01: Let's Start at SAITAMA

SAITAMA has returned?

The Ki-ki Restoration City, was it? Weird. I was pretty sure that Singularity had completely disappeared...

？！

The coordinate data is a perfect match, so yes. It must be the same Singularity.

I understand it is hard to believe, but trust me, it is true. I listened closely for thirty minutes to spare you all having to do the same.

I-I see. Thank you, Sion. Then I guess we'd better go investigate.

Well, yeah. We definitely can't just ignore a Singularity.

On that note, these are the Servants who'll be going along with Fujimaru.

So we can't Rayshift there this time?

Correct. It seems the Spirit Origins of the Servants who infiltrated this Singularity last time are being repelled.

It must be being protected from the inside.

We are still exploring our options, but since it does not seem like this matter will be resolved quickly, we are thinking of sending in a different team than last time.

Whaaa...? You've got to be kidding. And here I was looking forward to another great Okita victory.

Anyway, that's why we chose these Servants who didn't go to SAITAMA last time, since they match the accompaniment conditions.

Come on in, guys.

Yup, it's me, the old man who hasn't got anything better to do. Still, I've been slacking on my workouts lately, so I'll do the best an old-timer can.

Haha, you are far too modest, Lord Hektor. If you are an old-timer, then, at best, I am Villager A.

Still, I am told this Singularity is in Japan's Musashi Province, so it is only right that at least one local Servant goes along.

Hektor and Kojirou, huh?

Talk about an odd couple.

Maybe, but I think they're the perfect Servants to keep Master safe.

Hmm, Sasaki Kojirou, huh? Well, I'm still a better bodyguard.

What're you talking about, Izo? Of course this Sasaki guy's gonna be better than some two-bit man-slayer.

Haven't you ever heard of his showdown on Ganryu Island? It's the most famous island in the whole Seto Inland Sea, which is even bigger than Oryou's heart.

Hahaha, being showered in such praise is a touch embarrassing.

So are Kojirou and I the only ones going along then?

Sorry I'm late! It's me, Oda Kippoushi!

Huh? But didn't you go to SAITAMA last time, Nobunaga?

Yeah, I thought that was pretty weird too.

The Singularity apparently treats my yappy self and my Demon King self as having gone there, but not this me.

'Course, me and them might look similar, but we're actually pretty different, so I guess it kind of makes sense.

O-oh come on, that's ridiculous.

I mean, yeah, technically you don't entirely set off the same idiot bells as Nobbu does, but still.

Hahaha! I can tell you're mocking me, man-slayer.

Then Kippoushi makes three.

Whup, not so fast. I brought along someone else to help out, too. Come on, at least say hello.

No need. We're all Servants from the same organization. Once this briefing is over, we'll get to work, and that's that.

Emiya Alter, huh?

Wait. Since you brought him along, does this mean you two are friends, Kippoushi?

Wahahahaha! We have the occasional drink together, sure. In fact, I've been trying to get him to be my retainer.

Sorry, but I don't do bosses. I'm freelance only. I've got no intention of joining a company...

...and it doesn't take a genius to tell working for Nobunaga of all people'd be a rough gig.

Of course I'd ask you to take on impossible tasks; I know you'd be able to handle them.

But, fine, we can discuss that some other time.

A-anyway, that makes four.

I'm afraid I can't come along either since I did the last time, but I hope you'll all keep Senpai safe.

？！

Okay guys, since we already have the coordinates, let's get your Rayshift underway.

Take care of Fujimaru for us, all right?

I am ready whenever you are.

Okay then, get ready to Rayshift to the minute Singularity of SAITAMA!

Huh? What is going... Uh-oh. Wait! This is seriously bad!

Huh? Sion, you can't just stop a Rayshift once it's started!

The Singularity is interfering! I guess this is what happens when you have a very strong connection to a place!

Oho! Thank you for the great sample data!

I am afraid your Rayshift coordinates are going to be scattered all over the place, but you will all just have to deal with it!

Hmm, well that doesn't sound good! Come to think of it, this is the same ominous feeling I got back when I fought Yoshimoto.

Damn, that sucks. Welp, might as well have a quick smoke.

Come now, this is modern-day Japan, yes? Then it should be perfectly safe. Good things come to those who wait, do they not?

Then I will surely see you once we get there, Lord Fujimaru.

If there's a strong connection, it means there's a lot of bad blood here. I can already tell this is gonna be a pain in the ass.

S-Senpai!?

？！

And the next thing you knew, you were here in SAITAMA all on your own, eh?

This might be rich coming from me, but I thought Chaldea would be better prepared.

Huh... Okay, if you say so.

Hey, come on. I might not be on Sakamoto's level, but I still know how to run a tight ship.

？！

Oh? Looks like we're finally getting an audience.

Here they are, Chairman. Please be careful. Even restrained, the Servant is still a threat.

...So you're the mage of Chaldea.

The evil mastermind is already putting in an appearance?

I did the exact same bit, right here in this room, not so long ago. Don't expect this to have much impact.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Chaldean mage. I am the chairman of the Yoshida Concern...

...Yoshida Shouin.

...What did you just say?

First off, allow me to apologize for the rough treatment in bringing you to this meeting.

I hope you understand that my employing such desperate measures is a reflection of how very much I wished to speak with you.

Hey, hold up! Th-that face... That voice... Is that really you, Shouin-sensei!?

I'm terribly sorry, but could I ask you to silence your Servant? His voice is quite irritating and I'm afraid we'll never be able to have a proper discussion with his constant interruptions.

？！

Come on, Sensei, don't you recognize me!? It's me, Shinsaku! Takasugi Shinsaku!

Oh, wait. Is it because I'm taller now than I was when I was alive?

I guess that WOULD make it hard to recognize me, especially with my new dyed hair and all. But it's really me!

All right, mage, if you're unable to silence your Servant, I suppose I'll just have to do it myself. With my fist.

Huh?

Stop interrupting us, you churlish looout!!!

？！

...Ow!

What the hell're you doing!? Then again, I guess that is just like you.

But never mind that now! Come on, Sensei, don't you remember me!?

It's me! Takasugi Shinsaku!

No, I don't remember you. I especially don't remember any man with eyes as dead as yours.

Huh!? Wh-what do you mean, dead eyes!?

I mean exactly what I said. But I suppose you're not much of a listener.

Emiya Alter, I'm sorry for the trouble, but would you mind keeping this cur quiet for us?

Shut it, Rooster-Head. This trip down memory lane ends now.

Who're you calling "Rooster-Head"? Wait. You know this guy? ...Huh? He's one of your Servants?

And now he's turned traitor. I knew Chaldea was useless.

You really don't listen, do you? Maybe you'll finally learn if I pull the trigger.

Tch...

Good. Now you and I can finally have a peaceful discussion.

Oh, I'm sorry about resorting to violence. It's a nasty old habit of mine. No matter the age, I just can't stand louts who can't be reasoned with.

If I were you, mage of Chaldea, I'd wash my hands of this piece of Servant trash as soon as possible.

"One who stays near ink will be stained black, and one who stays near vermilion will be stained red," after all. Or in terms you may be more familiar with, "You are the company you keep."

？！

Well, never mind that churl now. You're the one I wished to speak to, mage of Chaldea.

Don't worry, it's a simple request.

Would you give Chaldea to me?

Huh!?

I forgot to mention. No interjections, either. The next one will be your last.

Yeah, yeah...

So, what do you say? I would love to hear your answer.

？！

I see. I'm sorry to hear that.

I was hoping to acquire Chaldea via legal means with your consent, but that seems to no longer be an option.

If you refuse to see reason, then I'll have to resort to more forceful means. I'm sure Chaldea will be willing to negotiate if I have you as a hostage.

Hopefully, Chaldea is the kind of organization that values human life more than their own agency.

Sorry, but I can't let you do that.

Huh!?

Well damn, you really are fast, huh?

When did you get here?

Me? As long as you have; I've been tailing you this whole time.

Looks like you've got your own stuff you're dealing with. You being brainwashed or something?

...

Anyway, seems you've got your work cut out for you when it comes to security here.

'Course, this old man IS pretty confident he could still get through whatever security measures you might put in place!

？！

Ahahaha. Well, now I'm especially glad I came here.

But, I'm afraid we'll have to celebrate our reunion later, 'cause this call's about as close as they come.

So I suggest we run for it, Master.

From what I can tell, your new Servant there's not doing too hot, either...

...and as good as I am, I don't like my chances against the entire enemy force on their own turf.

Hey, who's the dour old dude? Is he one of your Servants, too?

Dour...? Know what, that's fair. Anyway, let's get out of here, shall we?

You think it's gonna be that easy?

That you can get away from hereno, from me, while bringing along Master and a useless Servant, all by yourself?

Don't move! We've got you surrounded!

Well damn, you've sure got numbers on me. This is exactly what I was talking about.

This is all a little too much for an old man like me to handle alone.

Good call. I take it you surrender then?

Hm? Now, wait a moment. Did I ever say I came here alone?

...There's another one here!

Guh!

I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, Lord Hektor.

Nope. Your timing's perfect.

All right, Master and mystery Servant! We're making a beeline outta here!

Hahahaha! I've really been completely useless, haven't I!

？！

I know. We'll have to jump out the window.

So you're running away again?

...What was that?

I said, "So you're running away again?" Like you did when Kusaka died.

Kusaka... How do you know about that, Sensei?

It's all thanks to my being a Servant.

I must say, knowing what transpired after your death is a cruel cross to bear.

That includes knowledge of you as well.

So yes...I know very well just how little you accomplished.

What did you say?

You might be my sensei but that doesn't mean you can say whatever the hell you want.

Sorry to interrupt, but do you think you could get going already!?

This old man's doing his best, but he's only got so much stamina!

...

There you go again; you're about to die without having accomplished a single thing.

Fine. If you wish to run, go right ahead. You won't make any difference, anyway.

？！

Shouin-sensei...!

Look, I can see you guys have history but...can it wait!?

Shut up! This is between me and Sense

All right, looks like I'll have to get a little rough then! Hang on tight to him, Master.

Hey! What're you doing!? I'm still talking he Hm? Is that...a jet? You have a jet in your elbow?

Target confirmed, trajectory locked in... Go on, get outta here!

Waaaaaaaaa...!?!?!?

Come on, Kojirou, we've gotta get outta here too!

Understood. Lord Emiya Alter, we will settle this at a later date.

After them! Don't let them escape!

It's all right, Emiya Alter.

Even a glance at their eyes was enough to make clear that both of them are truly strong.

Even you would have trouble against them.

...Yeah, I guess you're right.

There's a time and a place for everything. It's still too soon to put "that" into motion.

..."That"?

Besides...

...there's nothing he can do.

Aaaaaaaaah!!!

All right, I might be off my game, but I'm still a Servant. Just watch me stick it!

Don't be ridiculous! I might be off my game, but I'm still a Servant. Just watch me stick it!

？！

Welp, my body refuses to listen to me. Sorry, it's gonna be a rough landing.

Ow, ow, ow... Hey, are you okay?

？！

I might not be able to move, but I can at least take the brunt of the impact. Be grateful I did.

All that aside, you've got some really crazy Servants, you know that?

I can't believe that one guy sent us flying all the way out here.

Wait. This place... Is this the Kinnou Party hideout?

I remember now. Tanaka blasted this ceiling open, didn't he?

Hey there. You're holding up better than I thought.

Oh, it's you. Was there really no other way you could've rescued us? Ah well, at least it was pretty far from boring.

Hahaha. If you've got enough energy to crack wise, you're just fine.

And of course, I'm glad you're okay too, Master. That's the most important thing.

Worry not. I gave our pursuers the slip.

Anyway, you've gotten yourself mixed up in another major hassle, Master. Hm, guess that's kinda par for the course in a Singularity.

So, what do we do now?

You need to ask? I'm going to confront Shouin-senseNo, on second thought, I'll call him Chairman Yoshida.

Wait. Hang on. Why IS he going by "Chairman" now?

I took a look around the city before our rendezvous. It seems Chairman Yoshida is running things here.

Really? Man, what the hell. That was my job before he came around.

Do you always interrupt yourself when you're talking?

Well, aren't you a rude old man.

Who are you, anyway? Having a jet in your elbow's fun, but that doesn't tell me anything about you.

It IS pretty fun, isn't it? This old man's right with you there.

Anyway, I'm actually kind of a big deal in Greece, but if you don't know, well, you don't know.

All right, let me introduce myself properly then. I'm Hektor, a Lancer, and one of Master's Servants.

Hektor? Never heard of you. I bet you know me, though. I'm Takasugi Shinsaku, Choushu's miraculous hero.

If you need a minute to pick your jaw up off the floor, I'll understand.

Huh, that does sound impressive.

But I'm afraid I've never heard of you, either. Sorry.

Oh, and this here is Sasaki Kojirou, an Assassin, and another one of Master's Servants.

You've never heard of me? Geez, what kind of small-timer Heroic Spirit are yoWait. Sasaki Kojirou!? THE Sasaki Kojirou!?

Are you really him!? Do you still toss your scabbard aside before a fight?

？！

Hahaha. I'm terribly sorry, but you would be better off asking Musashi to tell you about my humble self.

I am but an eccentric who spent his days swinging a katana up in the mountains. I can speak a little to the way of the sword but I had no part in any great heroic escapades.

You may merely think of me as a useful Assassin.

More importantly, perhaps we should discuss our next steps?

Dammit! THE Sasaki Kojirou working for you? Okay, I'm impressed. You'll have to show me your Swallow Reversal later.

If we're still not talking about anything important, do you mind if I take a quick smoke break?

Hell yeah I mind. All right, listen up, Master. You too, dreary old man and Sasaki Kojirou.

What we need to do now...is reviveno, begin the rebirth of Takasugi Industries!

That's the kind of look I like to see.

Damn, that IS a better name, isn't it?

？！

Anyway, it looks like Shouin-sensei is using this Yoshida Concern business of his to rule SAITAMA in my place.

And I seriously doubt he, of all people, is doing all that on a power trip.

He must have bigger plans if he's already gone so far as to take over my old company.

This guy used to be your teacher, yeah? You're sure giving him a lot of credit.

Well, of course. There's never been anyone as remarkable as Shouin-sensei in my life, and there never will be.

I see. So he was a dear mentor of yours. In that case, it would indeed be painful to have him dismiss you now.

Ouch. Guess you've got no problem just blurting out the stuff most people would keep quiet. But you're not wrong.

Anyway, whatever he's up to here in SAITAMA, he's doing it to get his hands on Chaldea.

？！

There you go.

So, if we're gonna go head-to-head with his business, I've got way more experience with that kinda thing than he does.

I don't know what exactly Shouin-sensei's up to, but whatever it is, we're gonna make damn sure it doesn't happen.

Man, you're a natural-born pain in the ass, huh?

Ah well, either way, this Shouin guy's ruling this Singularity, right? That much seems safe to assume.

So it looks like we've got no choice but to go along with this scheme, Master.

This old man may not have much experience with business, but at least Redhead here seems to know what he's doing.

I am afraid I also have little experience with commerce. I know my way around a katana, a hoe, and little more. Financial matters have never been my strength.

Oh, but I do have experience standing guard. In fact, I would say I am excellent at running security.

Hey, as long as you're willing to give this venture your best, all three of you are welcome to join.

In fact, I'd say we've got all we need to get started and then some.

I'm not sure what's up with this Yoshida Concern group, but if Shouin-sensei's running it, I could hardly ask for a worthier opponent.

Hell, forget worthy. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be going up against Shouin-sensei for anything.

This's gonna be really, really interesting.

And it's all thanks to you taking me on as your Servant. So thanks for that.

？！

All right! Let's get started!

This is gonna be the beginning of a brand-new Takasugi Industries story!