Chapter 277: Tohsaka and Matou

Chapter 277: Tohsaka and Matou

Amid banter and laughter, the family walked along the path at the foot of the mountain and ascended the approach to the shrine.

Before long, they caught sight of the iconic gate of Ryuudou Temple, which had withstood the test of time for hundreds of years and remained standing despite having experienced four Holy Grail Wars.

In a sense, it could be considered the oldest witness in Fuyuki City, even older than the city itself.

Shinji stopped in his tracks and used his hand to brush away a patch of accumulated snow on one of the pillars of the gate, revealing a weathered stone column. There was a distinct mark on the column, diagonally spanning across its upper half. Although the mark had been worn down over time, it still appeared relatively new compared to the other fine scratches on the stone pillar.

Extending his index and middle fingers, Shinji traced the mark from one end to the other, closing his eyes, and softly said, "Sensei, Happy New Year."

This gate was the site of the final battle between the last two remaining Servants in the Holy Grail War of winter 1994, and the mark was left behind by Scathach with her crimson spear during the fight.

Every time he arrived here, Shinji would pause for a moment, reminiscing about the woman who had the greatest influence on his life and was the first woman in this world to make his heart flutter.

After completing this ritual, he looked up at the junction between the pillar and the gate tower, where another distinct mark could be seen. It was caused by the pressure of the sword wielded by the other participant in the final battle.

"I wish you a happy New Year too, Saber, no, Artoria Pendragon."

Just as Shinji was immersed in memories of the past, a clear voice came from above.

"Ah, you're looking at the gate again, Shinji Matou!"

Looking up, he saw a girl with twin tails and wearing a red jacket standing on a higher step. With her hands on her hips and her chin held high, her turquoise eyes shone brightly amidst the icy surroundings.

"Happy New Year, Rin."

Shinji smiled and walked towards the girl who was the same age as him. She was Tohsaka Rin, Sakura's older sister and one of the few people Shinji felt guilty towards.

"Don't be so familiar! We're not close!" Despite being on the same level as Shinji, Rin maintained her condescending attitude.

Shinji wasn't upset. "You may not be familiar with me, but I'm familiar with you. After all, we both have a common sister."

"Ah, how dare you say that!" Rin became angry whenever that topic was brought up, and her twin tails trembled in response.

He had thought about forgetting Aoi and settling for someone else in his life. But in the end, he realized that the image of that young girl, deeply rooted in his heart since his youth, had not faded with time and experience. Instead, it was like an aging wine that became richer and more profound over time.

Perhaps he could only watch over her like this in his lifetime, even if Tohsaka Tokiomi passed away, the chances of her choosing him were very slim.

Seeing his younger brother coughing until his face turned red and tears streaming down, Byakuya also felt a twinge of sympathy. He turned to the two authoritative figures in the family and asked, "How long can Tohsaka Tokiomi hold on?"

"Not much time left," Justeaze revealed a hint of sorrow, saddened by the fate of another member of the Three Great Families.

"Yeah," Touko confirmed with a nod. "This year, he definitely won't see the sun of the new century."

"I see," Byakuya narrowed his eyes, looking exactly like when Shinji suspected him of scheming something.

"Dad," Shinji called out in a nonchalant tone.

"What is it?"

"I know what you're thinking. Some things are better left as thoughts. When you truly act on them, there's a possibility that it may backfire."

Nobody knows a father better than his son, and nobody knows a son better than his father.

"Have you also thought about it?"

"Yeah, but with a woman like Aunt Aoi, those methods won't work. I'll tell you something when we get back, and then you'll understand."

"Well, that's unfortunate."

Byakuya sighed unwillingly. Two prodigal sons of the Matou family. The older brother had turned around, and he hoped his younger brother could find his happiness too.

"Is there no solution at all?"

"Not at the moment. Maybe when Rin and Sakura grow up a bit more, there might be a glimmer of hope."

External forces can't influence a strong-willed woman like Aoi. Only her closest loved ones can have an impact on her.

PS: F for Kariya.