"Call your name as soon as we encounter a Goddess?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka spoke with clear concern. "Calling you isn't a problem, but bringing Mash along feels... pointless."
"When facing a Goddess, aside from Senpai Shirou, everyone else is basically powerless, right?"
"In that case, wouldn't it be better for Mash to stay here and keep training?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Mash's expression visibly darkened.
It was obvious.
Those words had pierced her far more deeply than Ritsuka intended.
And Ritsuka noticed it.
She saw Mash's reaction the entire time.
She understood exactly what kind of damage those words would cause.
But right now, none of that mattered.
What mattered was stopping Mash from insisting on going to the capital and taking part in the mission.
At this moment, Ritsuka's focus was singular.
Protect Mash.
"Stop."
Emiya Shirou reached out and lightly knocked Ritsuka on the head, then frowned.
"That was too much, Ritsuka."
"I know you said it to shake Mash's resolve, but even so, that's not acceptable."
"You're partners. Your hearts need to face the same direction."
"Only then can you overcome what's ahead and make it to the end."
He reached out with both hands, grabbing their palms without giving them time to react, and pressed them together.
"For now, make up."
Hearing Shirou's firm voice, Ritsuka opened her mouth.
She hesitated.
Then she spoke.
"I'm sorry. I went too far earlier. Forget what I said."
Mash shook her head lightly.
"I didn't take it to heart."
"After all... I understand what you were thinking, Senpai."
Her eyes were wet.
But she was smiling.
Ritsuka froze on the spot.
Her lips parted, then closed.
Several times.
In the end, she didn't say anything.
Seeing that, Emiya Shirou reached out and patted her head.
"Ritsuka. You don't believe me?"
"How could I not?"
Ritsuka answered immediately. "I trust you completely, Senpai Shirou."
She wasn't lying.
They had only been together for a little over a month.
But at this point, Shirou's presence in her heart was no less important than Mash's.
"Then why would you think I'd ignore Mash's condition?"
Shirou's expression turned serious.
"There's a reason I said that."
"The ability of divine grace is to draw out one's potential."
"And when it comes to drawing out potential, battles on the edge of life and death are the most effective method."
"That's why I didn't hesitate to forge armor for you and throw you into demonic beast herds."
"Because in that environment, death is always close."
"And that constant pressure stimulates potential to the highest degree."
Understanding slowly dawned in Ritsuka's eyes.
Only now did she fully grasp Shirou's intent.
"But that same environment," Shirou continued, "may be optimal for you."
"For Mash, it's only decent. Maybe even ordinary."
"She already possesses the power of a Heroic Spirit."
"At this stage, she's simply too strong."
"Against endless demonic beasts, she can handle everything without being pushed."
"In that situation, her limits won't be tested."
"And without that, growth slows."
"So she needs stronger opponents."
Ritsuka's eyes widened.
"You mean... Goddesses?"
"Exactly."
Shirou didn't hesitate.
"There's no better opponent here."
Ritsuka fell silent.
For a while, she didn't know what to say.
"I understand."
After a moment, the tension that had settled over her expression faded.
She stepped forward and took Mash's hand.
"I'm sorry, Mash. This time, I was wrong."
"Please forgive me."
Mash nodded vigorously.
"Mm."
Just like that, the two girls-who had never truly been apart-embraced once more.
"It's really nice."
"That's true. And it's all thanks to you."
Merlin walked up beside Shirou and nudged him with his elbow.
"That was impressive. I was honestly panicking earlier. Had no idea what to do."
Shirou rolled his eyes.
He didn't believe a single word.
This man had clearly been enjoying the show.
"Whew, disaster averted."
Roman let out a long breath.
"Humanity's final Master and her best partner having a serious conflict would've been the final blow to the Human Order."
"You know the saying. The straw that breaks the camel's back."
"Thankfully, you handled it, Shirou."
"If I didn't have the authority of 'Wind,' persuading them wouldn't have been easy at all."
Listening to the praise, Shirou sighed quietly.
Neither Ritsuka nor Mash was wrong.
They were simply standing on different sides of the same concern.
Ritsuka feared that endless missions would prevent Mash from completing her growth within the limited time they had.
Mash feared that without her protection, Ritsuka would be exposed to danger.
After all, Merlin was good at running away.
Ana was good at fighting.
But neither was suited to absolute protection.
If something sudden happened-a hidden arrow, an unexpected attack-Ritsuka could be killed instantly.
Mash was a Shielder.
Protecting Ritsuka was her role.
That was how Mash saw it.
Both of them were trying to protect the other.
Both of them were right.
And because of that, neither could convince the other.
That was why even Roman and Merlin hadn't intervened recklessly.
They had been thinking.
Waiting.
Looking for a way to break the stalemate.
The only reason Shirou could do it was simple.
He had the means.
The authority of "Wind," which allowed Mash to be summoned to his side the moment Ritsuka called his name, was the key.
Without it, this deadlock wouldn't have broken.
"But really," Merlin said lightly, "who else could've done it but you?"
Just like that, a crisis born from within their own group was resolved.
Soon after, Fujimaru Ritsuka prepared to head for Uruk with Merlin and Ana.
Before they left, Shirou personally witnessed Mash gripping the arms of both Merlin and Ana, repeatedly drilling into them the importance of protecting Ritsuka at all times.
Ritsuka could only smile helplessly.
Merlin and Ana, on the other hand, nodded along with increasingly strained expressions.
Only after Shirou physically pulled Mash away did the three finally manage to depart.
"Be careful on the road, Senpai!"
"Don't worry!"
Mash stood there, watching the direction where Ritsuka gradually disappeared.
She didn't move for a long time.
Shirou stayed beside her.
"Become stronger, Mash."
"Only by becoming stronger can you protect Ritsuka."
"The enemies ahead will only continue to grow more dangerous."
"From ordinary Servants to Goddesses."
"I think you've already felt your own limitations."
"If you want to stand beside her in the future..."
"Work harder."
Mash clenched her fists.
Tears glimmered at the corners of her eyes.
But her voice was firm.
"Yes."
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