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Chapter 19: Hassan of the Hundred Faces
🕑 Added 2025-05-06 12:32:13 +0000 UTCIn the morning, as usual, Takashi Kuroda had his meal and taught little Matou Sakura magecraft. She absorbed knowledge quickly, always able to infer deeper applications from what she learned. Imaginary Number magecraft took on many forms in her hands—warping, arcing, splitting. All that remained was honing her precision, increasing her mana capacity, and gaining real combat experience.
"You’re learning fast, Sakura. At this rate, you’ll master everything I have to teach before long and won’t need me anymore." Kuroda patted her head affectionately as praise. At first, Sakura leaned into the touch, but as his words sank in, a flicker of panic flashed in her eyes.
However, Kuroda’s attention was diverted by a sudden system notification, so he didn’t notice her reaction.
"Ding—System Notification: Your subordinate, Kirei Kotomine, has hospitalized one of his relatives in the proctology department. This qualifies as villainous behavior. As his superior, you share in the infamy and are rewarded with 20 Villain Points. Current total: 1200."
"Huh? What? My underling’s misdeeds count toward my Villain Points?" Kuroda blinked in surprise.
"Indeed. As an ultimate villain, your notoriety isn’t just from personal actions—your faction’s evil deeds also contribute, though at a reduced rate compared to your own." the System explained.
"I see… So building a villainous faction is another way to grow stronger. But what the hell did Kirei do? His only living relative is that old man, Risei Kotomine. How did he end up in the proctology ward? Wait… Did he use that mapo tofu recipe I gave him to cook for his father?" Kuroda wondered.
He had tweaked the recipe to be extra spicy, but surely not enough to hospitalize someone.
"Hope the old man pulls through." he mused silently.
After finishing Sakura’s morning lesson, Kuroda headed out in the afternoon, making his way to the Holy Church. Using the power of the Ruined Force, he subtly drew Kirei out. As always, he maintained his disguise as DIO.
Soon, they were back at the same restaurant from the day before, ordering another plate of mapo tofu.
"So, Tokiomi is scrambling to adjust his plans?" Kuroda asked.
"Correct."
"I imagine your father is equally distressed. Tell me, how does it feel to watch your father and mentor suffer?"
"Exquisite."
"Heh… But for now, this much chaos is enough. The Holy Grail War is just an amusing game—no need to overdo it. Still, Kirei, has your teacher given you any tasks? For instance… care to introduce the one hiding in the rafters?" Kuroda pointed upward with a smirk.
"My apologies… Assassin." Kirei said calmly.
A shadowy figure slipped from the gaps in the ceiling, wreathed in a dark aura—a pitch-black form wearing a skull-like mask.
"Assassin… So your teacher had you summon your Servant early?" Kuroda nodded. No wonder his goddess had remotely sensed multiple entities with the same class appearing in the city. Thankfully, she had followed his orders and stayed hidden.
"Indeed. My teacher tasked them with monitoring all movements in Fuyuki, gathering intel on enemy Masters."
"Them?"
"Yes. This Assassin’s ability allows them to split into over a hundred copies—ideal for surveillance."
"Master, is it wise to reveal such information so freely?" Hassan interjected, uneasy at having their trump card exposed.
"Hmph!" Kuroda’s aura flared—[The Savior of Evil]’s oppressive presence bearing down on the assassin. The effect was especially potent on those who lurked in shadows.
"T-This pressure… How can a mere human possess such terror?" Hassan shuddered, reminded of the dread they once felt before their order’s leader, the previous Hassan-i Sabbah.
"The 19th Hassan-i Sabbah—'Hundred Faces.' Unlike past Hassans, you never modified your body. Instead, your mind is a collective of independent souls, each with unique skills and knowledge. You exploit this to deceive and assassinate in ways no one anticipates." Kuroda’s words were precise, dissecting Hassan’s abilities.
"As a Servant, unbound by physical limits, these personalities can manifest separately. But since your total mana remains unchanged, each split weakens you drastically. Still, your espionage capabilities are unmatched."
Hundred Faces grew increasingly unnerved. Not only had this man seen through their true name, but he also laid bare their strengths and flaws. Against such an opponent, victory seemed impossible.
"Lord DIO, forgive my Servant’s disrespect. They were unaware of our relationship." Kirei bowed slightly.
"No matter. I’ve no interest in squabbling with a dead wraith. In fact, this Servant suits you well, Kirei." Kuroda retracted his aura and sat back down.
"I’m glad they meet your approval."
"Good. Though their constant skulking around the city is tiresome. I prefer my afternoons undisturbed."
"Understood. I’ll recall them during those hours."
Kuroda nodded, thinking, "At least this way, my goddess can roam freely for a while without them spotting her."
Soon after, Kuroda parted ways with Kirei, leaving him with one last remark:
"A mentor is like a father. Don’t limit your… hospitality to just your blood kin."
"Understood." Kirei’s lips curled into a faint, twisted smile. He already knew his next target.
Once Kuroda was gone, multiple Hassans emerged—men, women, children.
"Master… What is that man? We cannot fathom his nature."
"Remember this: You may half-heartedly obey Tokiomi’s orders, but regarding Lord DIO, you will obey him as you would me."
"…As you command."
Hundred Faces silently pondered, "That face… It’s a disguise. I pray, for our sake, he remains our ally."
