As Lancer and Saber began their fight, or rather their mutual probing, Kiritsugu, hidden in the shadows, instructed Maiya to find a suitable vantage point. Hearing Kiritsugu's request to "find a place that can monitor both the fight and that crane," Shinji wholeheartedly agreed. While the crane offered a wide view, he wouldn't choose it himself. When he landed in the harbor area as a sneaky player, his first choice was always the residential area!
Only a brainless player would go straight for the high ground!
Unless you pick up a crossbow and know how to use it well, taking a gun up there is pure suicide.
With just one choice of sniping position, Shinji felt a sense of mutual understanding between sneaky players.
If he could reveal himself, he would pat Kiritsugu on the shoulder and say, "Hey, brother, you're pretty sneaky."
Kiritsugu would definitely turn around and, with heartfelt admiration, exclaim, "Damn! This sneaky player is something else…!"
"So, let me see what you can do, my cute King of Knights..."
Hearing Kiritsugu's words, Shinji nodded repeatedly, mimicking in his mind: "So, let this seasoned sneaky player see what your sneaky skills are, Mr. Cute-but-sneaky Kiritsugu..."
For some reason, as Kiritsugu started moving towards his selected vantage point—the crane—he suddenly felt a chill down his spine, as if something was staring at him.
"Too sensitive?"
Watching Kiritsugu meticulously scan his surroundings, Shinji couldn't help but mentally comment before retracting the tiny bit of spiritual energy he had intentionally exposed.
...
Shinji wasn't paying much attention to the fight on the ground, knowing it was just a probing battle. Both sides were testing each other, not fighting seriously. If the wind pressure from their fight couldn't even blow him away, could it be called a real fight between Servants? Give me a break!
Hugging a lamppost, Shinji thought the battle was boring and was puzzled. How was Gilgamesh standing so steadily on the lamppost? Why couldn't he do the same? Damn, the wind is strong! Can't they fight more moderately?
Deciding it was better to be safe, Shinji joined Kiritsugu on the crane.
Seeing Kiritsugu's choice of sniping position—the crane—Shinji mentally downgraded his earlier praise. Just praised you, and you pick the high ground?
It's lucky this era hasn't seen battle royale games. If someone had played, they'd look up first and spot you instantly!
As Kiritsugu focused on finding the enemy Master, Shinji considered revealing himself and holding Kiritsugu hostage, saying to Irisviel below, "Madam, you wouldn't want your husband to die, right?" How would that play out?
While Shinji was daydreaming, Kiritsugu identified Kayneth's position and notified Maiya via radio.
Simultaneously, Shinji received information from Zayd, whom he had positioned to monitor Kiritsugu and Maiya's blind spots—Assassin had arrived.
At the same time, a gust of cold wind blew, and Kiritsugu, turning to look, spotted the Assassin dispatched by Kirei!
Talk about coincidence!
Shinji internally commented on the sheer luck involved. How could someone be this lucky?
'Zayd, any way to force Assassin out into the open without revealing ourselves?'
'Without revealing ourselves… my lord, it's impossible.'
Hearing Zayd's report, Shinji nodded. 'Alright, I'll handle it. Keep an eye on that woman. Once everyone's here, I'll give Tohsaka and Kirei a big surprise...'
'I understand…'
...
Graceful, poised, unflappable, and always in control—that was Tohsaka Tokiomi's style.
Sitting in his basement, listening to the intel his student delivered, Tokiomi's calmness proved this point. Confident of his victory, he showed no panic upon learning Saber and Lancer's stats. He instructed Kirei to keep an eye on Saber's Master (Irisviel) and then looked for the expensive wine his King of Kings had yet to summon.
As Tohsaka Tokiomi, he wouldn't secretly chuckle, but enjoying a glass of wine while listening to the reports of his destined-to-fail opponents was just right.
...
Upon discovering Assassin, Kiritsugu abandoned his plan to snipe Lancer's Master and chose to wait and see.
But giving up wasn't Kiritsugu's call alone; Shinji was there to potentially help pull the trigger.
For now, Shinji didn't plan to assist but wanted to give Tokiomi, who was likely calmly listening to the battle report at home, a big surprise!
Once everyone arrived, he'd reveal Tokiomi's hidden card, watching his reaction.
Kirei Kotomine, the biased overseer, was unfair in his supervision, no matter how he died, it was deserved.
The overseer had three principles: fairness! fairness! fairness!
If you can't be fair, don't be an overseer.
Exposing Assassin's survival to everyone would prevent Kirei from continuing to protect his son and favor Tokiomi.
Even if everyone pretended not to know, would the Holy Church turn a blind eye? In the original timeline, Kiritsugu didn't expose this, but today, revealing it in front of everyone would force a reaction!
Losing face is guaranteed!
I, Shinji, guarantee it!
...
Feeling the cold wind, Shinji closely observed one of the Hundred-Faced Hassan personalities—perched on the crane, intently watching the battle below.
Timing was crucial. He needed to create a barrier around Assassin instantly, preventing escape or spiritualization, exposing him to everyone!
Ideally, he'd have no chance to speak and would be instantly skewered by a certain king for daring to look up!
Shinji watched the battlefield, calculating in his mind. It had to be an "accident" to be perfect...
Seeing the supporting steel pillar and the nearby spotlight, Shinji had a sudden idea...
...
Events unfolded as Shinji remembered, even down to the lines, especially the iconic: "In my sight, you are as naked as the day you were born!"
At that moment, Shinji couldn't help but internally exclaim: No regrets entering Type-Moon, would do it again in the next life! Let me see! Quickly!
Then, as before, Lancer used his hidden Noble Phantasm, "Gae Buidhe," to wound Saber's left arm.
Irisviel's healing attempts failed, revealing the curse on the yellow spear. Saber, understanding the curse, prepared for another round, undeterred.
Suddenly, the tense, cold air was shattered by a thunderous noise!
Both Saber and Lancer were momentarily stunned, then simultaneously looked southeast.
The source was clear.
A flying object streaked through the sky, heading straight for them, leaving purple lightning in its wake!
Undoubtedly, the noise came from it!
Amidst the roar, rough cries of "Ora Ora Ora!" and a cute voice crying out were heard.
In less than a minute, accompanied by thunder and lightning, a large man and a cute boy arrived, having observed the battle from the Fuyuki Bridge.
Shinji didn't focus on the chariot's occupants but on the chariot itself.
Seeing the ancient two-headed chariot, Shinji liked it more and more!
Especially the muscular, powerful bulls, likely tasting better than any Wagyu!
"Both of you, sheath your swords! Before a king, show no disrespect!"
The two-meter-tall, burly red-haired man spread his arms, his deep voice creating complex expressions on everyone's faces.
Seeing no response, Rider was satisfied and continued, "I am Iskandar, the King of Conquerors! I have come as Rider in this Holy Grail War!"
Seeing Rider's bold smile, everyone was stunned.
The first to react was the cute boy, Weber, who tearfully yelled, "What are you thinking, you idiot?!"
But his outburst was futile. Rider flicked his forehead, making him crouch and hold his head.
Seeing the continued silence, Rider looked at Saber and Lancer, speaking again, "Though fate pits us against each other for the Holy Grail, I have a question. Will you…"
Closing his eyes in delight, Rider opened his arms and raised his head, "Join me, and let me have the Holy Grail? If so, I will treat you as friends! Together, we will share the joy of conquering the world!"