Chapter 280

Surprisingly, Archer didn't refuse Shinji's request. Maybe he thought that if Shinji handled it personally, those local mystical organizations might suffer even more.

"You can even use your own friends?" Rin asked, looking at Shinji with black lines forming on her forehead. She knew very well what Shinji wanted Archer to do—essentially, be a free enforcer.

"How can you call it 'using'? I'm just securing a future for Emiya!" Shinji defended himself earnestly, then glanced back at Archer, who seemed to be watching something.

"After all, only by achieving merit can he justify a high position, like... a teacher or something."

At that moment, Rin realized the true meaning behind what Shinji had said to Shirou the previous night about finding him the most suitable teacher.

"Shinji Matou, we have an agreement," Archer said calmly, then a slight smile appeared on his face. It was clear he was looking forward to being Shirou's teacher.

"Yes, rest assured. I truly believe only you can be the proper teacher for Emiya in magic."

Seeing both Shinji and Archer smile, Rin couldn't help but feel sorry for Shirou's upcoming university life. With these arrangements, all she could do was offer silent condolences.

"Alright, the action starts tomorrow. Use this time to prepare. Shinkage also needs some preparation," Shinji said, standing up and looking at Rin. "Also, the group will help cover this incident with the Mage's Association, but this means Fuyuki will officially be out of their jurisdiction. Are you really okay with that?"

"I said I'm okay with it!" Rin responded, a bit impatiently.

"Okay then..."

With that, Shinji put his hands in his pockets, smiled faintly, and said, "Leave the rest to me. From tomorrow, all matters related to the mystical side in Japan will no longer have anything to do with the Mage's Association."

"Don't hurt your back with such big talk."

Rin grumbled but knew that Shinji was unlikely to have any problems because that's just how he was. Arrogant but never failing.

"Oh, by the way, Sakura is back. She's playing in the backyard pool with Rider and the others. If you want to join them, go ahead."

Just after saying this, Shinji suddenly realized something and turned to look at Archer, who was still standing on the balcony with his arms crossed, unmoving.

That guy...

Has he been watching the pool this whole time?

Damn it, Archer. I considered you a brother, and yet...

Damn! You're definitely cleaning up!

...

In the afternoon, after forcing all the house-cleaning tasks onto Archer, Shinji found some time to visit the other major organization Shinkage had to deal with—the Holy Church.

To be honest, Shinji had thought about driving the Holy Church out of Japan as well, but he knew that wasn't feasible at this stage.

A giant like that, if they could coexist peacefully, was best left alone for now. All he needed was their acknowledgment.

...

Fuyuki, New City.

This was the first time Shinji had come to the newly rebuilt church. He had to admit, it looked even more grand than before, probably thanks to his donations.

Standing outside the church was a silver-haired, golden-eyed girl—Caren Ortensia—who seemed to have anticipated his visit. Without much thought, Shinji walked up to her.

"You're here..."

"Yes, I'm here."

Shinji responded instinctively, but then he realized this conversation felt oddly familiar. Afraid she might follow up with "You shouldn't have come," Shinji quickly cut to the chase.

"Anyway, given the Holy Church's capabilities, you should know why I'm here. What's the Church's answer?"

"The Holy Church is just the Holy Church. Whether we acknowledge Shinkage or not, our actions remain the same as always."

Hearing this, Shinji wanted to retort, but not wanting to waste his breath, he waved his hand.

"As long as the Church doesn't interfere with Shinkage's activities, there's no problem. Of course, Shinkage will adhere to the basic principles of hiding the mystical and not involving ordinary people."

"Then please leave if there's nothing else."

Seeing Caren coldly issue a dismissal, Shinji was confused. He didn't remember offending her. He had even saved her once.

"Are you really not going to invite me in?" Shinji asked, showing a hint of concern. "To be honest, I've faced Angra Mainyu twice. Maybe I've been tainted by some demonic aura."

Caren's cheeks reddened slightly, cursing him internally as shameless before speaking again. "Your existence is undoubtedly what the Church detests. We can't purify or exorcise it, so leave quickly."

Shinji panicked, "Wait, hold on! At least try! What if it works? I'm really pure-hearted! You can check!"

Seeing Shinji pointing at his chest for her to feel, Caren was speechless. This guy was always like this. Last time they met, he had tried to take advantage of her, and now he was doing it again.

"It's useless. The Holy Church can't handle it."

With that, Caren stepped back, ready to close the door.

"Don't give up! The coach said the game isn't over until you give up!"

Shinji kept knocking, but it was futile. Caren was resolute. No matter what Shinji said, she had no intention of letting him in.

"Just go home," Caren said.

"Wait! I have something important to tell you! Don't you want to know what happened in the other world?"

Caren hesitated at this.

...

At six in the evening, Shinji returned to Miyama Town.

Seeing the spotless, gleaming house, he deeply admired Archer's housekeeping skills. Perfect score.

After learning from Sakura that Rin and Archer had already left, Shinji felt a twinge of disappointment. He hadn't seen Rin's red swimsuit.

A rare swimsuit episode, and he missed it!

Just then, Saber-chan, who had just barely learned to swim after a whole afternoon of practice, came over and sniffed Shinji.

"Shinji, you smell like disinfectant."

"That's your imagination," Shinji replied.

...

After dinner, before going to bed.

As the head of the household, Shinji suddenly remembered an important task he had decided on months ago before leaving for the Naruto world.

"Sakura, I remember the water heater in your bathroom..."

"It's completely fixed now, Brother."

Seeing Sakura's bright smile, Shinji was at a loss for words. He realized that Sakura had grown even more adept at handling things.

She's outmaneuvering me!

Those tricks of playing hard to get are long gone!

"Oh, since it's fixed, then that's good."

"Alright, Brother, you've just returned. Rest well tonight."

After saying that, Sakura left without lingering, making Shinji give up the idea of having a private chat with her. He knew her tricks well.

She was trying to make him take the initiative by distancing herself—a more formidable psychological tactic than playing hard to get.

Maybe Sakura thought easily obtained things wouldn't be cherished. In any case...

He couldn't afford to lose!

If he did, he'd lose all his leverage in the future!

In this mental chess game with Sakura, he had to play along as if nothing happened, or just treat it as a daily seasoning.

This battle of wits and courage in their daily life was quite interesting.

"Rider, I have something to discuss with you. It's important."

Shinji had just spoken when Sakura, who hadn't left the dining room, laughed and said, "Brother, Rider is very tired recently, so let her rest."

Hearing Shinji's words, Rider felt flattered, but after Sakura spoke, she felt a sudden chill.

"No, this time it's really important. Rider, you need to go on a business trip tomorrow. How long it takes depends on your efficiency, but I estimate about a week."

Hearing this, Sakura silently admitted she had miscalculated. She didn't expect Shinji to have a genuine task for Rider.

Of course, she didn't notice Rider's faintly disappointed expression.

"Master, don't forget I'm also your Servant."

After finishing her fourth helping of dinner, the tiny Saber declared her presence, asserting her role as his Servant.

"Of course, I have a task for you too. The group's new project needs a complete review of all gourmet foods in the Fuyuki area, so..."

"Leave it to me!"

Saber-chan eagerly took on the mission, her face serious.

...

Late at night, in the basement of the Matou mansion.

Shinji was meticulously explaining the important points Rider needed to remember for her mission. In short, there were only two rules.

Those willing to join could stay. Those who resisted must be eradicated, no exceptions!

"...Archer will go with you. Only a few small groups are still refusing to join Shinkage. With you and Archer, it will be much easier."

Despite feeling a bit resentful that her Master had assigned her a task instead of spending time with her, Rider silently agreed.

"Alright, that's all. If anything unexpected happens, contact me."