Due to the hot weather, after their lunch and afternoon nap, Shinji suggested that Sakura, Rider, and Saber-chan head back to the backyard pool. The three quickly agreed. Sakura and Rider just wanted to cool off and play in the water, while Saber-chan continued her morning's swimming lessons.
Watching Saber-chan kick her small, pale feet while holding onto the pool edge under Sakura's guidance, Shinji couldn't help but think about how strange it was that someone who could walk on water couldn't swim.
Also, wasn't it a bit extravagant for Sakura to change swimsuits every time she got into the pool? Shinji, ever the frugal person despite his wealth, felt he needed to talk to Sakura about not encouraging wasteful habits.
"Brother, didn't you say you'd handle all the afternoon chores yourself? Are you done already?"
Sakura, with a glint of mischief in her eyes, asked Shinji as she accepted a cold drink.
"Yes, Shinji, if you have serious work to do, you shouldn't waste time on things like this."
Saber-chan nodded seriously, still unaware of her Master's true nature.
"I just thought you might need a lifeguard. You know, pools can be very dangerous! Compared to your safety, other tasks can wait until tomorrow!"
Seeing Shinji's earnest expression and serious tone as he clenched his fists, Rider, who knew his true nature, silently cursed him.
This Master is getting more shameless by the day!
Sakura laughed and said, "No need, Brother. Rider is a very good swimmer. If anything goes wrong, she'll notice it right away."
Sakura then looked at Rider.
Sensing the subtle threat beneath Sakura's smile, Rider was about to speak but noticed her Master's signal.
Caught between the two, Rider didn't know what to do. Offending Shinji wouldn't end well, but neither would crossing Sakura. Her position was, after all, below Sakura's.
Just then, urgent ringing from the front door interrupted the tense moment.
...
In the reception room, Rin sat, still breathing heavily after downing two large glasses of freshly squeezed juice. Shinji looked at her, speechless. She hadn't said a word since arriving, just drinking juice.
"Another glass!"
As Rin reached out again, Shinji decided it was time to get to the point.
Taking her glass, he went to the juicer and asked, "So, what brings you to my house?"
Rin, who had been focused on the juice, suddenly got excited and said, "The Mage's Association has detected anomalies in Fuyuki! They're sending a team to investigate!"
Covering her face, Rin looked desperate.
"If they find out it's my fault for causing other possibilities to appear in Fuyuki, I'll have to face trial at the Association! This is terrible..."
"And what does that have to do with me? Isn't this between you and the Mage's Association?"
Rin pouted, crossing her arms and turning her head away. "Didn't you say that your Shinkage organization would eventually cover the entire country?"
Realizing her intention, Shinji pondered for a moment before bringing her a glass of juice and sitting down.
"Are you sure about this? Remember, there's no turning back. Doing this means the Tohsaka family will completely sever ties with the Mage's Association and become part of Shinkage."
"Cut the crap! I know you plan to kick the Mage's Association out of Japan sooner or later."
"True, I planned to act in a year or two. But if you're sure, we can use this chance to expel the Mage's Association and bring Shinkage into the light."
"Whatever! Just make sure the Tohsaka family has a significant position in Shinkage!"
"I don't control that."
Shinji shrugged. "I'm just a behind-the-scenes initiator. I just don't want other powers having too much influence here. The Mage's Association meddling with my family and friends really pisses me off."
Seeing Shinji's clean, sincere smile, Rin felt he was truly dangerous.
"If I don't sever ties with the Mage's Association, will you see me as an enemy?"
"Don't be silly. I could never do that. Besides, I know you'll eventually agree."
"You..."
Rin gritted her teeth, angry but knowing it was pointless. Shinji wouldn't change his mind.
"Alright, I'll go to the Mage's Association tomorrow for trial!"
"Then I'll tie you up tonight."
"You bastard!"
...
In the end, Rin didn't argue further. She knew it was pointless. Shinji was immovable.
However, she felt uneasy. Severing ties with the Mage's Association meant she couldn't study at the Clock Tower anymore. The Mage's Association wasn't generous enough to let members of other organizations study there. Only those affiliated with the Association or recommended by its member families could learn magic there.
Understanding her thoughts, Shinji said, "You have to admit, Shinkage exists for the benefit of the local magic community. The local magical organizations, while officially independent, are constantly oppressed by the Mage's Association. Many locals with magical talent have been designated for sealing by the Association."
"The local groups want to manage magic but can't because their opponent is the stronger Mage's Association. And I don't know how you mages view the state or society, but you can't live completely apart from it."
"Depending on modern society for everything, you should learn to appreciate it too."
Shinji's words, though annoying, made sense to Rin. Mages looked down on mundane matters but couldn't live without society.
Food, drink, clothing, shelter… everything came from the real world. Without it, mages couldn't survive.
"Also, don't worry about studying magic. I believe you'll find interesting knowledge even in university."
"Ha! How could it compare to the Clock Tower?"
Knowing she had accepted reality, Shinji smiled. "Don't worry. If you have special requirements, the knowledge will only increase. Not just from this world, but others too..."
Feeling he had said enough, Shinji started sending messages from his phone.
He needed to prepare for the Mage's Association and bring Shinkage into the light, expanding its influence across Japan. The Mage's Association would no longer have a place here.
For the local magic groups still resisting, Shinji wouldn't waste any more time.
After months of sending countless letters and getting no response, he decided to have Rider and the organization visit them. Those willing to join would be welcomed; those not...
With Shinkage covering Japan, the local magic community would thrive. Shinji didn't care much about that, just wanting to end the Mage's Association's influence here.
"We might be short on manpower, so..."
He turned to the calm Archer on the balcony.
"Emiya, I'm counting on you."