Chapter 128: Code names.

Words : 917 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

"I'm warning you, don't have any funny ideas about me or Sakura." That evening, Tohsaka Rin stood firmly in front of the door, glaring at Zenkichi. "You're overthinking it," Zenkichi scoffed. "You two are just kids. I'm not interested, alright?" "Maybe after a few more years," he added casually, rolling his eyes. "You really are a pervert!" Rin shouted, pointing at him. "You totally have bad intentions!" Zenkichi walked over, tapped her on the head with his knuckles, and said sharply, "Quiet down, or I'll deal with you right here." Rin immediately zipped her lips, though the resentful glare in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. "Tsk, what a tsundere," Zenkichi muttered, shaking his head. "I always pictured the twin-tailed brat as the little sister type. But you? You act more like the older one." He looked between Rin and Sakura. "Pity," he said softly. "Sakura's more like the quiet older sister, and Rin's got that bratty vibe. Kind of like Marina..." "Alright, you're free to go now too," Zenkichi said, looking at Matou Kariya. He hadn't accepted him as a godson and didn't really intend to. Daughters were fine, but sons? That felt a little awkward. Luckily, the Fourth Holy Grail War was approaching. There would be plenty of neglected wives and cute girls around, and if their fathers or husbands didn't cherish them, Zenkichi was happy to show them some real affection. Matou Kariya gave Zenkichi a conflicted look. He wasn't exactly reliable, but what choice did he have? Zenkichi's strength was beyond anything Kariya could handle alone. Still, with the war nearing, he hoped summoning a powerful Servant might tip the scales. --- Meanwhile, at the Tohsaka residence. Tohsaka Aoi looked at Tokiomi anxiously. "What do we do now? Rin and Sakura have been kidnapped... Shouldn't we call the police?" Tokiomi shook his head in frustration. "What would that solve? That man isn't normal. The police can't handle him. Worse, they could provoke him and put the girls in more danger." He closed his eyes in thought. "There's no need to rush. The Holy Grail War is near." "And until then?" Aoi asked, her voice trembling. "We just do nothing?" "When the time comes," Tokiomi said solemnly, "I'll summon a powerful Servant to deal with him and bring our daughters back." "And if they get hurt before then?" "If that happens..." he paused, then muttered, "then there's nothing we can do. As a magus family, we must be prepared for sacrifices." Aoi fell silent, her eyes full of grief. --- The Next Day Tohsaka Tokiomi was shocked to see Rin and Sakura going to school like nothing had happened. Aoi, acting quickly, contacted Matou Kariya for answers. Kariya, avoiding the full truth, simply assured her that Rin and Sakura were safe. He avoided mentioning Zenkichi's growing ambition, which made him uneasy. The last thing Kariya needed was for Aoi to fall into someone else's hands. But then— "Mrs. Tohsaka Aoi? This is Zenkichi." His voice came over the phone. "I'm the guy who 'kidnapped' your daughters... or rather, rescued them." "You're welcome to come visit them anytime. I'm not keeping them locked away or anything." "You don't need to worry. If I wanted to take you too, I'd just show up at your door." "But I don't do that. I'm not some amateur. Even when I take someone in, I do it with reason." His last line was oddly serious, though anyone listening could tell that by "reason," he meant "force." --- That Evening Rin, having left school early, tugged Sakura along through the streets. "Sis, is this really okay?" Sakura whispered nervously. "Of course!" Rin said. "It's our chance to escape. He was dumb enough to let us go to school, so now's our shot." She grinned, unaware of the tall figure looming behind them. Thwack! A sharp knock landed on her head. Tears welled up in Rin's eyes. "That hit... it's him!" She turned to see Zenkichi's shadow clone smirking at her. "Let's go home," he said simply. Rin launched herself at him, furious, but was quickly pinned down with ease. "From now on, you're part of the Whitebeard Pirates," Zenkichi said calmly. "You need proper codenames." He looked at them thoughtfully. "Let's see... Airi and Shina. How's that?" With one hand, he held Rin still as she fumed. Sakura, on the other hand, remained quiet. She looked resigned to her fate already. "You'll see," Rin muttered bitterly. "Just wait!" "I'll wait for the day you call me 'Dad,'" Zenkichi said with a smirk. "It's only a matter of time. Twin tails like you always crack first." --- Later at the Matou Residence Tohsaka Aoi had arrived. Her eyes lit up when she saw Rin and Sakura, and she rushed forward. "Mom!" The two girls ran into her arms, tears finally spilling down their cheeks. From the second floor, Zenkichi's voice rang out, "If you ever miss your daughters, feel free to visit anytime." Matou Kariya watched the reunion quietly, a complicated look in his eyes. Something about this entire situation felt wrong. But one thing was certain—Zenkichi wasn't someone they could handle. --- Thanks for the Powerstones....send more <⁠(⁠ ̄⁠)⁠ ̄⁠)⁠>

Chapter 128: Code names.

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