Chapter 3. Naruto Awesome A+ Luck!
As Rider flying through his chariot after the battle, he can't help but think about Caster
The Servant of Magecraft is clearly the biggest surprise in this War, save for Archer perhaps. Or maybe both of them on par in that aspect
The strength Caster display is far bigger than everyone save for Berserker, apparently both of them in stalemate. And maybe also Saber if the Servant of Sword able to show out her full strength
And there Saber and Lancer, both of them is good and strong in their own aspect. As he expected, Heroes that summoned for this War clearly not weakling
Archer with full of Noble Phantasm like that, Caster with his unpredictable nature, Berserker with his skill despite he succumb to madness, Lancer with his cursed weapon and Saber with her strength in data.
However the King of Conqueror not intimidated a bit. He already have so much information tonight, he already know most of his enemies Noble Phantasm due to their identity. Dealing with Lancer, while he fast and skilled but he fragile, he will be able to hold his ground against slashed by blade but strong blow like blunt object is something else
Saber, she actually also the biggest threat if she at her full power. The Sword of Promised Victory, Rider had no doubt such power will be very immense when it launched, nonetheless he will be ready when facing her
Archer... No doubt that man was the strongest Servant now in this War, even Rider can see that. Fighting him alone will be foolish and hard battle, with that large numbers of Noble Phantasm who know what else the Servant of Bow hide?
Caster... Now that man was clearly interesting fellow... Rider can't help but admit he really looking forward to become ally with Caster if the other Servant accept his offer
He can tell Caster is strong and also good man, clearly it will be great if Caster join to his side. He also can't help but feel how exciting it will be if Caster fight against someone in his army, the blonde Servant really interest him
He glanced at his Master who now... Fainted... Oh yeah somehow he not surprised seeing him. This boy clearly lack of courage but yet, still have one to enter Grail War just because he want to be acknowledged
Rider really want to smack the boy for such stupidity when hear that.
Oh wait, he already did it before when heard it in first time
But still, despite that. The boy have potential, at least he stood on his side and fight with him like True Master unlike Lancer Master
Now thinking about it, if Rider got summoned by Lancer Master clearly he won't like it and prefer to have Waver as Master than his teacher
Well, Waver still young so it wasn't strange if he make mistake, he also make one after all in his past.
And as a King and his Servant, it his duty to show this Boy the right path
Tokiomi mulling over what Kirei just report to him after Archer gone
Caster...
Of all Servant... The one who most problematic now was Caster... Someone who he never count... He was thinking it will be Einzbern family since they hire Magus Killer
But instead the one who show sharpness in strategy and intelligence is Caster a Masterless Servant who now free.
There no rule actually that forbid the Servant to betray his Master, and Servant going to cease from existence not long after that too.
But Caster not... He exist, heck! His status even also high and surpass Gilgamesh! How the hell Caster-class Servant could be stronger than Knight-class?! That not making any sense!
Now he doubt Caster actually kill his Master, maybe turned his Master into prana battery rather than killing him/her
But even if that right there no proof and Caster also didn't cause any mayhem. Even if Risei on his side but he still can't accuse Caster like that out of blue
Still... Tonight proved to be quite satisfying despite Gilgamesh act temper is surpass his expectation, he able to know most Servant identity and Noble Phantasm save for Caster, that Servant is anomaly in here
But still, no matter how strong Caster. Tokiomi had no doubt Gilgamesh can win against him, yes. King of Heroes is the mightiest Hero after all despite his attitude
Caster appearance while also threat but clearly he not threat to King of Heroes
Oh he will find out how wrong is he later
Kirei Kotomine walked in middle of night, intent to go back to church after his encounter with Kiritsugu partner, Hisau Maiya.
He must admit he actually disappointed he didn't meet Kiritsugu himself
Kirei don't give care about the fight between all Servants today, even that Caster is interested but meeting Kiritsugu is more matter to him
That man... He same like him... He similar like him...
And he have found his answer... He found something that make him alive...
Kirei, still can't find it... The answer he seeking... He still can't find it... And that man... That man must be know, or at least have something that can help him...
That thing more matter than anything for Kirei
"Well, look what we got here."
Kirei tensed when he hear familiar voice, he spun around and see Caster standing on one branch of tree, stare down at him
Inwardly he frowned at his situation, right now there only one Assassin with him. And against Caster who held his ground against Berserker, clearly he can't win
"And you better don't hide Assassin, can sense you." Caster snorted as he glance to certain direction
From the Shadow, Assassin materialize herself, this one have purple long hair that tied into high ponytail.
"You can sense me... But I can't sense you..." Assassin stated "How?"
"I have my way..." Caster said simply with annoyed grin "But really, you are different from the one I see before. And there news that you already killed in first day... So how there more of you?" Caster eyebrow furrowed "So that your Noble Phantasm. Ability to split into multiple Servants, ha! Interesting Assassin." He chuckled
Assassin didn't give response, only slip out one dagger from her hand, ready to strike anytime
'Master, I already call reinforcement. They will arrive in matter of minutes...' Assassin reported through mental link
'Good then...' Kirei responded "What you want, Caster?" Kirei asked, trying to delay time
Naruto then turn to him, his blue eyes meet with Kirei dull eyes. The blonde didn't speak and his face scrunched to thoughtful one
"Ya know... I've meet someone like you in my live." Naruto grunted make Kirei eyes narrowed "Someone who have lost eyes, a man who feel hollow and don't feel anything, trying to seek the answer. Yep! I know that one pretty well!" He grunted with nod
Kirei who hearing that have his eyes widened slightly, now that clearly perk his interest. Why don't he think this before?! Heroic Spirit like Caster or Servant surely live in harsh era and no doubt maybe there similar man like him!
Those people maybe already find their answer in fact!
"Who is it, your friend?" Kirei asked, there hint of curious in his tone
Naruto only grunted before he jumped and landed on ground, not far from Kirei and Assassin who still staring at him witn malicious intent
"As matter of fact, yes." Naruto said "Hollow, lost, like a doll. Just like you..."
'Assassin, told the rest of your copy to stop now.' Kirei commanded
'Master?' Assassin asked, clearly confused
'Do it now!' Kirei ordered. He can find his answer here now rather than aftering Kiritsugu, and if Caster sense Assassin try to attack him, this Servant might be flee! He don't want that! Not when he this close to his answer!
Assassin didn't understand what Kirei thought remain oblivious, but she give mental command to the group of Assassin that approach them and they stop
"What happen to him then?" Kirei asked again
Naruto smiled at Kirei, now this man is quite interesting "He find his answer... And he able to live with happy..." He stated
"His answer..." Kirei muttered "Tell me! What his answer?!" He demanded, forgetting who he speak to. Right now he only care for the answer he seeking!
"Calm down... Right, I believe we not introduced ourselves before this conversation." Naruto chuckled "I'm Caster..." He said
"Kotomine Kirei." Kirei responded immediately "Now could you tell me what he found?"
Naruto seeing this sighed, of course Kirei won't be patient. He know well how his feeling, he in past also a Lost Person, drowned in loneliness and hatred
"First, you must know Kirei, I call you that kay? First you must know, that your problem is not just one case Kirei." Naruto said "There many type of someone in your case."
"What you mean?" Kirei asked, there hint of interest on his tone
"For example, Kirei. There no Human that born without feeling anything." Naruto explained calmly "Depend on how the Human Kirei, no matter how hollow and dull is them, they will feel something. Happiness, sadness, despair, loss, or every emotion. For example, there someone who feel alive when they killing people or feeling pain, to know that they have blood on his body and can feel. And there another person who feel alive when they make a joke or drama" He then see Kirei clearly take what he said seriously, his face filled with thoughtful before he see understanding in it "You have one too right? Something that moved your heart..." He said
"I... Yes... I am..." Kirei admitted, Naruto noted there slight unease on his tone
"I won't force you to speak Kirei. This problem of yours, I can tell it had been happen ever since long time." Naruto said before Kirei can continue "But you must remember one thing, because this what make you Human. Never take thing beyond the boundary, because all Human who cross their boundary by abandoning their moral, they turned to nothing but Monster." He stated in slight stern tone, his blue eyes hold the firmness for once
Kirei who hearing that only can be silence. He knew what make him moved, to see people pain, he enjoy their pain and suffering, even it was from his own wife. The thought of that sickening him and yet also bring disgusting pleasure
And also if what Caster said is true, then Kiritsugu mostly don't have answer for his problem seeing the Magus Killer type case maybe different from him even if they have same problem
"Why?" Kirei asked suddenly "Why you helping me like this? What you gain from this?" He turned to skeptical, who know Caster actually try to make him loss
Caster who hearing that blinked before he shrugged "I don't know, I just wandering in city and see there explosion in hotel and sense there Assassin in there. So I decide to peek a bit and I found you attacking one of Einzbern sniper. Good move and skill by the way. When you done, I decide to follow you to see where your base that's all." He said
"That's not answering my question." Kirei replied
"Patient, geez! Well, the reason why I told you this. I find you interesting Kirei. It not many to find someone like you... Not in this era..." Naruto said 'More like not in this World, in my World there already too many big Monster that born because being lost. Orochimaru one of them...' He added in his mind and he clearly don't want Kirei to turn like Orochimaru, he still good guy and want to help people after all
"So you help me because I'm interesting in your eyes? That was more strange reason." Kirei said skeptically
"I don't give a shit you care or not." Naruto replied bluntly with flat tone "I just telling the truth, it your decision to believe it or not. Anyway! I gotta go, I need to take care of something." He grunted as he perform hand seal
"Wait!" Kirei called "I... Want to say thank you... The explanation you give clearly helping me." He said in grateful tone, now with the information he get from him, he clearly one step closer to find his answer
"Think nothing of it, just assume you owe me one favor." Naruto smirked before he suddenly explode in white smoke
Somewhere else
Lift the iron top of the entrance, move it aside. Such simple affairs also required almost an hour. To the haggard Matou Kariya, it was tenuous work even if he put all of his strength into it.
At last, Kariya pried a crack as the lid slide aside and the refreshing air flowed into the disgusting sewers. During this short moment, Kariya felt reinvigorated. Utilizing all of his strength, he pushed the manhole cover aside and slowly crawled up like a caterpillar. There was not a single person on the streets. In the silence of the night, no one noticed Kariya's shadow.
It was the same street that the Servants battled over. It was only three streets away from the four-lane road.
Kariya was different from the other magi. He was only a skimmer magus, lacking the formal training and learning of a real magus, he was like a student who just went to cram school. He was not like the others and does not share their arrogance or their carelessness. On the other hand, however, he does not have the confidence when confronting other magi. Add the fact that his Servant was Berserker... Even if he wanted to command Berserker at his side…
Berserker will never listen to his commands.
Thus, it was probably better to allow Berserker to wildly lob bombs at his opponents. Let him rage. Kariya decided to first protect himself as he observed the events from a safe location.
Kariya detected the scent of Lancer as he chased the Heroic Spirit to that location. As the battle began, he decided to not expose himself. Sending out "sight worms" obtained from Zouken, he hid in the sewers and observed the battle from underground.
Trying for a long time to stabilize his breathing, Kariya collapsed on his back on the freezing asphalt.
Blood covered his body. Most of his capillaries have exploded. Blood slowly flowed non-stop from the cracked parts of his skin.
A long time ago, Kariya once saw the victim of a nuclear power plant explosion struggle against disease. Right now, his appearance and situation was no different than the victim prior to his death. His body of flesh has already been destroyed. But there are Crest Worms spread across Kariya's body. Its magecraft extended his lifespan and allowed him to wiggle.
Kariya cannot believe that his body was reduced to this state. When he supplied prana to Berserker, he felt as if the worms had already devoured his entire body.
Merely one battle and he has turned into this.
The backlash and responsibility for controlling Berserker was far beyond what Kariya can handle. In addition, Berserker is completely ignorant of Kariya's orders – he was like a bloodthirsty beast.
As soon as he lets go, Berserker will butcher everything it sees, and it will not stop until all of its prana is spent. If the battle had continued for much longer, all would have been lost. Kariya would be drained into a dry husk by the worms as he would have been forced to supply more prana – more than his body would ever be able to handle.
To Kariya, the battle among Servants was truly risky. If he couldn't endure to his limits and stop Berserker, the only thing that's waiting for him is his own destruction.
"…Aaaah….?"
Kariya thought about the various aspects of battle. He sighed deeply and cannot help but to think that the future was grim.
In order to defeat Tōsaka Tokiomi, there was still a long way to go.
Then, to defeat everything else and obtain the Grail…that future was even further away.
Yet to save Sakura, he must overcome all of his obstacles.
There is only pressing on. He cannot fall. Even if it costs him every last drop of his blood and every inch of his flesh, Matō Kariya must reach that far distant shore. If he cannot succeed, then all would have lost meaning.
Kariya forced his extremely weakened body to rise as he unsteadily stood up. He cannot slumber here forever.
Caster... For Heroic Spirit that should specialize in Magecraft, he certainly hit Berserker quite hard. The last attack that hit his Servant is strong, the damage clearly quite severe. Just what kind of Magus that strong?! Though it was actually fortunate for him the damage not fatal and also it enough to make Kariya able to regain control of Berserker.
Still the damage is done, and clearly now Berserker need to be healed, it going to consume prana...
And prana. The prana Berserker requires to repair its body can only be obtained from the worms in Kariya's body.
Kariya needs to rest.
He leaned against the wall. Struggling, Kariya's body was incapable of standing alone as his and his wavering gait disappeared into the night.
"Man, I don't think some Master condition will be this bad!"
Kariya eyes widened in shock when hear another voice. He spun and his eyes filled with horror, not far from him, Caster now look down to him, his position is 180 with his feet in upward, latching to the celling above
"You Master of Berserker aren't you? Man that Servant of yours need to be taught a lesson!" Caster grunted with smirk before landed in ground
Kariya about to summon his Servant but it seems Caster notice this and in instant, he already in front of Kariya and pin him to the wall by grab his throat make him coughed
"Now, if you want to live you better not call that mad dog. Know that I'm not here to kill you, yet. Depend on how the situation, I might let you go if you follow what I said." Caster said coldly while tightened the grip on his throat
"What..." Kariya gasped "What... You.. Want?" He spat out
Naruto stare at Kariya with cold blue eyes, studying his qqposture "Only information... Not Servant but their Master. I sure you know few of it..." He said "I can go to Rider but I don't think his Master will be tell me seeing he had no guts, Saber, Assassin, Archer and Lancer Master also out of option. They also defended fairly, you meanwhile is not..." He stated
Kariya meanwhile feeling horror. It was clear now his situation from bad went to worse! He had seen Caster fight himself, even if he manage to summon Berserker there no guarantee he still going to safe!
And information, he only knew about Einzbern participating and also Tokiomi. Nothing more nothing less!
"I... Only know little." Kariya coughed out "Archer Master and Einzbern family! That's all!" He croaked out
"Archer Master... Who is it? Name everyone you know then..." Naruto demanded
"Tohsaka... Tokiomi..."
Naruto eyes narrowed, Tohsaka family. One of three founder and creator or Grail, now that clearly something. He release his grasp and let the man fell to his knee while gasping for breath
"Well as expected from one of Major family. Einzbern summon Saber, Tohsaka summon Archer. Now what Matou summon?" He murmured before he stare to Kariya who stiffened when mention 'Matou' name "Oh you are Matou!" He grinned at the man skin seems paler now "Now this will be more easy! I want you to bring me to your residence now, I need archive and everything!" He demanded, this is clearly fortune! Ha! He really very thankful for his A+ luck now!
"I can't! I'm not allowed to go there!" Kariya groaned make Naruto blinked
"Not allowed?" He asked in incredulous tone "You have Berserker on your side, what right of them to deny you? You can have your dog bite them all." He stated dully
"If it were that easy..." Kariya muttered darkly, knowing he can't just send Berserker to strike Zouken. Not with Sakura inside that place and also he knew Zouken can kill him with ease
Naruto eyebrow furrowed at that. This man, this man clearly won't survive for long. Give him two week or more than week the best and he will dead, he can tell there multiple insect inside him and it killing him however it also give him energy to strengthen Berserker
This man won't survive after the Grail War... Heck! Maybe he will dead in middle! Naruto already can see it
So why he push himself this far?
Kariya who now still weak only can feel hopeless and despair now as he on mercy of Caster. His eyes widened when Caster kneel and his hand let out green aura. What he going to do to him?!
When it touch, instead pain or feeling dizzy, Kariya feel the opposite. He feel relieve... All the pain slowly gone, and he can feel the worm inside him stop caused pain, he also can feel his health condition seems increase
"W-What?" He gasped in shock as stare at Caster with disbelief face
Naruto slowly stand again and stare down at Kariya "Take that as payment for the information, I don't care about Servant who sick. But living Human who fight for something is something else..." He said before he turn around and gone in white smoke, leaving Kariya who confused
Somewhere else
We found our blonde Hero sit in meditative position, legs and arm crossed.
The memory that he get from his clone about Kirei Kotomine and Kariya Matou now flowed in his head
Kirei Kotomine... Now he found another Master, this man also quite hollow almost like Root members and clearly he desperate for the answer
Kariya Matou, he actually also surprise, he never thought Berserker Master is such fragile person
'Okay, now processing memory done, focus back to gather energy.' Naruto thought with grunt, this is what he do to gather the loss of Prana he just got. He absorbing the raw Natural Energy or Mana then mix it with his Chakra
He transform the whole Mana with his own Chakra, turned it also into Chakra then absorb it to keep his existence
He must admit, while he in here have most strength like he live but his Mana is something else
For example, he can create over 100 clone and still exist. He can entering Sage Mode for quite long time before have to retreat, and Kyuubi Mode too for 15 minutes before he will become vulnerable
He can't enter Rikudō Mode... Well, he can but not for long, 5 minutes is his limit before he become vulnerable
Having the fake Kurama inside him is actually helping, it was the one who support him and it also emergency Mana resource if he need
He already spread a whole 50 clones to the whole city, 10 of them also meditate to gather energy just in case. When the clone dispelled, it will transfer all the energy it gather for him
He must say, this actually more efficient rather than having Master. True he can't use his full power but he at least can fight properly in Sage Mode or Kyuubi Mode if he need to
As he feel the energy around him absorbed, he can't help but think that he need place to stay... In few days he only stay in forest, small camp or something like that, he still not create proper territory despite he wish to make one
And he also need archive, data and information about this World more
Naruto by any mean not genius, but in time and with Shikamaru as his advisor, clearly it helped and the experience he got also helping. He now clearly tempted to use Shinobi Rengōgun no Jutsu! (Allied Shinobi Forces Technique) and talk with Shikamaru, it was perfect copy after all despite it not the real Shikamaru
But he don't need to do that, it cost quite energy and he also already have plan on his mind, he sure it will work too
He had no doubt he will survive, even if he facing Archer. He had faced Kaguya before, and she clearly fucking more scary than his fellow blonde
So he have to make plan for meet the one that Justeaze said, what his name? Kichur Zeret? Yeah, something like that. And he need to find more about him before meet the guy
'I think I know where the data I need...' Naruto thought with grin as he open his eyes, reveal his toad-like pupil and orange mark on his eyelid. The night still quite long after all, and he already have his target
So what he waiting for?
And he want to finish this quick since he want to eat!
Earlier before Naruto meeting Kirei
Kiritsugu Emiya, the Magus Killer, watched the Fuyuki Hotel building blow up in a fiery ball of destruction, caused by the explosives he had stored at the key points in the building's supports.
He felt a grim satisfaction flow in his mind, and he lit a cigarette as he begin to walking away from the scene of the crime.
He heard sirens, and once again was confronted with the fact that he had grown soft over the years he had spent at the Einzbern castle, raising Illya and being married to Iri. Very soft in fact and he can feel he not the same person anymore like he used to be
Years ago, when he had been the Magus Killer, he would have done this act without any remorse, without any moral dilemma. He would have done it because it benefited him to do so. Kayneth El-Melloi had been the opponent he had wanted to get rid of since Saber had been wounded by that spear.
But now... There heavy feeling on his chest about what he just did... He realize that moment he no longer the same person... The cold blooded killer like before...
He don't know either he should feel happy he can feel his humanity back or curse it seeing it clearly not helping his current situation
He briefly thought back on the Archibald. There was no question that he was brilliant, but like all magus' he was extremely arrogant for their own good. Their pride blinded too much and such person will be dead against him.
He was after all magus without pride... If two people with same skills and strength facing each other, the one who cheat going to win
Kiritsugu continued to smoke calmly as if he not the one who responsible for the chaos and made his way through the group of distressed civilians and the chaos of the scene, the ambulances and the relief workers running past him, even Kayneth could not survive a one hundred and fifty meter drop. There were certainly ways since Kayneth is Magus, but since he caught Kayneth by surprise there was little reason to think otherwise.
With Lancer now out of the way, the wound Saber sustained should be healed in a short while, and she should be up to her optimum strength once again, and thus kill the other Servants.
He frowned a bit as he recall the disappointment event he just see in battle before. He had thought King Arthur was a powerful knight, Old Acht himself had proclaimed when bestowing Avalon on him and Iri. Instead, she had lived up to her knight's code, failing to kill Lancer and declaring her identity.
Her 'chivalry' was simply glorifying war, and Kiritsugu hated war above anything else. He had always hated warmongers, as he had continuously fought in conflicts to stop them escalating.
Men, women, children... He killed them all so that the wars would stop. All in his bid to save the world and to stop all conflict.
He didn't even see the futility in such a beautiful ideal and deadly dream. At least, not yet.
They were too incompatible; that had always been clear when Kiritsugu had researched King Arthur, or rather Arturia now. He had left her as Iri's Servant, while he deal with the Masters from the shadows. No doubt Saber would hate him for such an act, but he didn't care about the Servant, why should he?
Nonetheless, he was very disappointed in her supposed skill, and his thoughts turned back to the other Servants, and the battle at the docks.
He had to admit, Archer was probably the single most dangerous Servant of the War. Not from how he had utterly decimated Assassin in the video he had had Maiya record, it was almost can be guaranteed that Assassin would be defeated by other Servants just as easily, but those Noble Phantasms from that invisible gate of his. Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed.
Noble Phantasms they had to be, because of that destructive power they packed... To think some Hero possess such numbers of Noble Phantasm and even throw them like it some of projection
Tokiomi Tohsaka truly not holding back in summoning Hero... Clearly now Archer become the most dangerous Servant, but still that Servant clearly very arrogance. If Kiritsugu can play this right then he can make this into his win
Alexander the Great... Or Rider was one of the Servants Kiritsugu was also wary of. Naturally, since he had conquered a great deal of the world back in his time, and the rumors and knowledge that he had been quite the tactician were never disputed. That meant that underneath the stupidity that Kiritsugu had seen at the docks, there was a keen mind. No doubt he was already analyzing the battle at the docks and using it to his own advantage.
However just almost like Saber, it seems Alexander also have his pride, he don't want take advantage of Saber situation is proof of that. He smiled a bit at that, his pride will be his downfall
And then another Servant... Caster...
His mood went slight serious at the Servant of Magecraft
That Servant clearly anomaly and unlike Berserker who mad, he is sane. And not just that, Caster also display quite strategy, proof when he threatened Lancer Master and able to make Kayneth call him back
He was thinking maybe this one similar like Alexander, but Caster not
Caster statement about dare to kill without honor clearly brought slight fear to Kiritsugu. This Servant while have honor and pride, but he not hesitate slightly to throw it away and play dirty if he want and that was dangerous seeing Caster actually possess same strength level like Berserker and Saber perhaps
King of Assassin...
He didn't bluffing... Kiritsugu can see it, the way Caster appear out of nowhere and undetected clearly similar like Assassin Presence Concealment. And he won't be surprise if Caster possess the skill
Just what kind of Caster that have such skill?
Rather than Archer and Rider, Kiritsugu more afraid to Caster seeing what he capable of and the Magus Killer had no doubt the blonde still have many trick under his sleeve, his instinct from experience of battle told him that and that instinct already save him from dead so many
But thankfully, Caster seems take interest with Saber... He never thought such thing actually possible, to think Heroic Spirit will take interest to another one, that was quite phenomenon
Caster is Masterless Servant, so Kiritsugu didn't need to worry about the Master part. Despite the danger he may bring, but Kiritsugu won't deny that Caster can become formidable ally and the Magus Killer won't mind to have him as ally. This far, Caster is the only Heroic Spirit that seems can satisfied Kiritsugu perception
He can use this chance, using Caster interest to Saber. To gain more info about Caster and maybe make the Servant of Magecraft work with them, and when the time come, Kiritsugu will find way to eliminate him or better, have Caster and Archer killing each other
Deciding his decision already, he pull out his mobile phone and send message to Iri to buy Saber some cloth for date with Caster just in case if the Servant of Magecraft really serious
Not long after that he swear he can hear scream of "WHAT?!" from his Servant even if he can't see her
"Never thought I will play matchmaking like this..." Kiritsugu muttered sourly. Clearly it feel strange and he sure everyone who know his reputation will laugh at his idea, the Magus Killer play matchmaking? Yeah, in fact he already can hear someone laugh now
Byakuya Matou is a depressed, broken man who has turned to drowning himself in alcohol night after night. It can be said that his soul has been ruined since long ago, having forced himself onto a road of no return. He should be regarded as the eldest son and inheritor of the prestigious Matou house, the final remnants of a mighty bloodline that had begun a pilgrimage to seek the traces of the Holy Grail in the distant past.
He believes himself to have completed his task as the current head to near perfection. He thinks Zouken, originally planning only to observe the Fourth War, is simply playing around with Kariya as a toy, so he thinks of himself as the only one in the family walking on the right path. The state of his abilities does not matter, so he firmly believes that his is the only one that could truly connect to the future of the Matou house.
But his true nature is that of a puppet of Zouken, allowing him to control everything from behind the scenes. He originally thought becoming the family head was not quite as much of a disaster because Zouken gave up on him long ago, so it was fine even if he was head in name only and that he hated magecraft.
Zouken only let him take charge of low-importance, miscellaneous tasks, and the actual matter of succession was completely placed onto Sakura. The Matou assets being traded for a comfortable and carefree life was agreeable to him, but the stress he suffered caused him to use drinking to run from it.
He normally drinks himself to sleep, so his remedy for being sleepless is to drink even more. He simply wants to forget anything happening outside and skip through the night as quickly as possible. It because he afraid in the night, because something bad always happen in night
Especially now Holy Grail War started...
And he more hate it if the night is peaceful... Because if a night is peaceful, it mean there no dangerous events in the previous night means that dangerous evens are more likely for the next night.
It was paranoid that he went every night and usually there nothing going to happen...
Keyword : Usually
Tonight, is not peaceful night
"Umn?" He murmured in drunk manner when feel the cold wind breeze him. He see the window near his position is open
In drunked state, he grumbled darkly before he rose from his chair. He walk in sluggish manner due to drunk and close the window, he don't want to get cold after all
HIT!
The last thing he feel before darkness claim him is the pain on back of his neck
As his body fell to the ground, Naruto figure materialized behind him. There difference about his appearance as there large brown pot wrapped on his back in similar manner like certain Kazekage
Infiltrating Matou Residence is the best choice. Not just because there no Servant defend it but the only thing that guard it is only insect, and the place also quite isolated. No one will know what happen in here as long he keep silence like professional Shinobi
'Okay, now there no more guard. Only that thing who still moving...' Naruto thought as he stare at some door who directed to basement
He already enter Sage Mode the moment he start his infiltration. Sure it was over kill maybe but he facing unknown place and unknown element, it better if he keep his sensor sharp since he is tourist in this new World
When he observe the place, he sense there two humans. One is child probably, but there something about his/her aura that seems wrong. The second is clearly normal civilian
The last one...
Well, it not Human... It more like insects... A human in animal body... It similar like Orochimaru Cursed Mark where he plant his soul, however instead to Human he plant it to insect, it not as perfect as Orochimaru a bastard version of it perhaps but still it work properly
He knew well instantly the moment he sense it, he knew this man must be another delusional immortal. Like Hidan, Kakuzu, Madara and Orochimaru
Great... Just what he need
Why the hell his enemy either have cursed eyes or immortal damnit?!
Anyway! Nostalgia aside, right now he have to kill this thing...
And he know damn well how to kill immortal like this... He already have so much experience after all
"Oi! Old man! Come out!" He yelled as he stood and waiting
Indeed, not long after that there sound of cane hitting the floor. And Naruto turn to see the thing finally, he also can sense there numerous insects crawl and hide in shadow now, ready to tear him apart
"Well, well, well. I'm surprise there Servant come here, and not just that I not even sense you until you call me." Zouken chuckled as he stare at Caster "What possibly you want from this old man?" He asked
"I want archive, data and information about current era." Naruto grunted and Zouken blinked, that clearly strange request
"Oh? And what for is it?" Zouken asked
"I have my own reason, now if you don't want to die then you better tell me Old Man." Naruto said simply as he put down the large pot on his back
"Ahahaha! That funny joke Servant." Zouken laughed in harsh manner "You come here and demand something just like that, if I report this to Church you going to be targeted by them you know?" He asked
"Yep, I know!" Naruto replied simply "But I don't care, now can you point where the information?" He asked again
Zouken narrowed his eyes at that, this Servant is brave he admit it. He was thinking maybe Kariya ask Caster for help but it seems he not, he then try to humor the Servant question
"It on my office and room mostly. In second floor." He chuckled and Naruto nodded
"Oh, by the way I believe we not introduced properly. My name Uzumaki Naruto, Caster in this War!" He grinned and Zouken gawked, he just reveal his name like that?
'But I never heard Hero with name Uzumaki Naruto...' Zouken thought skeptically "I'm Zouken Matou..." He said
"Good!" Naruto grinned before he open the pot on his side "Zouken Matou..."
"Yes?" Zouken asked before his eyes widened when he sense all his body twitching! Not just that! The real body! The Worm he about to plant inside Sakura! His heart! "What the-AAAAGGGHHHH!"
Zouken body suddenly melted into multiple worms before all of them soared to the pot on Naruto side. His scream turned to gargle as his body teared apart into multiple pieces like bugs
Naruto watched as Zouken 'body' entering the pot. There so many of them, it near hundred perhaps. As the countless insect merged with the black liquid inside the pot, he see one worm that seems different from the other, he also sense it beating like heart
"Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Pot), if you face immortal body then seal it soul and destroy it inside this." Naruto chuckled "Thank you for the words old man!" He then slam down and close the pot
Kohaku no Jōhei original purpose is indeed for sealing, the person who sealed still can set free if the user want. However if the person who got sealed actually don't have normal body, their soul will be turned to energy just like someone who reincarnated via Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation)
And Zouken clearly don't have any body now...
The pot let out bright light for moment before it died, and Naruto open again the pot to see the black liquid now filled with Mana and energy, the number is quite large he clearly can use this for one of his item that he going to make later
"Well! Now that seal the fate of this thing!" Naruto stated with grin as he close the pot again "But still, there numerous insects. Perhaps I will exterminate it..." He muttered before he pull out scroll and seal back the pot
He briefly give glance to Byakuya who unconscious in ground. What he should do to him? He can't have someone report him about what he did. He also not that cold to kill him just because he staying here
"Might put him in coma as well." He muttered as he approach the blue haired man. He perform hand seals and crouch in front of him "Shōsen no Jutsu (Mystic Palm Technique)." He then touch Byakuya head, and sending an excess amount of chakra into his body, overloading the blue haired man normal circulation, trapping him in a comatose state. 'Well, I will ask someone to manipulate his memory later...' He thought before he stand and deactivated his Sage Mode, it not needed anymore "And there final one..." He said before he jumped and immediately on second floor
He cross his fingers and 5 clones appear on his side "Go destroy all the bugs..." He said and the clones nodded before scattered. He then walk through the corridor, sensing the last person and finally he arrive in front of the door. He open the door in stealth manner and peek a bit
There child in the bed... It was her, she obviously sleeping in Naruto opinion. He about to close the door and leave it behind, if she didn't see him then it will be fi-
"Who are you?"
Naruto inwardly palmed his face, well it seems his A+ Luck not always working. He then stare at the girl, before his eyes narrowed seeing her
That child eyes...
It was hollow...
It was filled with pain...
Loneliness...
A broken human...
That was a look of a person who had lost all hope, who could never hope again. Those eyes belonged to victims of some extreme trauma or horror. And those were eyes that should never have belonged on a child.
Naruto always have soft spot for children, ever since he, himself still teen. He play with Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon, and there Hanabi too, that girl is cute when she try to maintain her stoic face like her father
So seeing child like this, Naruto clearly can't just leave her. What this family do to this child?
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto..." Naruto muttered softly as he entering the room, he also turn on the lamp "What yours?" He asked as he now sit on her side in bed
"Sakura Matou... Are you grandfather guest?" Sakura asked, still in hollow voice
Naruto who hearing that let out hum "Depend, do you like your grandfather?" He asked and he notice Sakura seems whimpered a bit, there tears leaked on corner of her eyes "I guess not. Then you shouldn't worry about him anymore, he dead."
Sakura eyes widened at that as she stare at Naruto with shocked face "D-Dead?"
"The monster won't bother you anymore... He dead, so don't worry." Naruto soothed softly
Sakura was silence for moment, her face is blank save for the widening eyes. The silence almost full one minute before she lunged at Naruto and the blonde caught her. Slowly, sob emerge from her mouth and she began to cry
"I'm free.. No more pain... No more. No more. No more. No more."
Naruto who hearing that rise his hand and softly brush the girl hair, smile plastered on his face. He never intent to save someone actually but still...
'Oh well, I guess I always destinied to save damsel in distress.' He chuckled as he recall about Hinata, Shion, Haruna, Koyuki and etc.
It was take almost half hour until the girl calmed down. The girl sniffed as she stare up at Naruto with embarrassed look
"I'm sorry sir, it was not polite of me.." She said timidly
"Its okay! Not need to call me Sir, Onii-chan is fine!" Naruto grinned a bit before he smiled to her in gentle manner "Now tell me, where your parent?" He asked
Sakura blanched at that and Naruto inwardly palmed himself again, it seems he touch another bad topic
"I... I was given to this family... I don't have Mother or Father anymore..." Sakura mumbled sadly and Naruto eyes narrowed
'Selling children? Okay what kind of moron is doing that?' Naruto thought "And what your family name before?" He asked still able to sounds like gentleman
"Tohsaka..."
At that declaration Naruto face went to flat. He take deep breath before slowly stand and release the girl make her confused
"Einzbern corrupt the Grail, Matou abused children, Tohsaka selling children. DOES THESE THREE FAMILY ALREADY LOST THEIR MIND?!" He yelled in frustration to the Heaven. Really! Just what the hell is wrong with those three family?! It seems not just Einzbern who he need to knock later! There Tohsaka too! Luckily he already finish with Matou! He then stare down at the girl who seems scared at him "Sorry, just releasing stress." He chuckled sheepishly "Anyway! You don't happen to know Kariya Matou aren't you?"
"Uncle Kariya?" Sakura asked, there light on her eyes "I know him. He is nice man... Does Uncle Kariya send you? He said he going to free me."
Ah, so that's why Kariya enter this War. He want to save this girl, now Naruto understand. That man determination need to be praised, to think he will kill himself and suffer the agony pain from insect inside him for this girl
"Well no, but I apparently know him!" Naruto chuckled "Now why don't you sleep back?" He asked
Sakura at that nodded however she freeze suddenly and stare at Naruto with teary eyes "W-What if... W-What if this... This is only dream? A-And..." A tears emerge from her eyes again "A-And when I awake... I-I will be in that pit again?"
Naruto can't help but feel sad at that, to see children like this clearly heart breaking. He then put comforted smile at her and place both hands on her cheeks "Sakura-chan, if this dream you wouldn't feel pain right?" He asked
"Uhm!" Sakura nodded while sniffed
"Now... What you call this?" Naruto grinned before he pinch both her cheeks and strecth them in awkward angles
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ownwii-chaan!" Sakura whined painfully as she feel the stung on her cheeks and Naruto laughed before release it "That hurt!" She pouted "Onii-chan you meany!" She accused with cute glare
"Good! Then it mean, it not dream right?" Naruto asked and Sakura eyes widened at that "Now sleep Sakura-chan..." He told her softly "We will go buy ice cream tomorrow."
Sakura nodded at that immediately, its been a while since she have one and she go to her bed "Where you will sleep?"
"In here too, don't worry I will already awake so just call my name after you finish bathing." Naruto said with smile as he stand and put the blanket on her, he give her smile before plant soft kiss on her forehead "Good night, Sakura-chan..."
"Good night Onii-chan..." Sakura muttered before she close her eyes and enter the dream World, beautiful smile plastered on her face
Naruto smiled at the girl before he walk to the door, turn off the lamp and out from it.
"Well, that was very relaxing. Been a while since I comfort children..." He said with chuckled "Oh well! Right now it better if I start to check the archive about Mage Association and this Zelret guy!" He then began to walk and search for the room
On his way, he can't help but now feel this night ended with good
...
...
No... It was very good in fact...
Now he think it again, he have a whole Matou residence for him, along with all it knowledge and Matou family is one of biggest Magus family if he recall!
And not just that, now he saving someone that Kariya want to save, the man will owe him a favor! Oh yes! Now he have Berserker on his back! He can't help but grin more at that, having him on his side clearly some help!
"Woohoo damn! I love my A+ Luck!" He declared with laugh, despite all shit he get on his childhood, he can't help but feel maybe it worthy since he got quite amount of good luck when he growth now
Done! Man this one quite long too eh?
This chapter show how people began to think about Naruto! There no big deal actually save for Naruto conversation with Kirei and accidentally saving Sakura, and also Kiritsugu who plan to use Saber so Naruto come to their side
Yeah, it kinda troll in Kiritsugu part even I also admit it.
So what you think about Naruto/Kirei? Is it good? Is it entering your expectation? What going happen to our fake Priest?! Will he enter the right path or will he embrace the darkness of Angra Mainyu?!
As for saving Sakura, I bet all of you surprise at sudden event right? I, myself also surprised actually but really. Dealing with Zouken isn't big deal for Servant when he don't have "Shadow" with him, especially for Naruto
Naruto already face stronger immortal, Third Raikage for example and even more Shinobi. And all of those immortal actually not have brain damage like Zouken who only remember to get Grail for immortality and forget his real intention
So you shouldn't surprise with the easy result, it was logical after all. In fact I found when Naruto have hard time dealing with Zouken is not logical
Anyway! After this I going to update maybe in next two or three days, need a rest a bit ya know. I make more than 30k+ words in three days after all. Give me little break will ya?!
And damn! Give me so much review too! XD
We already reach more than one hundred Favorite and Follower, isn't that impressive?! XD
So if you so kind, please from thos one hundred people give one review at least X3
Wakakakak
Anyway! See you in next chapter!
Ja Ne! X)