A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written, and I apologize for the long delay! My exams are starting, so updates may take a bit longer, I hope you guys can wait, but I've also updated Chapter 4 with a few new lines—nothing major, but feel free to check it out. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Edit(29/11/2024) :- I have redone the Naruto sense completely and our fav troll.
Chapter 6: The Sixth Master
Xx—Fuyuki City—xX
Sakura punched the ground as hard as she could to halt the charging Lancer. The ground cracked under the force of her punch, and a cloud of dust rose up, momentarily stumbling him. He quaked at the sight and muttered, "What in the name of my master is this era feeding these girls? How can such meek-looking girls have such strength?"
Seeing their chance, Sakura and Shirou sprinted towards their house, knowing it was the best place to confront Lancer. They also hoped Naruto would be there, as his presence would surely turn the tide. Along the way, Sakura silently thanked Naruto for training her. Although he couldn't help her with magic directly, he'd shared techniques that had strengthened her abilities.
After Kiritsugu's death, Naruto started opening up to her and Shirou about his past. He told them he wasn't from this world and that he was a real ninja. They hadn't believed him at first, but when he recounted how he'd arrived, they hugged him and teased him about being an "old man" still attending school. Naruto had pouted and explained that while he wasn't technically old, his mind had degenerated along with his body. Though he hadn't shared everything, he had told them enough to make them feel closer to him than ever before.
Flashback Start
It was a warm afternoon, and Sakura was drenched in sweat from her intense training session. Naruto stood nearby, leaning against a tree with a watchful eye as she practiced her punches on a sturdy boulder. Each impact sent tiny cracks across the stone, but it was clear Sakura still hadn't achieved the full destructive power she was aiming for.
Taking a moment to catch her breath, Sakura glanced over at Naruto with a curious expression. "Hey, Naruto," she asked, wiping her brow, "Did you… ever like anyone back in your world?"
Naruto blinked, a bit surprised by the question. A shy grin crossed his face as he scratched the back of his head. "Uh, yeah, I did, actually. There was a girl named Sakura," he admitted, glancing away with a hint of nostalgia.
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Her name was Sakura, too?" she asked, her surprise quickly turning to skepticism. "Wait, let me guess—this other Sakura was smaller than me but could somehow break mountains with her bare hands, right?" Her tone was playful, but the disbelief in her voice was unmistakable.
Naruto chuckled, genuinely amused by her reaction. "Actually, yeah! Believe it or not, she really could. She used something called Chakra Enhanced Strength that she learned from Tsunade. I bet we can recreate it with magic." He shook his head, recalling his memories. "It was pretty terrifying, honestly. She could shatter boulders—or even whole landscapes—with just one punch. And she wasn't just strong; she was smart, determined, and… well, pretty amazing."
Hearing Naruto's words, Sakura felt a mix of admiration and envy. "Teach me that technique, Naruto. I want to be strong enough to protect myself and everyone around me," she said firmly, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. "That way, you won't have to keep stepping in to protect me from everything."
Naruto looked at her, his gaze softening. A warm smile spread across his face as he walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You know, I'll always be here to protect you, but I get it," he said, his voice gentle. "If you want to learn, I'll teach you everything I know. You've got that same fire my Sakura had—and that's why I know you'll be even stronger one day."
Sakura's heart swelled at his words, feeling an intense admiration for him she hadn't realized was there before. At that moment, she felt her feelings deepen, something that went beyond friendship. She knew then that he was the one for her, and she silently vowed to herself that she would stand by him, no matter what.
They began their training with renewed determination. Naruto guided her through the fundamentals, explaining the technique with surprising patience and detail. "Focus all your energy into a single point, visualize the force you want to unleash, and channel it right where you need it. It's all about precision and control. The strength isn't just from raw power—it's about harnessing it the right way."
As weeks went by, Sakura threw herself into training with relentless energy. There were days she'd fall exhausted to the ground, her muscles aching, hands bruised, but Naruto would always be there, encouraging her with that unwavering smile. And each time she got up, she felt a little stronger, a little closer to her goal.
Even after mastering the basics, she still couldn't break mountains like the other Sakura, but Naruto would remind her that strength like that came with time and experience. And when she would sigh, lamenting her progress, he'd laugh and say, "Hey, I'd rather have you here by my side, training together, than to have you perfect it overnight. It's about the journey, not just the result."
Sakura found herself smiling at his words, feeling grateful for each moment they spent together. In time, she began to understand that her strength didn't need to rival mountains to be meaningful; having Naruto's unwavering support made her feel like she could take on anything. And with each punch and every moment spent training with him, her love for him grew deeper and stronger.
Flashback End
Xx—Emiya Residence—xX
As Sakura and Shirou entered their home, they found it eerily quiet. The emptiness felt strange and unsettling, especially with Lancer chasing them so relentlessly. Shirou exhaled, trying to ease her nerves. "This is the worst day for Naruto to get lost on the road of life," she joked, attempting to lighten the mood, echoing Naruto's frequent excuse whenever he showed up late.
Sakura gave a faint smile, though her mind was racing. "He always picks the worst times, doesn't he?" She glanced around, feeling the tension build as she thought about how much they needed him there. Without him, they would have to be more cautious, relying on the tricks and traps Naruto had left behind. "Let's head to the basement," Sakura suggested. "Naruto keeps all his equipment down there, and it's the most fortified area. If we're lucky, we might find something that can hold Lancer off, at least until Naruto shows up."
As they made their way downstairs, the silence was broken by a sudden blast outside, followed by an angry shout. They both froze, exchanging glances before Shirou burst out laughing, unable to contain herself. "He actually fell for it!" she chuckled, envisioning Lancer caught in one of Naruto's infamous prank traps.
Sakura, however, sighed, feeling a hint of exasperation. "I knew it would come in handy, but sometimes I think we shouldn't have talked Naruto out of setting up lethal traps around the Emiya residence." Naruto had only agreed to use harmless traps, like his paint bomb trap, at their insistence that they'd be able to handle most threats without more drastic measures. Yet now, as they heard another frustrated shout from outside, Sakura couldn't help but wish for something with a bit more bite.
Together, they ran to the basement, moving as quickly as they dared. As they hurried, Sakura noticed Shirou's hand was bleeding. She reached out, touching Shirou's shoulder gently. "Are you okay?"
Shirou glanced down at her hand, brushing off the injury. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a small cut from when you saved me back there." She offered a reassuring smile, but Sakura's concern lingered.
As they reached the basement, the door thudded shut behind them, and the familiar sense of security settled over them in the enclosed, equipment-lined space. Naruto had insisted on stocking it with essentials, from weapons to first-aid supplies, to ensure they'd be prepared for any threat.
Sakura inspected the shelves, grabbing a reinforced staff and a set of small throwing knives Naruto had taught her to use. She handed Shirou a similar weapon, her eyes intense with determination. "We'll have to be smart and stay close. Down here, the tight quarters work to our advantage. It'll be harder for Lancer to swing that oversized lance of his."
They barely had time to steady themselves before they heard the basement door burst open. Their hearts pounded as Lancer stepped inside, covered in paint and feathers from Naruto's trap, his eyes blazing with fury. "You girls!" he growled, his voice laced with malice. "I'll kill you both for this insult!"
In a flash, Lancer's spear began to glow an ominous red, and he raised it, prepared to strike. Sakura and Shirou braced themselves, gripping their weapons tightly, ready for whatever came next. Just as Lancer lunged forward, the floor beneath him lit up with a sudden, brilliant glow. His lance was intercepted by an invisible force, stopping it mid-air before he was sent flying backward by a powerful kick.
To Sakura and Shirou's amazement, a petite blonde woman now stood between them and Lancer. She was dressed in a flowing blue and white gown with silver armor that seemed to shimmer even in the dim basement light. Her posture was poised yet commanding, and her eyes were sharp as she sized up the furious Lancer.
Instead of charging after him, the mysterious woman turned back toward the redheaded teen and spoke with a calm yet penetrating gaze. "I ask of you, are you my master?"
Shirou's heart raced as she processed the stranger's question, her mind buzzing with confusion and wonder. She had heard of the legends surrounding the Holy Grail War and the warriors who were summoned to fight in it, but she never thought she'd witness it herself, let alone be a part of it. "Master?" she echoed, swallowing her disbelief.
The woman's gaze softened just slightly as if she understood the enormity of what she was asking. "Yes," she replied firmly. "I am a Servant, summoned to aid you in the Holy Grail War. If you accept me as your Servant, I will protect you and fight by your side."
Shirou glanced at Sakura, who nodded, eyes wide with amazement and a hint of relief. This unexpected ally was just what they needed. Feeling a surge of confidence, Shirou looked back at the woman and nodded. "Yes," she answered, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I accept."
With that, Saber intoned the words to seal the pact: "My sword will henceforth be at your side; your fate is henceforth my fate."
The swirling air in her hands glowed gold for a split second as Saber's expression turned resolute. "The pact is now sealed," she announced.
Lancer, smirking, cut in, "So, you're the sixth Master. With the Matou family gone, there's still one uncertain Master. This Holy War is becoming more intriguing by the moment."
Saber's gaze sharpened as she replied, "The Holy Grail War hasn't officially begun. So why are you here, fighting another Servant?"
Lancer chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, my Master is a bit of a coward. He sent me to scout out the area—and kill any weak Masters I might find." He grinned wickedly as he tightened his grip on his spear. "So, let the fight begin." With that, he charged, his spear aimed straight at Saber.
Meanwhile, with Naruto, a Few Minutes Earlier
Meanwhile, with Naruto
Naruto sighed, muttering under his breath, "I really wish I could use Sage Mode right now."
Kurama snorted. "Yeah, this world is weird. One moment, it's trying to kill you, and the next, it's all clingy, like some yandere schoolgirl."
Naruto shuddered. "A yandere world? That's the last thing I need."
Kurama growled softly. "Maybe we should find a way to get some answers."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You mean Zelretch?"
Kurama's voice rumbled with irritation. "Yeah, him. Though I still don't get how you two get along."
Naruto paused, reflecting for a moment. "At first, I didn't realize that he was so... unpredictable. But I guess the guy's a bit of a strange one, even for this world. He's not exactly what I expected."
Kurama grunted. "Not what you expected? That man's a troll. He's been playing his games with you since the moment you arrived here."
Naruto smirked. "Maybe. But he didn't do anything too bad. At least, not yet. Plus, he gave me a way to contact him—just to chat."
Kurama's voice deepened in irritation. "Chat? You've been talking to that troll? behind my back"
Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah. The communication shard he gave me—whenever I feel like it, I send him a message. Mostly just to poke fun at him. He's always so full of himself, but there's something... off about him."
Kurama grumbled. "So, you've been talking to him on your own? This doesn't sit right, Naruto."
"I know, Kurama. But we've been in this world for years now, and I needed to make sure we didn't miss anything important. Plus, sometimes, his responses are entertaining, if nothing else."
Kurama's growl grew louder. "Entertaining? You don't need his entertainment. Just be careful, Naruto. I don't trust him, and neither should you."
Naruto's expression darkened slightly. "I'm not trusting him. But I won't ignore him either. He knows too much, and sometimes it's better to keep your enemies close."
Flashback: A Meeting with Zelretch
Xx—Fuyuki City—xX
It had been a year since Naruto and Kurama found themselves in this strange world, a year since the rift in space and time had swallowed them whole, throwing them into the unknown. The days had been long, filled with the harsh reality of rebuilding his strength in a world that had no chakra and no familiar rules. But Naruto wasn't one to back down from a challenge. His body, weakened at first, had slowly recovered, and now, his power was greater than it had ever been—more than enough to make him feel out of place even in this strange reality.
The days spent training, both with Kurama and on his own, had sharpened his senses, and over time, he'd adapted to his new world. Fuyuki City, with its shadows of war and uncertainty, became something of a home—albeit a home filled with unanswered questions. Yet, even as he found a fragile balance with Shirou, Sakura, and Kiritsugu, the feeling of being a foreigner never left him.
It was one of these days, while walking through the city's quieter streets, that the distortion appeared. A flash of light warped the air, and in an instant, a figure materialized before him. Tall, dressed in a crimson cloak, leaning casually on a staff, the man regarded Naruto with an unsettling, amused gaze.
"Ah, Naruto Uzumaki," the man said, his voice laced with mirth. "I've been waiting for this."
Naruto instinctively reached for his kunai, his senses on high alert. Despite his new strength, the stranger radiated power—something that made even him pause. "Who are you?" Naruto demanded.
"Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg," the man replied with a smile that was both broad and unsettling. "But most people call me Zelretch."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. There was something off about this man, something that made him feel like a target. "What do you want?"
Zelretch tilted his head, his smile never faltering. "Nothing, really. I'm here to observe, to see how you've adapted to this world. You've survived longer than I expected, given your… anomaly status."
Naruto's grip tightened on his kunai, but his body relaxed slightly. "Anomaly? I don't know who you are or what your deal is, but if you're here to cause trouble—"
"Oh, no trouble," Zelretch interrupted, his tone almost playful. "But I have to admit, I'm quite impressed. You've grown stronger in this year, much stronger than I anticipated. Frankly, I was wondering if I'd have to step in."
Naruto's brows furrowed. "Step in? What do you mean, step in?"
Zelretch's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You are the rule breaker, Naruto. Not bound to this world's rules, unaffected by the laws that govern this reality. It's fascinating. Alaya, humanity's will to survive, doesn't take kindly to anomalies. If I hadn't intervened, it would have erased this entire reality the moment you arrived."
Naruto's eyes snapped open in realization. "Alaya? And you think you can just decide to help me?"
Zelretch tapped his staff lightly on the ground, as though the conversation were nothing more than a passing curiosity. "You're not the first anomaly I've encountered. But you're certainly the most interesting. You've got the potential to defeat me, you know. That's why I've been keeping an eye on you. For someone who doesn't belong here, you're remarkably capable."
Naruto's expression hardened. "So, what's your game? You think just because you're stronger, you can do whatever you want?"
Zelretch chuckled. "No, not at all. I'm not here to fight you. But I do enjoy seeing how beings like you—who don't follow the laws of this world—interact with it. You're strong, Naruto. Stronger than you realize. And that's why I respect you."
Naruto's eyes remained sharp, but his tone softened. "I don't need your respect, and I sure as hell don't need your help."
Zelretch's grin never wavered. "Fair enough. But if you ever find yourself at a crossroads—or if you wish to share your story—I'll be waiting."
With a flick of his wrist, Zelretch conjured a small, crystal shard, its surface shimmering with an iridescent glow. He tossed it to Naruto, who caught it effortlessly.
"A communication shard," Zelretch explained, his tone light. "If you ever need to talk, focus your chakra into it, and I'll hear you. Use it whenever you like."
Naruto eyed the shard in his hand, then met Zelretch's gaze. "And why would I trust you?"
Zelretch's eyes twinkled. "Because you don't have much of a choice. You're too strong to ignore, and too interesting to simply let go. I'm not your enemy, but neither am I your ally. Just consider me a… spectator for your story."
Naruto's grip tightened on the shard, but he didn't answer. Zelretch's power was undeniable, but so was his own. The difference between them was clear, but Naruto was unwilling to let this man manipulate him.
Zelretch gave a mocking bow, his grin never fading. "Until we meet again, Dark Prince."
And with that, the wizard vanished in a flash of light, leaving Naruto standing alone, the weight of the shard heavy in his pocket.
Flashback End
Naruto shook his head, dispelling the lingering thoughts of his first encounter with Zelretch. The wizard's cryptic words had left an impression, but Naruto had more pressing concerns.
"Ahh, there's nothing here," Naruto muttered, his sharp gaze scanning the area one last time. "Let's head home and see what's going on."
Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind. "Took you long enough to figure that out. I could've told you this place was a dead end from the start."
Naruto smirked faintly. "Yeah, yeah, fox. Let's just get going."
But just as he prepared to leap from the tree he had been crouching in, a flicker of movement caught his attention. His eyes locked onto a figure cloaked in shadows, standing at the edge of the clearing. The man's presence was unnatural, radiating an aura of death and malice. Naruto's senses sharpened.
"Kurama," Naruto murmured, his tone tense. "You feeling this?"
The fox growled lowly. "Yeah. That thing reeks of death. It's no human."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, studying the figure. It moved with an eerie glide, shrouded in darkness. The aura was distinctly that of a Dead Apostle—a creature Zelretch had warned him about.
The figure stopped abruptly, turning its head slightly as if sensing something. Its voice was raspy but coldly deliberate. "So this is the city where the Grail resides. What a pathetic-looking place."
Naruto stayed silent, observing. The Apostle hadn't noticed him yet, its focus seemingly on the surroundings rather than on Naruto himself.
"Kurama," Naruto thought, his grip on the tree branch tightening, "he's here for the Grail."
The fox grunted. "If he's sniffing around for that thing, he's bad news. Are you going to take him out?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. I'm not letting him make trouble."
The Dead Apostle moved closer to the clearing, muttering to itself. "What a waste of potential. To think something as powerful as the Grail would remain in this desolate little town." The shadows around it writhed like living extensions of its will, reaching out as if probing the area.
Naruto leapt from his perch, landing silently behind the Apostle. "You've got the wrong city if you're looking for an easy target," he said, his voice calm but firm.
The Apostle whipped around, its crimson eyes gleaming in the darkness. "Who are you?" it hissed, its tone sharp with suspicion.
Naruto crossed his arms, his gaze steady. "Doesn't matter who I am. You're not welcome here."
The Apostle sneered. "A mere human dares to threaten me? Foolish. I have no interest in your kind, but if you insist on standing in my way, I'll kill you all the same."
Naruto didn't reply immediately. Instead, he hand grab onto the dead apostle's head before he can even react and extends his chakra, connecting with the Apostle's essence. For a moment, the world seemed to still as Naruto's senses delved into the creature's heart.
What he saw confirmed his instincts. The Apostle's memories were a twisted tapestry of carnage—innocent lives snuffed out for amusement, blood staining every corner of its existence. Its laughter echoed through the visions, a cacophony of cruelty. It had spent centuries hiding from the Church, reveling in slaughter wherever it could escape detection.
Naruto's eyes opened, his expression cold. "You enjoy killing for fun. You've spent your life hiding like a rat, preying on the weak."
The Apostle recoiled slightly, a snarl curling its lips. "You dare to read my soul? Insolent brat!"
Naruto straightened, his gaze unwavering. "You don't belong in this city. Or anywhere."
The Apostle lunged, its claws extending unnaturally as shadows lashed out like whips. Naruto dodged effortlessly, reappearing behind the creature in a blur of motion. Before the Apostle could react, Naruto raised his hand, forming black chakra rods that pierced through its limbs, pinning it to the ground.
The Apostle screeched in fury, its form writhing as it tried to break free. "You think this will stop me? You'll regret this!"
Naruto stepped closer, his presence calm but radiating authority. "No. I won't."
The creature thrashed violently, shadows surging in desperation, but Naruto's Truth-Seeking Orb expanded into a barrier, nullifying the attack. The Apostle stilled, its crimson eyes wide with panic.
"What... what kind of power is this?!" it demanded, trembling.
Naruto's gaze remained cold. "Power that's beyond your understanding."
The Apostle coughed, blood spilling from its mouth as it glared at him. "I was only here for the Grail... I don't care about you."
Naruto's voice was quiet but firm. "Your intentions don't matter. You're evil to your core, and you've killed enough."
The Apostle's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Do you think killing me will change anything? More will come."
Naruto stared at it for a long moment before summoning a Rasengan, its spiraling energy glowing with finality. "Then I'll deal with them, too."
With a swift motion, he drove the Rasengan into the creature's chest, obliterating its form completely. The shadows dissolved, leaving no trace behind. Silence fell over the clearing, the oppressive aura dissipating like a passing storm.
Kurama chuckled. "Well, that was satisfying. Pure evil like that doesn't deserve to exist."
Naruto sighed, brushing dust off his cloak. "It wasn't even a challenge. Let's head back to the Emiya residence."
Without another glance at the now-empty clearing, Naruto leapt into the trees, vanishing into the night.
Later, on His Way Back
Kurama interrupted him in the middle of hopping across rooftops, nearly making him slip. "So when are you going to make a girlfriend? You know, you could start with your sister."
Naruto groaned, his face reddening slightly as he responded, "What do you mean, Kurama? They don't even like me that way."
He could practically feel Kurama's eye roll. The fox let out a loud groan. "You are so dense, Naruto. Those girls practically throw themselves at you, and you think it's just a 'normal' sibling bond?"
Naruto didn't respond, focusing instead on getting back to the Emiya estate. He arrived just in time to see two figures locked in a fierce battle—a blonde woman in gleaming armor and a blue-haired man wielding a spear. The strength and speed of their strikes were intense, leaving small craters in the ground with each clash.
Xx—Emiya Residence—xX
With Saber and Lancer
"Coward! What's the meaning of concealing your weapon?" Lancer shouted, frustration evident as Saber blocked his every move.
They paused, eyeing each other with calculated wariness. Saber, her eyes steady, smirked slightly. "What's the matter, Lancer?" she taunted. "If you simply stand there, you'll give spearmen a bad name." She adjusted her stance, muscles tensing. "If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you!"
Lancer raised an eyebrow, twirling his lance with practiced ease. "Before you do, let me ask you something. Your Noble Phantasm… is it a sword?"
Saber's expression was unfazed. "Perhaps, perhaps not. It could be a battleaxe. Or maybe a polearm," she replied coolly, raising her invisible weapon. "Or who knows? It might even be a bow, Lancer."
Watching from the sidelines, Shirou's eye twitched in frustration. She literally said, 'My sword will henceforth be at your side'—she's making this up!
Lancer chuckled, his smirk widening. "Funny, swordsman!"
With a sudden burst of speed, Lancer charged. Saber met him head-on, their weapons clashing fiercely. Lancer's strength sent Saber skidding back, her heels just inches from the wall of the house.
Suddenly, a kunai embedded itself in the ground near Lancer's feet, halting the fight.
"Sorry to interrupt," called a voice, "but it's getting late, and I have school tomorrow. Can you go away?"
Both combatants turned toward the source of the voice. Standing there was a blond-haired boy, his casual posture contrasting sharply with the intensity of his gaze.
Lancer narrowed his eyes, sensing the boy's aura—a strength that felt far beyond his years. His instincts flared. The boy's presence carried the weight of a warrior, unlike anything Lancer had encountered in this era. He reminds me of my Master... dangerous.
After a brief pause, Lancer chuckled, raising his arms in mock surrender. "Looks like I'll be taking my leave. My Master is a coward—doesn't want me fighting two opponents at once or with an audience watching."
"Running away?" Saber asked, her tone indignant.
Lancer grinned. "Well, I know when I'm outmatched. Later." And with that, he disappeared into the night.
As the dust settled, Saber turned her intense gaze on Naruto, sizing him up with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "Who are you to interfere in a fight between Servants?" she demanded, her stance guarded and poised.
Naruto folded his arms and smirked, unfazed. "Hey, this is my house you two were fighting at," he replied casually, raising an eyebrow for emphasis.
Saber's expression didn't waver, though a faint twitch of irritation betrayed her composure. Her hand inched toward her invisible weapon, her sharp eyes fixed on him.
Before either could say more, Shirou and Sakura rushed up, visibly relieved yet exasperated to see Naruto safe. Without missing a beat, Shirou lightly whacked Naruto on the head. "Where have you been? And why are your clothes ripped?" she asked, crossing her arms in a mix of concern and annoyance.
Naruto chuckled, rubbing the spot where she had hit him. Her behavior reminded him of the Sakura from his own world—always nagging him about his appearance and safety after missions. "Alright, alright, I'll explain," he replied with a grin. "But let's get inside first."
Then, glancing at the nearby shadows, Naruto called out casually, "You can come out now, Rin-chan… and Stranger-chan."
At his invitation, Rin Tohsaka and a striking woman in a red and black dress emerged from behind a tree. The woman carried herself with the poise and intensity of a seasoned warrior, her piercing gaze unmistakably that of a Servant.
Rin crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, appearing both unimpressed and intrigued. "How did you even know we were there?" she asked, her tone edged with curiosity despite her attempt to sound dismissive.
Naruto smirked confidently. "Just a hunch. And your presence wasn't exactly subtle." He winked, earning an eye roll from Rin.
Saber's gaze shifted to Rin and her Servant, her stance tightening as she realized the connection of magical energy between them. "Master and Servant," Saber muttered under her breath, her hand tightening on her invisible weapon.
Shirou noticed Saber's tense stance and quickly stepped forward to defuse the situation. "It's okay, Saber. He's my older brother," she explained, gesturing toward Naruto. "And as for Rin," she cast a meaningful glance at the other Master, "I don't think she wants to fight us."
Saber hesitated, her wary eyes flicking between Rin and her Servant. Before she could argue, Naruto raised a calming hand. "There's no need for a fight. Now that we're all here, let's go inside. We have a lot to talk about, and we don't need to do it out here."
Saber narrowed her eyes. "Who are you to order us around? Those two are dangerous; they're a Master-Servant duo," she said, her voice steady but cautious.
Naruto met her gaze with a grin. "Look, Saber, if they wanted to attack, they'd have done it by now. Besides," he added with a shrug, "there's no point in fighting when the war hasn't started yet."
A few seconds passed before Rin's expression shifted from guarded to bemused. She raised her chin, her tone smooth with a note of smugness. "Very well," she said, a confident smirk on her lips. "I'll hear you out and explain everything."
She took a few steps toward the house, pausing to offer a formal bow. "Good evening, Uzumaki-kun, Emiya-chan."
Saber's brow furrowed subtly at the names, repeating them under her breath. Meanwhile, Naruto blinked in surprise at Rin's unexpectedly polite greeting. He raised a hand awkwardly. "A-ah. Right, good evening," he stammered.
Rin's smirk deepened as she took in Naruto's reaction, satisfaction flickering across her face.
With a reluctant sigh, Saber loosened her grip on her weapon, though her sharp gaze never left Rin and her Servant.
Naruto led the way to the door, his usual grin returning. "Good. Now that we've all agreed, let's go in," he said cheerfully.
As they entered the Emiya house, the air grew thick with anticipation. Each person brimmed with questions, yet none knew what answers awaited them as the night unfolded.
A/N: So, yep, Shirou is the Sixth Master! The next chapter will introduce the Seventh Master and have more slice-of-life moments. Don't forget to leave a review—I read through all of them!
