Chapter 63: Fate/Zero Teaser Premiere

For Shinji, the New Year of 2004 was much more relaxed and enjoyable than 2003. This year, he didn't have to accompany his grandfather to those annoying magus gatherings. Naturally, he wouldn't be scrutinized like a commodity, and he wouldn't have to deal with the likes of Souichirou Kuzuki.

"Big brother, you really should go to those gatherings with Grandpa."

In Shinji's room, Sakura, who was rubbing her small feet on the bed, complained to Shinji, who was squatting in front of the computer.

Due to Shinji's escape, Sakura had to attend the banquets in his place, representing the Matou family's younger generation. She was very dissatisfied with this arrangement.

"Why go to those banquets? Is it to listen to those old men talking nonsense about me, or to see how they promote their daughters?"

Shinji asked while typing on the keyboard, turning a disdainful eye to Sakura.

"Both groups of people are there— Some even introduced their sons to me..."

"Sakura, remember."

Shinji turned around and said seriously, "Next time someone does that, just stuff explosive crickets into their mouths."

"That sounds so boring." Sakura shook her finger and said, "I should just throw a cursed worm skewer at them directly."

"..."

Fine, Shinji had forgotten that his sister was even more ruthless than he was.

"What did those old guys say?"

To avoid Sakura continuing the topic of cursed worm skewers and then serving them on his dining table, Shinji decisively changed the subject.

"Anyway, it's just the same old stuff," Sakura said disdainfully, waving her hand. "Talking about how revealing mysteries to the public will lead to the decline of magecraft, how our secrets will no longer be secrets, and brother, your abuse of magecraft is disrespectful to the mystery— blah blah blah— basically that's it."

"If they're really so just and upright, they should go to the Clock Tower instead of catching me," Shinji said.

If we're talking about exposing mysteries, the Clock Tower does much more than Shinji. Why are there so many ordinary people becoming magus and entering the Clock Tower to study magecraft every year? It's because those magus professors openly recruit students with magical talent to enter the Clock Tower.

You know, Shinji's movies can still use fantasy stories to cover up, but those professors are really exposing mysteries to ordinary people.

"They won't," Sakura sneered. "After all, the Clock Tower is too powerful."

Shinji nodded in agreement. "I think so too. So, did Lord Aozaki participate? What did he say?"

"He didn't say anything. That guy treated me and Grandpa like air the whole time."

Sakura stretched in a big yawn, and her tight shirt highlighted her perfect figure.

Especially the buttons fastened tightly in front of her chest, Shinji could almost hear the heartbreaking scream of those buttons.

"Cough, I thought he would say something to Grandpa," Shinji joked, twisting his neck.

The matter of Shinji taking in Touko is not a secret in the circle, and this is like slapping Lord Aozaki's face.

But surprisingly, Lord Aozaki didn't say a word, which is not like the style of that arrogant old man.

"What can he say? Brother, you didn't touch his fundamental interests. You just publicized the matter of taking in Touko-san, making him look small. Brother, you have no shame, but that old guy still has some dignity."

"That's true. But after FZ is released, he probably won't be so calm, right?"

When the movie is released, Shinji will promote Touko, the heroine of the film, as a typical example of learning magecraft and making money in the circle.

Shinji doesn't believe that Lord Aozaki can endure it by then.

Actually, if that old guy belongs to the category of an old turtle, it's okay to endure it. No one is causing trouble for himself, and Shinji would be even happier.

"Speaking of movie promotion— brother, why did you release the latest trailer of the movie on New Year's Day?" Sakura looked at the countdown on Shinji's screen, tilting her head.

"The official promotion is to coincide with the meaning of the movie title 'Zero.' In reality, it's just that this time point is chosen, and more people will pay attention."

Sakura shook her head at Shinji's explanation.

"That's not right. Everyone is eager to celebrate the New Year today, and there won't be many people paying attention to the movie trailer."

"I think Sister Cloris's suggestion of the Super Bowl time is not bad."

As the most important sports event in North America, even without the precedent of "Independence Day" advertising during the Super Bowl halftime, influenced by Shinji's promotional thinking, Cloris naturally thought of releasing the movie trailer during this game.

"The Super Bowl broadcast has nothing to do with the media under the Times Group. We don't need to praise outsiders," Shinji said confidently.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "What about the actual reason?"

Shinji said directly, "I don't want the Americans to think they're important. The first public trailer absolutely cannot premiere in North America."

The trailer in the extended version didn't spread widely before, considering it as a benefit for fans who bought the DVD.

Therefore, this trailer is the first official public trailer for FZ.

Shinji values the North American market because it is the largest box office region in the world. However, he doesn't want the Americans to think they're important. What if those people take advantage of the situation in the future and insist that Shinji comply with their "political correctness"?

Don't say that those people don't dare, those people have a precedence to do so.

Sakura pouted, "Brother, Cloris probably won't like what you just said."

"Master, Sakura. Are you guys arguing?"

Arturia walked in carrying a big bag of snacks in her arms.

"When did you see us arguing? And why did you bring so many snacks in?"

Seeing Arturia casually put the snacks on her own bed, Shinji's eyelid twitched.

"What does it matter? Watching a movie or something, of course, it's more fun with more people."

Arturia first grabbed two olives from Shinji's desk and tossed them into her mouth. Then she opened a pack of chips she brought herself.

"This is not a movie, just a trailer."

Shinji casually commented and reached for the chips in Arturia's arms.

Smack

His hand was rudely slapped away.

"This is mine, Master."

Guarding her snacks, Arturia declared her undeniable sovereignty over the chips to Shinji.

"...Excessive."

Seeing that there was no hope of taking advantage, Shinji could only turn his gaze back to the screen and silently wait for the arrival of 2004.

Almost at the same moment, in a stylish villa in Sansaki Town, Alice and Aoko were sitting on the living room sofa watching TV.

The Fate/Zero trailer was broadcasted globally at a unified time. In addition to the official website, television stations in various countries would also broadcast the corresponding language versions of the trailer at the same time.

Shinji chose to watch the online version to get fans' feedback as soon as possible.

However, Alice and Aoko did not have such a need. So, while they watched Japan's New Year program, they waited for the broadcast of the movie trailer.

After all, how can a small screen compare to a big screen?

To make this quiet little house feel a bit more lively, Aoko even brought cola and popcorn. But as a die-hard fan of black tea, Alice didn't even want to touch it.

"What's so good about that stuff?"

Watching her best friend eat popcorn and drink cola heartily, Alice's hand holding the teacup trembled.

"Alice, you need to know, popcorn and cola are the perfect match for movies!" Aoko mumbled with a straw in her mouth.

"I thought you would release the extended version of FSN tonight. If I had known you wouldn't watch the movie, I would have brought less popcorn. Burp~"

Saying that, Aoko let out an ungraceful burp.

Alice said coldly, "Because I've already watched it five times. Today is specifically for watching the movie trailer. This is the first public trailer, and we should appreciate it with respect."

Upon hearing this, Aoko showed a fox-like smile and teased her best friend, "Alice, you really love Fate. Do you have feelings for the Matou Family young master?"

Alice cast a disdainful glance at Aoko from the corner of her eye, ignoring Aoko's nonsense. As the time approached, she set down her tea, sat up straight, and waited for the trailer to begin.

"The trailer is about to start."

Aoko looked at the clock, "Oh, how much longer?"

Just as she spoke, the New Year countdown on the TV ended, and a bright moon appeared on the screen.

"Servant Saber, summoned. I ask you, are you my Master?"

With Saber's classic entrance line, the TV screen first showed seven differently shaped Command Seals, which Alice, familiar with Fate lore, immediately recognized as the Master's Command Seals.

Then the summoning circle flashed, and the trailer officially began.

It was a montage of the opening dock battle from FZ. First was the magnificent close combat between Arturia and Diarmuid, followed by the Iskandar's chariot descending from the sky.

The rumbling thunder and the magnificent war chariot instantly captured everyone's attention, and people speculated about the identity of this character introduced with such solemnity.

And the Iskandar did not disappoint the audience. As the muscular man appeared on the TV screen, he raised both hands and shouted.

"My name is Iskandar the Conqueror. I participated in this Holy Grail War and obtained the Class of Rider!"

Upon hearing this passionate self-introduction, Aoko's interest was instantly aroused.

"Hey, this guy looks very strong, he seems like he can fight!"

"Shut up!"

Alice rudely used magecraft to seal Aoko's mouth, making it physically impossible for her to make any noise.

On the TV, the FZ trailer continued to play.

With the Iskandar's entrance, the familiar figure of Gilgamesh, a favorite among fans, soon stood on top of a streetlamp.

"To think there are some people who dare to call themself as King in my presence, such arrogance from a mongrel."

Indeed, Gilgamesh was still Gilgamesh. The first line he spoke after his golden-skinned appearance let fans feel the strong flavor of Gilgamesh.

"It's really great! Judging by the trailer, this movie is much better than FSN!"

The audience did not expect that just one battle would gather so many heroic spirits. Remember, in FSN, scenes with three heroic spirits on the screen were few and far between.

In just a few short scenes, the audience felt the difference between FZ and FSN. This was not simply reheating old material but an entirely different new movie.

The trailer continued, and after Gilgamesh's entrance, there was a montage of various scenes. There was one of Hassan's bodies showing his gymnastic ability, Yan Qing , disguised as Gilles, summoning a sea demon, and Kiritsugu blowing up a building.

Although these scenes switched quickly, revealing almost no useful plot information, the style was surprisingly consistent—spectacular and dazzling visuals.

Finally, a black knight shrouded in magical mist appeared on the screen.

Through the gap in his helmet, red light flickered, and he charged towards the camera like a beast.

"Arthur!"

In Lancelot's roar, the trailer ended. The TV screen only displayed the subtitle "[Fate/Zero, May 2004 Release]."

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