Author's Note: HOLY SH*T! THEY DID IT! THEY ACTUALLY DID IT! DELIGHT WORKS ACTUALLY PUT SENGO MURAMASA IN THE GAME! AND DAMN, HE IS SO OP AND COOL! ESPECIALLY IF YOU PAIR HIM UP WITH CASTER ARTURIA!

NOT ONLY THAT, BUT TSUKIHIME REMAKE AND CARNIVAL PHANTASM 2?! Looks like 2021 started off with a bang!

Anyways, here's the first new chapter of the new year! Hope you all enjoy it!

Ritsuka was in his room, filing some papers that Da Vinci gave him earlier. "All right, just a few more things to look at, and I'll be done with the paperwork."

As Ritsuka continued looking at the paperwork, he then turned to his alarm clock, which said 2:00 pm and the date said December 30th, 2017.

Upon looking at the date, a few memories came into Ritsuka's mind.

Especially when it came to New Year's Eve...

(Many years ago...)

"Mom...when's the soba ready..." Ritsuka moaned.

Ritsuka's mom let out a smile. "Not now sweetie. It will be ready within a few minutes. Until then, please be patient, okay?"

"Yes..."

"Good. Now if you don't mind, can you help your father over there? I think he's stuck setting up the television over there."

"Okay!" Ritsuka replied happily. He then went into the living room where his father was, trying to set up the television on the ground as he was having trouble setting it up. "Dad!"

"Hm? Oh, hey there son. What are you doing here?" Ritsuka's father asked.

"Mom said that you needed some help here with the television," Ritsuka replied.

Ritsuka's dad let out a sigh. "How does she know?" Ritsuka's dad then got off the ground. "Yeah. Can you help me with the wires over there behind the television? I think they're entangled."

"Okay!" Ritsuka then went behind the television and checked to see what was wrong with the wires. As he was able to check to see what was wrong with the wires, he saw that the wires were entangled in many directions, causing the problem that was happening to the television in the room.

Ritsuka then went behind the television and untangled the wires. As he did, the television was working smoothly. "Okay, I think the television should work now dad."

"You sure?"

"Yes. I'm definitely sure."

"All right. Well, here goes nothing..." Ritsuka's father said as he grabbed the nearby remote. As he did, he then pressed the power button on the remote and the television turned on. "All right! It's working now! Thanks son!" he said with a smile on his face.

"No problem dad!" Ritsuka replied excitedly.

Ritsuka's dad let out a sigh of relief before smelling his wife's cooking coming into the room. "Hey, speaking of which, it seems that your mom is done with the soba."

"Really?"

"Yeah. In fact, I can even smell it coming in now."

"Well, that's because it is," Ritsuka's mom said as she brought over three bowls of soba to the dining table. "Dinner's ready!"

Ritsuka and his dad then went over to the dinner table and sat down on the chairs. As they did, Ritsuka smelled the soba and the soup and was in marvel over how good it looked, despite seeing it occasionally. "Wow! It looks so good!" Ritsuka said excitedly as he was about to grab his chopsticks.

However, before he could do so, his mom interrupted him.

"Ah ah. Before we can eat, we need to say our graces first so we can receive a blessing for the new year," Ritsuka's mom said.

"Oh yeah..." Ritsuka said sheepishly.

"Exactly, so let us pray for the upcoming new year first and then we can eat," Ritsuka's dad said.

Soon, Ritsuka and his family began their graces and prays for the upcoming new year. For a moment, everyone was silent as they were thinking of their wishes for the upcoming new year.

"All right. Has everyone done their prayers?" Ritsuka's mom asked.

"Yes," Ritsuka and his dad replied in unison.

"Good. Now then...let's eat!"

Ritsuka and his entire family then went into their bowls of soba happily. As the night went on, all of Ritsuka's family, including himself, were talking about how the entire year went, with laughter and joy.

(Back to the present...)

"That's right, the new year is coming up soon...man, time passes by quickly. Way too quickly I might say. It feels like I was drafted here into Chaldea yesterday. All of those adventures, the many servants that I have summoned, the many friends I made...and the enemies...it feels so real..."

As Ritsuka continued remembering his past, it was then that he heard a knock on his doorstep. Ritsuka then got out of the chair he was sitting on and went over to the door to see who it was. As he opened the door, it revealed the guest who was on the other side.

His guest was Mashu, and she was carrying a bunch of papers in her hands.

"Hey there senpai," Mashu said.

"Hey there Mashu. What are you doing here? And those papers...?" Ritsuka asked.

"Well, I came here to deliver this to you. Do you mind if I can drop it off in your room for a moment?"

"Sure. I don't mind."

"Great! Thanks, senpai!" Ritsuka then moved aside to allow Mashu to come into his room. As she came into her room, she then dropped the papers off.

"Uh Mashu, may I ask, what are those papers?"

"Well...these papers are more reports that you need to fill out senpai."

Ritsuka let out a sigh. "Seriously? More reports? Jeez, just how many reports are there that I need to fill out?! And I'm not even done with my portion yet!"

Mashu sheepishly laughed. "Sorry senpai, but that how it is."

Ritsuka groaned. "Ugh. This feels like high school all over again..."

Mashu let out a sigh before noticing a photograph on Ritsuka's desk. "Hey senpai. Is that a picture of you and your family?" she asked as she pointed at the photograph.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. That's them. There's me when I was younger, my mom, and my dad," Ritsuka replied as he was out of his thoughts.

"I see. Do you mind if I take a look at it?"

"Sure. I don't mind."

Mashu then grabbed the photo from his desk and looked at it carefully. "So, that's senpai's family...and that's senpai when he was younger...he looks so cute..." she thought as she continued to look at the picture. "Senpai, when was this taken?"

"That? Hm...I would say...about five years ago, before I arrived here." Ritsuka replied as he sat on edge of the bed. Mashu did the same and sat next to him.

"Is that so?" Mashu replied as she continued to look at the photograph.

"Yeah. That photo was also taken during the New Year as well."

"I see...can I ask you a question senpai?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Well...do you miss your family?"

Ritsuka let out a small sigh. "I do Mashu. Well, to be fair, it's been a while since I've ever seen them in person. And honestly, it feels like it's been an eternity since I've seen them."

"I see. Just what is your family like senpai?"

"They're a nice family. My dad is a businessman while my mom is a housewife. We usually do stuff together like going on vacations or meeting my grandparents or spending the holidays together."

Mashu let out a smile. "Seems like you have a nice family senpai."

"Yeah. Even now, I still miss them, especially the holiday traditions we would do..."

At that moment, Mashu was interested at the words Ritsuka said. "Holiday traditions? You mean like celebrating Christmas and Halloween?"

"Yes. And the upcoming New Year..."

Mashu was confused for a moment. "New year? There's a holiday tradition for the new year?"

"Yes. At the end of each year, me and my family would eat soba and pray for success and happiness for the new year. Not only that, but sometimes we would have my relatives come over and have a party."

"I see. That sounds fun."

"Yeah. Now that I think about it, today is December 30. Which means that I won't be able to celebrate my usual new year's tradition as how I used to," Ritsuka said with a sigh.

Mashu then turned to Ritsuka and asked, "Does that make you sad senpai?"

"Well...kind of...I guess..." Ritsuka replied.

"I see..."

And the two stayed like that for a while. However, it was then that Shirou passed by and overheard the conversation.

"New years huh? Well, it is almost the end of the year...and master seems a little depressed...this gives me an idea..."

And Shirou quickly left the area...

"Hm? A New Year's Eve party?" Da Vinci asked.

"Yes. I was thinking that tomorrow, we should have a New Year's Eve party," Shirou replied.

"I see. What's the occasion?"

"Well, it's almost the end of the year obviously. And...I overheard master saying that he misses the traditions he would do with his family."

"Huh. And what traditions would he do with his family?"

"From what I heard, he and his family would gather around together and eat the end of the year soba. Not only that, but sometimes, his family would also invite their relatives and they would have a huge party."

"That sounds fun. So why are you asking me about this idea of yours?"

Shirou let out a small sigh before continuing. "Can you make a few posters about the upcoming New Year's Eve party?"

"Well...I can, but" Da Vinci replied.

"But what?"

Da Vinci let out a mischievous smile. "You'll have to pay me back some day."

Shirou gulped at Da Vinci's smiled. "Uh oh. That look in her eyes...and that smile...something tells me she has something planned for me later..."

For the new few hours, Da Vinci made posters of the upcoming new year's eve party and posted them on the wall, allowing everyone to see them. Not only that, but she also notified the servants of Chaldea that can cook about the party.

As the day passed, more servants were aware of the upcoming new year's eve party, and they were excited.

Especially when some of them have some ideas to spice up the party...

"Phew, this is going to be bigger than I thought..." Shirou thought as he was cooking the dashi broth for the soup to make the year-end's soba. Luckily, he has some help in the form of EMIYA, EMIYA Alter, Beni-enma, Tamamo-no Mae, Minamoto no Raikou, and many others in which they were helping him make the bowls of soba. Right now, Shirou, EMIYA, EMIYA Alter, Beni-enma, Tamamo-no Mae, Minamoto no Raikou, and many others were in the kitchen preparing for the upcoming new year's party that was going to happen this evening.

"Hey, is the soup ready?" EMIYA asked.

"Not until a few more minutes," Shirou replied.

EMIYA Alter let out a sigh. "I can't believe I got involved in this..."

"Hey! You're a chef too!" Beni-enma replied as she was making the noodles.

"Exactly. Now we must hurry. We don't want to disappoint everyone here, especially master," Raikou said as she was deep frying shrimp.

"Fine..." EMIYA Alter said as he went back to do his task, which was cutting the vegetables.

As the group continued their work in the kitchen, it was then that a certain servant came into the room.

And that servant was Lancer Cu, who was carrying two bags in his hand.

"Hey there kid!" Lancer Cu said with a smile on his face as he was coming towards the kitchen.

"Hey there Cu. What are you doing here?" Shirou asked.

"Oh, I'm here to drop some things off for the party. I think it'll make the party more interesting," Lancer Cu replied as he put the bags on the countertop. "So, what are you doing?"

"Making the soup for the soba," Shirou replied.

"Soba? Is that good?"

"Yeah."

"Hm...why are the noodles that dark? Did you put some magic on it?" Lancer Cu jokingly asked.

Shirou let out a small sigh. "It's because of the flour. Anyways, is that all you're here? Because I'm a bit busy here."

Lancer Cu let out a small pout. "Tch, you're quite busy when it comes to this huh? Well, I've came to drop of my contribution to the party, so I'll leave you to your work. See you later at the party."

Lancer Cu then left the room. Shirou let out a small sigh. "Well, back to work. Although I'm going to check the contents of the bags Cu brought over later..."

Ritsuka and Mashu were walking down the hallway. As they were walking down the hallway, they noticed that nearly every servant was heading towards the cafeteria. Not only that, but they also noticed the posters that Da Vinci made earlier.

"Uh, senpai, what is going on here?" Mashu asked.

"Well, judging by the posters that we've been seeing earlier...my guess is that they're all going to the cafeteria to celebrate the New Year's Eve," Ritsuka replied.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. And it seems that someone is involved in this, but who?"

"Hm...maybe Merlin? Or his female counterpart? Or Da Vinci?"

"Could be. Anyways, let's get closer to find out."

Soon, Ritsuka and Mashu went towards the cafeteria, hoping to see what was going on. As they got closer to the cafeteria, they heard a bunch of voices coming from the cafeteria.

"Hey! I was saving that fried shrimp for last!"

"Sorry! But you snooze, you lose!"

"I'll admit these noodles are pretty good."

"Hey! Who took my booze?!"

"Aw shut up! Quite being such a hogger and let me enjoy this!"

"The lot of you mongrels!"

Upon hearing what the servants were saying, Ritsuka realized that they were having a new year's party just like the one he and family would do...well, for the most part that is. Ritsuka then ran quickly to the cafeteria.

"Senpai?!" Mashu asked as she started to follow him.

As Ritsuka arrived at the cafeteria, he was surprised at the sight in front of him. Nearly every servant in Chaldea was having a huge party as they were eating bowls of new years' soba. Not only that, but some of the servants were having a blast drinking sake and bottles of alcohol.

All and all, the sight in front of him reminded him of his time with his family.

And it felt familiar to him. So familiar that he was almost about to cry.

"Senpai? Is everything all right?" Mashu asked.

"Nothing. It's just...that...I'm feeling some nostalgia inside of me now," Ritsuka replied as he was wiping his eyes.

"That so? Is it bad?"

"No. It's...a warm feeling that I have never felt for a while. And it feels good actually."

Mashu let out a smile. "Well then, shall we go inside?"

"Sure."

Ritsuka and Mashu went into the cafeteria, greeted by practically everyone here. As they, they saw Shirou, EMIYA, EMIYA Alter, Beni-enma, Tamamo-no Mae, Minamoto no Raikou, and many others at the kitchen. Ritsuka and Mashu then went up to the counter.

"Hey there master. Would you like some new year's soba?" Shirou asked.

"Sure. Mashu?" Ritsuka said.

"Y-Yes! I would like some soba too!" Mashu replied.

Shirou let out a smile. "As you wish."

Shirou then proceeded to make both Ritsuka and Mashu their bowls of soba. As he was doing that, Ritsuka then asked Shirou a question.

"Hey Shirou, who came up with this? Was it Merlin? Or his female counterpart? Or Da Vinci?" Ritsuka asked.

Shirou was silent for a moment before saying his answer. "Actually, it was me master. I'm the one who came up with this idea."

"I see, but how though? Do you celebrate New Years like this when you were alive Shirou-san?" Mashu asked.

"Well yeah...and I just happened to overhear your conversation the other day."

Ritsuka and Mashu blushed at what Shirou just said. "Y-You heard that?" Ritsuka asked.

"Yeah. Sorry about that master, but I thought that you miss the traditions you and your family would celebrate. So, I did this. Please forgive me."

"N-No problem. Although next time, don't do that please."

"Yes."

Shirou, Ritsuka, and Mashu were silent for a moment before Shirou served Ritsuka and Mashu their bowls of soba. "Here you go. Two bowls of new years' soba for you two. Enjoy," he said as he handed them their bowls.

Ritsuka and Mashu looked down at their bowls and were in awe at how good it looked. "Wow! This looks good Shirou-san!" Mashu said excitedly.

Shirou let out a smile. "Glad that you like it. Now, let's eat it before it gets cold. Okay?"

"Yes!" Ritsuka and Mashu said in unison. Both them grabbed their chopsticks and began to slurp on their soba noodles. As they did, they let out a giant smile over how good it is.

Shirou then let out a sigh and proceeded to leave the kitchen. "Hm? Shirou-san? What are you doing?" Mashu asked.

"I'm going to get some fresh air for a moment. Don't worry, I'll be back in a moment," Shirou replied.

"Okay."

Shirou then left the cafeteria and headed out towards the hallway. As he did, he then looked at the night sky by a window in the hallway, seeing the full moon in the distance. As he was looking at the full moon, a few thoughts came into his mind.

"New Year's Eve huh? It's been a long time since I've celebrated that holiday...still though, even though today is New Year's Eve, it's hasn't been a full year for me since my arrival in Chaldea..."

As Shirou continued looking at the full moon, a servant came up behind him.

"Shirou."

Upon hearing his name, Shirou turned around to see Arturia. "Arturia? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I was just wondering where you were," Arturia replied. "So, looking at the night sky?"

"Yeah."

The two were silent for a moment as Shirou and Arturia were looking at the night sky together with Arturia holding Shirou's hand gently.

"So...it's almost the end of the year huh?" Arturia suddenly asked.

"Yeah. Within the next few hours, it will be a new year. And here's the funny thing," Shirou said.

Arturia turned to Shirou. "What is it?"

"I have not been in Chaldea for a year and yet I'm already celebrating New Year's here. I mean, it's quite funny if you think about it."

Arturia thought about Shirou's words and let out a small chuckle. "You're right. That is funny."

"I know right?"

Both Shirou and Arturia laughed for a moment before continuing to look at the night sky. As they continued looking at the night sky, Shirou then said something to Arturia.

"Arturia. There are all kinds of symbolic reasons to eat New Year's soba. And one of them is..."

"What?"

Shirou took a small sigh before continuing. "So that we can be near each other forever."

Arturia slightly blushed for a moment before she looked at Shirou again.

"Well...what I'm trying to say...is..." Shirou stammered.

"You don't have to say anymore Shirou. I know what it means and what you were trying to say," Arturia said with a smile.

"You do?"

"Yeah."

Shirou was silent for a moment before continuing. "Well, in that case...best wishes for next year, Arturia."

"Yeah," Arturia replied with a smile on her face.

As they continued looking at each other, Shirou started to move towards the cafeteria. "Well, looks like I need to get back to the kitchen. Want to come?"

"Sure. However, let me do something first."

"What is it?"

"This."

In an instant, Arturia moved closer to Shirou and kissed him on the lips, surprising Shirou as he did not expect this action from Arturia. For a few seconds, nothing happened as Arturia's lips were touching Shirou's. Gasping for air, Arturia then released Shirou's lips from hers.

"A-Arturia?"

"I know it's a bit too early for this, but happy new year Shirou," Arturia said with a smile on her face.

For a moment, Shirou was stunned from Arturia's actions before letting out a smile.

"Yeah. Happy new year Arturia."

And they kissed again...