"It's such powerful magic… It helped purge the effects of the Madness Curse."

Lancelot sighed, overwhelmed by the sheer force of the energy flowing through Arakawa Zenkichi. He hadn't expected such power.

Zenkichi curled his lips, unfazed. "Of course it is."

With Kizaru and Aizen's influence, and the constant evolution fueled by Hōgyoku, Zenkichi's strength had climbed to a terrifying level.

He felt that, with the magical energy he had now—especially enhanced by Lancelot's presence—he might just be able to flip the earth itself.

Lancelot's power was absurd. His magical grip alone could subdue almost anything with ease.

That's what earned him the title of one of the "Four Walking Kings." His ability was so broken, so overwhelming… it was even jokingly referred to as the "Hand of NTR."

"Zenkichi-sama, shall we begin hunting the other contestants?"

Lancelot's tone was eager. The magical reinforcement from Zenkichi left him more empowered than ever.

Zenkichi glanced at him. "Before that, there's something you should know."

He paused a beat before continuing, his tone serious.

"Your former king, Artoria… she's also a participant in this Holy Grail War. Are you prepared to face her?"

"…The King?"

Lancelot froze. The image of golden hair and determined eyes flashed in his mind, and bitterness crept onto his face.

"One of the reasons I joined the Holy Grail War was to atone. I wanted to face the King again… to be judged."

"If she's my opponent, I may not be able to guarantee your victory, Zenkichi-sama."

His words carried the burden of a knight's pride and regret, tangled with loyalty and guilt.

"I see. Then answer a few questions for me," Zenkichi said, examining the Command Seal glowing faintly on his hand, "and I'll allow you to act freely."

Lancelot's eyes brightened. "You have my word!"

"Tell me, Lancelot… Is it true that you seduced King Arthur's wife?"

Lancelot's expression stiffened. He laughed awkwardly. "That's purely a rumor, Zenkichi-sama. The relationship between the Queen and me was… entirely innocent."

"Of course, once rumors began to spread, they created misunderstandings. Those whispers eventually led to disaster for the realm."

Zenkichi raised a brow. "Really? Hard to believe. It's said that King Arthur's wife was incredibly beautiful."

Lancelot shifted uncomfortably. "Even so… please don't doubt my discipline as a knight. My devotion—our devotion—was always to King Arthur above all."

His last words trailed into a whisper, but Zenkichi caught them.

"So it's true after all," Zenkichi said, nodding knowingly.

With Artoria's looks, how could the Round Table knights not be tempted?

A pity, really—Queen Guinevere had no say in her fate. Married to a king, yet lacking the charisma to hold a man's gaze.

"You've endured a lot, Lancelot," Zenkichi said. "Tell you what. Why not become mine?"

Lancelot stared. "…"

What kind of twisted logic was that?

He looked visibly awkward. Still, Zenkichi pressed on.

"Besides, your monarch isn't an easy woman. When I meet her, I'll make her my daughter."

"That way, you two can reconcile as family."

To make your former love your sister… Zenkichi grinned. That was poetic in its own way.

He shrugged. "It's pointless to explain further. You'll understand when the time comes."

Lancelot lowered his head. "Please, Zenkichi-sama, do not insult my King's dignity."

May all lovers in the world become siblings, Zenkichi mused, still amused at his own plan.

"Come with me. I'll introduce you to two little girls. From now on, your job is to protect them."

Zenkichi brought Lancelot before Tohsaka Rin and Tohsaka Sakura, casually gesturing between them.

Sakura observed Lancelot with wide, curious eyes. She stood quietly, reserved.

Rin, on the other hand, darted toward him and boldly poked his armor, her curiosity uncontained.

Lancelot smiled politely. As the Flower of Knights, his demeanor remained noble and refined.

"Zenkichi-sama, do you not need me to fight for you to achieve victory?" he asked, clearly longing for the battlefield.

Babysitting wasn't exactly a knight's dream.

If he could meet Artoria in combat… that would be enough. To fall to her blade, he would have no regrets.

"No need," Zenkichi replied casually.

"The Heroic Spirits this time are no pushovers. You may not be able to beat them…"

He paused, flashing a confident grin.

"But I could make them call me 'dad' by the end."

Lancelot chuckled. That arrogance felt oddly reassuring.

"I look forward to the day you win," said Matou Kariya, his voice hoarse from illness as he stifled a dry cough.

"You're not looking so great," Zenkichi noted. "Ever consider switching lifeforms? Maybe become a spirit, or a Hollow?"

"I'm fine…" Kariya muttered. "It's not necessary."

His only drive was the downfall of Tokiomi Tohsaka. Nothing else mattered.

Zenkichi activated his Observation Haki, sweeping through Fuyuki City with a grin.

"Heroic Spirits were summoned today. Everyone's holding back, playing it safe…"

He smirked.

"In that case, I'll stir the pot a little. Let's see who takes the bait."

With a casual step, Zenkichi vanished, reappearing on the outskirts of Fuyuki City. The pressure he released surged through the region like a shockwave.

This wasn't just provocation—it was an invitation.

---

Tohsaka Residence.

The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, lounged on the couch like he owned the place. No trace of a Servant's humility in sight.

Meanwhile, Tokiomi Tohsaka practically waited on him hand and foot, more retainer than Master.

"Tokiomi, what are you still hesitating for?"

"With my strength, I could annihilate those pests with ease."

"What's the point of sitting around?"

Gilgamesh was irritated. He had long grown bored and wanted to test himself against the other Heroic Spirits.

He didn't regard any of them as threats.

"Please, King, be patient."

"If we want to win, this isn't the right time to act," Tokiomi said carefully, suppressing his own desire to go rescue his daughters.

And yet he told Gilgamesh to restrain himself.

At that moment, a tremendous aura swept across Fuyuki City.

It originated from the city's outskirts—unmistakably powerful, and clearly challenging others.

"…Arrogant, aren't they?" Gilgamesh scoffed.

"But with power like that, they've earned the right to be."

Without another word, the King of Heroes rose and vanished in a flash of golden light.

---

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