[Fan] Chapter 21-25

### Chapter 21: The Sun Has Faded Away——

[

Time flew by. It had already been two years since Yoriichi was exiled from the Demon Slayer Corps.

But his heart still carried a crushing weight of guilt and sorrow. Day after day, he wandered, searching for any trace of Muzan Kibutsuji.

One day, as he walked quietly through the forest, he visited the household of Sumiyoshi and his wife.

This was the place where Yoriichi had once lived with Uta. Two years ago, when he first came here, he saved the couple from a demon attack. Then, with astonishing speed, he found a midwife and helped Sumiyoshi’s wife, Sumi, give birth safely—fulfilling the very task he had once failed for his own wife.

The Sumiyoshi couple were much like he and Uta had been—kindhearted and pure, always willing to help others without asking for anything in return. By sheer coincidence, they had even once saved the wife and children of a feudal lord.

Now, after two years apart, the once dilapidated house stood renewed and warm. Yoriichi was deeply touched by their happiness.

There was so much beauty in this world. To have come into it and walked its path… he felt grateful.

He had been blessed with a gentle mother, a kind elder brother, and a home full of warmth. But why… why had the simple wish to live an ordinary life been denied him?

Looking up at the sky, Yoriichi’s eyes glimmered faintly. Around him, the joyful laughter of the family rang out.

This life… even with godlike strength, he had changed nothing. In the end, he was nothing more than a suffering mortal.

Yoriichi told his story to Sumiyoshi. Tears welled up in the man’s eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.

The swordsman before him, so calm and so strong, carried such bitter sorrow in his heart—yet his face remained tranquil.

“Waaah~” As if sensing Yoriichi’s grief, Sumiyoshi’s little daughter tugged at his sleeve. “Hug… hug…”

Yoriichi hesitated for a moment, then lifted the girl high into the air.

The warm breeze brushed past them. The bright sunlight was blocked by her small figure. But when that innocent, radiant smile—brighter than the sun itself—filled Yoriichi’s vision…

The invincible swordsman wept. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed at the child.

Such purity. Such an unblemished soul.

He truly… had walked such a long and painful road.

After staying with the Sumiyoshi family for some time, Yoriichi departed despite Sumiyoshi’s earnest pleas for him to remain. All he left behind were the hanafuda earrings from his mother and a demonstration of the Sun Breathing forms.

The path of mastery leads to the same end. Life, like drifting clouds, always flows with the winds of fate.

Yoriichi never once believed himself to be someone special. On the contrary, he felt only powerless, incapable.

He had failed to protect what mattered most. He had failed to do what a man’s life was meant to accomplish.

His existence… was worthless.

]

...

【Naruto Uzumaki: “Waaaah, Uncle Yoriichi, you’ll definitely find happiness one day!!”】

【Zenitsu Agatsuma: “Sumiyoshi… that must be the ancestor of the Kamado family! What an incredible bond of fate!”】

【Tanjiro Kamado: “Yoriichi-san… you saved me. You saved my ancestors.”】

【Tsunade: “The price of strength… the heavens already decree it. What use is power when misfortune cannot be escaped?”】

【Meruem: “No! It’s still not enough! With true power, everything can be changed!!”】

【Gilgamesh: “Lost in doubt, pathetic mongrel. Quickly rediscover your path!”】

---

[Demon Slayer World – Infinity Castle]

Kokushibo stared at the screen, fixated on that all-too-familiar, all-too-terrifying figure.

The long blade in his hand groaned as his grip tightened. His six eyes quivered faintly.

“Yoriichi Tsugikuni… you truly were like this from the very beginning.”

Countless memories flickered through his mind—their childhood games, the resolve to protect his younger brother, the compassion for the weak.

When had everything changed? Was it when Yoriichi first displayed his talent? When he was always praised as a prodigy?

Or was it… when Kokushibo’s heart longed to become Yoriichi himself?

---

[

Sixty years passed in the blink of an eye. Kokushibo—the man once called Michikatsu, who should have died before reaching twenty-five after awakening the Demon Slayer Mark—had survived.

Because he accepted Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood, he endured.

He became Kokushibo, Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki—an immortal, undying force.

His sharp-boned face was now disfigured with six glaring eyes. But in this moment, all six were wide, dazed, and filled with dread.

For before him stood a figure, aged yet achingly familiar.

Yoriichi.

Michikatsu had always believed his younger brother had perished before the age of twenty-five. He had clung to that certainty for decades.

Never—never could he have imagined that the frail, white-haired old man now before him was Yoriichi himself.

And then…

Yoriichi’s eyes filled with tears. Those eyes, unchanged, still shone with that same purity and kindness.

“How sorrowful… elder brother.” His voice trembled with pain.

Me… did I lose again?

Kokushibo’s blood-red gaze tore open with fury. Was he… was he being pitied again, by this decrepit, ugly mortal?!!

And yet—when he heard that single word, “Brother,” spoken for the first time in sixty years, a strange sorrow surged through his heart.

It was the last ember of love for his brother, smoldering beneath the raging inferno of jealousy.

But as a demon, Kokushibo could no longer understand such feelings. For a moment, he simply froze.

Then—everything was consumed in an instant.

The blood moon loomed above. The world lost its color.

The moment Yoriichi gripped his sword, overwhelming power erupted from that withered body.

The killing intent and pressure warped the space itself behind him. Even the air trembled, compressed into solidity beneath a force so vast it could sever heaven and earth.

No… this can’t be happening!!

Kokushibo’s heart pounded furiously. His body felt crushed under the weight of a boulder—unable to move.

This wasn’t Yoriichi. This was a demon god. A colossal embodiment of death itself.

Impossible!! He was a demon now! He had an endless lifespan! He had the peak of power itself! Not even the Demon King who granted him strength had ever pressed him so close to death!

“AAAAAHHHHH!!” Kokushibo screamed, his six eyes bleeding scarlet, straining with all his might to move.

But he could not. Not a single step, not a single breath. All he could do was await Yoriichi’s strike.

“I’m coming.” Yoriichi’s voice drifted on the wind.

A flash of steel. Blood spurted. The blade traced across Kokushibo’s neck.

“Why… why is it always you…?” His dying fire flared once more. Kokushibo’s roar shattered the silence, filled with despair.

If heaven pours all its blessings upon one man, why must it always be you?!

Why?! Why not me?!

He knew the next strike would be the one to take his head.

But—

The wind blew, scattering the fallen leaves.

Nothing came.

]

---

【Zenitsu Agatsuma: “What happened?! Why didn’t Uncle Yoriichi finish the attack?!”】

【Gintoki Sakata: “Could it be… he held back for the sake of brotherhood?”】

【Akainu: “Hmph. And such a weak-willed man dares be called god?”】

【Sengoku: “No… most likely, Yoriichi Tsugikuni has already passed away.”】

---

[

Nothing came. No death. No words of scolding.

Yoriichi had spent every last drop of his life. He could no longer swing a second strike. Standing as though still alive, he quietly departed this world.

And before him lay the path—forever diverged—between himself and his brother.

“You bastard…!!!”

Kokushibo’s rage burst forth, tangible as fire. With all his might, he swung his blade, cleaving Yoriichi’s lifeless body.

Blood sprayed. The head fell.

But from Yoriichi’s robes tumbled…

A small flute. Split in two.

Kokushibo froze. His six eyes stared blankly at the broken piece. And time—time spun back to their childhood.

“I’ll treasure this flute, just like I treasure you, brother.”

A vow made in youth, carried across long years, only to end with man and demon walking separate roads.

Somewhere deep in Kokushibo’s eyes… tears began to fall.

]

---

Seven Deadly Sins World

“Foolish child.” Escanor, muscles swelling, downed his drink in heavy gulps.

“How could a mere human ever hope to reach the sun itself? Why must they forever refuse to recognize what they are?”

---/---

### Chapter 22: A Shocking Reward! Ruler of Heaven’s Will! A God of Creation?! Yoriichi’s Choice!

【Demon Slayer World – End】

【Ding! This round’s contestants: none answered correctly】

【This video has ended】

【Timeline recalculating—】

【Character records recalculating—】

【Reward calculation— (Note: the greatest reward goes to the video’s protagonist, tailored to best suit the individual)】

【Reward settled: Demon Slayer World – Yoriichi Tsugikuni, reward selection: one of two】

【1. “Ruler of Heaven’s Will, a true god walking among mortals! Can freely alter the cause and effect of this world, controlling the fate of all living beings! Lose all reason, become a merciless God of Creation, and gain the Ultimate Breathing Technique.”】

【2. “Ordinary—A forever happy, peaceful, ordinary life. Epic Realm.”】

---

Across the multiverse, countless spectators erupted in chaos.

A true god of the world… able to rewrite causality itself, to command the destiny of every living being?

Word after word made their hearts tremble. If Yoriichi chose the first option, he would no longer be a man who could only wield great power yet protect nothing. He would become one who could bend the rules of reality itself.

Choose one, choose one, choose one!!!

The crowd’s voices screamed in unison.

---

[No Game No Life – World]

“So this is it… to instantly become a god of creation?” Tet, wearing his checkered cap, the colorful irises in his eyes flickering with suits of cards, let out a wry laugh.

“But the price… the price is far too obvious. To lose every shred of emotion—what’s left is nothing but a machine.”

“Would such a god even be interesting?”

---

[Naruto World – A Dark Underground Chamber]

“Fsshh…” Orochimaru licked his dry lips frantically, eyes burning with hunger.

“A god… far more fascinating than mere immortality!!”

---

[Fate World] – During the Fourth Holy Grail War, Matou Residence

“God! A god! I must—must be chosen for this list!!” Matou Zouken’s voice cracked with madness, his pitch-black eyes twitching with chaos.

At the Tohsaka household—

“King… is this real? If one became a god, could they enter the Root?” Tokiomi Tohsaka stammered, disbelief making him rise to his feet as he turned to ask the golden tyrant at his side.

“Fool! The so-called gods of this world are nothing but mongrels! How could they compare to me?! The Root? The Root is but a stepping stone!!” Gilgamesh roared, enraged by his vassal’s ignorance.

---

[Konosuba – God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World]

“C-creation God?! One who can change the rules at will, standing above all life—yes, that’s it!!!”

Aqua’s entire body trembled with excitement. She had to be chosen! She had to become the God of Creation! She would drag every arrogant goddess down from their thrones and cast them into other worlds to—

Tighten. Screws.!!!

---

[Spy × Family – World]

“Anya has decided! Anya will become God of Creation!!”

The little girl, not even a meter tall, pointed solemnly at the giant white dog before her.

“Anya will make the whole world a waku-waku world!”

The big white dog tilted its head, then promptly butted Anya into the ground.

---

[Gabriel DropOut – Fallen Angel World]

“How nice… if I became a God of Creation, I could just spend all day gaming without a care.”

Gabriel, her messy hair spread across her pillow, lay in bed with eyes full of lifeless despair.

“And I could follow the internet cables and beat down every noob who dares talk trash online.”

“And no more worrying about being broke on the street because I spent all my money on gacha next week. Yes…”

“Ugh, how annoying. Maybe I should just end the world instead. Yeah, let’s destroy everything!” She pulled out her golden trumpet.

---

[Puella Magi World]

“If it means I can save Madoka… then losing everything is worth it!” Homura Akemi shouted, crushing the Incubator under her heel.

---

The entire multiverse was in an uproar, but within the Pure Land, Yoriichi Tsugikuni remained calm.

His eyes shimmered faintly. To become a god, to become the strongest being stripped of all emotion—did that truly have meaning?

Hadn’t he once already borne the title of “the strongest”? And what came of it?

He had protected nothing. Achieved nothing.

To repeat that path again would only mean reliving the same sorrowful life.

Tears flowed down Yoriichi’s face. In a trembling whisper, he said:

“Lord Sovereign… I choose the second.”

In that instant, golden light engulfed him. Yoriichi’s figure was torn from the Pure Land, along with several others.

Beneath a tree blooming with cherry blossoms, the light faded. Yoriichi opened his eyes—and his pupils widened. His eyes brimmed with tears.

For the first time, the invincible swordsman was struck speechless. He broke down, sobbing, and pulled the two before him into his arms.

“Mother… Uta!”

---

【Aizen: “So, he chose an ordinary happiness.”】

【Jogo: “Fool! Utterly foolish! What garbage is so-called ‘ordinary happiness’? Wouldn’t wielding the power to rewrite the world be better?!”】

【Madara (Cat Mode): “Heaven is without sentiment. If Yoriichi had become Heaven’s law, would he even still be Yoriichi? Even if he erased all demons, would new disasters not arise?”】

【Lelouch: “The world does not need divine interference. Gods need not exist.”】

【Tiamat: “Aaaa… aaaa…”】

【Tri-solarian Leader: “Unanalyzable. Incomprehensible.”】

【Dōma: “Heh, that was close! If Lord Yoriichi had chosen to become Heaven’s will, every demon would’ve been finished~”】

【Aqua: “Ehh? Why do you all care so much! What does Yoriichi becoming a god have to do with your worlds? Hurry, hurry! Play the next video already! Please, Lord Sovereign, pick me! I’ll spray water”】

【Blue-haired Guy: “Hm?! Interesting! I’ve got a friend who’d love this!”】

【Gintoki Sakata: “I’m that friend! Spill it already!”】

【Misaki Shokuhou: “Heh. Perverts like you deserve extinction.”】

---

[Demon Slayer World]

“…He survived.” Lady Muzan stood frozen, cold sweat soaking through her robe, her voluptuous figure trembling.

If Yoriichi had chosen the first option, today would’ve been her execution day.

Fortunately… fortunately not!

“Hah… hahahaha!” Lady Muzan threw her head back in wild laughter. Since he had abandoned that choice, she was certain that from this day forth, none in heaven or earth could restrain her!

But then—

【Ding! Notification: You have been entered into the Epic Realm.】

Without warning, Muzan was dragged into the space, unable to resist.

“W-what… is this place?” Her pitiful, trembling eyes darted around—only for a slash, deep and merciless, to tear through the air.

From the shadows stepped Yoriichi. He thought quietly to himself—it was still better to interfere at least a little. For instance, dragging Muzan out every so often… just for practice.

Moments later, the space echoed with a low, ragged, pitiful wailing.

Muzan: “Uwaaaahhh! Hiiiiiieeehhh—!!”

---

At that moment, the screen shifted once more. A new round of video was about to begin.

【Heaven’s Chains Enkidu vs. Heaven’s Wedge Gilgamesh】

【On the earth a thousand years hence—an Uruk-style reunion!】

---

[Fate World] – During the Fourth Holy Grail War, Tohsaka Residence

The King of Heroes blinked once, then erupted into a thunderous, arrogant laugh.

“Fuhahaha—hahahahaha!!”

“My abs… my abs will burst from laughing!!”

“King, this is—!” Tokiomi Tohsaka’s voice shook with excitement.

“Tokiomi, open your eyes wide and behold the glory of your king! Fuhahahaha!!”

“Yes!” Tokiomi dropped to one knee, his entire body trembling. This was not only a chance to witness his King’s radiance, but also—through the reward his King was destined to obtain—to finally glimpse the Root itself!

Yes. It must be possible. It must!

Tokiomi’s heart brimmed with confidence. After all, he was Gilgamesh’s Master.

Off to the side, Kotomine Kirei flipped through his book, noting with amusement that the legend of Enkidu ended in tragedy. A small flicker of joy sparked in the priest’s eyes.

As countless spectators leaned in, the next question appeared—

【This round’s question—Where did Goddess Ishtar’s “bull-thing” go?】

【Only three contestants may buzz in each round.】

【Buzzing begins now—Ding! Contestants: Ishtar, Tokiomi Tohsaka, Trisolarian Leader】

The entire multiverse went silent.

Goddess Ishtar’s… what?!

What does this have to do with Gilgamesh or Enkidu?! Was the program just playing games with them now?!

Besides, obviously Ishtar’s “thing” would be… on her, right?!

Wait—hold on. Do goddesses even have that kind of thing?!

---/---

### Chapter 23: The Sixth Holy Grail War! Delight! Too Much Delight!!!

【This round’s question—Where did Goddess Ishtar’s “bull-thing” go?】

【Only three contestants may buzz in each round】

【Buzzing begins—Ding! Contestants: Ishtar, Tokiomi Tohsaka, Trisolarian Leader】

On the screen, a black-haired, crimson-eyed goddess of breathtaking beauty appeared. Dressed in ornate yet revealing garments, every flick of her long hair seemed to stir men’s souls.

【Gintoki Sakata: “Heh heh, wait, is this… what I think it is?”】

【Sanji: “No way… could such a cute goddess actually be a trap?! Aaaaaa!! …Huh? On second thought, maybe that’s not so bad either!”】

【Hachiman Hikigaya: “Could such an adorable god really be male? She’s like a little angel… I almost—”】

【Komachi Hikigaya: “Ugh, broken onii-chan just lost all points on Komachi’s scoreboard!”】

【Touma Kamijou: “She’s a goddess, so there’s no way she’d have that kind of thing. Kamijou believes this is just the Ruler’s trap, or maybe a trick question.”】

【Jason: “Ah, youth. Kid, you don’t know Greece. Heaven’s thunder, Greece can pull off any crazy stunt you can think of. A bull-thing? Pfft, that’s nothing! Do you know what Zeus—”】

【Zeus: “What exactly are you implying, Jason?!”】

【Yamato: “Huh, I don’t know anything about this Ishtar goddess’ background…”】

【Ruiko Saten: “Well, according to records, Goddess Ishtar was the Babylonian goddess of nature and harvest, also ruling over love, fertility, and war. She was sometimes associated with the planet Venus.”】

【Edgy Gil: “Heh… and no further record of just how depraved this woman was?”】

【Ishtar: “HEY! Gilgamesh, are you looking for a fight?!”】

---

[Type-Moon World – Fourth Holy Grail War]

“To think… such filth would appear amidst the images of this king and his friend!” The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, his crimson serpent eyes ablaze, roared in fury.

“This shameless harlot dares sully this king’s presence!!”

“Your Majesty… do you know…” Tokiomi Tohsaka faltered, lost for words. He stared at the screen in shock, unable to recover.

Good news: he had seized the chance to answer.

Bad news: “Where did the goddess’ bull-thing go?” How was a gentleman like him supposed to know that?!

And why… why did this so-called Ishtar goddess’ face look so familiar, like—

Tokiomi sank into troubled silence.

---

Chaldea

“W-wait… that’s the Goddess Ishtar?! And her… bull-thing is…?”

At Chaldea headquarters, Doctor Roman, Da Vinci, Ritsuka, Mash, and the others all stared at the screen, leaning back in collective tactical recoil.

By now, they had already cleared six singularities and were preparing to tackle the seventh. That meant any intel on Mesopotamia was crucial.

And first on the list… the goddess’ bull-thing?! Gudako’s expression twisted pale as the words sunk in.

---

Seventh Singularity – Mesopotamian Plains

“My… bull-thing…?”

Ishtar’s jewel-like eyes flickered with bewilderment. After a long moment of dumbfounded silence, she pieced it together.

With what remained of her intelligence, she confirmed—no, she did not have that. So “bull-thing” could only mean her Heavenly Bull, Gugalanna!

“Fuhahaha! As expected of me, the great goddess! Too clever by far! Surely Father won’t mind granting me the Authority of Wisdom as well, yes?”

Ishtar twirled with pride, covering her mouth as she laughed.

But laughing, she suddenly broke into sobs.

So… where had her Gugalanna really gone?!

“Uuuuuhhhh!!”

.........

[Three-Body Problem World]

Among the sea of stars, countless warships gleaming with obsidian light slowly anchored in the void.

Inside the vessels, streams of electromagnetic waves rippled across the minds of the Trisolarans.

“Unable to analyze—”

“Unable to analyze—”

“Unable to analyze—”

Mirror-like humanoid figures reached a unanimous verdict. Their thoughts were transparent; concealment did not exist in their civilization.

Then, silence. The entire Trisolaran race fell into collective silence.

After confirming that the Three-Body Problem could never be solved, they had chosen migration. They had come to the Solar System and discovered Earth.

They had already concluded: Earth’s civilization had yet to grasp the Law of the Dark Forest. Next, they would dispatch the Droplets.

They had arrived first.

And yet—

Why was it that when they gazed upon this great screen, their science-born minds could not comprehend what kind of existence it truly was?

Their calculations showed that neither Droplets, nor antimatter shells, nor even dimensional foils could leave the slightest scratch upon the screen. Even with their curvature drives running at full power for a hundred years, they could not escape it.

Not even the fabled Eradicators could alter it by the smallest degree.

The more they understood, the greater their terror grew.

The only consolation: it seemed the entire universe was now facing this same crisis.

No one… could escape.

---

At that moment, the countdown ended. The answers of the three contestants appeared on the screen. All eyes turned to the display.

【Ishtar: “In the underworld! That rotting woman must have stolen my bull!”】

【Tokiomi Tohsaka: “It rests upon the goddess herself.”】

【Trisolaran Leader: “Cannot predict.”】

【Ding! All three answers are incorrect. The correct answer—Ishtar’s bull-thing—】

【—lies within the Sixth Holy Grail War!】

---

Clock Tower

Lord El-Melloi II’s eyes flew wide open.

“The Sixth Holy Grail War? Impossible!”

He stared in disbelief at the words on the screen. The Holy Grail War should have ended with the fifth!

And besides, how could Fuyuki’s magical energy support another war? Unless… unless a new Holy Grail War had been staged somewhere else?

---

Fourth Holy Grail War Era

“The Holy Grail War?” Artoria’s ahoge sprang upright in shock.

The Grail?! Where was it?! Could she still join?!

---

Avalon

“Aiyaa thanks to this screen business lately, no one’s been coming to watch cute Magical Girl—Merry-chan anymore”

“Thank you to our number one fan, Dr. Roman-who-loves-strawberry-cake, for the super fireworks gift That’s all for today’s stream, bye-bye”

The pink-petaled, white-haired girl made a heart with her hands before hurriedly ending her broadcast, then turned eagerly toward the screen.

Moments later, her lips curled into a perverted grin.

“Ehehe~”

“So it really is the Sixth Holy Grail War! Compared to all the other ones, this is way more fun~~”

Busted brain Busted brain Busted brain~!

Merry-chan was absolutely delighted!

---/---

### Chapter 24: A Top-Tier Servant, the Oldest Hero King—Gilgamesh!

【Night had fallen. In a pitch-black, desolate cavern—

Inside, a campfire flickered faintly.

A pale-faced middle-aged magus stood by a magic circle.

At its center lay a golden artifact shaped like a key.

He raised his hand, and on the back of it glowed a crimson Command Seal. Lifting his voice, he began to chant:

“With silver and iron as the base.

With stone and the Archduke of Pacts as the foundation.

Raise a wall against the wind that shall fall.

Close the gates of the four directions.

From the crown, let it cycle to the kingdom’s crossroads.

Repeat, five times over.

Close! Close! Close! Close!

Here I declare:

Your body shall serve under me.

My fate shall be bound to yours.

Obey the summons of the Holy Grail!”

】

---

【Misaka Mikoto: “Wait—this looks just like the summoning circles in manga for calling evil monsters, right?!”】

【Elaina: “It’s definitely a summoning ritual… but it doesn’t look like he’s summoning something evil.”】

【Mash: “Senpai! That magus has a Command Seal! This is a Servant summoning ritual!”】

【Ritsuka Fujimaru: “Yeah… and judging by the magical energy, it looks like a really extraordinary one.”】

【Whitebeard: “Gurara! I don’t understand a damn thing about this otherworld stuff! Can someone explain? And what’s this ‘Holy Grail War’ supposed to mean?”】

【Merlin: “Hah, then allow big-brother Merlin to explain~”】

【Merlin: “The Holy Grail War is a battle waged for possession of the Holy Grail. It’s said to grant the victor’s wish—participants treat it as an omnipotent wishing machine.”】

【Merlin: “In these wars, magi summon Heroic Spirits to fight on their behalf. These Servants are granted modern knowledge so they can adapt to the present world. The competitors are Masters and their Servants.”】

【Homura Akemi: “The Grail… a wishing machine? That doesn’t sound like a good thing.”】

【Luffy: “Oi, oi! So I can wish for an endless supply of meat?! Hahahahaha!!”】

【Nami: “Idiot! You should wish for endless money instead!!”】

【Ushio Okazaki: “R-really… anything at all can be granted?”】

【Merry: “Ara looks like we’ve got a little girl with a wish! Don’t worry, onee-san can tell you—at least in theory, yes”】

【Aqua: “There’s really something like this?! Then I’ll wish to become the Sovereign!!”】

【Kazuma Satou: “As expected of you… our top-ranked dumb goddess!”】

---

[Type-Moon World – Fourth Holy Grail War]

Einzbern Castle

“The Grail…” Emiya Kiritsugu’s eyes darkened with resolve.

When this war ended, he would seize it—and finally bring true peace to the world.

---

Lostbelt No.6

“The Holy Grail? Hmph. Nothing more than scraps left behind from the Age of Gods. And still, people dare to rely on it for wishes? How laughable.”

Morgan smirked coldly, as if recalling a certain ahoge-bearing knight.

---

Tohsaka Residence

“Another swarm of mongrels after my treasures?!”

The crimson serpent eyes of the Oldest King burned dangerously.

His treasures were for him—and his one true friend—alone.

.....

【“Boom——!”

Mana raged, winds howled. When the blinding light faded, a figure clad in golden armor appeared at the center of the summoning circle.

Sharp features like chiseled stone, short golden hair jutting skyward, and crimson serpent-like eyes radiating supreme arrogance.

Gilgamesh.

The oldest Hero King sat leisurely upon a stone throne, gazing with scorn at the man before him.

“It worked… Hahahahaha! HAHAHAHAHA!” The middle-aged magus covered his face and howled in manic laughter.

Yes! This was it! With this Servant, victory in the Holy Grail War was his for the taking!

“Tell me,” the King’s voice thundered, “are you the insolent magus who dares covet my brilliance?”

“That’s right! I am your Master!” the man shouted with glee.

The next instant, his arm—the one bearing the Command Seals—was severed.

“So, you’re nothing but a clown. Then at least make your death-cry more beautiful, so it might entertain me.”

The King rested his chin in his hand, face bored.

From the darkness, a small figure emerged—a girl. She bowed low, her blade still dripping, the severed hand of the magus falling at her feet.

“I humbly request permission to present myself before the great King.”

“You may. Bask in my glory.”

“It is my greatest honor.” The girl walked forward with utmost reverence, hands folded before her.

“You spared me the sight of this mongrel’s blood splattering my feet. Commendable. But you dare let such unworthy flesh stink up my presence?”

The King’s crimson eyes narrowed. “What excuse do you have?”

“None,” the girl prostrated herself. “It was discourtesy on my part. I simply judged that disposing of a petty thief who stole the key to your treasury was not worthy of staining your hands, so I acted of my own accord.”

“The key?” Gilgamesh gave a cold snort, glancing once at the golden artifact that had been used to summon him. His expression was one of disdain.

“Boring. Yes, I had it crafted—but I found no use for it and tossed it aside.”

He seized the key and casually tossed it onto the ground.

The middle-aged magus, trembling, tried to retrieve it, but the girl warned him sharply:

“Leave now. That way, at least you keep your life.”

“Devour! Curse, erupt!!” The man’s face twisted, his left hand brimming with vile black mana that lunged toward the girl.

Yet she remained utterly calm.

She slapped her palms onto the ground—BOOM! A towering tornado of fire erupted, swallowing the man whole.

Moments later, only a shriveled husk remained.

】

---

【Hashirama Senju: “Hahahaha! A ninjutsu without seals! Just clap your hands and boom—very handy indeed!”】

【Rin Tohsaka: “That old man was pathetic. Not only was his mana corrupted, he couldn’t even control it. His death was well-deserved.”】

【Siduri: “To be so discourteous before the King—such punishment is fitting!”】

【EMIYA (Archer): “So the King himself has been summoned… This Holy Grail War just got interesting.”】

【Smokescreen: “Heheh, the oldest tiger truly lives up to his name.”】

【Ichigo Kurosaki: “Is this King really that strong? Where does he rank among Heroic Spirits?”】

【Merlin: “Top-tier, roughly speaking~”】

---

Chaldea

“M-Mash… when we head to the Seventh Singularity, make sure you treat this King with the utmost respect…” Fujimaru Ritsuka’s face was pale, clearly having grasped something of the King’s infamous temper.

---

Tohsaka Residence

“Heh.” Tokiomi Tohsaka smirked disdainfully, openly mocking the dead fool.

Brother, to act so arrogant before such a living godfather—you were either truly bold or truly stupid.

Did you think every man was a beloved subject of the King?

Adjusting his tie with pride, Tokiomi thought to himself:

No need to be polite about ithe was the King’s most cherished vassal.

---/---

### Chapter 25: The King’s Treasury! The Elixir of Immortality! Young Gil’s Disdain!

【

“You must forgive that display.” The girl, having casually disposed of the middle-aged magus, bowed again with solemn respect.

“You used the leyline of this land, didn’t you?” Gilgamesh studied the girl before him, her features faintly familiar.

“During my absence, was it you people who ruled this land?”

“Allow me to clarify—it was not ruling, but coexistence. With your all-seeing eyes, you must realize: if my clan were to leave Yukihara City, we would revert to mere ordinary humans.”

“Mongrels are mongrels. Whether or not you wield magecraft makes no difference.” The King snorted, rising to his feet. “Then I ask you again—”

“Are you the insolent magus who dares to covet the brilliance of the King?”

The girl did not speak. She simply lowered her head in a deep bow. Upon the back of her hand, a crimson Command Seal glowed to life.

】

---

【Luffy: “Oooh! That looks fun! That’s like a mark of being comrades, right? I want one too!”】

【Ishtar: “Hah! That arrogant bastard actually joins a war like this? Isn’t the Grail already in his possession?! I bet he’s just doing it for his own twisted joy! Back in Uruk he raised a whole bunch of joy-seekers! Siduri, why don’t you say something?!”】

【Siduri: “P-please, Lady Goddess, calm yourself… The King, he…”】

【Artoria: “Wait! What do you mean the Grail is in his possession?!”】

【Young Gil: “Humphahaha! Every treasure in this world belongs to me! Isn’t that only natural? You mongrels are nothing but envious scavengers lusting after my wealth!”】

【Naruto Uzumaki: “Oi oi, this guy’s even more full of himself than Sasuke! …Is he tougher to beat up too?”】

【Ereshkigal: “Tough or not, his treasury truly does hold infinite wealth. That much is true.”】

---

[Wandering Witch World]

“Tch, as if. He’s already dead, just a Heroic Spirit now. No way he still has money.” Elaina pouted, clearly unconvinced.

Then, clutching her own little pouch of gold tightly to her chest, her eyes sparkled.

Hmph, this was hers. No one was taking it!

---

[So I'm a Spider, So What? World]

“Uuuuugh… just let me eat in peace!!” Kumoko mumbled, staring at her tiny spider body before burying herself once more in food.

She had no intention of dying some sudden, meaningless death.

---

【

The girl had no desire for the Grail.

Her only wish was to drive away those magi who desecrated Yukihara City—treating it like the stage of a false Grail War without the slightest regard for the people.

She confessed this wish before the King.

“How dull. It matters not who dwells above—it is all mine by right. Normally I would ignore such trifles. But if vermin dare to seize my wealth, that is another matter entirely,” Gilgamesh replied coldly.

Together, they stepped out of the cave. Below them stretched her followers, men and women ready to sacrifice everything for their cause.

“To use my name to posture before mongrels… It seems your resolve to fight is not lacking.” The King’s gaze swept across the distant figures.

“But in the end, it is nothing but a false throne. Apart from me, only a rabble of mongrels could ever be summoned.”

Gilgamesh raised his hand. Golden ripples shimmered in the air, and from them appeared a vial of pale-blue liquid.

“First, let’s change this body of mine.” The King gazed at the Elixir of Immortality in his palm, his voice low.

】

---

【Elaina: “Wait wait wait?! An Elixir of Immortality?! Where the heck did that come from?!”】

【Gawain: “Ah, legend tells that Gilgamesh once journeyed to the underworld in search of immortality, but the serpent devoured it. So he truly succeeded after all… Could this be one of his Noble Phantasms?”】

【Ishtar: “Idiots! That’s just one trivial trinket in that golden fool’s treasury! He’s hoarded the prototypes of every treasure in existence into his vault!”】

【Gabriel: “…You’ve got to be kidding me. T-this… this is basically begging mortals to commit crimes!!”】

【Iskandar: “To seize the world’s treasures and keep them all for himself… Truly fitting for the oldest Hero King! Hahahaha!”】

【Blackbeard: “If that’s real, then One Piece is trash by comparison! Zehahahaha!!”】

【Doraemon: “Wait—then that means… endless dorayaki?!”】

---

[Magical Girl Illya World]

“Heh, that version of me does seem a lot gentler~.” The golden-haired, red-eyed child Gilgamesh chuckled.

Why drink the Elixir of Immortality?

Because of boredom. And because compared to his youth, his child self was kinder, more approachable—better suited to Girl’s wish.

But… if only he could really drink it. Young Gil sighed regretfully.

His adult self was nothing but a pompous brat, killing this, killing that, shouting “mongrel” at every turn.

The last thing he wanted was for Enkidu to ever meet that arrogant older version of him.

---

The scene shifted—

【A pitch-black forest. Two figures—one chasing, one fleeing.

“Damn it… of all people, the Command Seals had to fall on you.” The man’s twisted face sneered as he lowered his pistol, glaring at the white wolf collapsed in the mud.

“Do you know why I created you?!” he roared, slamming the gunstock into the wolf’s side. “Do you know why I pushed your magic circuits to their limit?!”

“For what reason?! You were a catalyst! A vessel to summon a god!”

“Nothing more than a chimera, yet you betray me and run away?!”

Rain mixed with blood seeped into the earth.

The white wolf’s lifeless eyes stared upward. And yet, driven by instinct, a thought surfaced in its heart—one it did not even understand itself.

I want… to live.

“Then die here, and return those Command Seals to me,” the man said coldly.】

---

【Merlin: “Ah, how terribly rude to subject everyone to such a disgraceful scene.”】

【Gintoki Sakata: “Oi! This bastard’s pissing me off—it feels just like he’s bullying Sadaharu!”】

【Conan: “So this is about using a modified chimera as a catalyst to summon a Servant?”】

【EMIYA (Archer): “Exactly. Not only animals—humans too. The goal is to artificially enhance a Master’s circuits so they can supply more mana to their Servant.”】

【Dr. Roman: “The difference is huge. The same Servant under a third-rate Master versus a second-rate one—the power gap is staggering.”】

【Tokiomi Tohsaka: “Foolish! Without a proper relic, how could a mere beast summon a powerful Servant? Do you think a chimera could ever call forth a Heroic Spirit to rival King Gilgamesh?”】

【Miko Yotsuya: “Then… is this white wolf going to die?”】

【Ushiwakamaru: “My lady, such is the law of survival.”】

---

[Fullmetal Alchemist World]

“Chimera…” Edward Elric’s eyes widened as a memory flashed across his mind, anguish twisting his expression.

These people… they all deserved to die!

---

Tohsaka Residence

Though Tokiomi Tohsaka found it curious that the white wolf had awakened intelligence, even forming the desire to live, to him that was all it amounted to.

A magus with no relic, no qualified Master, not even the foundation of true magecraft—such a one could never summon anything worthwhile.

As for what kind of Servant might appear?

Tokiomi did not care. Because with the appearance of the Oldest King, the final outcome was already decided.

Swirling the wine in his glass with gentlemanly composure, he was the picture of elegance—until the next moment, when his smile vanished.

For on the screen, an unexpected anomaly erupted before their eyes.

---/---