Tokiomi Tohsaka eventually left "in disgrace," but Kariya Matou hadn't missed the cold ruthlessness in the man's eyes.
In this war, if his own daughter became an obstacle, Tokiomi would remove her without hesitation.
To reach the Root, he would succeed regardless of the cost or sacrifice. That was Tokiomi Tohsaka's stubbornness and ideal as a "Magus."
"Berserker, is this really okay?"
Watching the Heroic Spirit who continued to tend the garden, Kariya approached and asked in a low voice.
[Don't worry. It will be over soon.]
"Ugh... but if you win..."
The other party suddenly pulled out a whiteboard and wrote clearly in large characters. Kariya scratched his head, understanding the dilemma.
If Berserker were restricted here, he certainly wouldn't be happy.
[So, one more battle is needed.]
[If it is Rider, I can rest assured yielding the victor's seat to him.]
[That man is a King capable of making sacrifices for others and for the world.]
That wasn't a superficial judgment, but a truth witnessed through the "Echo."
He was already well acquainted with Rider's past.
Previously, because Saber and Assassin were still active, there were too many "candidates" who could win, so he couldn't decide.
But now, with only Archer and Rider remaining, the only one among them who would ensure Sakura's survival was Rider.
Archer, that willful fellow, couldn't guarantee he would let Sakura live.
Rider was different. As long as he achieved final victory, he wouldn't perform actions like "weeding out the roots."
That Emperor who loved his sister so dearly would not lay a hand on Sakura.
Especially since Sakura was just a six-year-old girl...
However, going directly to negotiate with him would likely only arouse suspicion and mistrust.
In that case, it was better to let nature take its course: fight Archer, and then find an opportunity to hand the Dragon Ball to Rider.
He had already considered the "script." It was guaranteed to be one that Rider would accept without suspicion.
With that Emperor's wisdom, he would easily understand the intent.
Now, all they had to do was wait for Archer to come out and cause trouble.
...
Bang!
Back at home, the thought of his recent "humiliation" was unbearable for Tokiomi.
He was so close to his long-cherished wish, yet he was being blocked by his own daughter.
If he had known it would come to this, he should have kept Sakura here and sent Rin, his eldest daughter, over instead.
To have such a problem arise at a critical moment was truly the greatest blunder of Tokiomi's life.
"Hm?"
While he was still wallowing in annoyance, he received a call from a familiar.
"Risei?"
"The Church has finally finished the cleanup. Calculating the time, Archer will likely make a move soon, won't he?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Tokiomi didn't deny it.
Although that "King" had been quiet recently, he certainly wouldn't stay peaceful forever.
The injuries he sustained during the last encirclement were severe, but his recovery wouldn't take more than a week.
"It doesn't matter if we ignore Rider for now; the King of Heroes has the ability to kill him at any time."
"But the battle with Berserker is of paramount importance."
"In that case, you must be in dire need of Command Spells as a reward."
Such a direct description caused Tokiomi's furrowed brow to relax.
To secure an advantageous position in the upcoming confrontation, Command Spells were essential.
"Find a time to come over today. The Church is still claiming to be busy to the outside world."
How could Tokiomi not understand the implied meaning in those words?
Deceiving the only two remaining Masters, Risei Kotomine wanted to secretly help him replenish the Command Spells obtained from the encirclement, thereby giving him the upper hand.
"I understand. I'll come over shortly."
responding and ending the connection, Tokiomi then walked towards his room.
"Sakura, Rider's Master... you will never understand who is truly directing this war."
Wearing a smile of inexplicable confidence, Tokiomi sneered.
A young man and a child, delusional enough to fight against him, the head of a distinguished magus family?
Truly too naive!
...
"Archer... serve you come to kill me?"
Hearing those words, Gilgamesh looked at the "acquaintance" before him and let out a scoff using.
"Lost your Master, and lost your will to fight as well?"
"This state of yours is truly pitiable."
Underneath such description, what appeared was the ahoge swaying atop a head.
Saber!
Artoria!
After defeating Kenshin and retrieving her sheath, she learned that Kiritsugu's contract had been severed. She understood her situation.
Surprisingly, however, she didn't seem to be fading away.
Ultimately, she chose to withdraw.
Yes, no longer participating in the war, but hiding instead.
But she hadn't expected to be found by Archer today.
Wearing ordinary clothes, she drew the still-shining Holy Sword. Saber had nothing to fear.
Having reclaimed Avalon, she was different from before. Now, facing Archer and Berserker, she had no need to back down.
"Fool. This King only discovered a hiding rat and came to take a look. I didn't expect it to be you instead of that Mongrel King."
"Looking at your state, you seem to be maintaining your manifestation through the special nature of that sheath."
"Well, forget it. Toying with you one last time wouldn't be a bad diversion."
"Hahahaha!!"
Suddenly in a good mood, Gilgamesh laughed loudly as usual.
"Hmph. Do you think you've already won?"
"Neither Rider nor Berserker are opponents you can easily deal with."
Watching his retreating back, Saber spoke coldly with disdain.
"Forget about the Mongrel King of Britannia. Berserker is indeed a bit tricky, but..."
"This King will win!"
That confident tone rang out again, reminding Saber of his strength.
Putting aside his arrogant personality, in terms of combat power, this man was indeed strong.
"Also... you are willing to step aside like this because of Rider?"
"Is his wish that important to you?"
"That has nothing to do with you! As a King, I simply sincerely hope he achieves the final victory."
"At least he is better than a guy like you!"
Scolding him loudly, Saber didn't give him a pleasant look.
As a fellow King of Britain, she naturally hoped Rider could go to the end.
Her own wish had already been satisfied, which was why she was willing to withdraw after Kiritsugu's death.
Otherwise, wielding the Holy Sword and Avalon, she had the power to intervene.
"I thought you had some profound opinion. I didn't expect it to be due to shared Britannian identity?"
"Pathetic."
Being treated like this, Gilgamesh naturally felt very displeased.
"A powerless incompetent who can't even protect herself—what kind of King is that?"
"Wait until I resolve Berserker. I will make you remember the miserable sight of that mongrel Rider dying."
His figure disappeared from the spot, and Saber sheathed her Holy Sword.
"A King capable of leading Britannia to rise again is absolutely not an incompetent fellow."
"Archer, you will die of your arrogance sooner or later!"
...
"Finally here?"
"I still feel regretful about Kirei's matter."
"It's fine. At least he served a purpose."
Received at the church entrance, Tokiomi conversed with Risei.
"This time only two opponents remain. With Archer's strength, surely there will be no problem."
"As you say, that is indeed the case."
Slowly guided inside, looking at the statue, Tokiomi extended his right hand.
"By the way, before rewarding you with the Command Spells, let me introduce you to a certain Lord."
"Hm?"
Hearing Risei's respectful tone, Tokiomi frowned.
Lord?
Tap...
Soft footsteps sounded, and Tokiomi saw the person approaching.
His pupils contracted violently, then dilated.
Why is he here?!
"You are...!"
The other party's cold tone announced the ending.
"Checkmate!"