Chapter 89

"I'm not going."

Rin spoke without hesitation, continuing, "It looks like a trap, and to be honest, we don't have enough information. Even if it's two versus two, we can't guarantee a win. We still don't know what trump cards they might have."

"I'm surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to fight, Rin."

"Underestimate me all you want, but I won't go unless I'm fully prepared. The fact that the enemy dares to act so openly means they believe they have an unbeatable advantage. I'd rather investigate first. Of course, if you want to take the lead and test the waters, I won't stop you."

"It seems teaming up with you was a mistake. This alliance is pointless," Saber said bluntly, then turned to Shirou. "Let's go to the temple, Shirou."

Shirou thought for a moment. "No, I agree with Tohsaka. We should investigate first. If we can't win with two against two, going alone is... Saber, I know you're strong, but still..."

Archer wasn't present because he had been scouting Ryuudou Temple. From his report, it was clear there was more than one Servant there.

While Shirou's reasoning made sense and he knew that going alone was dangerous, Saber still felt that since they knew the location and had chosen to cooperate with Archer, they should strike directly. However, with Rin opting for investigation and Archer supporting that decision, Shirou chose to follow Rin's lead.

"How disappointing..."

In the end, Saber relaxed her clenched fists and sighed. Insisting further would do no good, and she wasn't arrogant enough to believe she could win against two unknown foes alone.

"Hey, weren't you going to walk me home?"

Shinji, already some distance away, turned and called out, interrupting Saber's thoughts.

"Coming, Shinji!" Shirou responded, then looked at Saber. "Let's go, Saber."

"Alright..."

Reluctantly, Saber nodded and followed Shirou.

But then...

"No need, I'll take this kid home."

Seeing Lancer suddenly appear behind him, Shinji felt exasperated. Why are you everywhere?

"Lancer!" Saber became alert.

"Let's go, kid."

Lancer put his hand on Shinji's shoulder.

"Wait..."

Shirou tried to stop him, but Rin, looking weary, intervened.

"It's fine, Emiya. Lancer probably won't harm Shinji."

"So, what exactly happened between Shinji and Lancer?" Shirou asked.

"Just think of it as Shinji bribing Lancer."

"I see..."

"Hey, watch your words," Lancer protested, patting Shinji's shoulder. "It's not bribery. It's manly friendship!"

"Exactly!" Shinji agreed, nodding.

Rin: ...

...

Outside the Matou residence, Lancer bid Shinji farewell.

Before leaving, Lancer specifically warned Shinji to be careful and not to go out unnecessarily.

Seeing Lancer act like a big brother, Shinji felt that his VIP nightclub card was worth it.

But would Lancer feel the same once the nightclub starts asking for payment?

"Goodbye, Shinji."

"Yeah, goodbye." Shinji responded, then raised an eyebrow. "Lancer, did you have fun?"

Lancer paused, sighed heavily, and his expression turned melancholic.

"Shinji, you just don't get it. A good woman isn't just about looks; it's about the soul. Women who cling to you as soon as you walk in just don't compare. What's important is a connection of souls."

Lancer's words, filled with lamentation, hit Shinji like a thunderbolt.

That makes so much sense!

Shinji began to reflect on his shallowness, realizing he had overlooked that the most important thing about a woman should be... cough, cough, her soul!

"Well, you'll understand someday. Later."

...

Back home, Shinji had learned his lesson. He quietly opened his door and turned on the light with his back to the room, eyes closed.

Hearing familiar rustling and a soft "Welcome back," Shinji replied without turning around.

"I'm home, Sakura. Go back to your room and rest."

He sighed internally, thinking, ...such a mess!

Seeing her brother not intending to look at her, Sakura, pretending to be sleepy and covered in a bath towel, sat up and felt a mix of emotions.

But soon, she had an idea.

"Eek! A bug!"

Hearing Sakura's scream, Shinji turned without hesitation.

"Don't be scared! I'm here!"

No sooner had he spoken than something soft hit him hard, knocking him into a hug!

The scent enveloped him, and even Shinji almost lost himself for a moment.

Did she even use aphrodisiacs?

Shinji smiled wryly but pretended it didn't bother him, gently patting the trembling Sakura on the head.

"There, there..."

After comforting Sakura for about half an hour, he finally escorted her back to her room and was free to wash up and sleep.

In the bathroom, soaking in the tub, Shinji rested his arms behind his head and looked at the ceiling covered in water droplets.

After these past two days, even Shinji realized that Sakura's feelings were directed at him, not Shirou.

What he couldn't understand was that Sakura's eyes had only gained their spark after visiting Shirou's house.

But that wasn't the main issue. The problem was...

She was becoming a yandere!

"This is a problem..."

Shinji sighed and shook his head. He knew himself too well, a total scumbag, a deep abyss for any devoted woman.

Besides, he genuinely saw Sakura as a sister, despite her purple hair's allure.

He decided to guide Sakura slowly to prevent her from becoming a full-blown yandere.

Shinji knew why Sakura was developing these tendencies. Her heart had been closed for over a decade, and suddenly opening it left lingering issues.

Although he had tried to guide her after Zouken's death, it seemed his efforts had been too hasty.