Shirou understood perfectly why Matou Zouken carried himself with such confidence.
The video had shown clearly that Zouken had survived all these years by draining the life force of ordinary people.
Yet, in truth, few magicians would see this as unreasonable; many would even accept it as inevitable. In the world of magic, every magician prides themselves on superiority.
Although the Magic Association and the Holy Church forbade interfering with the mortal world, the Holy Grail War itself must remain secret. Having mastery over hidden powers and transcending ordinary humans… what's wrong with sacrificing some common people to extend one's life?
Now, since Zouken had not implanted a marker worm in Tohsaka Sakura, Shirou estimated that neither the Magic Association nor the Holy Church would classify him as heretical. No crusade would be launched.
"And that old man is hardly easy to kill—his body is well-hidden somewhere. But Tokiomi Tosaka will bring Sakura back to the Tohsaka family. This will change her fate drastically. Even Tokiomi's deep resentment toward the Matou family will shift. My reward should follow soon…"
Indeed, events unfolded exactly as Shirou had predicted.
---
Tokiomi Tosaka ran toward the Matou residence without pause. Along the way, his eyes caught glimpses of the ominous Matou Zouken. But when he finally stood before him, Tokiomi calmed.
Zouken greeted him with a sly smile: "Master Tosaka, it has been a long time."
Despite his anger, Tokiomi dared not act rashly. Every magician's home is a deadly place; the Tosaka villa itself is essentially a magical laboratory filled with traps and wards both inside and out.
"Where is Sakura?" Tokiomi asked directly.
"Have you forgotten our agreement, Head of the Tohsaka family?" Zouken replied slowly, without haste. "Although it may seem cruel for a child to inherit magical power from me, you must understand, Master Tosaka, that Sakura's potential is exceptional. Only I could have prepared her properly. If I had hidden my secrets, she would be like Kariya—waiting ten or twenty years for a new Matou heir to appear in her womb."
"Enough talk—where is Sakura?!"
"She was playing with her brother in the living room." Zouken's smile was unsettling, as if savoring Tokiomi's frustration.
"Return her to me!" Tokiomi's voice was fierce.
"And yet," Zouken replied, "the Tosaka family leader must honor some terms for breaking our agreement. How about this? Ensure that your disciples do not interfere with me until the Holy Grail War concludes."
Suppressing his anger, Tokiomi's gaze alone was enough to make Zouken uneasy. After a few moments, he exhaled deeply:
"Very well. Bring Sakura out. I trust your word."
---
Immediately, Zouken waved toward the inner room. Tohsaka Sakura emerged, tears in her eyes. When she saw Tokiomi, her expression lit up… before breaking down entirely. She ran into his arms, crying.
"It's alright, it's alright, Sakura-chan~" Tokiomi soothed, gently patting her back.
As her sobs quieted, he stood and hugged her close. Then, with a final look at Zouken, Tokiomi turned and left.
By the time he returned to the Tosaka mansion, the video concerning Matou Zouken had ended.
---
[Irisviel]: @Tokiomi Tosaka, did you bring Sakura back safely?**
[Kotomine Rimasa]: @Tokiomi Tosaka, is she home now?**
[Tokiomi Tosaka]: Thank you for your concern. Sakura is safe at home.**
[Irisviel]: That's good, that's very good~**
[Mordred]: @Tokiomi Tosaka, did you confront that old fiend?**
[Aozaki Aoko]: You didn't just leave, right?**
[Tokiomi Tosaka]: ...**
[Mordred]: Useless! His own child suffered, and yet he did nothing?!**
[Aoi Tohsaka]: Thank you for your concern. Tokiomi has his own difficulties. As long as Sakura is safe, that's what matters.**
[Matou Kariya]: @Aoi Tohsaka, still defending him?
[Blackbeard]: What a loyal woman.
[Fergus mac Róich]: Not bad! @Matou Zouken, if a girl cannot protect her man, she cannot protect anyone.
[Matou Kariya]: I! @Tokiomi Tosaka, you are not worthy of Aoi!
[Aoi Tohsaka]: @Matou Kariya, enough!
[Blackbeard]: Look, Fergus mac Róich, he looks ridiculous!
Back at the Tosaka residence, after instructing Kotomine Kirei to take Sakura to the Castle for safety, Tokiomi slumped onto the sofa.
He watched the screen pass by and clenched his fists, his face red with anger. Yet in the end, he could only lower his arms weakly.
Outside, on the window sill, Gilgamesh's figure appeared slowly, gazing down at Tokiomi with evident disdain.