The battle was incredibly intense. Within a 500-meter radius, due to the relentless bombardment from the opponent, even Minato could only rely on the Flying Thunder God technique to dodge and evade.
From the size of the craters left by the opponent's weapons, Minato knew that taking a direct hit would be fatal, so he had no choice but to use the Flying Thunder God to cope.
While teleporting around, he kindly shouted to the golden-haired man, "We have no quarrel with you, and this is not where you should be! Please leave quickly!"
The underlying message was clear: Listen to reason and avoid conflict!
Stop being so aggressive, or I'll have to fight back!
"It's over..."
Shinji shook his head helplessly. If Minato had reached this point, it meant that even if Shinji intervened, Gilgamesh wouldn't stop until Minato was dead.
Seeing three powerful Noble Phantasms flying towards him, Shinji sighed, summoned the Sword of Commandments, and his demeanor shifted to one of seriousness.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Watching Shinji effortlessly deflect the three incoming weapons, which then created large craters upon impact, the three kids were left speechless.
They're monsters!
"Hey, this has nothing to do with me! He said that on his own!" Shinji protested, pointing at Minato, who was still dodging around. "If you're angry, take it out on him. There are kids here!"
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, Gilgamesh turned his attention to Minato, who was now standing atop a towering tree. At the same time, Shinji thought Minato might really be in trouble.
Because Minato had done something unforgivable to Gilgamesh!
As expected, Shinji soon heard Gilgamesh's voice, brimming with suppressed rage.
"Mongrel! How dare you make a king look up to you! Insects should grovel on the ground! You don't even have the right to look up at the king! Die, you vermin!"
At that moment, Minato realized that this man was mentally unstable. Seeing Gilgamesh summon more weapons, Minato knew he had no choice but to retaliate.
With his Flying Thunder God kunai in his mouth and hands, Minato prepared for battle.
"Forgive me!"
…
Seeing Minato pinned to the ground by Enuma Elish, Shinji didn't find it surprising. Gilgamesh had finally used his head and gotten serious!
Not only did he destroy all of Minato's Flying Thunder God kunai, but he also blocked Minato's attack with a shield when Minato tried to teleport behind him.
Perhaps seeing this world for himself, Gilgamesh understood that fighting here required seriousness. Or maybe he remembered Shinji's previous warnings.
In any case, a serious Gilgamesh was indeed formidable.
Shinji acknowledged this inwardly as he pocketed his hands and slowly walked towards the defeated Minato, followed by the three stunned kids.
Retracting Enuma Elish, Gilgamesh glanced at Minato, who had reverted to a puppet upon death, and recalled Shinji's earlier remarks about the twisted souls of this world. He frowned slightly.
Whoosh! Clang! Boom!
Deflecting another weapon, Shinji sighed, "I already told you, it wasn't me."
"The king will punish you for your disrespect!"
"Disrespect? Are you saying I didn't greet you properly?" Shinji said nonchalantly, squatting down to inspect the puppet. "Look at this, you've ruined a perfectly good puppet. I only have a few of these."
"Hmph!"
Though the puppet was damaged, it was still valuable in the Fate world. So, Shinji collected it, thinking he could sell its parts later to recoup his losses.
"Now, it's time for a proper greeting."
Smiling, Shinji waved, "Hey, you're still alive!"
Seeing Gilgamesh summon more weapons, Shinji quickly corrected himself, "Wait, wait! Let me try again!"
Clearing his throat, Shinji arranged his expression into one of shock—no, terror.
"You're still alive?!"
At that moment, Gilgamesh's status seemed to change subtly, his rage meter instantly maxed out!
"You...!!"
…
After a long and friendly chat, Shinji dusted himself off and took stock of his gains.
Three B-ranked Noble Phantasms. Lucky, lucky~
Sneaking a glance at Gilgamesh, who was now looking at the kids, Shinji relaxed a bit, seeing no intention of reclaiming the treasures.
This is how it should be. What's a few weapons to you? It's not easy raising kids alone!
Feeling a mix of complex emotions while observing Gilgamesh's stern but gentle demeanor towards the kids, Shinji had a strange thought. If Gilgamesh were a woman, he would definitely want to conquer her!
Moody, proud, rich, and good with kids... Wait.
I still have some gender-swapping pills left!
Whoosh! Thud!
Seeing a weapon buried near his feet, Shinji abandoned his dangerous thoughts. If he went through with it, he'd be in an unending battle with Gilgamesh.
"What do you think of this era?"
"Though it's dull, it's still the king's."
Hearing this, Shinji signaled Gilgamesh to stop. He didn't need to hear the usual spiel about punishing those who steal his treasures.
He was tired of those lines.
"Suit yourself. But if you fail, I won't help you. In fact, I'd look forward to it."
"Really? The king looks forward to that too."
Shinji: ...
Damn, is Gilgamesh planning to set me up?
Wanting to see me fail?
"I met a very dull woman. Because of you, she has many troubles."
Seeing Gilgamesh's smirk, Shinji immediately knew he was talking about a certain big spender.
"Of course, if it's a good show, the king might participate. But if it's boring, the king will punish you."
Hearing this, Shinji smiled.
"Well, I don't know if you'll like it, but I'm quite satisfied with the script. If you want to add to it, feel free."
"Oh?"
"Sensei, what are you talking about?" Karin asked, tugging on Shinji's sleeve, her voice softening, "And who is this man? Can Minato-sensei be saved?"
"Well, that's a pity. But let's not bring Minato back now; it would waste another puppet. As for this man..."
Shinji thought for a moment, then smiled brightly, "If you ask him about Gilgamesh's feelings after losing the elixir, he might tell you."
"Really?" Karin was surprised.
"Really." Shinji nodded, then looked at Gilgamesh. "Though whether he'll answer is another matter."
Of course...
Shinji mentally added: This Gilgamesh might not share the same views as King Gilgamesh. He might not be as magnanimous.
"Hmm?" Gilgamesh seemed to see through something, frowning slightly.
"Uh..." Karin raised the history book Shinji had written, pointing to the section on Gilgamesh, "Do you know if the King of Uruk felt regret after the snake stole the elixir?"
"No! The king never regrets!"
Gilgamesh's tone was firm and unquestionable.
If it were King Gilgamesh...
Shinji silently added. The snake stole Gilgamesh's treasure, so he'd want it dead.
"Really? But it's still a shame. That snake was so annoying!"
Haku and Kimimaro nodded silently.
Seeing the three kids venting their frustration over Gilgamesh's fate, Gilgamesh smirked, then nodded, "I hate snakes too."
Shinji: ...
...
After spending some time with the kids, Gilgamesh left. Shinji expected this, as it was just a chance encounter.
Gilgamesh was probably still collecting treasures from this world. After all, he had claimed it as his own.
Thankfully, Gilgamesh didn't see the half of the Nine-Tails. Otherwise, he'd definitely try to take it, considering it his and only letting Shinji hold it as a favor.
Watching Gilgamesh leave jewels and toys for the kids, Shinji felt like saying he was also just a kid. But he didn't.
After Gilgamesh left, Shinji stored the treasures in his system space, telling the kids he'd keep them safe until they were older.
The kids, pure-hearted as they were, believed him.
...
Minato opened his eyes and sat up.
Looking at his unscathed chest, Minato was confused. He remembered being impaled by a strange spear.
"Stop daydreaming. Class is starting."
Shinji's voice interrupted Minato's thoughts.
Getting up, he saw the three kids sitting quietly, waiting. Minato wanted to ask questions but decided to wait until after class.
"Since everyone's a beginner, we'll start with the basics of chakra..."