Chapter 12: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say—That's My Ninja Way
The story of Shirou Emiya comes to a temporary pause.
Kiritsugu, a participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War, witnessed everything.
He saw the true nature of the Holy Grail.
Silently, he smoked a cigarette.
His gaze fell upon his fellow Masters who had yet to speak.
Before anyone could utter a word, Kayneth snorted coldly. "A tedious trick, to deceive someone of my standing as a Lord of the Clock Tower."
"Wrap things up and prepare to withdraw from Fuyuki, Lancer."
This spoiler.
Cast a shadow over the hearts of every participant in the Fourth Holy Grail War.
Although a happy ending appeals to human sentiment.
Kayneth would never willingly step into such a fatal situation again.
The Holy Grail was a facade.
Its contents were filled with black filth.
Attempting to research such a thing risked severe backlash, and as an orthodox mage from a prestigious family, Kayneth had no desire to waste further time on it.
Better to dismiss Lancer early.
Otherwise, why let him linger as a third wheel between himself and Sola?
He feared a metaphorical green hat might be forced upon his head.
After some thought, the Clock Tower mentor turned his gaze to Waver.
"And what will you choose, Waver?"
"Follow the script and march forward in this doomed war, or return with me to the Clock Tower to face judgment?"
"The debt for that holy relic is enough to keep you working for me for a lifetime, understand?"
Ah, this...
Waver's face paled in shock.
He never expected Kayneth to be so mercenary.
"Professor Kayneth, are you short on money?"
"What a ridiculous question... I'm not short on money. I just want to give money a home."
As he spoke.
Kayneth looked up.
Noticing the departing figures of the Emiya group.
It seems... he saw the edited storyline.
Even Kiritsugu, who had become a puppet of justice, had a sudden awakening?
"Truly miraculous magic."
"Shirou's innate talents were completely erased, yet it allowed him to reach heights he could never have achieved in his lifetime."
"To actually gain the full power of a Servant..."
"After all, what kind of person would the ninth rank be?"
As the reward list was announced.
Enthusiasm spread and extended.
Their anticipation grew with the completely black screen.
The identity of the ninth rank.
The beliefs held by the ninth protagonist.
How could they possibly make the list?
Curiosity grew stronger in this atmosphere.
However, no one expected.
A voiceover slowly emerged.
The words spoken tormented everyone.
"Now, playing the preview for the ninth rank. The main episode will continue after seven working days."
"Please understand, making videos is exhausting. Building suspense is only natural."
"Let me emphasize again, this ranking is entirely my own creation, full of sensationalism, so take the rankings with a grain of salt."
"If you're interested, remember to like, share, and subscribe~~"
After speaking, silence fell again, leaving everyone stunned.
They had never encountered someone so shameless.
"Shamelessly asking for engagement while cliffhanging so skillfully!"
"Why is there a preview for the next episode? This is an edit, not an anime!?"
"I'm speechless. Are you even human?"
The audience erupted in chaos.
Just as the storyline was reaching its peak intensity.
They were suddenly told it would be going on hiatus.
This was like Yoshihiro Togashi reincarnated—such an immoral guy!
First, showing the protagonist's weak moments.
Making everyone question what makes a protagonist.
Then explaining the reason for the protagonist's weakness.
Making everyone suddenly understand.
Next, showing the protagonist's epic moments.
Making everyone recognize the protagonist's talent.
Finally, revealing the protagonist's destiny and tender side.
Letting everyone see that this boy, with a heart like glass who sees others' happiness as his own, possesses a resolve unmatched by ordinary people.
Whether as a Hero of Justice or a machine attaining humanity, this story concluded perfectly, making everyone anticipate what comes next.
And now.
He deliberately leaves them hanging to annoy them!
What a jerk!
Fortunately.
He did give everyone a small snack to pass the time.
So, who exactly is the ninth rank?
Everyone widened their eyes, staring at the screen.
The pitch-black screen finally lit up again.
Vivid countdown numbers began flowing backward.
From 10 to 1, the screen started playing!
[Clang clang—!]
Suddenly, an impassioned musical melody.
Then transitioning to the familiar Hokage BGM melody known to many in the daily anime world.
The ninth rank of the top ten protagonists.
With the passionate and melodious tune, a scene of birds soaring across a blue sky came into view.
A golden-haired, blue-eyed youth dashed through the forest.
As his story unfolded, his self-introduction emerged through rhythm and imagery.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto."
"Do you think it's acceptable to keep crying like you're the tragic protagonist just because of something? You look like an idiot, crying nonstop, you pitiful crybaby!"
"Believe it! That's my Ninja Way!"
The golden-haired boy danced through branches and leaves, across battlefields.
With the narration, spectacular scenes followed one after another.
There were scenes of the boy training, places where he practiced with his mentor, and moments of him swiftly running through the woods before switching to Sage Mode.
At the end of the visuals.
Golden light condensed into two suns, then compressed into a fiery fox-like emblem stamped at the center of the screen.
Naruto, clad in a red haori that dominated the entire screen, stood with arms crossed, flanked by two lines of dazzling gold-and-red text.
[Top 10 Anime Protagonists, No. 9, Uzumaki Naruto]
[Motto: Believe it! That's my Ninja Way]
[Countdown: 216:00:00 Hours]
Instantly, the entire Shinobi World fell into stunned silence.