Chapter 90

The characteristics of a yandere are: lack of empathy, strong possessiveness, the ability to disguise, and usually having childhood trauma. They are prone to extreme single-mindedness, but are also very fragile, breaking easily under pressure.

This was Shinji's understanding of yandere behavior. He also knew how to treat it. The key was to divert their attention, letting them find more joy and satisfaction in other, gentler activities.

Understanding the root of their issues and guiding them through conversation and hints to gradually release their stress was crucial. Even the most twisted yandere is still a person with a vulnerable side, and with a patient "doctor," healing isn't impossible.

Shinji faced a significant problem: he was the cause of Sakura's condition. But for her sake, he needed to start guiding her slowly. A yandere without friends to confide in has a heart that's harder to heal and suffers more pain when hurt. This creates a vicious cycle, worsening their condition.

Without proper guidance, they could remain unwell for life. Shinji didn't want to see that happen.

"Tomorrow, I'll ask Mitsuzuri and the others for help. After all, they're the only ones who are close to Sakura right now..."

Meanwhile, in Sakura's room, she was bent over her desk, intently working with various bottles of colored liquids under the lamplight, diligently writing in her notebook. The book on her lap was one she had hidden before—a magic book, likely the last of its kind in the Matou family.

It contained basic alchemy and simple potion recipes, like aphrodisiacs for men. Of course, Sakura didn't know that her brother had read through most of the family's magic books by the time he was nine and memorized them all. Such things had no effect on him.

...

In another part of town, in the twin mansions, Bazett was frowning as she prepared to go out with Rider.

Rider had just reported that Shinji had been involved in a conflict involving four Servants, including herself, that night! Although Rider hadn't given the details, hearing that Shinji had been sent to the church for treatment was enough.

"Let's go, Rider!"

Bazett, carrying her staff, opened the door and walked out without looking back.

...

This time, Shinji put on a bathrobe as soon as he felt someone intruding.

Once again, there was a loud crash followed by hurried footsteps heading straight for the bathroom.

Can't they just ring the doorbell?

Shinji thought, exasperated and amazed at how precise their timing always was—right when he was in the bath.

The door slid open with a hiss, revealing Bazett.

"Baz..."

Shinji started, but Bazett rushed forward and...

Tore off his bathrobe!

(The essence of humanity is repetition.)

...

In the living room, Sakura served tea with a gentle smile—at least on the surface.

"I'm really fine, Bazett," Shinji said with a wry smile, glancing at Rider standing coolly behind Bazett. Internally, he grumbled: Isn't Rider the reason I ended up needing treatment at the church?

Of course, Rider believed she hadn't lied. Technically, she hadn't. Shinji had indeed been involved in a conflict with four Servants and had ended up at the church. She had just omitted unnecessary details.

By nearly five in the morning, Bazett had finished her long lecture about avoiding danger, taking care of oneself, and not hesitating to seek her help. She finally left the Matou residence, replacing the iron gate with practiced ease.

...

At five-thirty in the morning, with dawn breaking, Shinji finally lay down on his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

He wasn't surprised Bazett hadn't made any moves yet and was only sending Rider out. Her reasoning was simple.

Bazett had a side similar to Shirou—a sense of "justice." She was conflicted.

On one hand, she wanted revenge and to reclaim her original Servant.

On the other hand, she feared that eliminating Kirei would remove the overseer of the Holy Grail War, leading the remaining Servants to disregard the rules and involve ordinary people, as a certain witch was already doing.

Though Kirei had wronged her, he was still maintaining the war's rules, preventing widespread chaos.

Finally, her mission was to win the war for the Mage's Association, even if victory wouldn't bring her any honor. These conflicts kept her from taking direct action or even showing herself.

Understanding this, Shinji saw Rider's actions clearly. Bazett likely tasked her with gathering real-time information, intervening in battles to reduce the number of Servants, and investigating Kirei's true intentions. Rider was also acting as an unofficial "overseer," ensuring the war didn't spiral out of control.

Bazett was waiting for the right moment to step in and finish things efficiently. Her strategy was nearly perfect.

"Too bad things won't go as you wish, Bazett."

Shinji murmured softly. Even if everything went according to Bazett's plan, she couldn't defeat Kirei alone, not with Gilgamesh in the mix.

Bazett had no chance of winning alone.

Shinji's system had confirmed that this world's Berserker was the real deal, with thirteen lives, not just thirteen health bars. Unless this world bugged out, only Gilgamesh could take him down.

Shinji wasn't too concerned about these matters. In this war, he only needed to keep Bazett in check. Everything else, like messing with Caster, was just for fun—Caster had already earned his enmity.

Shirou, Rin, and... Bazett!