'Well, you have my curiosity, Tohsaka. Do you really not care about Sakura's feelings? Would it not bother you if she hates you for it' Kakashi asked, his eyes staring into Rin's.

"That's right. Do you have any complaints?"

"Mah, I have none. But your answer did help me understand your nature."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed.

"You truthfully are worse than scum."

Silence drawled. Rin's eyes widened in surprise. Shirou was stunned by Assassin's words.

'Kakashi! That's not a nice thing to say to Tohsaka-'

'Of course, it isn't. I never intended it as a compliment.', came the servant's words like a calm tide.

...

Rin's eyes flashed and she nearly sneered. She regained her cool, however, and continued to glare at the grey-haired man.

'You may think, otherwise, Hatake but regardless of what happened to her in the past, she still remains a threat to us.' her voice explained, reserved and aloof as if talking about the weather.

'...You still don't get it, do you? Undoubtedly, she is a wild card and, despite her personal feelings, she can easily turn against us. In all honesty, it would be most prudent to immobilize her until Zouken is defeated.'

'Kakashi-' Emiya protested.

Kakashi moved his hand up and Shirou quieted.

'However, even if it is a just move on part of a Magus and a Shinobi, as her comrades, it is unacceptable to do so.'

Kakashi's eyes turned to steel and Rin nearly flinched at the rigidity that entered the man's voice.

'In any world, be it that of Magus or Shinobi, those who break rules and regulations are scum. However, those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum.'

Shirou froze. The words struck a deep chord inside of him, provoking a deep sense of Deja Vu. He had heard these words before. But where...?

'And those who shrug their loved ones' feelings off as frivolous, who bury their feelings for the sake of obligations, are beyond scums themselves.'

'...'

'I have made many mistakes in my life. Due to my sense of duty and obligation, I refused to acknowledge my comrades. And when they died because of my stubbornness, only unspoken words and regrets remained. Don't be an idiot, Rin. Don't make the same mistakes as I did.'

The tense air floated away along with the sternness in the man's body. Assassin slouched in a feinted lethargy with his old book in hand, as a gentle look reappeared in his eyes. Leaves floated across him as he began to fade.

'Much, I am sure that this old man has given you a lot to think, Tohsaka. I will turn to spiritual form for now; I wouldn't want to strain my Master more than I do.'

With that, the man faded though the weight of the man's words lingered heavily on their minds.