The desert vanished.
The surroundings returned to Naoki's lavishly decorated private reception room.
Seeing the spot where Yagyū was instantly killed by Naoki, Musashi and Tomoe exchanged glances. Then Musashi asked, "Naoki, you…"
"Don't worry, that was just a fake. The real Yagyū Munenori is still safe and sound at Tsuchiura Castle or hiding in some obscure corner. That was just a mouthpiece to deliver a message."
Naoki picked up the remaining ashes of the burned Shikigami. "Using a method like this to test me… It seems our situation is already under their surveillance. It's been a while since I was secretly watched like this."
"Then, what's your next plan, Naoki-sama?" Tomoe asked. "If what Yagyū Munenori said is true, that Mochizuki Chiyome will come for Princess Kiyohime's life tonight, then you…"
"I said it's a trap. Only an idiot would jump right in." Naoki spread his hands. "And this trap is set up quite convincingly."
"Why?"
"Who told me to be the heart-stealing scoundrel who charmed the Princess? In the eyes of the samurai at Tsuchiura Castle, I'm probably just a villain who relies on his face and sweet words to swindle the Princess's money."
Musashi blinked. "Aren't you?"
"I'm not denying it. It's one way to make money. If you don't approve, spit out everything you've eaten. Most of my earnings go to your stomach."
"Ugh… Hehehe~~~"
Seeing the conversation turning against her, Musashi quickly changed the subject with an awkward laugh.
"Back to the point, Naoki. Even if it's a trap, we can't let Princess Kiyohime die, right? How about making some kind of protective charm for her? You've got all sorts of tricks—surely you can do something like that?"
Naoki shook his head. "A protective charm won't work against Mochizuki Chiyome. Even if it's just a partial spirit, she can summon Ibuki Daimyōjin. Its mystery level is too high; a charm would shatter on contact."
"Then…"
"So you two will go."
Touching both their foreheads, Naoki smiled. "The enemy's just one Servant. You two should be able to handle her easily, right?"
Heroic Spirit Swordsmen were indeed strong, but their power was still within the range of a Servant. Think of them as rampaging Servants without restraint. Musashi or Tomoe might struggle alone, but together, it shouldn't be an issue.
Plus—
"The swords I gave you aren't for show. It's just a snake—cut it down."
"Can your Protection really do something like that?"
*WHACK!*
Naoki smacked Musashi's head with a palm. "Who're you underestimating? I've told you countless times—my Protection will give you power based on your mood and thoughts. As long as you're determined to cut that snake, it'll naturally respond and give you enough strength to do it."
"That makes sense. Alright, let's do this. Leave Princess Kiyohime's safety to me and Tomoe-dono!" Musashi thumped her chest. "But if we're going to face Mochizuki Chiyome, what'll you do, Naoki? Don't tell me you're just gonna watch?"
"Of course—though I'd love to say that, I've got a place I want to visit now."
Waving the Shikigami fragment in his hand, Naoki smiled. "This thing, I suspect, comes from that Caster, Ashiya Dōman. If I use it as a medium to trace back, I should be able to track Dōman's whereabouts—while you two deal with Mochizuki Chiyome, I'll go find Dōman."
If Naoki's memory was correct, their base should be around Katori Shrine.
"In short, tonight's operation plan is—"
"You two will deal with the bait they've thrown, holding them off on the surface."
"Meanwhile, I'll ambush their headquarters. If I'm lucky, I might take out all the remaining ones in one go."
In other words, a sneak attack.
Or, stealing their base.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the same time.
In Chaldea, far away in Pan-Human History.
Ritsuka and Mash were preparing for their first operation into a Lostbelt.
After half a year of rest, the two had returned to Chaldea for five days. With help from Gray and Rei, they'd finally rediscovered the feeling of fighting from their Singularity days.
Training combat techniques in peacetime—Ritsuka could never have imagined it back then.
And just yesterday, Roman and Da Vinci in the control room had sent information.
[With the assistance of Goetia and the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars, the targetable Lostbelt has been confirmed.]
Though they weren't sure if it was the Lostbelt where Naoki was, if they didn't go investigate, they'd never bring back their restless Department Head who only knew how to flirt with women outside.
So, after spending a day preparing for Rayshift, Ritsuka and Mash were finally about to embark on their first Lostbelt journey.
"What's a Lostbelt world like, I wonder?"
On the way to the control room, Mash couldn't help but ask.
Ritsuka thought for a moment. "I remember Merry-sensei saying a Lostbelt is a world that's lost its potential for growth… Would it look like an apocalypse? Like in the movies?"
During the half-year at Ritsuka's home, Mash had watched plenty of movies with him. On weekends, they often went to the cinema together.
Mash had seen many apocalyptic films. If the Lostbelt's scenery was truly like an apocalypse…
"By the way, the Lostbelt we're heading to this time, based on our Pan-Human History, seems to be 15th-century Russia."
A Lostbelt is a world that diverges from normal development due to a major historical event, continuing to grow from there, only to be abandoned for losing its future. And 15th-century Russia…
"I can't think of any major events."
"Me neither. Let's investigate once we actually get there, Senpai."
As they spoke, Ritsuka and Mash reached the control room's entrance.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a very familiar sight. Just like during their Singularity missions, the control room was now filled with busy staff.
Roman, acting as interim Director, interim Head of Operations, and Head of Medical, turned to them upon hearing their footsteps.
"Fujimaru, Mash, you're here."
"Then let's begin. Chaldea's first Lostbelt Rayshift."