KyokaSuigetsu
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Chapter 22: Mifune City
🕑 Added 2025-05-07 06:28:51 +0000 UTC"Very good, Matou Kariya. Although your previous choice annoyed me somewhat, your current attitude is quite satisfying." Takashi Kuroda casually pulled out the Magic Circuit Quality Enhancement Card he had just received as a system reward and used it on Matou Kariya without hesitation.
"Mmm!" Kariya felt a cool, moist sensation spreading through his body. His physical condition seemed to improve slightly, and he could perceive the magical energy in the air more clearly than before.
"What is this?" Kariya looked at Kuroda in confusion. Kuroda responded matter-of-factly, "You want to participate in the Holy Grail War, but with your current magical aptitude, it would be difficult to become a Master capable of commanding a Servant in a short time. So, I enhanced the quality of your Magic Circuits. Unlike that old worm, my methods won’t kill you—there are no side effects."
"I’m deeply grateful." Kariya bowed again.
"Now, accept this power. Of course, it will come at a cost—though it won’t take your life. Do you dare?" Kuroda condensed a dark mist of Ruination and held it out before Kariya.
"Since my life already belongs to you, what do I have to fear from a mere price?" Kariya reached out and grasped the black mist. Kuroda nodded, allowing the Ruination energy to flow through Kariya’s body, marking his soul and ensuring absolute loyalty.
Though the system judged Kariya’s loyalty to be sufficiently high, Kuroda preferred to err on the side of caution and added an extra layer of control.
"Good, Matou Kariya. From now on, study diligently under your ‘grandfather.’ Learn your family’s techniques for commanding familiars and the water-attribute magecraft that should have been your birthright. Don’t worry—that old worm is truly dead. What you see now is just a hollow shell with his appearance and memories. If you feel like it, you can even order him around. Or beat him up if you’re in a bad mood." With a wave of his hand, Kuroda summoned the spectral remnant of Zouken Matou, restoring him to his original form.
"...Can I really hit him?" Kariya swallowed hard.
"Of course. Consider it a necessary trial to overcome your immature past. Don’t hold back. Well then, I’ll leave you to it. Tomorrow, make sure to ask this old worm about magecraft. Train hard—you have one month to reach the level of a proper Master." With that, Kuroda absorbed all the lingering black mist in the basement, leaving the room empty and devoid of its previous sinister atmosphere.
Leaving Kariya and the puppet Zouken behind, Kuroda returned to his room. But first, a shower—after spending time in that filthy place, he needed to wash away the bad luck before popping champagne with the two goddesses.
Speaking of which, Kuroda was curious: since Stheno and Euryale shared such a high degree of synchronization, would the height of their champagne sprays also be identical? Well, experimentation was the only way to verify the truth. He’d test it tonight.
Meanwhile, Kariya, staring at the puppet Zouken’s nauseating grin, didn’t hesitate to throw a punch. Smack! Smack! Smack! The sound of his blows echoed through the room as he burst into maniacal laughter, finally unleashing years of pent-up resentment.
Ding—Your subordinate has committed an act of defiance, beating his own ancestor. A violation of natural order. Reward: 20 Villain Points. Current total: 1,720.
……
"Wow… haha!" Little Sakura Matou pressed her face excitedly against the train window, marveling at the passing scenery. Children were always fascinated by new things. Meanwhile, Kuroda yawned, half-asleep in his seat. Last night, his "experimental intentions" had been discovered by the two goddesses, who proceeded to drain him thoroughly. As a result, he looked utterly exhausted today.
But it had been worth it. He had confirmed that the sisters’ champagne sprays indeed reached the exact same height. Truly, goddesses of perfect synchronization.
Kuroda felt that all his efforts had been justified.
Ding—Your subordinate has disrespected his elder, punching and kicking his ancestor out of frustration with magecraft theory. Reward: 10 Villain Points.
Ding—Your subordinate has betrayed his mentor, sending him to the proctology ward. Reward: 20 Villain Points. Current total: 1,750.
"Tsk tsk, these two are quite the troublemakers. Though the points are a bit meager… Well, they’ll add up once I have more subordinates. No rush." Kuroda couldn’t help but laugh at the system’s notifications.
"Hey, teacher, where are we going for our trip?" Sakura tugged at Kuroda’s sleeve, her curious eyes wide.
"Mifune City. There are lots of fun and interesting things there," Kuroda replied.
That morning, Kuroda had set off for Mifune. With matters in Fuyuki settled, it was time to explore elsewhere. Bringing Sakura along would broaden her horizons—keeping a child cooped up at home would only stunt her emotional growth.
Host, are you planning to head straight to the Ryōgi residence upon arrival? the system asked.
"Not yet. The Ryōgi family can wait. First, I want to meet a certain Crown-Class Puppeteer," Kuroda said slowly.
Hmm? Why is that, Host?
"With the Ryōgi family, I could just kidnap Ryōgi Shiki outright, but that would be disrespectful. Plus, if it accidentally wakes that thing up, the consequences wouldn’t be worth it," Kuroda explained. "So, I’ll approach them through Aozaki Tōko’s connections. If she introduces me, it’ll be smoother. Though dealing with her won’t be easy either."
I see… How does the Host plan to persuade Aozaki Tōko?
"She’s living in seclusion now, running a business. So, I’ll treat her as a businesswoman—offer her something of equal value. If the trade satisfies both sides and we establish a good rapport over multiple deals, it should work out." Kuroda rolled his eyes. "Speaking of which, I should thank you, System. Those 10 gacha tickets you gave me? Every pull was a rare material from this world."
That’s just how the normal gacha works! Besides, isn’t this perfect timing? With these ultra-rare materials, even Tōko will have to give you face.
……
"Mifune City! I’m fucking here!" Kuroda stretched as soon as he stepped off the train, exhaling deeply. Then, holding Sakura’s hand, he checked the city map.
"Alright… Garan no Dou should be in this commercial building…" Once he confirmed the location, Kuroda hailed a taxi and headed for the workshop.
After the ride, Kuroda and Sakura entered the building. On the way, Kuroda gave her a quick briefing.
"Sakura, there’s a very impressive lady inside. Be polite, okay?"
"Got it." Sakura nodded obediently.
"Aozaki Tōko, Crown-Class Puppeteer, currently single, carries the title ‘Scarred Red.’ She has a younger sister—their relationship is… complicated. Love and hate, you could say."
"(°Д°)?" Sakura blinked in confusion.
"Don’t worry if you don’t understand. Just remember this: never repeat what I just said in front of her. If she hears it, she might even eat a child." Kuroda teased.
"Eek! O-okay!" The thought of a child-eating lady terrified Sakura.
"Relax. Even if you slip up, I’ll protect you." Kuroda patted her head reassuringly.
"R-really?"
"Of course. In this world, the number of magi who can beat me can be counted on one hand. She’s not one of them." Smiling, Kuroda led Sakura into Garan no Dou.
