Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1 & 2 

Sakura's Diary Entry #1

Ueda Rinko's Resume

Ueda Rinko

3-18-6 Kasugano Heights, Miyama Ward, Fuyuki City,
Fuyuki Prefecture 602-8741, Japan
(0798) 52-4360
[email protected]
Skills
Computer Literacy, Public Audit Preparation, Time Management, Inter-Agency Liaison (Child Services, Legal Counsel), Expulsion Framework Administration, Recordkeeping & Case Documentation

Experince

June 1994 to present
Fuyuki Municipal Homurahara Elementary School, Fuyuki, Japan - Principal

• Directed all academic and operational aspects for a student body of over 400 students.
• Maintained unblemished records during six consecutive prefectural inspections (1994 to present).
• Reduced incident report backlog by 52% via standardized intake logging.

September 1990- June 1994
Fuyuki Municipal Homurahara Elementary School, Fuyuki, Japan - Vice Principal

• Implemented multi-tier discipline pathways aligned with Policy 4.1.2.
• Initiated the "Early Warning Attendance Matrix" still used in screening today.
• Oversaw onboarding and training of junior administrative staff.

September 1982- September 1990
Fuyuki Municipal Homurahara Elementary School, Fuyuki, Japan - Arithmetic Teacher

• Developed interactive lessons plans leading to an overall 5% increase in student GPA year on year.
• Managed and led workshops for parents to enhance their understanding of modern mathematical teaching procedures and inform them of their children's progress.

Education

September 1978 - September 1984

Reien Institute of Technologyy, Tokyo- B.A. in Liberal Arts, Minors in Mathematics

Certifications

Certificate of Crisis Intervention and Child Protection - The Board of Youth Protection Specialists

School Safety & Incident Protocols - Level I & II- The Board of Youth Protection Specialists

Awards & Recognition

Award of Excellence in Administrative Compliance – Fuyuki Board of Education (1990, 1992, 1993)

Affiliations Member, Fuyuki Administrative Council for Education (FACE)

Chapter Text

True Name: N/A Multiple People

Species: Human

Gender: Males and females amongst them

Blood Type: N/A

Organization: Yakuza branch of Fuyuki

Affiliation: Raigia Fujimura (Former Leader), ██████ AKA Lord Rider (Current Leader)

Place of origin: Japan

Birthday: Varied

Age: 20-50's

Likes: Gambling, food, smoking, training, traveling, tales of conquest

Dislikes: Cowardice, weakness, lord Rider trying to get them to eat horse meat or drink mare's milk at every meal

Natural Enemy: Foreign interests, Gilgamesh, Kiritsugu

Region of Origin: Japan

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Parameters

Strength: D--​	Endurance: N/A​
​	​
Agility: E​	Mana: N/A​
​	​
Luck: E+​	Noble Phantasm: N/A​
​	​

Noble Phantasm: Banner of ██████ (Does not belong to them)

Identity and Lore

Regular humans that previously belonged to various Yakuza syndicates across Fuyuki and nearby regions, forcibly or in most cases willingly recruited into ██████'s campaign during the Fourth Holy Grail War.

Under normal circumstances, these Yakuza mooks don't possess any magical aptitude or combat prowess beyond typical human capabilities. However, being subjected to the influence of ██████'s Noble Phantasm, they are elevated into artificial pseudo-██████'s, carrying the echo of the conquests and bloodshed of his once mighty armies that terrified all corners of the known world.

Class Skills: N/A

Personal Skills: Although the Yakuza as a group do not possess personal skills like servants, they still retain their proficiency as an organization as a result of ██████'s interference, despite it being diluted due to their overall number. As a result, their general traits can be characterized as pseudo-personal skills.

Golden Rule (D+): While not particularly affluent individually, the organization of the Yakuza has always found success in "collecting" and accruing vast riches from their various enterprises. Among mages, it is even rumored that one of the syndicates currently possesses the "Honjo Masamune" sword made by Japan's legendary blacksmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, the alleged teacher of Senji Muramasa, if myth is to be believed.

Charisma of the Amir of the steppe (D-): Derived from ██████'s presence as a military conqueror feared across the known world, this skill empowered the group to act in unison. In this case, when engaged in combat, the group is capable of behaving akin to elite military squads rather than organized gangsters. However, when members are isolated or emotionally rattled, this skill will begin to degrade, which can cause the collapse of the group's unity to its natural state based on the constitution of the bearers.

As always, any feedback is more than welcome!

Chapter Text

True Name: Shuja-ud-din Timur

Nicknames: Timur the lame, Tamerlane, The prince of destruction, Lord Rider

Species: Human

Class: Rider

Gender: Male

Blood Type: O+

Place Of Origin: Uzbekistan, Central Asia

Birthday: April 9th

Age: 68

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Likes: Competence, learned men, culture, geopolitics, reading, horse meat, and mare's milk

Dislikes: Weakness, his men not eating horse meat or mare's milk with him, arrogance, corruption, the current state of Central Asia.

Natural Enemy: Gilgamesh, Kiritsugu, Iskandar

Alternate Class: Archer

Fan Casting Voice Actor: Jeremy Irons (Dub), Kazuhiko Inoue (Sub)

Theme Songs: Darth Revan Theme (MEDIEVAL), He Is Sahn-Uzal (My personal pick)

Parameters:

Strength: B​	Endurance: B-​
​	​
Agility: B​	Mana: D+​
​	​
Luck: C​	Noble Phantasm: B++​
​	​

Class Skills:

Riding (A+ Rank): Timur possesses exceptional mastery over all types of mounts and vehicles, reflecting his prowess as a nomad of the steppe and his time leading from horseback across many terrains. This skill allows him to effectively command and ride any steed or vehicle with unparalleled skill.

Magic Resistance (C Rank): In life, Timur is said to have slaughtered up to 5% of the world's population in his conquests. Timur's massacres were of such scale that many of those he butchered dedicated their final breaths with incomprehensible curses towards him. However, none of these curses reached Timur, who would unknowingly only become more resistant to curses and spells directed at him, indirectly saving him from many assassination attempts. Higher-level Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals may still affect him.

Personal Skills:

Military Tactics (C+ Rank): As an accomplished general and tactician, Timur can formulate battle plans and adapt to changing combat situations. This skill enhances the effectiveness of his Noble Phantasms, especially those involving large-scale engagements.

Charisma (B+ Rank): Timur's commanding presence and leadership inspire loyalty among his troops and fear in his enemies. This skill boosts the morale and combat effectiveness of his allies while potentially intimidating opponents. A reflection of his ability to go from a minor noble turned bandit with only seven companions to one of the most infamous figures in human history.

Noble Phantasm:

Gur-e Amir: The Conqueror's Eternal Legacy (B++ Rank):
Anti-Army

This Noble Phantasm manifests as a ███████ representation of the skulls of ██████ that Timur would █████ of his ██████ ███████. Upon activation, it projects an imposing, ███████ structure that grants him both █████████ and █████████ capabilities. While within its ██████, Timur's ███████ and █████████ are ████████, and he can ██████ ██████ anyone who has █████ their ███████ to him. The █████████'s presence also instills ████, ███████ opponents, and ██████ their █████████.

Banner Of The Steppe (B Rank)
Support

A Noble Phantasm that imbues ordinary men and their weapon of choice with a fragment of the prowess of Timur's vast armies, while not truly transforming them into pseudo servants, it brings them close enough to the realms of servants to compete. However, the blessing is finite: the more soldiers it embues with power, the thinner its power is spread. In small bands, men can rival low-tier Servants. In larger numbers, they function more akin to a large tide of iron, and the pulse of conquest beats within their hearts. Less powerful, but no less deadly.

Mount: The Four Cradles

A gilded war chariot pulled by a unit of four spectral warhorses named after and representing the winds of the steppes that he grew up in. Each horse was taken from a region Timur conquered or sacked that is considered a cradle of civilization (Persian, Turkic, Iraqi, Indian) and is outfitted according to its region of origin.

Chapter Text

Many were spared when the Timurid Emir set his gaze upon our fertile lands. We had no desire to fight, as the father of Zain Al-Abidin had declared our loyalty to his vast empire. Yet even so, Zain Al-Abidin did cast aside the claims of loyalty his sire provided, so the Emir took up arms once more. A headstrong warrior, if there ever was our Shah, was not prepared for the onslaught that broke upon the land.

Yet our resplendent city of Isfahan had been spared, for we had at the time seen the wisdom as was given by the grace of Ahura Mazda and by the wisdom which descendeth from the house of songs, in our capitulation. Our city had been spared, our women unspoiled, our children untouched, and our lives safe. As to where the armies of our Shah had slunk to, none could say.

The Emir was a great admirer and seeker of learned minds. Philosophy, pottery, theology, engineering, poetry, academics, and scholarly works of all walks were plunders that he sought to adorn his own capital of Samarkand. And so many were given the choice of migrating Ifrom sfahan and trekking to Samarkand with the promises of silver, saffron, carpets, raiment, security, and property.

And so I humbly set my head to my knees in submission, and asked for the privilege of being the first to migrate. The Emir invited many of us to a feast that day and spoke with wit and a somber charm to all who came across him. Some of my peers extolled the virtue of his wisdom and how he would become the Emir of all lands where the Mohammadans had touched.

I held no discourse with him nor the opportunity to bandy words, as I'd instead buried myself in my revels after I'd happened upon a servant of the Emir whom I'd recognized. She'd been my wet nurse as a babe, and later on one of my caretakers after mine own father had passed away. Unseen, I pressed a portion of my coinage on hand beneath the sole of her sandal and whispered blessings of fortune.

The Emir lingered upon the Isfahan for seven sunsets, his soldiers flowed in and out of the city unchecked, but with restraint, as the Emir, in his mercy, had decreed that any of his men who would lay their hands upon the populace in wantonness would have his head adorn the walls of Isfahan. And so it was within the setting of the sun that we would see three heads positioned upon our walls.

Coin and gifts were hoisted within half a fortnight as we set trail to Samarkand with a detachment of fifty Timurid soldiers. They treated us as honored guests, sharing meat and tales as men ought to do when able. But there is no dignity in being moved like wares of a caravan.

…I would never again set my sights upon the jewel of my homeland. Wherein my mother had worked diligently to keep our household from strife for the sake of her children. May the house of song one day give entry to her soul.

…In Samarkand, I taught young princes and lords how to recite my culture's poetry and language as if it were their own.

…Months hence, I would learn of my homeland's revolt, which did arise while the Emir marched eastward, and as I pressed companions for news as it came, I prayed that my mother and kinsmen had been spared. One of my students, a son of a cousin of the Emir, offered to send a letter on my behalf. I wept, and gave praise to Ahura Mazda, and instructed my student on what I wished to impart with haste.

Chapter Text

November 25

I don't like it when it's cold, but it wasn't so bad today.

I still haven't seen Kariya in a long time. Grandfather says he is okay, but I don't believe him. He didn't look good when I saw him. I miss uncle Kariya, even if seeing him is scary and makes me feel sad.

I tried to listen to Assassin and Grandfather today but they caught me at the end. Assassin said he ate one of the worms. It sounded really gross. Why would anyone eat a worm?

When they caught me, Assassin wasn't mad, but grandfather told him to take me outside. I think he could have said no but he didnt. At first, I was scared but Assassin said it would be alright. I don't know why I believed him, but I think its okay.

We went outside. It was cold, and I think Assassin didn't like the cold.

Is it because he's a snake? I think one of my teachers said they have cold blood. Maybe I can bring him a blanket next time?

Then he took me to a place called The Papertrail. Assassin bought me the second volume of Magic Knight Rayearth, even though I didn't say anything. He also bought some sweets, but he gave them to his snake first. That was really weird. He also didnt tell me that he bought them until the end!

We went to meet an old lady named Madam Zhao. They talked in a language I didnt understand. I felt a little jealous seeing them. They also smiled a lot. I wish I could do that..

Assassin showed me how to skip rocks as well! He said I was better than him when he started. It felt good to hear that. I think he was being nice, but I still liked it.

I saw something strange by the pond. A boy was crying and a man was pulling him but the assassin didn't wanna help.

Assassin is strange. I don't understand why.

When we came home, Grandfather had guests, but I didn't know any of them.

I wonder who they were. There was a lady there, and I thought she was pretty to. Assassin gave me my gifts then. He said it was to make up for scaring me at the summoning. I didn't think he would remember.

I felt warm when he gave them to me. It felt strange but nice. Assassin asked if I wanted him to come back again, and then my grandfather called us inside.

I hope he visits again

I think today was a good day?

I wonder how long it will last.

Chapter Text

December 16

Today was weird.

Assassin came again but he didn't say he was coming, and he brought a lady called Rukia this time. She was loud and touched my face. I don't like that but I didn't want to go back inside. Assassin said it would be fun though so i trusted him.

We went to a cafe. I didn't know what to get, so Assassin picked something. I wish I knew how to pick things faster. He talked with the lady a lot. I didn't know what they were talking about. I just walked behind them the whole time.

He said it wasn't babysitting. He said he likes spending time with me. I didn't believe it at first. People don't say that. But he said it anyway.

They laughed a lot and looked happy.

I wanted to be happy too!

Then I saw mother and rin. At the park. They were smiling and playing under the monkey bars. Mother brushed Rin's hair and Rin was laughing so loud I could hear it.

They didn't see me. I didn't say anything either. I just looked and it hurt.

Why do they get to be happy?

Why didn't they keep me?

I ran to Assassin he didn't get mad. He just asked if I was okay. I couldn't talk. He didn't ask again. He just took me somewhere else sat next to me and talked to me.

I told him. I told him I used to be a Tohsaka and how my dad gave me too the Matou. Rin got to stay and I didn't. That maybe it meant I wasn't good enough.

He didn't argue and didn't say they were right or to forgive them.

He said my feelings mattered and said I can feel angry even if they're my family.

Uncle Kariya always told me I'd go back to them someday. That they still loved me. But I don't think so. I don't think people who love you just throw you away.

Assassin told me about his family too. He said he wasn't born special. That his father used him, even though he loved him. That he was wrong to trust him.

I feel bad but i was kind of happy when he told me about the bad stuff, does that mean im a bad person? I feel like he knows me more because of the bad stuff but i don't want bad stuff to happen to Assassin. He's my friend I think? Maybe I'm going to ask him next time.

I don't know what's true anymore. I still love Mother and Rin… I think? Should I still? But I also think maybe they didn't love me like they're supposed to, and I think it's okay to that I think that?

I didn't say it, though. But I don't think it felt wrong when I thought it.

Assassin asked me if I wanted to learn magic. I was scared because of grandfather. But I still said yes.

He said it would be our secret.

I hope he keeps it.

I hope he keeps coming back, too!

Even if he's a monster (I don't think he's a monster), I don't think I care; he's my friend.

Day 1: Intro to Magecraft

Duration: Three hours with two breaks of thirty minutes.

Pre-lesson objectives

• Ascertain Sakura's overall knowledge of magecraft and the mage world
• Conclusion: Almost nothing…
• Personal Note: Do not tell Kariya about any of this!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the nature and transition from the Age of Gods to the Age of Man
• Define the role of mystery in magecraft and the world
• Distinguish between True Magic and other magecrafts as opposed to magecraft.
• Introduction to the fundamentals of the magi world.

Module 1: What is Magecraft?

• Definition: Magecraft is the artificial reenactment of Mystery, which is ordinarily possible only by inhuman beings.
  • Differentiation between Magecraft as we know it and "Magic"
  • Mystery: The "weight" of supernatural truth. As the world modernizes, mystery decreases.
• True Magic: Supernatural phenomena that are considered unachievable by modern magecraft. Only five types are known.
  • First Magic
  • Second Magic (Operation of Parallel Worlds)
  • Third Magic (Materialization of the soul)
  • Fourth Magic
  • Fifth Magic

Module 2: The Three Ages of Decline

• Age of Gods: Divinity is present on Earth; natural laws are governed by mystery as opposed to the current rules of nature, which are dominated by physics.
• Age of Fairies: Bridge mark between the Age of Gods & Age of Man. It begins post-age of gods and is dominated by local folklore and fairy tales in the British Isles.
• Age of Man (Present): Slow decline of mystery in favor of science; most phantasmal species and deities have fled to the reverse side of the world, and magecraft has entered a steady decline in comparison to prior ages.

Module 3: Mana, Od, and Magical Energy

• Mana: Ambient magical energy drawn from the environment. Easily the most ideal for long-term use, yet rarely generated in such a way in significant quantities by modern magicians.
• Od: Internal magical energy produced by the body. Ultimately in comparison to the traditional non mage view of mana and the production generated from mana circuits due to its nature as a life force.
• Magical Circuits: A set of pseudo-nerves that is spread throughout the human body and the key to what qualifies someone's potential as a mage. It is capable of converting Od into magical energy and giving mages access to Thaumaturgical Foundations. Exist within the soul.
• Sakura Matou currently has up to 40 natural magic circuits of exceptionally high quality, more than Kariya's atrophied 25.

Module 4: The Five Elements (Fundamentals of Nature Alignment)

• Fire
• Water
• Wind
• Earth
• Void

Module 5: Rules of Concealment

• Magecraft demands the utmost secrecy.
• The Clock Tower's (the largest of the mages association branches) first mandate on mage secrecy is to "never allow a miracle to be witnessed unshielded," in reference to the performance of magecraft in front of non-mages without proper affiliations.
• The mages' association typically does not care about the crimes committed by mages so long as they pose no risk of revealing the existence of magecraft to the public. However, it generally does not allow research that would harm society or involve innocents when able and will typically either dispatch assassins in response or, depending on the situation, work with the holy church for said circumstances.

Sakura's Homework Assignments

The objective is to build Sakura's comfort with magical vocabulary and visualization.

• Choose five objects that you see and assign one of the five elements to them. Explain why each object belongs to that element.
• Explain magic circuits in your own words. What does it mean to have more magic circuits vs. fewer magic circuits?
• If you could pick any of the five magics to be able to do, what would you choose and why?

Day 2 Plan

Lesson 2 (Magi Lineages and Magical Inheritance) should take place after a review of lesson 1.

Chapter Text

December 17

Today was weird again, but a good kind of weird?

Assassin came back like he promised and started teaching me about magecraft today. It still feels strange to write it. He said this had to stay secret, or he'd get in trouble, so I promised him I wouldn't tell Grandfather or Uncle Kariya. I didn't want anything bad to happen to Assassin, or for him to stop visiting me.

I miss Uncle Kariya.

Magecraft is really hard and confusing. Assassin talked about things like mana and od, and something called magical circuits. He said od comes from inside me, but mana is outside? I still don't understand that much about it but he said he'd explain more with me tomorrow. He talked about "Mystery" too, and said it's super important for mage stuff. I felt a little dumb for not understanding, but Assassin said it's okay and that everyones a little dumb at first.

He also talked about families and magic crests. He said the heir of a mage gets something called a crest. I think maybe that's what grandfather did to Uncle Kariya and me? He also asked a little bit about the worms. I got scared and only told him that Uncle Kariya has them because he's not good at magecraft. I didn't tell him about mine. I don't think he knows about my worms. I don't want him to hate if he finds out that I did.

Assassin was a good teacher, I think. He explained things slow, and whenever I looked lost, he explained again. He drew pictures in the a notebook to show me what he was talking about but they didn't look that good, I still liked it though. I asked him about what kind of magic he's good at, he didn't say to much because he said that because hes a servant, he can't use all of his spells, but that hes really smart at healing magecraft but can't use it on people. I know its something about his mana, but I couldn't understand all of it.

What does that mean?

I have homework now! Assassin told me to find five things around the house and match them to the Five Elements. He also asked me to explain magic circuits, and that if I drew a picture of my own magic crest, like if I got to make one for myself, then he'd give me extra credit! I started already and drew flowers and butterflies and stars. I hope he likes it.

I'm nervous and excited about learning magecraft, but I'm scared my grandfather will find out, but I want to be brave like Assassin and Kariya. I think Assassin is the bravest person I've met, though.

I hope I do well on my homework and that he thinks I'm a good student. I want him to keep teaching me more.

Chapter Text

True Name: Lu Bu Fengxian

Nicknames: The Flying General, General of Vehement Might, General Who Pacifies the East, "My Main Man" (Munenori Shindō)

Species: Human?

Class: Berserker

Gender: Male

Blood Type: AB-

Place Of Origin: Jiuyuan County, China

Birthday: February 7th

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Likes: Betrayal, his wife, strong fighters, the possibility of a new master

Dislikes: Snakes, betrayal, the nickname "My Main Man," his master, modern corporate buzzwords

Natural Enemy: Artoria, his master

Alternate Class: Lancer, Archer, Rider, Assassin

Fan Casting Voice Actor: Kyle Hebert (Dub), Shigeru Chiba (Sub)

Theme Songs: The Promised Consort Radahn, Doom Eternal OST (Internally whenever his master speaks)

Strength: A+​	Endurance: A++​
​	​
Agility: B​	Mana: C+​
​	​
Luck: C++​	Noble Phantasm: A-​
​	​

Class Skills:
Mad Enhancement (A Rank): Ranks up parameters, but deprives them of the majority of reason in exchange. However, he still possesses the innate instincts and desires that were carved into his very soul on the battlefield.

Personal Skills

Valor (B Rank): The ability to make mental interference, such as intimidation, confusion, or fascination, have no effect. Also, it has the effect of increasing melee damage. However, since he has currently become a Berserker, his bravery has diminished in comparison to the original him.

Nature of a Rebellious Spirit (B Rank): The disposition to never remain at one location and never embrace a lord. A wandering star that cannot be king, nor is capable of finding its king. Negates the effects of Charisma with the same rank or lower. As a Berserker, this skill is sealed, yet his will remains. Because a Berserker Servant whose reason has been stolen is more loyal to their Master, it could be said that this is a rare case where these features of the berserker class are being employed correctly... at least theoretically.

Lu Bu's Unyielding Ferocity (C Rank): A skill that embodies Lu Bu's relentless spirit and refusal to succumb in battle. As he sustains injuries, his combat prowess subtly increases, manifesting as a slight boost in physical strength and aggression. Additionally, he experiences a minor recovery of stamina and vitality over time, allowing him to endure prolonged engagements. This effect is not potent enough to be considered true regeneration but provides a slight edge in sustained combat.

Noble Phantasms

God Force The Five Soldiers of the War God: embodies his unparalleled martial prowess and adaptability in combat. This legendary halberd, known as the Houtengeki, was crafted to seamlessly integrate the strengths of various weapons, allowing Lu Bu to exploit his opponents' weaknesses effectively.

When activated, God Force enables Lu Bu to modify his fighting style dynamically, shifting between techniques akin to swordsmanship, spear fighting, and archery. Under the Mad Enhancement of the Berserker class, the weapon has lost versatile functionalities due to most of Lu Bu's skills being hampered as a Berserker, with only his knowledge of the spear and basic artillery left behind, making him only able to use the Halberd and Shoot functions. It still has massive destructive potential.

Chapter Text

Assassin was running again.

"Of course he is. Coward."

Lu Bu gave chase, his armored boots slamming against the pavement with each step. He caught Assassin slipping into the doorway of what he assumed was the pier's site office.

"Ooh, tactical repositioning! That's the kind of proactive thinking I like to see! You're really taking ownership of the battlefield, my main man! Go get 'em!" Munenori's voice crackled through the earpiece to Lu Bu's despair.

"Shut! Up!"

Could this fool not see he was the one being lured somewhere? Though the Berserker found he didn't much care for it, he resolved to finish this Assassin once and for all. Lu Bu ducked through the doorway, Houtengeki scraping against its frame. The office he found himself in was cramped, filled with the meaningless drivel he often saw with the copper counters: desks, chairs, printers, filing cabinets, and more.

Assassin stood at the far end of the office, bouncing from one foot to the other; he couldn't have been more than thirty feet away from the gigantic man's waiting blade and gauntleted fists. A wary smirk was plastered across his face as red sparks of lightning continued to shoot outward from his body.

He laughed softly, almost tenderly. "Not gonna lie, Berserker, peace is nice and all, and you may be hitting like a demigod, but I don't think I can ever grow tired of this."

Within the blink of an eye, a desk became an improvised springboard. Assassin's boot touched it for a mere fraction of a second before he vaulted himself at the flying general at an angle that seemed to defy physics itself.

Lu Bu didn't bother waiting. With a forceful grunt, Houtengeki swung horizontally, ready to bisect the annoyance he'd failed to end the first time.

Houtengeki carved through an unfortunately placed desk; it exploded into a shower of splinters, with both halves flying in opposite directions. The following backswing, as Assassin immediately reacted, pushing himself away mid-air using the wall, caught a filing cabinet with a metallic shriek before it was sent flying into a wall, and white dust filled the room.

Lu Bu felt a sharp, brief pain in his kidney. He swung his free arm at the source, his head snapping to find Assassin disengaging, his predatory golden eyes gleaming with a vicious sense of satisfaction. However, the punch strike had done little; it might as well have been a child throwing rocks at a tank.

"Damn it all, he's too quick, and this space is too small."

He spun, roaring his frustration. Houtengeki's blade came around in a brutal sweep, catching another desk, and he silently cursed at his environment as papers blew into the air, obscuring his vision. Guided by instinct and an overwhelming desire to kill, he let his momentum carry him towards the glimpses of Assassin he'd been able to glean. However, his armor, carefully curated for his oversized frame, caught onto a doorframe sized for normal people. As metal screeched against metal, Assassin didn't waste a single second.

The serpent planted one boot against a wall and catapulted itself towards the Flying General from one side. His nails raked across Lu Bu's cheek, shallow cuts that barely broke skin but still stung. Then the bastard twisted mid-air, his body contorting in ways that shouldn't be possible into its familiar serpentine form, and disappeared through the gap left between his pauldron and the door.

Lu Bu tore his armor free from the doorframe, taking chunks of the frame with him.

"This is like trying to fight a mosquito in a broom closet."

It was clear now why the Assassin had chosen this location to continue their battle; nimble warriors typically favored space so that they may maneuver freely. However, Assassin seemed to have little to no difficulty in abusing his inhuman dexterity and reflexes, even with the constraints of their current battlefield. Yet for the Chinese warrior, he was quickly growing tired of the lack of mobility he'd been offered by the site office, nor how every swing he took left destruction that made everything look like a visual clutter.

He turned towards the Assassin now perched on top of a blue water cooler, the man's eyes cautious, yet still gleaming with predatory glee.

However, the tight space worked both ways. Just as Lu Bu had little space to move, Assassin had nowhere to run. Lu Bu had never needed room to kill; just the will to do it.

He advanced once more. Houtengeki at the ready, he brought it down in another slash.

Plastic and water exploded as the blade carved into the cooler and into the concrete wall behind it. Assassin ducked under the swing before it even finished, moving with undisturbed fluidity. His boots slid across the soaked surface. Appearing behind Lu Bu's flank, he drove his foot into Lu Bu's knee, though the impact hardly even registered, so much as it annoyed the general.

He roared and attacked once more.

Every surface was like a launching point or landing pad for Assassin. Whether it was half a broken chair, the edge of a table he'd shattered, or even the holes they'd made in the wall, Assassin had been able to use it all. Everything that Lu Bu shattered just gave the serpent more projectiles to dance around or throw at him.

"That's one hell of an adaptive strategy! Berserker, we need to pivot!"

Lu Bu didn't know which was more annoying—his master or this slippery assassin. It'd taken him less than a second to conclude his master was, in fact, more annoying.

The symphony of destruction they'd created in the site office must have been deafening. Lu Bu could already hear footsteps. Someone must have heard the ruckus.

"To think we'd be interrupted so early."

And then something flew at him.

A somewhat portly but normal middle-aged man in a white security guard uniform, one hand still reaching for the radio at his belt, and his mouth open in a silent scream. His eyes were wide like saucers as he was sent flying through the air like a football.

"Sorry about this, buddy!" Assassin called out cheerfully from somewhere behind the human turned projectile. If he didn't know any better, he would've mistaken the tone for the one he would use if a cashier accidentally dropped his change.

Lu Bu didn't hesitate; metal sliced through flesh and bone, and they offered no resistance. The man split in two at the waist, both halves separating mid-flight and splattering onto the floor. It'd at least been a quick death; Lu Bu's blade had not faltered in the slightest.

Then a pair of boots slammed into his chest.

Lu Bu felt his feet leave the ground and fly in the air. His back crashed through the door he'd just come in, and concrete and metal exploded outward as the structure gave way. He hit the ground hard enough to crack it, rolled, and exploded back up in a crouched position.

"Clever." The Berserker was mildly impressed by the casual ruthlessness of the serpent. Perhaps he would need to reassess his opinion of him?

Lu Bu scanned the area for the servant. Standing just outside the new hole in the wall were familiar golden eyes that spoke of amusement, like he hadn't just thrown a man to his death.

"Damn, it looks like you barely took any damage."

"Do you think these hit-and-run tactics will save you?" Lu Bu snarled as he stood up, though the words came out as the same incomprehensible growls he'd been cursed with. It didn't matter, though; he still held the decisive edge. It didn't matter how much Assassin pounded away at him if he couldn't do any lasting damage.

"Whoa! Did you see that synergy? Using environmental factors to maximize impact! That's the kind of disruptive innovation that wins wars, bro, and we have to adapt to those trends, my main man. Don't worry, though; I'm taking notes. We'll review it in our PowerPoint session later on," Munenori prattled on into Lu Bu's unfortunate ears.

"If you say 'disruptive innovation' again, I'll innovate your head off!"