Fate: Hammer Time

Chapter 23: Hard Lessons

Sakura and Shirou were on their way home from a walk through town when they were suddenly addressed by a mysterious figure.

"Emiya-san? It's me, Yosai." The man said with a smile. "Fujimura-dono would like to speak with you, so can you please come with me?"

The man looked entirely professional and business-like, clad in a formal suit which was accentuated by sunglasses and black gloves, yet the air around him spoke of danger and risk.

Sometimes, recognising Old Man Raiga's men really was too easy.

Nevertheless, Shirou did not know what was going on, and he looked at Yosai in confusion, wordlessly asking him to explain himself further.

That seemed to confuse Yosai in turn.

"Taiga-anee-san should have mentioned this morning that Fujimura-dono wanted to speak with you."

"Fuji-nee didn't come over this morning." Shirou said. "I think she overslept."

Which was perhaps for the best. Ayako had still been present after all, and if his honorary big sister found out that he, Ayako, and Sakura had spent the night together...

Well, he didn't know what she would do, and he didn't want to find out either.

"Of course she did." Yosai nodded with a tired sigh. "Nevertheless, I must ask you to follow me. Fujimura-dono said that it was very urgent."

"...Okay." Shirou nodded after a moment of thought, before turning to Sakura. "I don't know how long this will take, so please don't wait on me for dinner."

"I'd prefer to come with you though." Sakura pressed her lips together as she turned towards Yosai. "Can I do that?"

"Uhm, sure, I suppose?" The man seemed hesitant. "But you might have to wait in the guestroom."

"That's fine, I understand." Sakura nodded, quickly taking Shirou's hand in her own. "Please lead the way."

Yosai nodded, before turning around to lead them to the Fujimura-estate. With the man's back turned towards them, Sakura gave Shirou a questioning glance, but he shook his head slightly. He didn't know what this was about either, or why Raiga would summon him in such a way, but he supposed he would find out soon enough.

Shirou sat in a chair across from Raiga's desk. He had been brought here immediately upon setting foot in the house, while Sakura had been shepherded off to a nearby guestroom.

It wasn't unprecedented for Raiga to invite Shirou to his office every once in a while, to talk for a bit about how things were going for him at school, how Sakura was doing, and what secret information Taiga had told them about that morning.

This wasn't at all like those times.

Usually, Raiga would notify him several days in advance that he wanted to talk, and during the talks themselves, he would be boisterous, enthusiastic, and even plain loud. He started talking the moment Shirou entered his office and had absolutely no problems saying exactly what he wanted to say.

Which was why it was so strange that the man hadn't spoken a word yet so far, aside from a short greeting when Shirou had entered his office. He seemed to be mulling over his words, his expression unreadable.

Confused by this unusual behaviour, Shirou kept his silence, giving the man some time to think.

While waiting, Shirou couldn't help but notice Raiga was looking haggard and stressed. There were bags under his eyes, deep lines all over his face, and his clothes were unkempt. He gave the impression of someone who hadn't rested nor washed in a while.