Section 7: Memory

So, you've come...

Then let's get started.

？！

For an enemy, you're awfully familiar with me.

But even if you do know who I am, this is a Holy Grail War.

It'd be absurd to think the Okita Souji you know and the one standing before you are the same.

...I want to ask you something. ...Am I you?

That's hard to say.

I certainly never had a sword quite that...huge.

...But, as I said, this is a Holy Grail War. Maybe these sorts of things just happen.

... That's strange...

I'm not usually so chatty before a duel.

I get the same feeling.

...So let's just find out in battle.

Very well...

...There is no right or wrong on the battlefield. There is only kill, or be killed.

...Let's do this!

Rider, huh... I'm impressed you plowed through my army so easily.

Nothing easy about it. Those weird little things are surprisingly tough.

Is it your territory that lets you make them?

...Lady Oda Nobunaga. The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.

Facing you in person, I can see exactly why you dominated the Warring States period.

Hmph. Spare me your hollow flattery.

What is it you want, Rider?

Depending on what it is, it may not be necessary for us to fight.

If only that were the case.

But I'm afraid what I want is your head, Lady Nobunaga. Figuratively speaking.

My head?

That's right. I've been investigating for a while, and everything I've found points to you being the key to this Holy Grail War.

Hmm... Does this mean you're forfeiting the war too, Rider?

Are you giving up on your wish for the Holy Grail?

Well, as it turns out...the real Rider is long gone by now.

Oryou got rid of him.

...What?

I was never truly part of this Holy Grail War to begin with.

...I'm only here because the world itself called to me.

What? Then, you mean you're part of the Counter Force...?

Wahahahaha! This is great! I've made an enemy of the world itself!

Anyway, that's where things stand.

Then I suppose we do have to fight.

Fine then. Once I defeat you, I'll be able to widen my sphere of influence even further.

...Let's do this, Oryou! I'm going to use my Noble Phantasm!

Don't worry. Oryou will snap a little twig like this in no time.

So, you've chosen to go on the offensive right out of the gate.

Orochi of the earth, sealed by the Amasakahoko...

Oho. I knew it. That woman's your Noble Phantasm!

Here I come, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven!

Like a Dragon Soaring Through the Heavens... Amakakeru Ryu ga Gotoku!

Ha! A dragon, eh. Fascinating!

But nothing can withstand my Three Line Formation!

A swordsman's blade must be swift and sharp!

...Wha!?

...Too slow!

Don't just step in with your feet!

You need to call upon all your own strength to face your opponent!

...What the?

...There's nothing that can be done for this baby. She was probably born too prematurely.

Her skin's dirt brown, and she's barely even breathing.

Please... Isn't there anything you can do?

Forget her, Mitsu. She'll be lucky if she lasts even a day or two.

At this point, all you can do is pray to the Buddha.

You're swinging your sword from your wrist! The power should come from your waist!

...Ghh! I...!

...Please, Buddha! I beg of you. Please, save Soujirou.

...

Please... I beg you. I just know they'll grow up to do good as long as there's a chance...

Please, save Soujirou.

...Very well.

At one point in that child's life...

...she will form a pact with me, just once.

When she does, I shall take her body from the world.

...Are you an idiot or something!?

Our swords may look different, but they're supposed to be used identically!

I know that! Just a little more, and I'll catch up!

...Now I see. I'm a manifestation of the Counter Force that was brought here to repay this debt...

...What!? How are you matching my speed with such a huge blade!?

...There. I caught up.

...And I remember now. I was right. I am you.

...It's too soon to say that for sure. This duel isn't over yet.

？！

I don't know what you're expecting, but if you're waiting for my magical energy to run out, don't bother.

As long as I'm in my territory, that will never happen.

Not even the cursed disease that plagues my body can slow me down here.

That...is the power my territory gives me.

？！

Good. That is how it should be. I need to reclaim my identity!

Come on! I'll end this with my next strike!

All right... In that case, I'll fight you with everything I've got.

I am Okita Souji, Captain of the Shinsengumi's First Unit!

...Prepare to face the power of my secret technique!

...

Good grief. It's so strange, having another me around.

...You could have cut me down at any time. Why didn't you?

？！

I don't know what you're talking about.

I'm just a man-slayer summoned by the Holy Grail. All I've done here is kill people left and right.

Nothing has changed. I cut down my enemies when I was alive, and I've done the same as a Servant. It was enough to make me forget why I was alive at all.

...That's why I ended up pawning my debt off onto you.

...

...Here. Take this with you.

This is...your Noble Phantasm...?

You have someone of your own to protect.

I failed to do that when I was still alive. Maybe I should have found a way, but I didn't.

...

You're the person I should have been. Now, it's time for me to say goodbye.

And, please...apologize to the Buddha for me. Tell him I'm sorry I ended up living only for myself.

...As for you.

I hope you can watch over this other me...at least until her time comes.

？！

...I remember now what it is I must do, Master.

Let's go back. The time is nearly at hand.

...It's time...for all this to end.