As Tokiomi Tohsaka left with Kirei Kotomine following close behind, Kaguya's lips curled into a mocking smile.
As expected of Kirei Kotomine, his acting was flawless. If Kaguya didn't already know him inside and out, she might have been fooled.
That earlier palm strike? Kaguya had held back, despite its fierce force. It wasn't a true full-strength attack. She hadn't hit hard enough to instantly kill the Assassin, nor had she struck hard enough to seriously injure Kirei Kotomine while taking down the Assassin at the same time.
Clearly, Kirei Kotomine was faking it. The Assassin was just one of many, not the real one, and Kirei himself hadn't suffered as much as he made it seem. His act was just to lower everyone else's guard, waiting for the right moment to strike—much like when he would later catch Tokiomi Tohsaka off guard and kill him.
Speaking of which, Kirei was certainly adept at hiding his true self. Even after killing Tokiomi, Rin hadn't known for over ten years, which speaks volumes.
"Such an annoying guy," Rin huffed, puffing out her cheeks angrily.
"Hm?" Kaguya asked curiously, "Did he offend you?"
"Of course!" Rin wrinkled her small nose and grumbled, "If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have to move."
"You're moving?" Kaguya asked in surprise, "Why are you moving? Did something happen?"
"Papa said something bad might happen soon, that we might end up fighting others. So for safety, Mama, Sakura, and I all have to leave," Rin bit her lip as she spoke, "I'm sure it's that bad man's fault! Ever since he showed up, everything's been going wrong for us."
Kaguya found it amusing. In truth, this wasn't really Kirei's fault but rather Tokiomi's own decision. However, Rin wasn't entirely wrong—Kirei indeed wasn't a good person.
"You're so strong, can't you teach us?" Rin asked with hopeful eyes, and even Sakura perked up, her ears listening intently.
"Sorry, but you're human, and I'm a Servant. My abilities aren't suited for you," Kaguya gently declined while enjoying the soft, delicate feel of Rin's hand, "Besides, your father is one of the strongest magi. He can teach you far better than I could."
"Is that so?" Rin said, her face showing a little disappointment. "Not even a little?"
"Your father is definitely better suited to teach you," Kaguya smiled. "I doubt I could teach you better than he can."
"But," Rin pouted, dissatisfied, "Papa only teaches me the basics, things I've practiced hundreds of times already. He never teaches me anything more advanced."
"That means you haven't reached the level he expects," Kaguya said, patting her little hand, "When your skills improve, I'm sure he'll have no reason not to teach you more."
"Fine..." Suddenly, Rin seemed to remember something and asked, "You're staying here, aren't you? Aren't you coming with us?"
Sakura also looked nervously at Kaguya. To Sakura, Kaguya was her savior, the one who had pulled her out of hell. Though their time together had been short, she had already developed a deep affection for Kaguya. Besides her family, Kaguya was now the person she felt closest to. The thought of parting from her made her feel incredibly sad.
"You're not coming with us?" Sakura reached out and held Kaguya's hand, biting her lip as she murmured, "Come with us."
"No," Kaguya gently shook her head, stroking Sakura's hair with a smile. "I have more important things to do. But once I'm done, we'll meet again."
"Okay." Sakura nodded softly.
Though reluctant, she was already mature enough to understand and didn't want to make things difficult for Kaguya.
"You'll help my father, right?" Suddenly, Sakura spoke up, her bright eyes fixed on Kaguya.
"Uh..."
Kaguya had originally intended to say no, but seeing the hopeful look on the little girl's face, she couldn't bring herself to shatter her hopes. So, she nodded, "Mm, I'll help him when the time comes."
Since my future wife is asking, I guess I'll begrudgingly help my future father-in-law, Kaguya shamelessly thought. Of course, if the guy screws things up, then that's his own problem—she wouldn't be blamed for that.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Rin said excitedly, her eyes turning into little crescent moons as she smiled.
Looking at the two adorable little girls in front of her, Kaguya smiled.
Lolis are the best.
Meanwhile, in the basement of the mansion...
"Can you gauge her strength?" Tokiomi Tohsaka tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his voice serious. "How did it feel when you fought her?"
"Unfathomable," Kirei Kotomine pondered for a moment before answering, "When I fought her, it felt as if she saw right through me. My Servant was completely outmatched."
"Oh?" Tokiomi responded, "Is she that powerful?"
"Yes," Kirei's tone was low as he explained, "Though I didn't use my full strength, it felt like she wasn't using her true power either. Her strength, speed, and even her combat skills are all on an extremely high level."
"I see. It seems we have another variable in the mix," Tokiomi sighed. "Even though she said she'd help me, a Servant without bindings cannot be controlled, especially one as powerful as her."
"You mean you don't trust her?" Kirei asked.
"It's not about trust," Tokiomi swirled the wine in his glass, his eyes narrowing. "It's just that when an uninvited Servant shows up, it's wise to have a backup plan. It's unfortunate that we don't know which Heroic Spirit she is."
"Then should we..." Kirei trailed off, but his meaning was clear.
"For now, we're still allies, and there's no conflict. We needn't worry for the time being," Tokiomi said, turning to face him. "By the way, did you bring what I asked for?"
"Yes, I did." Kirei pulled out a box, placing it on the table and opening it. "Here it is."
Inside the box was a dried, shriveled piece of snakeskin.