Chapter 5: The Origin of the Holy Grail War? The strongest card
As the video played, the truth behind Julian Ainsworth's actions was revealed.
[After Miyu was taken away by Julian, Shirou Emiya was rescued by Father Kotomine Kirei.
Under Shirou Emiya's questioning, Kotomine Kirei told Shirou Emiya the identity and purpose of the other party.
"The Ainsworth family has existed for thousands of years," Kotomine explained calmly.
Though they lack talent in advanced magecraft, their goal has always been clear—to save humanity from extinction, no matter the cost. That is Ainsworth."
He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Shirou.
"!!!!" As if realizing something, Shirou Emiya was about to speak. He was interrupted by Kotomine Kirei.
"Using Miyu Sakatsuki as a vessel to pray for humanity's survival… Isn't that justice?" Kotomine Kirei said, looking at Shirou Emiya as if he was expecting what choice he would make next.
Shirou froze, the weight of those words sinking in. Justice—a concept he once believed in wholeheartedly—now felt hollow.
"Justice…" Shirou murmured, his voice trembling.
Kotomine continued, unperturbed:
"Over two centuries ago, the Ainsworths attempted four rituals to summon the Holy Grail—a miracle beyond human comprehension—but all ended in failure. Now, they intend to use Miyu as the Grail's container to save mankind."
This mirrored the very wish Kiritsugu Emiya had entrusted to Shirou before his death: Use Miyu to save humanity.
Yet Shirou had abandoned that path, instead choosing to prioritize Miyu's happiness.
After revealing the location of Ainsworth's hideout, Kotomine left Shirou to ponder his next move. But until the next day, Emiya Shirou did not find the other party.
After returning home, Emiya Shirou lost his former cheerfulness and liveliness, haunted by indecision.
Living like a walking corpse, until the appearance of Matou Sakura, Matou Sakura's care and company. Only then did he bring some light to his life. ]
.....
~Type-Moon World in the Fourth Holy Grail War World Line~
"It seems you in the video understand what pleasure truly is,"
Gilgamesh remarked smugly to Kotomine Kirei.
"Really? Is this pleasure?"
He mused aloud, watching the scene unfold.
This version of himself was unrecognizable—helping others for no apparent gain, acting almost compassionate.
It felt alien, yet strangely fascinating.
"Myself in another world…"
Kotomine Kirei thought of himself in the video, and the corners of his mouth could not help but rise.
"I'd love to hear him explain what pleasure really means."
~Type-Moon World in the Fifth Holy Grail War World Line~
"Sakura..."
Tohsaka Rin whispered, her brow furrowing with concern as Matou Sakura appeared on-screen...
Emiya Shirou watched his alternate self intently, guilt gnawing at him.
"Sakura..."
He murmured, recalling the bond they shared.
The music shifted abruptly—from warm and gentle to tense and foreboding.
Outside the video, viewers sensed the approaching storm.
Next, Shirou would soon embark on a perilous journey to rescue Miyu—and battles were inevitable.
[ After finishing dinner, Sakura lingered hesitantly near the doorway. Her voice grew firmer as she spoke:
"If possible, I want to spend more time with Senpai.
Sakura Matou's voice began to become very firm. As if she was sure of something, she spoke slowly. "Go to school together, join clubs together, walk home together, Say goodbye together... These little things are my happiness."
Shirou stared at her, momentarily stunned. He didn't know how to respond.
"Sakura…" he began, unsure of what to say.
Suddenly, Sakura dropped her bag and umbrella, clutching a card tightly in her hand. Her expression softened as she gazed at him and said gently: "But all this ends now. The Holy Grail War has begun."
"What do you mean, Sakura? How do you know about the Holy Grail War?" Emiya Shirou was a little shocked after hearing the words
Sakura held up the card, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her eyes. "Because one of the families that created the ritual is the Matou family."
"That's unfortunate. I thought you'd be more flustered."
She smiled wistfully.
"How would I put it? I think I've gotten used to losing everything..."
Shirou lowered his head, guilt and sadness washing over him.
"Maybe so," he admitted quietly.
Sakura's smile faltered, replaced by determination.
"Does that mean I'm also part of what you've lost?"
Shirou Emiya didn't say much, picked up the umbrella on the ground, and looked at her, "Sakura, are you going to kill me?"
Sakura Matou looked at Shirou Emiya's expression and gradually became serious, and said to Shirou Emiya, "The Holy Grail War is to use the Servant Cards in your hand. It is a ritual to turn yourself into a Heroic Spirit and kill each other."
"This is the card of the strongest Heroic Spirit, Gilgamesh. If you want to save Miyu, you'll need it."
Before Shirou could reply, Sakura extended the card toward him.
Shirou hesitated, eyeing the card warily.
"Why are you giving this to me?"
"If you want to save Miyu, it is impossible without this card." Sakura Matou said.
"But... there's one thing, If possible... If you can grant me this... please run away instead! Forget about magecraft or Miyu, forget all of that and run away from this town. If you are willing to do this, I am willing to lose everything and run away with you."
Emiya Shirou watched Sakura Matou throw herself into his arms and cry. After hearing his words, he slowly pushed her away.
"I'm sorry, Sakura..."
Before Emiya Shirou finished speaking, Sakura Matou's shoulder was pierced, and the Blood splattered across the ground as she collapsed.
"Sakura!!!!" Emiya Shirou rushed over and hugged Sakura Matou.
From the shadows emerged a man with unkempt hair, his expression twisted with jealousy.
"Really... my sister... wants to go with a man so casually..." At this time, a man with a kelp hairstyle came out from the side and said with a rather distorted expression.
"It seems that as a brother, I have to take good care of you!"]
.....
~Type-Moon Universe~
"Is this the Holy Grail War in another world?"
Someone wondered aloud.
Is it the power of the servant? It seems that the other party's mental state is not very stable.
Viewers outside the video struggled to comprehend the rules of this alternate reality. Ordinary people wielding Heroic Spirit cards? No Masters involved?
"Does this mean everyone fights independently? What happened to the traditional roles of Masters and Servants?"
The confusion mounted as the battle unfolded, leaving audiences eager to see how Shirou would navigate this unfamiliar conflict.