shinji's hands at unexpected moments.
"Be more careful next time."
Shinji smiled as he handed the pencil back to Sakura, who looked visibly frustrated that her plan had failed.
But then Sakura had another idea.
"Brother, the window..."
"Hmm? What about it?"
Shinji turned to look at the window, but then Sakura exclaimed, "Oh no, I dropped my eraser on your side..."
Just as she was about to get close, she saw the eraser had conveniently fallen into her brother's hand, resting on his lap.
What a coincidence!
"There's nothing by the window," Shinji said, placing the eraser on the table. "Sakura, be more careful."
"Mm... okay." Sakura forced a smile as she took the eraser back.
"It's already midnight. Let's finish for today."
"Alright. Good night, Brother."
...
Meanwhile, in the new town, Shirou, Rin, Saber, and Archer were dealing with skeleton soldiers under Caster's watchful eye through her crystal ball.
For Caster, it was another enjoyable night. Toying with people like this was incredibly fun!
Especially watching Rin's frustration at being unable to catch her, Caster couldn't stop laughing.
Caster, in her joy, didn't realize her fun was about to end. A plot against her was already in motion.
...
At one in the morning, after spending the past two hours cutting down countless skeleton soldiers with a wooden sword, Shirou collapsed against a wall, panting heavily.
Rin walked over and handed him a sports drink.
"Thanks, Tohsaka."
Taking the drink, Shirou thanked her sincerely, took a few gulps, and regained some strength. He then asked, "Tohsaka, do you really think this will make Caster let her guard down?"
Rin nodded, "Don't worry, it will. As long as Berserker and Illya don't show up, she won't suspect we're working with Berserker.
In any case, Emiya-kun, be careful not to meet Illyasviel too often. Even if you do, don't mention our plan.
That witch has countless spies in the city. If she senses Berserker is also targeting her, she'll flee for sure."
"Got it!"
Shirou nodded firmly.
...
At two in the morning, Caster was reluctantly shifting her gaze from Saber's sleeping face through her crystal ball to Shirou, who had just finished practicing magic in his shed and fallen asleep.
Caster saw an opportunity. Saber was asleep, and Shirou was exhausted in the shed. If she was careful enough...
She could monopolize Saber's sleeping face!
With this thought, Caster took action just like she did with Shinji, but more cautiously. She stealthily maneuvered her threads through the Emiya residence's barrier, heading straight for the shed!
However, as she fantasized about her success and the various outfits she would make Saber wear, something unexpected happened!
In her fantasy, Saber suddenly turned the tables, aggressively pulling out her ahoge and counterattacking, forcing Caster to dress as a village girl and parading her in public... cough cough... a bit off track.
In reality, Saber, who had been asleep, appeared in the yard in an instant, swiftly severing Caster's threads with a single strike.
"Gah!" Caster gritted her teeth, "She was on guard! Damn it!"
Realizing there was no chance tonight, Caster reluctantly gave up and shifted her focus to Shinji at the Matou residence, who had been saved by Archer and could still serve as a useful pawn against Archer and Saber.
Five minutes later, Caster saw through her crystal ball Lancer severing her threads, possibly by coincidence. She didn't know whether to curse or laugh.
Especially when Lancer muttered, "Ugh, disgusting witch, so desperate for men?" Caster almost smashed her crystal ball in rage!
...
After sensing Lancer severing the threads outside, Shinji felt a mix of amusement and annoyance. It seemed Lancer had taken it upon himself to watch over him.
Maybe he should give Lancer a discount the next time he visits a nightclub.
After all, Lancer had already spent over five million yen out of his twenty million credit limit.
Given Lancer's earnings, he wouldn't have to worry about being idle for years.
Feeling like a good person for planning to help his Servant with post-war employment, Shinji praised himself for a good half-hour before falling asleep.
...
February 7th, Thursday.
Lunchtime, school rooftop.
Rin stared at Shirou, mouth half-open in shock. Two minutes ago, Shirou had told her something she never expected.
"Really?" Rin questioned, wondering if she misheard.
"Absolutely." Shirou nodded seriously, "Issei told me this morning that the temple monks will be staying with residents in the valley for the next few days due to large-scale renovations."
"Uh..." Rin was stunned. It was like someone handed her a pillow just as she felt sleepy.
Should she just use it? Or should she just sleep?
"Hey—Tohsaka—"
Shirou's call brought Rin back to her senses. Seeing her return to reality, Shirou asked, "Tohsaka, isn't this a perfect opportunity?"
"Do you even need to ask? Of course, we can't miss this! Skip classes this afternoon, go home and prepare, and we'll act tonight!"
"Prepare? I don't think I have anything to prepare..."
"Rest up, don't you know that?"
"Uh... I feel fine."
"Fine, suit yourself. I need to prepare some things. Can't let Illya take all the credit!"
"Okay, then... huh?"
Just as Shirou was about to agree, he noticed a familiar scent and sniffed the air, "What's that smell..."
"Hmm? Smell..." Rin was puzzled but then sensed a faintly familiar scent of magic!
Realizing what it was, both of them rushed to the edge of the rooftop!
Seeing the faint purple smoke seeping from some classroom windows below, they rushed towards the rooftop door!
"Damn that Caster! Targeting students..."
Shirou gritted his teeth, running faster. Leaping down the stairs, he reached the top floor hallway.
Seeing the students collapsed, foaming at the mouth but alive, Shirou felt a bit relieved and started ventilating the room.
But then he heard Rin's warning from behind!
"Emiya-kun!"
Hearing the familiar rustling, Shirou grabbed a nearby mop, enchanted it with reinforcement magic, and swung it without looking!
But...
It only briefly repelled the skeleton golem, and Rin had to deliver the final blow with a Gandr shot to finish it off.
But trouble was brewing as more skeleton golems appeared in the corridor...
Knowing he and Rin couldn't handle this alone, Shirou glanced at the Command Spell on his hand and made a decisive choice!
"I'm summoning Saber!"