Chapter 2. The Battle at the Dock
Few days ago, in some house at Fuyuki city
Naruto narrowed his eyes as he stare at the scene in front of him
He expect maybe he will be summoned in dark place
He expect maybe he will be summoned in bright place
He expect maybe he will be summoned in open place
He expect maybe he will be summoned in closed place
He expect maybe he will be summoned in noble place
He expect maybe he will be summoned in dirty place
He certainly not expect he will be summoned in place that resemble bloody murderer scene from horror movie
And the place is complete with red paints on the wall and dolls on the ground
...
...
...
...
...
Oh wait those are bloods and corpse...
Yep! He clearly summoned in bloody murder horror movie like place
He then turned his head and see some red? Or orange? Eh didn't care, either way. Some man stand and gawked at him, he look over behind him there small child that bounded and gagged
"You the one who summon me right? Who are you?" Naruto asked in calm manner
Ryūnosuke gave a small response. The one who had come out of the summoning circle with great flashes and smokes, was an ordinary human. That was definitely not what he had expected. No exaggerated monster, just a perfectly normal human? Ryūnosuke was puzzled. His clothes were definitely queer, but did that mean this man was a real demon?
Scratching his head for a moment, Ryūnosuke took his decision.
"Uh, name's Uryū Ryūnosuke. I'm a freelancer. My hobby is murder in general. I like kids and young women. Recently I'm back to sharpening my basis again."
Naruto only put thoughtful face while let out hum and nodded while consuming the information, not show any sign of disturbed by scene around him
"Oh by the way! Let's talk over a drink. Won't you eat that?" Ryūnosuke asked while pointing to the children that tied behind him and Naruto blinked
"Eat that child? You do realize Human taste bad actually right?" Naruto stated flatly make Ryūnosuke blinked back
"We are?" He asked and Naruto shrugged before he walk to him and stare down at the child
"So... Let it put simple way, the murderer in here is all your doing? And now you offer this child as sacrifice to me?" Naruto asked
"Yep!"
"How many people you kill for summon me?"
"Err..." Ryūnosuke paused, he don't know how many already "Don't know loss count after more than 10..." He said
Naruto hummed while still staring at the child before turn to Ryūnosuke again
"You should offer me virgin woman, they clearly taste better." He said with slight stern tone make Ryūnosuke blinked
"Eh? So the legend about virgin woman taste good is true? But didn't you said Human taste bad before?" Ryūnosuke asked with confusion
"Mostly... Depend on the eater, female eat male and male and female. In male perspective it was female who good while in female it the other way." Naruto lectured Ryūnosuke who apparently taking this quite serious
"So there thing like that eh..." Ryūnosuke murmured with understanding tone before grimaced at the child he catch "I should left the daughter then..." He said sourly and Naruto laughed
"Don't be sour like that!" Naruto said "Now, we can't let sacrifice be waste aren't we? So I will take it!" He stare down at the child who now had wide eyes and horror on his face
Ryūnosuke who hearing that beamed "Really? You going to eat him?!"
"Yep! If you want to watch then don't blink!"
Ryūnosuke in response blink on instinct immediately
BANG!
And darkness claim him
Present
The King of Heroes who observing the man since beginning immediately bristled at that, anger on his face. How dare this mongrels call him that!
"You dare to call me with such petty tittle?! Not just you dare to stand on same height with me like equal but you not even recognize your own King in first glance!" Archer snarled angrily at Naruto, killing intent also clear on his crimson eyes "I shall get rid of you right now!" He yelled as suddenly two golden portals appear behind him, surprising everyone as sword and halberd come out through it like fish jump out from water
"Is that Noble Phantasm?" Lancer muttered with wide eyes
Naruto meanwhile not even show any sign of surprise save for furrowed eyebrow, his face also showed he not even intimidated, he give the golden King smirk as his sapphire blue eyes meet Archer crimson red eyes
"And what you going to do with that? Skewer me?" Naruto replied without fear before he stare down at some place "Beside, didn't I said "All Servants" before? We have another guess." He pointed with his index finger to the place he staring
And as soon he did that, an unexpected torrent of prana swept in a roar, gathering everyone attention. As everyone was watching, the flowing prana gathered and solidified, materializing into the shadow of a robust man.
That shadow stood up near the four lane road that had become the battlefield of Saber and Lancer, two blocks further toward the sea. Truly, that was a fantastic apparition that could be described as nothing other than a "shadow".
From the width of the tall figure's shoulders, this was the body of a man, completely covered in a full armor without any opening. But it was different from the silver armor wrapping Saber or the luxurious golden one of Archer. This man's armor was black. Without any delicate ornament, with no polished luster. Like darkness, like Hell, it was just a bottomless black. The face was also invisible, covered with a rustic helmet. In the depth of a thinly carved slit, there was the ghastly glow of a pair of eyes with a glare burning like a flame.
"Well, I think we found our Berserker..." Naruto smirked as he stare down at the dark knight
The moment the black knight enter the battlefield. All attention immediately turned to him, it because the dark and sinister aura he radiated and swirl around him like black flames that alive and burn the air itself
'Prana surround his body... It similar like Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden in the Mist Technique). Except the mist is dark and it cover not area but only his whole body...' Naruto thought with narrowed eyes as he stare at the Berserker
"... Hey, King of Conquerors. Did you invite that guy too?" Lancer asked, his tone is light as if mocking Rider and the Servant of Mount grimaced at the question
"Invited, eh? That one doesn't look like he'll take any negotiation, ugh." Rider muttered with frown
Indeed, nothing but blood thirst flowed from the black knight. Even the whirlwind of prana seemed ominous as a groan full of deep hatred.
Berserker... Everyone could see that without waiting for a confirmation. Such a fiendish surge of murderous intent could only come from the class of the Heroic Spirit of fury.
"So, kid. What kind of Servant is he, that guy?" Rider asked Waver, but the small Master shook his head, dumbfounded.
"... I don't know. I simply can't tell."
"Whaat? You're a Master, aren't you? His strong and weak points should be visible to you, eh?"
"I said I can't see it! That black guy is definitely a Servant... But I just can't read out his stats!" Waver yelled in frustration
Rider frowned in suspicion at Waver's confused explanation, and took a new look at the black knight.
The armor with the color of darkness shows no characteristic feature, and tells no clue on the lineage of the maker. No, it isn't just that there are no details to see; it is all blurred.
It wasn't just Rider. Saber, Lancer and Irisviel had also noticed the same thing. No matter how carefully one would watch, he just wouldn't accurately perceive Berserker's figure.
Just like an off-focus photograph, the outlines of the black armor was always shifting, like a mist, and you would sometime see it double or triple. Somehow, the material seemed to be made out of a hallucination. It isn't just the vision that was affected; it also matches the clairvoyance of the Masters. That would be some sort of unique curse that fakes the person's true identity. It couldn't be a skill proper to the Berserker class.
"Looks like another troublesome enemy we have..." Irisviel murmured
Saber nodded at Irisviel murmur.
"That's not all. With now five opponents, we can't do any careless movement." Saber response to her fake Master
In a regular battle royal, the most reliable tactic is to smash those in numerical inferiority with a concentrated effort. Thus, if they show one weakness here and now, they might be forced into the worse outcome, a five to one hopeless battle. In this case, even Saber doesn't stand a chance.
Who will start attacking who, and who will take that chance to make his move. To survive in this place, one needs to accurately see through everyone else's movements. This is true for all Heroic Spirits.
Presently, Rider isn't targeting anyone in particular. His current purpose is probably to have a look at the Heroic Spirits participating in the Holy Grail War. But as one who knows no fear, he is the kind of man who stands up at anyone's challenge.
Archer now clearly see Rider and Saber as his enemies. The golden Heroic Spirit seems to take ill humor in the two who call themselves "King of Conquerors" and "King of Knights". However right now his attention is pointed to Caster, but after their battle there no doubt he will return to attack them
Caster... Well as far as Saber can tell, that man is mystery. He come and speak a little but seems already aware of the situation, it as if he was in here in beginning and already knew everything. That actually not impossible seeing Caster is Servant who possess knowledge of high level magecraft and maybe he have some spell that work in similar way. But one thing sure he seems not hostile to everyone, he similar like Rider
There is one problematic person left.
Berserker. Nobody could figure out what was the intention of the black knight in materializing here and now. It added to the mayhem in which nobody could take control of the situation. No prudent Master would think of pitting his Servant in the middle of this chaos.
No doubt anyone would be equally wary of Berserker, yet there was two exception. There was no doubt or hesitation in Archer's crimson eyes and Caster saphire eyes. While the Servant of Magecraft seems amused and curious, Archer is other thing.
Only an absolute anger and murderous intent on Archer eyes as he looking down at Berserker.
The disgusting stare of the black knight was turned only at him standing on top of the street pole; the golden Heroic Spirit could undoubtedly see that.
"Who gave you permission to gaze upon me, rabid dog?" Archer growled as he re-aimed his weapons from Caster to the direction of the black knight. "May your scattered remains entertain me, mongrel!"
With that declaration, the halberd and sword that float behind him, soar down. The force is like a missile, a heavy weapon that fired down. And the range between Archer and Berserker is close, you can imagine what happen if someone fired bazooka in 5M from your place
However, despite that. Berserker still show why he called Heroic Spirit, and how he actually not normal Berserker
BOOOM!
Explosion echoed as the projectiles hit the Servant of Madness. The road surface was blown up like it was hit with an explosive blast, and the scene was shrouded by the dust of the asphalt pulverized into particles
However from the dark smoke, Berserker appear unharmed. He had merely moved from his starting point, where the road had become a crater.
"Ho ho, now that thing you rarely seen." Naruto remarked with grunt
"That man. Is he really Berserker?" Lancer murmured with slight surprise
"He's very versatile for a madman who has lost his ability to think." Rider said with impressed tone as Waver looked at him in slight confusion "What? You couldn't tell? That black thing easily caught the first sword that flew towards him before used it to destroy the second spear as it approached." He explained to his Master
Berserker who appear unharmed, clenching the sword more tight on his hand before rise his head and stare at Archer
Archer meanwhile not surprised or impressed like everyone, in fact, it was apparently rage that came to Archer. All kind of facial expression distorted his elegant face, frozen in a murderous frenzy.
"How dare you lay your filthy hands on my treasures..." Archer snarled darkly "You must want to die really badly, dog!" He growled in anger
In response for his King rage, the Gate of Babylon open itself more wide. The air around Archer starts dancing again. Like a halo, a golden majesty twirls in circles to show a flock of new Noble Phantasms, now sixteen of them.
Not just spears and swords. There are axes. Hammers and halberds. Even items with indefinite usage or origin, bladed weaponry with a strange shape.
All of them Noble Phantasm, all of them contain deadly and fatal force. All of them aimed at Berserker
"That's! That's ridiculous!" Waver screamed in awe, fear, mixed with disbelief as he stare at the scene in front of him
And everyone in here have similar thought, save for Naruto who only stare with thoughtful face
'Wow, man. Now that similar like Gravity Release, the one that Menma use when I fight against him.' Naruto thought as he recall the kunai that thrown to his alternate universe self floating before it can hit him
"Let's see how long your impudent thievery can keep you alive!" Archer declared as Berserker appear to prepare himself "Now, show me!"
And then, the blades and weapons shoot forward down. Like a deadly rain, it scatter and soar down to the black knight. Berserker who seeing this appear not fear, when one halberd near to him, instead dodging he caught it
Then he swung left and right the sword in his right hand, repelling every single one of the following Noble Phantasms away. He dodge few of the rain before switch his weapon and take another one who soar down to him, then block the incoming rain again
"The golden one seems to be proud of the number of his Noble Phantasms, but the black guy has the worst..." Rider muttered aloud "When Blacky takes a weapon, he becomes stronger by just taking it. And Goldy throws them so shamelessly. He's a versatile fellow." He grunted
"Impressive deduction, close but it not 100% true..." Naruto commented from his place, gaining Rider attention "He not become stronger when take Goldy weapon, but more like he stole that weapon and use it like his own."
"Hoo! I see!" Rider said with understanding tone
"Eh?" Waver meanwhile blinked in confusion, still not understand
"Focus to Berserker weapon, the moment he grab that weapon. Goldy Noble Phantasm turned to Berserker Noble Phantasm. The weapon he hold, turned into his" Naruto explained easily to the boy. He can tell that easily because he sense Berserker Prana flowing to the weapon he grab
The violent roaring sound stopped when the last of the sixteen Noble Phantasms fell down.
In the hollow silence, there was only group of dust where Berserker stand. The surroundings, including the storehouses and street lights, were all completely ruined.
Suddenly from the dust and smoke, two flying projections appear and soar to where Archer stand. Maybe the aiming was off, or he didn't really try to hit anything, but the ax and the blade hit the pole of the street light that Archer was standing on top of. The blade hit the middle, and the ax, the top, cutting the pole into pieces as if it was butter.
The golden King had jumped before the iron pole was cut into pieces, and landed on the ground apparently unscathed.
However if there someone who look more closely, they can see Archer body is shaking and clearly there anger radiated from his noble aura "How dare you..." He said darkly "You're making me stand on the same ground as you?" He rise his head, showing his pure anger and hatred on his face "I, who belong among the Heavens?!" He roared angrily as the space air behind him ripped more and replaced by golden halo "You impudence has sealed your eternal doom! Nothing will remain of your corpse, mongrel!"
Then, the majestic weapons appear. Not just sixteen but now the numbers increased twice, turned to thirty two. Everyone who staring can't help but shocked more at the event in front of them, Berserker had endured a continuous attack of sixteen Noble Phantasms, but there was no way to resist twice that number.
'Hoo... Now that was something, what kind of Hero who possess that large amount of Noble Phantasm?' Naruto thought with whistle of impressed
But before Archer could rain down iron death on the two knights he felt a twitch in his mind that compelled his next action, much to his fury. "You dare to order a king to withdraw? You've got some nerve, Tokiomi!" Archer exclaimed to the sky and at the actions of his master, seeing that he forced him to act unlike the true king that he was, but rather a simple soldier being told to fall back when he was losing.
Nonetheless, the Command Seal still taking effect and his anger also gone due to the order before. With a wave of his hand the Gate of Babylon closed, sending all the weapons on the field back into the treasury for later use.
Then he turned to Berserker "You are fortunate, rabid dog..." He sneered before turned to everyone else "Mongrels! See that you've culled your numbers by our next meeting, only a true hero is worthy of looking upon me." He declared, however before he leave he see Naruto stare down at him from his position
At that moment Archer feel something come from the other blonde servant when their eyes meet. There something about him... His aura clearly screamed about royalty, far surpassing everyone in here save for him of course.
'Hmph! Perhaps there interesting thing come from you Caster. I will see it later...' He thought before he gone in golden dust
It was silence after the golden King gone. However the tension still there and the are also filled with thick of battle aura
"Well, now I got one Master name..." Naruto broke the silence "That was kinda anti-climatic but, meh! Good show!" He declared with nod
Irisviel who hearing that turned to Naruto, and she blinked at what she see "Are you eating?"
Indeed, now that get everyone attention too as they turn to see Naruto who sit and eating ramen cup, the noodles apparently in his mouth now
Naruto slurp down the whole noodle and gulp it before give the white haired woman deadpan look "No, I'm drinking. Of course I'm eating!" He declared "What kind of question is that?" He asked in incredulous tone to Irisviel
The woman blushed in embarrassment slight at the retort "But... Aren't Servant not need to eat? You only need Prana." She pointed in slight meek tone
"So what?! There no rule that forbid us, Servants from eating REAL food!" Naruto declared boldly, slowly he stand on his feet and raising his ramen cup as if it was trophy "Even if there are! What it matter for us?! We are superior spirits! Throwing away logic and kicking reason to the curb! Beautifully following the golden road! If there's a wall, we knock it down! We follow a path built with our own hands!". He declared boldly, his Charisma A+ now working as everyone stare at him with awe and respect despite no one ask how the hell the strange topic about eating now move to speech like this "The burning energy that lift our souls entirely to the core of our heart! The perfect Heroic Spirit!" JUST WHO THE HELL… DO YOU THINK WE ARE, DATTEBAYO?!" He finished off his extremely manly speech by shouting to the heavens above. Strangely enough, a silhouette of an erupting volcano appeared behind him as well.
"What a full of manly speech! Truly you are quite Hero in your era, Caster!" Rider praised with approval tone and big grin, he even give applause to Caster now
"Indeed, clearly you have spirit of Warrior despite you entering Caster-class. I maybe judge you too quick in beginning... Pardon me for that..." Lancer added as he feel moved in the speech and charisma Caster radiated
"I, also agree. That was magnificent speech Caster. Truly you make us, Heroic Spirits also proud..." Saber also agreed with nod and respect at the other blonde
Waver and Irisviel while found the speech is indeed amazing but can't help sweatdropped at the realization 'It just about food, how could it move to this topic? And what the meaning of "Dattebayo"?' They asked in their minds at the same time 'And why the hell that speech now is damn familiar!' Waver added in his mind
Meanwhile with Kiritsugu in far
"While that speech is quite awesome but why I feel I had heard it before?" Kiritsugu murmured while now sniping to Caster
"That... Was from anime called Gurren Lagan..."
"A what?" Kiritsugu asked almost in flat tone when hear Maiya response from radio "An anime?" He deadpanned. How the hell Caster know that then?! And moreover! "Wait! How did you know that?!"
"Well.. I..." Maiya voice seems filled with embarrassment and he swear he can see Maiya blushing "I apparently watching it, no! I'm not watching the entire anime! It just coincidence when I hear the speech!" She explained to her mentor in her best monotone voice
"Rrright..." Kiritsugu replied with same flat tone as he stare at Caster
It decided, despite this Caster seems strong but there no doubt he also idiot almost like Rider, or maybe even more than the big man
Back to the dock
Naruto stand proud as he got praise by another Heroic Spirit. He really feel good now after mimicking that quote, the manga he found and read few days ago is proved very good! Thank you so much!
Eventually the tension is gone from "Battle to the death" to "Relax like old time". However that will happen had everyone hear that speech
And apparently Berserker who now gone in madness can hear the manly speech of Naruto and he only stare at Saber who look up to Naruto who still in his triumph pose
And that look went not unnoticed by Saber who have her Instinct flared as she turn and see Berserker behavior seems strange. Then Berserker began convulsing, a creaking sound being made by his armour as it metal was being bent out of shape. All eyes turned to Berserker as it let out a loud roar, its miasma seeming to thicken and expand before black tendrils came out of its back.
Sensing the danger, Saber immediately grab her sword with her right hand as strong as she can "Irisviel, stand back!" She yelled and soon, Berserker dashed to the side picking up the remains of the lamppost.
He leap up with roar before slamming down the pole to Saber, intent to crush her. But Saber able to defend herself using her sword and her eyes widened slightly at the pole that turned to black and filled with red vines "What?!" She murmured
"So it not just Noble Phantasm, he also can use simple thing as his weapon." Rider muttered as he now find out more about Berserker Noble Phantasm
Saber gritted her teeth before she try her best to parry the pole despite her weakened state and succeed. She immediately take one step forward and deliver spinning slash to the black knight
The Servant of Madness able to block it in time, digging his feet to the ground attempting to prevent himself getting too far from the King of Knights.
Saber stare down for moment to her arm. The tendon that severed make her can't move her left thumb finger, that clearly make her strength weakened. However that momentary focus to her hand turned to slight mistake
"Saber!" Irisviel warned
Saber eyes widened seeing Berserker right above her with his pole ready. However this time before the attack connected, something interrupted
"Dynamic Entry!"
A kick immediately landed on Berserker right side of face, time seems froze for moment before it resumed and Berserker launched like catapult, crashing to container box not far from his position
Stood in front of Saber, now Caster stand proudly like knight just saving princess. That image will be very good had there no ramen cup on his hand now
"I'm in middle of speech you bastard!" Naruto snarled "How dare you interrupt me?! Don't you know how damn hard to think that speech?!" He yelled while waving his ramen cup, re-editing that speech before is hard! "And you not just blatantly ignore it but also attacking one of people who listen to me! I'm going to clobber you for that!" He declared before he downing his entire ramen like it was beer rather noodles and take step forward and toss away the cup while cracked his neck
Berserker in response merely come out from his spot and roared before charged to Naruto, the blonde immediately take stance and meet the Servant of Madness attack. He ducked under the swing of pole before grab it with both his arms and with roar, lift up the pole along with Berserker before slam it over his shoulder, creating a small explosive from the impact as the dark knight hit the ground
"That power! Is he really Caster?" Lancer murmured, not just Berserker now very skilled for someone at his state but Caster power also insane for someone at his class!
The dust cleared, and from the position everyone can see Berserker appear unharmed. He still stand firm, apparently able to rolled and landed in proper manner when Naruto slam him
Berserker growled slightly before he roared, there deep crack where he stand and Naruto feel himself lifted. Apparently the Servant of Madness try to lift him to remove his grab from the pole
"Don't think because you Berserker!" Naruto gritted his teeth as he hold his ground "You stronger than ME! DATTEBAYO!" He roared as he channel Chakra to his strength, increased it to the same level of Berserker and able to hold himself and there blue aura shimmer slightly from his body
There no hit or something that crashed, however the clash of Naruto and Berserker power creating wind impact around them as the ground beneath them sunked more and trying to keep themselves from lifted out
'That! That aura, it almost similar like my Prana Burst!' Saber thought with surprise seeing the stalemate of Caster and Berserker 'I shouldn't surprise since he are Caster but, the strength he show is...'
"He clearly seems more like Knight-class Servant rather Caster..." Rider remarked "Maybe he some Knight who studying about Magecraft in past, so he can be summoned as Caster too." He concluded his observation
"And he Masterless..." Lancer added "A Servant without Master should be weakened or immediately perish, this mean either he have massive amount of Mana or he have ability that allow him to exist without Master..." Lancer stated
What Lancer said is actually right, Caster is without Master and while it maybe logical he still exist due to his amount of Mana but that not explain the power he display now. The only reason is either Caster lying about killing his Master but even they only know him close now, the whiskered blonde seems not lying
So it was not surprise if everyone until now still shocked and more intent to watch those two battle rather than fighting to each other
Berserker who holding his ground seems finally realize that he can't lift up Caster no matter what. So with fast, he drop the pole and launch himself to take Caster guard off
Fortunately for Naruto, he also have similar mine and drop the pole at same time like Berserker and also dashed to the Servant of Madness
BANG!
Another impact appear as Naruto and Berserker fists clashed in middle of air. There slight pause from them before it broken by Berserker who extend his other arm and grab Naruto collar shirt
Only for the blonde kick off the ground, launching himself and give Berserker strong headbutt to Berserker helmet with his bare head. To everyone shock, it not Naruto who stumble but Berserker
'Heh! Thanks from torture of getting hit by Sakura-chan!' Naruto chuckled as he feel Berserker grip loosened. He immediately went to act and deliver Chakra empowered uppercut, smashing it to the dark knight jaw and send him to the sky
"I borrow it a bit Lee." Naruto muttered before he also jump, following Berserker. He immediately give multiple kick to Berserker stomach few times, make he rose higher to the sky and after done, he flip himself to behind him and give strong bone crushing bearhug to Berserker from behind "Let take a roll to the ground shall we?" He asked before both of them soar down to the ground
The wind whirling around them like tornado as their body began to spin. Berserker aware of Caster intent, immediately let out black tendrils and wrapped Caster with him. If he going down, then Caster will come with him!
Naruto only smirked in response, not even show any sign of fear being crushed "Take this! Omoto Renge! (Front Lotus!)" He roared as he increase the speed of their fall by boost of Chakra, both of them now more looks like mini-tornado that fall from sky rather than simple dive slam
BOOOOM!
A flying dust and debris of earth appear when both of them fall and everyone shield their eyes from the impact, it was greater than even when one of Archer Noble Phantasm crashed to the ground
As dust scattered to the area, there silence from the spectator before it broken by Irisviel
"Did both of them..." She trailed
"Nope, he tough bastard!"
Everyone turned and see Caster on the same container box where he sit before. The Servant jumped, flipped in air before landed gracefully near Saber and Irisviel, the blonde woman immediately take step closer to Irisviel at this
"H-How?! Y-You were-" Waver immediately shrunk when Caster gaze to him, this man is very scary!
"A little this and that, don't forget what my class..." Naruto said simply, he actually place Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God) kunai to near his location before, that's the reason he can escape "Man, what's with you? You such coward! Act like a man! Rider, you need to share your guts to him!" Naruto said to Rider and the giant Servant laughed
"I'm on the way to do that now!" Rider stated with laugh make Waver glare to him
"I mean, lady En... Eenzz. Anzz..." Naruto paused as he seems taking hard time to speak and Irisviel blinked seeing the Servant pointing to her
"Einzbern?" She offered
"Ah! Yeah! That's it!" Naruto exclaimed while pump his fist to his palm "Lady IceCream over here more brave than yours!" He stated in lectured manner make Irisviel sweatdropped, how the hell Einzbern turned to IceCream?!
"It Einzbern..." She muttered but Naruto able to hear it
"Meh! Don't care! That Justice lady also always try to correct her name when I call her." Naruto shrugged nonchalantly make Irisviel blinked again
"Justice?" She said with slight thoughtful face. Someone who have similar name like Justice, then her eyes widened "You mean Justeaze? Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern?!" She gasped out in shock
Naruto who notice he just blurt out something important had wide eyes as he turn to Irisviel with expression that clearly spoke 'Oh crap! You shouldn't hear that!'. He immediately let out sigh "You shouldn't hear that.." He grumbled
Before Irisviel can ask more suddenly familiar roar appear, and they see Berserker pulling his head from the ground. He stand firmly while cracking his neck
"H-He still okay?! Even after that impact before?!" Waver asked in disbelief seeing the durability of Berserker
"Well, now I admit I little surprised, though that to be expected from you." Naruto grunted as he take step forward again, ready for round 2
However before they can fight, suddenly a voice interrupt them.
"What are you doing, Lancer?" the sound of Lancer's master came over the air sounding slightly annoyed. "This is your chance to defeat Saber."
"My lord! I swore I would take Saber's head, but not now!" Lancer declared "I will fight her honorably, and I promise that when that time comes I will kill her. Please, believe me!" He pleaded
There silence across them, to everyone here it was clear that Lancer Master won't give that chance. But Lancer was hoping maybe his Master would grant it
"Boss!"
Another voice appear and everyone see another Caster appear and landed in front of the current Caster
"W-What is that?!" Waver asked in shock
"Oh? You finish your patrol? What you have?" Naruto asked
"I got their location!" NarutoC said with smirk "There four people watching us, a Servant Assassin, two snipers, and Lancer Master over there!" He told the original while point each position while said listed them
Irisviel and Saber clearly become paler now when hearing this. Kiritsugu position is found out! And even from far Kiritsugu also show shocked face
"Really?" Naruto grinned sharply "Who the most defenseless?" He asked
The clone only stare at Lancer who now stiffened, his eyes is wide seeing the look and he have bad feeling
"Well... What you waiting for?" Naruto asked "Kill him."
Without words, the clone immediately gone, with clear intent to assassinate Kayneth
"No!" Lancer yelled as he try to stop the clone only for got kick in face by Naruto suddenly, crashing to the ground "Caster!"
"Ah, ah, ah. You stay here..." Naruto said in playful manner "It was your Master own fault for staying defenseless, and now even if you stop that clone, Assassin who observing from far no doubt also went to there!" His grin become feral as he stare at Lancer
"You will use such honorless trick?!" Lancer yelled in anger
"I give honor, to someone who deserve it." Naruto said in cold manner, gone his grin now "And your Master, certainly not. So tell me why I should kill insect, in honorable way? Insect should be killed like insect it is..." He sneered at Lancer
Lancer only growled, he immediately stand and taking stance. While it as much pained him but Naruto correct about his Master sadly
However before he able to do anything, suddenly Lancer gone from everyone eyes, it like he was there for moment then he suddenly disappear, unlike the one who entering spirit form
"He's gone?" Waver asked in shock
"His Master must be using Command Seal to call him to protect him when Caster point out his direction." Rider concluded "But this isn't over.." He stated as they staring at Berserker who still stand
However to everyone surprise, Berserker entering spirit form and he also gone
"Well, it seems his Master also call him off." Naruto said with shrug "Now those three gone, what should we do?" He asked as he stare at Rider and Saber, Rider seems still relaxing while Saber tensed like always
There thick of silence between them and the tension rose again like ther will be any battle now
"That very noble of you Caster." Rider said suddenly with grunt "You never intent to kill Lancer Master aren't you?" He asked with grin
"Figure it out aren't you?" Naruto smirked "Not yet, I didn't plan to kill him yet. But true, I never intent to kill him now."
"You did that so Lancer will retreat and won't have forced to strike Saber now, so he can have his honor to fight Saber later." Rider grunted in respect to Naruto
"Feh! You really good Rider to be able figure me out like that." Naruto chuckled. What Rider said is true, Naruto already have one clone hiding in here just in case something happen, and now it seems the clone can be useful to help Lancer
At that, the tension went down and there no more any sign of battle will happen. It was then Irisviel who broke this another silence
"Umm, Caster-san. That clone before..." Irisviel asked
"Oh, that? One of my ability. You can say I'm One Man Army!" Naruto declared proudly "Oh by the way, all of you have your own tittle before right? Then I will declare mine! I'm Emperor of Assassin and Samurai!" He said with grin make everyone eyes widened
"Emperor of Assassin?" Saber said "I never heard that tittle! And not mean to offense you, but your outfit simply not like Assassin." She added the last part with flat tone
"I can hide myself wearing orange before, then what happen when I wear black?" Naruto retorted and that make Saber silence, he does have point about that
"But why you summoned as Caster?" Irisviel asked
"I study about magecraft too, so maybe because of that I got summoned in that class. And also that is the remaining class." Naruto answered simply with shrug
"A-Ano!" Waver called make Naruto turn to him "I-Is it true? You kill your own Master?" He asked timidly
Naruto open his mount before he snap it close and put flat look "Ya know, this is War so why the heck we talking like old friend like this?" He deadpanned make Rider burst to laugh while Saber narrowed her eyes at him "But meh, then again! There no rule about being friend in this War! And like I said before, if there are! Then I will break it!" He laughed along with Rider
"I like you Caster! You nice fellow!" Rider laughed as he pat Caster back like old friend rather than enemy
"Thank you!" Naruto replied "Anyway, I will explain my condition so you won't make stupid conclusion. Don't ask just hear. First, my Master alive but in coma, I put him in that state. You know the mass murderer lately in here? It actually his act, he try to use book and summon demon, apparently it was for summoning Servant rather demon. Yes! Now you got it why I dislike him and put him to coma. I summoned in murdered scene so I decide to put him to coma then and free his victim, now then how the hell I got so strong? Simple because I super awesome!" He finished while pointing to himself in triumph manner
There silence appear after Naruto finish his explanation. Now they understand what Caster did actually not wrong, he just stop some mass murderer in this city. Saber respect to him went up to another level, not just this man defense Lancer honor but also noble like that so do Rider, now clearly he can see Caster is good guy
"That was very brave and honorable Caster." Saber commented with nod "Had I were on your position, I will do the same." She said
"Thank you, anyway!" Naruto then turn to where Kiritsugu direction before. Ever since he mention all of the position of people who spying, they immediately flee. Assassin the first one to flee, then followed by Lancer Master, Kiritsugu and his partner also appear to gone, they still close but they observing from another direction "That Assassin seems already flee..." He said
"Oh right, Assassin!" Irisviel gasped "Shouldn't he dead? He killed by Archer in first night."
"Y-Yeah! I see it by myself!" Waver added in agreement
"I don't know what you two said, but I will gouge out my eyes if the figure who wearing black skull mask and black outfit is not Assassin." Naruto deadpanned to them, he don't know that Assassin had been killed before since he is Masterless and don't have time to check around before
"So Assassin still alive..." Rider murmured with hum "Anyway! We will think about it later! So Caster, how about my offer to become my allies? Saber here already reject it but how about you?" Rider asked with grin, he want Caster on his team, he free Servant after all and also good fellow!
Naruto who hearing that put thoughtful face. The offer clearly tempting and now giving his situation it will be good thing to have Rider as ally, but still he can't be so sure who know there thing that make it change later?
"I will think about it Rider, I may accept it seeing my position now. But I want to see thing first before accepting." Naruto said and Rider grinned
"That's good! Take your time, I will waiting!" Rider said in happy manner "Anyway! I don't think there anything to say anymore! This night proved quite long already! I will take my leave first then! Hey little master, have you got anything else to command?" Rider asked
Waver who only silence seems nervous as everyone stare at him. He timidly only shook his head and Rider sighed
"You really need to learn how to be unwavering." Rider lamented while rubbing his temple "Farewell, hold your ground Master! We will leave!" He prepared his chariot but before he fly, he stare at Saber "As Alexander, I won't take advantage over your weakness like others would. Saber, fulfill your promise with Lancer first. Then I would duel with Lancer or you, whoever might be the victor in the battle between the two of you."
"..."
Saber was about to rebuke, but her left thumb is too much of a handicap before Rider. It wouldn't do to underestimate the battle prowess of this Heroic Spirit after all
Taking that sign of relent, Rider grinned and turn to Naruto "I will wait for you Caster! Until then!" Accompanied by the roaring thunder and his own Master shriek, Rider's chariot galloped into the southern sky.
It left Naruto, Saber and Irisviel. Naruto and Saber staring at the flying chariot and Naruto let out whistle
"I must have one like that, man imagine everyone face when see I ride flying chariot!" Naruto declared with grin and nod make Saber stare at him dully for moment
Irisviel can't help but smile at Caster, she can see he actually good man. There no any ill intent from him and his presence somehow make the white haired woman quite comfortable. She then see at Saber arm and can't help but concern
"Saber, your left arm –"
"Yes. The hand hurts too much, what a disgrace. Like what Rider said, if I do not end my duel with Lancer and remove the curse of this wound, it will interfere with my battles with other Servants." Saber said as she stare at her left arm now
"... Thank you, Saber. My life was saved because of you." Irisviel said with her head lowered.
"I fight in the frontline only to protect you behind my back, Irisviel." Saber replied in gentle tone and smile
Naruto stare at Saber left arm with hum "Oi, let me see your arm." He asked make the Servant of Sword turn to him
"What for?" Saber asked skeptically
"I won't make it worse, trust me. Just curious of the curse..." Naruto replied while rolling his eyes
Saber stare at Naruto, so far Caster had not done something bad to them. He in fact is helping them before in Berserker and Lancer problem, he also not show any hostile intent to them. Slowly, she remove the gauntlet of her arm as she shatter it like glass due to it created from Mana and held out to Caster
Naruto take Saber arm, he moved and open the shirt slightly to see the wound. He press his index and middle fingers around it while humming
'This is not big deal... There demonic or some power that make the curse keep staying in her tendon, it repel all healing ability. A simple Kaija Hōin (Evil Releasing Method) will remove this energy permanently, it not even stronger than Orochimaru Curse mark.' Naruto mused as he scan the energy that cover the King of Knight arm
"How is it?" Saber asked to Naruto who stare at her wound
"This is simple thing, I certainly can remove this easily like child play." Naruto stated and release his grasp of her arm
"Really?" Irisviel asked eagerly and Saber also perked up
"Yeah, while for someone at your era this will be little hard. But for me, give me few minutes and it will be done." He grunted "Well, the question is what will you give to me if I heal it? Don't get me wrong, while we neutral now but we will be enemy in future so why I should heal you?" He asked as he cross his arms on his chest now
Irisviel and Saber blanched at that. What Caster said is not entirely wrong, despite their conversation now but they will be enemy in future
Saber about to reject the offer and decide to leave now, but Naruto continued
"Unless..." Naruto said slyly make Saber narrowed her eyes "Saber want to go date with me tomorrow?" He asked slyly with grin
"W-What?!" Saber stammer out in shock, not believe in what she just hear
"D-Date?!" Irisviel face blushed a little as she also stutter "Y-You mean like... Like a couple?" She asked in slight embarrassing tone
"Of course like couple! What else?" Naruto asked back with chuckle before he turn to Saber "So? Your answer?"
Saber can't help but put gobsmacked face. Of all condition she expect clearly she never think that one! What the heck did Caster just saying?! A slight blush adorn her face as she can't help but say despite there no Mystic face like Lancer, Caster also good looking. She coughed and regain her composure, there still blush on her face though
"I'm flattered you asking me like that Caster but I'm sorry I can't accept that." She said in her best stern tone, this is clearly awkward, never in her life someone asking her like this! "We are enemy in future, if we get close to each other it will only pained us when the time come to fight." She stated, she still have her duty as King to her people, she need the Grail to do that and the Grail only will appear if only one Servant remain. And she clearly won't sacrifice her wish for small thing like this
"A pity." Naruto chuckled "Well, I guess I will take my leave then... Your curse will gone if Lancer dead or his weapon broken right? Then all you need only beat Lancer!" He stated with nod before his face turn to stern "But don't take it too far and went to bomb the place where Lancer Master stay okay?"
Saber who hearing that clearly feel offended and narrowed her eyes "What you take I am for Caster? I have my pride and honor! I won't endanger innocent!"
"I'm just joking!" Naruto said with snort "With those two snipers as extra guardian for your Master here, who know what else you have!" He stated before he smiled "Well, I will take my leave then. Good luck Saber and... Lady IceCream." He said with slight pause
"Einzbern!" Irisviel snapped with pout and Naruto laughed
"Okay! Okay! See you two later, and hopefully we won't be enemy... Yet..."
"I, also wish you good luck Caster. And thank you for your assistance before." Saber said and Naruto nodded before he turn around and gone in spirit form
"Well, Caster-san seems nice person..." Irisviel said with smile
"Indeed he is, it was shame we summoned in this War. Had I meet him in my era clearly I will recruit him as my ally." Saber grunted honestly, Caster this far not show any sign that make Saber hate him, in fact he helping them and also show noble attitude "But still... King of Assassin?" She muttered
"That strange tittle..." Irisviel agreed "As far I know there no Hero called like that..."
Saber didn't reply, instead turned and observe the dock... Or what remaining of it... This place looks like it's been through an earthquake. The supervisor must organize those employed by the Church and carefully mend the area.
Irisviel also notice her look and stare at the destruction in front of her
"The first battle was already conducted with such intensity. Had there ever been a Holy Grail War like this before?" Irisviel muttered
"The war had only begun, Irisviel. Tonight's battle was only the first night of the beginning of war." Saber stated sternly, still watching the battlefield
"...Yes."
"They're all strong enemies with equal might. Heroes invited from different eras... None of them can be easily disposed of."
There was no anxiety or fear in Saber's voice. Before the coming of the storm, the heart of a warrior is both excited and calm. The soaring spirit and boiling blood would not change in any era, in any world. That is the true testimony of a hero's soul.
The girl stared at the southern sky and proclaimed calmly.
"This is... the war of the Holy Grail."
With Kiritsugu
"It seems the situation is become clear now..." Kiritsugu muttered in relief
When Caster pointed his, Maiya and Assassin location he immediately alert since the Servant of Shadow may struck him seeing he so close to him
But thankfully it seems Assassin who find out decide to leave, maybe targeting Lancer Master who defenseless rather than him
Caster...
That Servant is more than he thought... He was expecting to some kind of arrogant Magus from old era, he certainly not expecting some professional Assassin who train magecraft rather than person who spend their life to learn about magecraft
Thing clearly become more dangerous now...
With Caster who have ability like Assassin, clearly the biggest threat now is Caster himself and Archer
Ah yes Archer
A Servant who possess that much Noble Phantasm... Now that was also troubling, clearly Tohsaka Tokiomi not holding back to summon Servant
But that could be thinking later... Now Caster is something else
A Masterless Servant who wander around... That was clearly big opportinity... And can become big help for them if he play it right
He had no doubt Caster lying, he can see Caster not that kind of person. Though he declare himself as King of Assassin make him very wary but still...
Caster strength will be needed to help Saber in her current condition and also Saber seems not mind about that after hearing their conversation before
'Now, didn't Caster said he want to date Saber?' Kiritsugu smirk a bit. If he can play this right, Caster can become their ally, and he have to act fast seeing apparently it not just him who interested to the Servant of Magecraft
Done! Some of you maybe call me crazy seeing I write how damn many words and update it in single day. And I must agree with that, I am crazy ._."
The update time I use is quite fast. Take CDEACEK for that, holy shit! You can't imagine my shock when I create 70+ chapters in one years along with 800+K words
Anyway! Change the subject, so yeah it mostly like cannon save for Naruto battle against Berserker and... A little humor interaction of Naruto, I kinda enjoy it when writing that, seriously it funny
Well, there not much in this chapter though, the battle itself is quite long.
And as for Kiritsugu thought about Caster, Naruto already Masterless ever since the beginning and also he hate his own Master so Kiritsugu won't have any negative mind about him
In fact, he find if Caster join him it will be great asset. Of course everyone think so! I mean after seeing him who don't want to invite him? And he apparently still free!
And there also error in previous chapter about Naruto limited in Kyuubi mode, just forget about it. His limitation will be shown in next chapter
Anyway! Let cut the chit-chat and speak about few protest
Gudōdama is OP? Yep it is! But remember, Naruto won't use it very often! Heck there chance he even won't use it at all! He mostly maybe going to enter Sage Mode, or Kyuubi Mode. But Rikudō Mode is something else!
So you didn't need to worry about that
As for the pairing, obviously if it exist I will pick Saber. Who else will it be in Fourth Grail War? -_-"
Okay! There maybe Maiya but her character seems kinda hard to write ya know x.x
And I don't know but there someone who offer Irisviel?
Ouukay! Does anyone mind to tell me how THAT will happen?
Irisviel is MARRIED woman and have DAUGHTER for God sake! How the hell he will be paired to Naruto?! She also love Kiritsugu so much to the point devoted to him! Unless you have good reason and explanation why I should pair him to Naruto then it won't happen!
Next chapter will be aftermath of the battle and we will focus to Naruto!
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Ja Ne! XD