Isn’t It Normal to Meet Acquaintances During the Holy Grail War?

The next day, it was already noon when Arthur returned.

While eating the breakfast Arthur brought, Naoki asked, "Where have you been? You came back late last night."

"I scouted the entire 500-meter radius and noted several hiding spots. If we're attacked, I can immediately take you there. Additionally, I familiarized myself with the surrounding roads. Even if we get into a street battle, I can gain the upper hand."

"Also, I suggest that Master not sleep near the window in the future. That position is at the highest point in the area. If Archer decides to snipe, it would be very dangerous."

"That makes sense."

Although Naoki really wanted to say that Gilgamesh's character wouldn't allow him to launch a sneak attack, Arthur did it for his own good, so it was best to accept the advice calmly. Of course, this was also to guard against Emiya Kiritsugu. Just because Archer couldn't snipe accurately didn't mean others couldn't.

'Should we look for a basement to use as our base?'

Naoki thought this, then asked: "What happened last night? Did any Masters or Servants show up?"

"No, most of the people who came were familiars. There was only one Servant besides me."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure. The other party was also in spirit form, but I think it was one of the three knights."

That Lancer? Diarmuid?

'No, Director Kayneth should also be the one sending familiars. If we eliminate them... Rider and Waver?'

Gilgamesh was too disgusted to show up at last night's event, Caster isn't the type of Servant to appear in public, the same goes for Assassin, Lancer listens to his Master's arrangements, and if Berserker appeared, he would definitely start fighting immediately.

Therefore, the only one who attended last night was Rider. But why? Waver is also a Magus, and he could have used his familiar to go there. He wasn't necessarily dragged there by Rider, right?

'Considering the King of Conquerors' personality... that's very likely.'

Still, the King of Conquerors is a rough but meticulous king. He must have had a purpose for going to the church last night.

After thinking for a moment, Naoki stood up and said, "Let's go for a walk with me, Saber."

"Now?"

"Yeah, there are a few places I want to check out. You can protect me secretly in spirit form. Although I don't think anyone would want to be the first to take action on the first day, it's better to be cautious."

There will definitely be someone who stands out – Naoki knows this well. As long as it's the combination of Kayneth and Diarmuid, on the first day of the Holy Grail War, Diarmuid will release his aura on the streets all day to provoke.

In other words, Kayneth is in a state where his Servant is away from home all day today.

In the Holy Grail War, a Master without a Servant nearby is like a fat sheep without a fence to protect it, and is a perfect target. Although Naoki doesn't remember exactly where Kayneth was during the harbor battle at night, the harbor is a very small place and there are only a few suitable spots for long-range observation.

Why not just step on all of them?

Seeing Naoki full of energy and enthusiasm again, Arthur felt relieved. It seems his Master slept well again last night, and Merlin's magic worked very well.

'I hope that during the Holy Grail War, Manaka's curse won't have any effect.'

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The first stop was Fuyuki City Airport – although not a big city, Fuyuki City has an airport. Additionally, as a coastal city, Fuyuki City naturally has a harbor.

Naoki only had one purpose in coming to the airport, to see if he could ambush the Einzbern group.

Since he had already summoned Saber, Naoki was very curious about what the Einzberns, who originally summoned Artoria, would summon. On the other hand, if he could see the Servant, he would be confident that he could recognize the true names of the other Servants.

This is the confidence of an FGO player who has been playing for five years.

Naoki found a seat in the waiting area, picked up a newspaper, and sat down, covering most of his face with the newspaper, leaving only a small space to observe the surroundings.

With the Einzbern's financial resources, they would most likely use a private jet for transportation, but since the Holy Grail War requires secrecy as the top priority, they would most likely choose a regular flight. Additionally, the Einzbern family is a German family.

'To get from Germany to Fuyuki... you can only go to Tokyo first and then transfer, and the nearest flight is... in twenty minutes.'

Thinking this, Naoki whispered, "Arthur, keep an eye on the exit in twenty minutes. Be wary of a woman with white hair and red eyes. Additionally, there might be a Servant or something following her. The Servant might also be following her. Be careful not to be noticed."

'Understood.'

After assigning the task to Arthur, Naoki completely relaxed and started actually reading the newspaper. For a Master, it would be the luckiest thing if the Servant summoned was Siegfried, Karna, or Arthur, as these Servants are basically very obedient and won't cause trouble for the Master. Especially Karna.

When Naoki read the novel before, out of ten time travelers in the Holy Grail War, seven or eight would summon Karna. His main weaknesses are that he's not hard to summon 'basically you can get him by having a copy of the Mahabharata', he's strong 'one of the three Golden Servants, with all his treasures', and he's obedient 'a very loyal Servant'. The only downside is that his Mana requirement is too high, very high, and he needs several high-level magic furnaces to fight at full strength for a while.

If Naoki had summoned Karna, he would most likely have been drained of energy mid-battle.

However, Naoki was also very satisfied with Arthur.

"Hm? A gas explosion at the Tohsaka residence?"

Seeing the report on one of the newspaper pages, Naoki frowned.

"It was around one or two in the morning. The gas pipes buried underground by the Tohsaka family suddenly exploded. Fortunately, the explosion occurred in the garden and no one was injured... Has the event started?"

On the surface, it was a gas explosion, but everyone involved in the Holy Grail War knows that the explosion at the Tōhsaka residence last night was caused by Assassin's infiltration and battle with Archer, and most people with sharp eyes should realize that this battle was too deliberate, with clear signs of acting, and obviously had a purpose.

Of course, this is good news for Naoki: "Assassin and Archer haven't changed, so it's best to follow the original work. Sorry for the unexpected changes."

Kirei "lost" Assassin and hid in the church. The seemingly dead Assassin, scattered around Fuyuki City, secretly monitors and provides information to Tokiomi.

The Einzbern group will arrive in Fuyuki City.

If the developments of the next day proceed as he remembers, Naoki can start his plan.

'Master, I found the target.'

Not long after, Arthur's voice was heard.

'A woman with white hair and red eyes, followed by three maids who look similar. The target has exited the gate and is preparing to leave the airport.'

"Did you find the Servant?"

'This... I found it, but it's a bit hard to believe.'

"What is it?"

'Master, please come and see for yourself. From what I see, this is really...'

"What?"

Naoki turned his head and looked towards the exit with some confusion. Isn't it just a Servant? Could she have been given the entire Grand Class? Besides, there are only a few Servants that can be summoned by Avalon. Could Merlin have escaped from Avalon to Japan?

"What is this?"

However, when he saw the Servant following behind Irisviel, Naoki couldn't help but speak in Arthur's native dialect.

A standard face, long silver-gray hair like a waterfall, and a curvaceous body like a fairy – although she wasn't dressed as Naoki remembered, but in this form, she should be...

"Arthur?"

"Yes, Master."

Arthur's bitter voice reached Naoki's ears.