Shinji Matou at Your Service-Chapter 922 - : Sakura’s Decision

"Matou Shinji, you are my enemy."

Rin declared.

This wasn't just a simple clash of emotions between a boy and a girl over trivial matters. It was an unshakable resolution. This was what she had strived for all along, the reason she entered this war despite her mother's objections. While it pained her to see an old friend of over ten years become her enemy, she would not waver. This was her, Rin Tohsaka, the sixth head of the Tohsaka family.

"Your father's death—"

Shinji started to explain but, seeing the determined look in Rin's eyes, he swallowed his words and changed his approach.

"—Forget it. There's no point. Yes, I schemed against your father, and I can't say I bear no responsibility for his death. Whether you seek revenge or justice, come at me. I'll take it. For Sakura's sake, I won't hurt you."

Mentioning Sakura only inflamed Rin's anger further. How dare you mention her? As her brother, you plotted against her father? Is this how you act as a brother?

"Well, I won't kill you either, for Sakura's sake!"

Rin spat through clenched teeth, her fists tight as her fury threatened to overtake her. The respect she had for her father and her love for her sister only deepened her rage toward Shinji.

The years of suppressed emotions surged like a volcano ready to erupt. Her anger overwhelmed her reason, and magical energy gathered at her fingertips, forming the cursed Gandr shot.

"At most, I'll put you in a hospital bed, just like father!"

"Well, I must thank you for your mercy," Shinji retorted with a smile that Rin always found insufferable—and now even more so.

Without saying another word, Rin turned her head slightly.

"Archer, take care of the Servant."

"That's for me to say," Gilgamesh replied nonchalantly, unfazed by her tone, before shifting his focus back to Scathach.

At the same time, Scathach glanced at Shinji, signaling that she would handle the Servants, leaving Shinji to focus on the Masters.

As their gazes met, Rin pointed her left hand at Shinji, releasing a magical shot the size of a fist. Shinji raised his left hand in response, gathering magical energy in his palm to prepare his counterattack.

However, before he could release his magic, a third magical shot descended from above, nullifying Rin's Gandr. The violet energy and rare imaginary element revealed the identity of its caster.

"Sakura!"

Rin looked up at the girl standing on the roof of the main school building, gracefully descending into the courtyard using a slow-fall spell. It was her sister—her irreplaceable family.

"Big sister, I won't let you hurt my brother," the violet-clad girl declared, surrounded by runes, making her intent clear.

"You're going to help him?"

Rin asked in disbelief.

"Yes."

Sakura walked over to stand beside Shinji, shoulder to shoulder.

"Even after hearing what he said? He's responsible for father—"

"I heard it all!"

Sakura cut her off, something Rin could scarcely imagine from her normally polite sister.

"I've always known. I, like my brother, am a disciple of Scathach."

"Then why—"

"Father's death wasn't my brother's fault. It was because he wanted the Grail too much and refused to accept his defeat. Don't you remember? Ten years ago, the day Mother took us to see him? He didn't even look at us, only had eyes for the Grail!"

"You... you dare say that? He was our father! The man who gave us life and raised us!"

"Yes, he gave us life, but as for raising us... Sister, do you think he fulfilled his duty as a father? How many times did he hold us? How many times did he show affection? And after I turned five, I was sent to the Matou family."

"He just didn't know how to express it. He loved us. He sent you to the Matou family for your good," Rin argued.

"Maybe his intentions were good, but he had no idea what I went through there," Sakura replied, taking a deep breath to calm her emotions.

"On the day I arrived at the Matou house, if it weren't for my brother saving me, I would've been eaten by those worms. I didn't understand it back then, but I do now. So no matter what happens, I will stand by my brother's side."

"Sakura..."

Rin's eyes widened as she took in this side of her sister she had never seen before.

"... Is this your decision?"

Rin asked.

"It is. I am Sakura Matou, and I won't let anyone hurt my brother. Even if it's you, Sister, I will do everything in my power to stop you. That's why I've worked so hard to get to where I am."

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Sakura raised her sleeve, revealing the red Command Seals on her arm. At her side, the figure of Medusa, armed with her modified Harpe scythe, stood silently.

"Command Seals... You—! Does Uncle Kariya know you're a Master?"

"I'm not that foolish. If he knew, Mother would know, and then you would too. I kept it hidden from him. Sister, if you insist on harming my brother, then Rider and I will be your opponents—"

But before she could finish her declaration, a hand reached from behind, ruffling her hair.

"Sakura, I'm touched by your feelings. But your brother isn't so weak that he needs protection. And that's your sister. There's no need for siblings to fight while I'm around."

"But, Brother, she wants to hurt you," Sakura replied softly, her usual tenderness returning, which only made Rin more conflicted.

Shinji chuckled, "Don't worry. How many times has your sister ever gotten the better of me?"

Sakura thought about it and realized it was true. Rin often gave Shinji the cold shoulder, but in front of the family, Shinji always seemed the more mature and sensible one.

With that, Sakura stepped back behind Shinji. She didn't want to fight Rin unless necessary, as Rin had always cared for her despite their different family names.