Artificial Morning sunlight bathed the capsule inn in golden warmth, the air filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the murmur of a hopeful crowd.
A lively buzz echoed through the square as townsfolk and Servants gathered, their voices filled with wonder and relief.
"I tell you, it was a miracle!" Marie declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "A giant—gentle as a saint—descended from the heavens and calmed even the most furious hearts!"
"It's true," Elizabeth chimed in, arms crossed but her expression softer than usual. "The air felt... different after he left. Like peace just settled into our bones."
"I see... Good for us." Saber said quietly, though her eyes betrayed recognition. She knew exactly who the blue giant was.
"He's finally moving, huh?" Esdeath murmured with a knowing smile.
Crom stood silently beside her, arms folded, lost in thought. 'His aura… It's unlike anything I've encountered. Gentle. Calming. Her expression softened. 'I've walked in shadows for so long, but near him… I feel peace. A warmth I don't want to lose. I want to stay by his side—forever.'
Jeanne stood nearby, listening with quiet grace. A faint smile touched her lips as she pieced their words together. She had her own suspicions—but it wasn't the identity that mattered. It was the feeling he left behind.
Meanwhile, Marie—never one to stay solemn for long—nibbled on a warm croissant and waved her free hand excitedly.
"And Jeanne, seriously, what is this setup? I expected us to be sleeping on rocks, boiling rainwater for tea. But your Master? Absolutely top-tier! This whole camp is like a five-star inn on wheels!"
Gudako giggled beside her. "Right? I thought we'd be roughing it with instant noodles and a half-flat air mattress. But this? This is a gourmet paradise!"
The aroma of freshly cooked food drifted from the camp kitchen, drawing everyone's attention. Kiyohime, ever diligent and oddly serene this morning, had been up since dawn preparing a grand breakfast spread. Every dish was crafted with care and elegance—a harmony of color, flavor, and warmth.
The girls gathered around, eyes wide as they admired the feast before them.
"Kiyohime… this looks incredible," Marie gasped, hands clasped. "You're really talented!"
Kiyohime took her seat gracefully, brushing back a strand of hair. "One must always refine their domestic skills. After all…" she glanced meaningfully at the group, "…you never know when you might meet your Ideal Master."
"The Ideal Master?" Mash tilted her head.
"Yes. I was summoned by the Grail for a reason. The Dragon Witch counts as a Master too, technically, but—" she smiled sweetly, "—she's clearly not fit for the role. That's why I decided she must be burned to ashes."
Mash blinked, concern flickering in her eyes. That escalated quickly… Is this part of her Berserker tendencies?
"So that's your motivation…" she mumbled.
"What about you, Elizabeth?" Gudako asked.
Elizabeth grinned, puffing out her chest. "Simple. I'm gonna beat the crap out of my future self. No way she gets to outshine me!"
Esdeath chuckled, leaning back with arms crossed. "The Ideal Master, huh?" She shot Kiyohime a playful glance. "I might know someone perfect for you. You two would be terrifyingly compatible."
Kiyohime's eyes sharpened, instantly locked onto her. "Ara~? Who is he? I'd love to hear more."
Before things could escalate, Crom gently nudged Esdeath with her elbow and whispered with a smirk, "You should cool it. My husband doesn't need another yandere with fire magic chasing him around. I promised him I'd intervene if things start heading down that route."
"Relax~ I'm just teasing," Esdeath replied smoothly. "Besides, he's someone you have to discover on your own, Kiyohime. Who knows what fate has in store?"
Kiyohime pouted adorably. "You're no fun."
After their laughter over breakfast faded into a cozy silence, Marie's eyes lit up with mischief.
"Let's each share our love stories!" she announced brightly, her voice full of playful charm. "Real or imagined," she added, giving Jeanne a sly glance.
Jeanne flushed but smiled shyly, already sensing where this was going.
"G-Girl talk?" Mash blinked. "I've never done anything like this before."
"Don't worry, darling," Marie waved her off. "It's just harmless fun. Eli, why don't you start? Any romantic tales from your time alive?"
Elizabeth crossed her arms, trying to look aloof—but the pink rising in her cheeks gave her away. "Well... technically, I was married in life. But this version of me comes from before that. There might've been... someone... somewhere…" she trailed off, fidgeting slightly. "Anyway! Kiyohime, your turn!"
"Ah, yes," Kiyohime said with a dreamy sigh, her eyes glazing over in fond madness. "When I was alive, I experienced a love that burned hotter than dragon fire... My Anchin-sama. The only one I ever loved. He promised he would love me forever—yet he ran from me. But it's fine. I've forgiven him. In every world, every life, I'll find him again… and make him remember that promise."
The others exchanged nervous glances.
"Kiyohime," Mash asked gently, "didn't Anchin... um... try to escape from you?"
Kiyohime's smile grew unnervingly serene. "Yes. He did try. But love cannot be denied," she said sweetly, her tone dipping into something far darker. "He'll understand, eventually. I chased him through heartbreak, anger, and betrayal... until I became a dragon. When I finally caught him, he hid in a temple bell. So I burned the bell… and him with it."
THUNK.
Jeanne, Mash, Artoria, and Gudako all facepalmed in unison.
"Y-You're really committed," Crom muttered, visibly sweating. "I respect that. Kind of. Honestly, I respect him more. I don't know how my husband survives with women like you around... He's a legend."
Elizabeth leaned in with sparkling eyes. "So, Jeanne! You mentioned... feeling something for the Blue Giant, right? And you have that Unique Master of yours too! Sooo... who do you prefer?"
Jeanne turned pink instantly. "W-What?! I didn't say that! I just said he was... I mean, I thought he was kind and noble, and... I don't prefer anyone, really…"
She ducked her head, playing with her fork to avoid their teasing gazes.
Marie giggled and gave her a nudge. "Come on, Jeanne. You're practically the definition of a noble-hearted maiden. Wouldn't it be perfect if your match was someone just as devoted? Imagine it—the Blue Giant, a gallant prince of peace, always watching over you…"
She suddenly squinted toward the beach. "Wait… isn't that your Master? What is he doing with Saint Martha?"
All eyes turned to the shoreline where Satria stood proudly in front of the saintess, who had been enjoying a peaceful cup of tea. But instead of speaking to her, he knelt—gracefully, reverently—before…
"...Master?" Jeanne whispered.
"Oh no," Crom sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Dear... not again. Please don't make it weird."
"Good morning, beautiful!" Satria declared, bowing low—not to Martha, but to her dragon companion. "Would you do me the honor of joining my family?"
Saint Martha choked on her tea. "E-Excuse me?! You want me to... b-be your...?!"
Satria blinked, confused. "Oh—uh, no offense, ma'am. I meant your companion." He smiled brightly at Tarasque.
The dragon-like turtle let out a low, rumbling purr—a sound Martha had rarely heard. Even she was surprised by how content the beast seemed in Satria's presence.
"You understand me, don't you?" Satria beamed, holding out a plate of food like an offering. "Here, a meal fit for a noble beast. I made it myself. Join my family, and I'll cook for you every day! You'll have treats, a custom bed, daily walks—oh, and belly rubs, if you're into that."
Martha's eye twitched violently. "Excuse me," she said sharply. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"
"Shh," Satria hushed her with a finger to his lips, eyes never leaving Tarasque. "Don't startle her. This is a very delicate moment."
Martha's face turned crimson—half rage, half embarrassment. "That 'dragon' is my holy companion, not a common house pet!"
Satria finally turned to her, startled. "Oh—sorry. I meant no disrespect." Then he turned right back to the beast. "So anyway, what do you say, girl? You're perfect. Join my Nakama!"
From afar, Mozart whispered, "...Is he proposing to the dragon?"
From afar, Mozart whispered, "...Is he proposing to the dragon?"
"I've seen desperation," someone else muttered. "But this is on another level."
"Nope," Marie said, arms crossed. "That man is definitely not the Blue Giant."
Elizabeth was watching the scene in utter disbelief. "Crom… is this how he won you over?"
Crom stammered, flustered. "N-No! Don't lump me in with that turtle! I'm a proud dragon, not some beast that can be charmed with food and compliments!"
Kiyohime narrowed her eyes. "Jeanne-san... your Master is quite peculiar. He's not making my list of Ideal Masters."
Esdeath chuckled, sipping her tea. "Talk about irony."
Jeanne had reached her limit.
Embarrassed by the growing spectacle her Master was creating, she quietly walked up behind him. Her expression was a mixture of horror and resignation, a single bead of sweat sliding down her temple as she watched him pour his heart out… to a giant turtle-dragon.
"Master," she whispered urgently, tugging at his shoulder. "You're attracting attention. A lot of it. This isn't your pet—can we please not make a scene? Maybe start by apologizing to Saint Martha?"
Martha stood nearby, arms crossed and eyes blazing. "I'll have you know, I am a woman of high status! A man should know better than to fixate so shamelessly on—"
"Why are you mad?" Satria interrupted with a baffled look, waving her off like a fly. "I don't want her as a pet—I want her as family!"
He turned back to Tarasque wit with stars in his eyes. "Your name is Tarasque, right? How about I call you... 'Tara' from now on? That sounds much cuter, don't you think?"
To everyone's shock—especially Martha's—Tarasque gave a soft, pleased rumble and nodded in approval. Then she curled up beside Satria like a content cat, basking in his presence.
Martha's eye twitched dangerously. "Okay, that's ENOUGH. Let go of her! Don't give my holy companion ridiculous pet names! And you—Tarasque! Why are you so okay with this?!"
But Satria wasn't backing down.
With a sudden spin, he slipped free from both Martha and Jeanne's grip, his cloak flaring behind him in dramatic flair. Dropping to one knee, he stretched his arms toward the beast like a romantic hero in an old opera.
"Please, noble dragon!" he cried, passion blazing in his voice. "Don't leave me! I've wandered this world searching for a companion as majestic as you! How could I return to my humble home without you by my side?"
Onlookers began to gather, murmuring and whispering among themselves. Laughter bubbled here and there as the crowd watched this strange man declare his soul's longing to a dragon.
Jeanne's face turned a deep crimson. She grabbed his sleeve harder. "Master! You're embarrassing us! People are going to think you're completely insane!"
But Satria was lost in his own world.
Clutching his chest, he gazed at Tarasque wit with the intensity of a man reciting poetry to his one true love.
"Oh, wise and gentle creature," he proclaimed, "do not let the cruel hand of fate pull us apart! I'll bring you the tastiest meals, the fluffiest blankets, and all the affection your heart desires! Just say you'll be my nakama!"
Martha's jaw dropped. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. "This is... this is ridiculous! Do you hear yourself? That is my holy companion—not some pet you can lure in with sweet words and snacks!"
Still reaching toward Tarasque with trembling hands, Satria looked like a romantic lead in the final act of a tragic love story. The murmurs from the crowd swelled with laughter and awe. Many were filming. Some were crying. One was handing out popcorn.
Jeanne buried her face in her hands. "I'm so sorry," she muttered to no one in particular. "He's not dangerous. Just... eccentric. Very eccentric." She sighed heavily, then glared at him. "Master, behave! If I have to discipline you like a naughty puppy, I will."
At last, she managed to yank him away, dragging him back with surprising strength while he clawed at the air toward Tarasque.
"Nooo... Taraaa! Wait for meee! Don't forget meee!"
The crowd burst into laughter as they finally dispersed, shaking their heads or still giggling about.
Crom, who had watched the entire thing with her face in her hands, muttered under her breath, cheeks still blazing red. "Why... why do I put up with this?" She groaned. "No wonder he survives around lunatics—he's worse than all of them combined. Ugh... and I chose him to be my alpha…"
She covered her face again.
"…I have no one to blame but myself."
•
As dawn broke over Orleans, the Chaldea team gathered around a detailed map, lit by the first light of morning. Two objectives lay before them: confront the rogue saint, Jeanne Alter, and retrieve Siegfried, the Dragon Slayer—rumored to be the only one capable of standing against the dread beast Fafnir.
Gudako stood at the head of the group, eyes scanning the assembled Servants, their faces set with determination.
"All right, everyone. We're splitting up," she announced, pointing to key locations on the map. "Team One will track down Jeanne Alter. She's too dangerous to ignore. Team Two will locate Siegfried. According to Georgios, he's cursed, but also the only one with the strength to face Fafnir. Jeanne here says she can lift that curse."
"Do we really need him?" Crom interrupted, gesturing to her husband—currently sprawled on the grass, happily playing with Tara and Dawn like an overgrown golden retriever. "We have a Doragon Tamer already."
"Even so," Jeanne answered with a calm smile, "we shouldn't rely on Master's mood. Besides, we need all the help we can get. Siegfried could be a key asset."
"I can go with Jeanne and the brat to find the Dragon Slayer," Naruto offered, tapping his chest with a confident grin. "We'll get him cured and back in time for the main event."
"Why me?" Satria groaned, flopping dramatically onto Tara's back. "Can't someone else go? I'm in the middle of a very important bonding moment."
Jeanne leaned down, her voice honeyed with false patience. "Master, don't you think we should thank Saint Martha for, um… letting you spend time with her companion? Helping her out is just the honorable thing to do."
"Arf! Arf!" Dawn barked, tail wagging, while Tara nodded enthusiastically. Their eyes sparkled with adorable determination.
Satria's heart melted.
"You're both right!" he declared, springing to his feet with a gleam in his eye. "I, the Hero of Kindness, shall repay this sacred debt! For the sake of adorable creatures and justice!"
He cracked his knuckles and stretched like a track athlete warming up for the Olympics.
"...Is he serious?" Marie whispered.
"The man who was just serenading a pet ten minutes ago?" Kiyohime smirked. "He's always serious when it's something ridiculous. Maybe I should lift the ban... he's kind of growing on me again."
"Why does he turn everything into a dramatic monologue?" Jeanne sighed, facepalming. "Master, what are you even planning to do?"
Satria grinned. "I'm in a good mood today, so allow me to demonstrate why I'm called—"
In the blink of an eye, he was gone—leaving behind only a streak of golden lightning and a gust of wind that ruffled everyone's hair.
"—the Fastest Man Alive!"
A blur of gold streaks across mountains, rivers, and sprawling cities. Birds scatter. Townsfolk point and gape as a shockwave follows the figure cutting across the sky.
Before Siegfried could even raise his sword, a sudden gust nearly knocked him over—and then Satria was there, standing with hands on hips like he'd been waiting for him.
"Nice to meet you, Dragon Slayer!" he said cheerfully, giving a quick salute. "Hope you're not jet-lagged, 'cause we're skipping the flight part."
Before Siegfried could reply, Satria scooped him up like a sack of potatoes and rocketed back across the horizon.
Back at Forests in Orleans, the group hadn't even finished blinking when Satria skidded to a halt in front of them, boots kicking up a small cloud of dust.
Siegfried stumbled beside him, dazed and windblown, armor slightly dented from the rapid transport.
Naruto let out a low whistle. "I knew you were fast, brat, but... that was ridiculous."
Crom folded her arms, her smirk proud and teasing. "You brought him back in less time than it takes me to finish saying 'as expected of my husband.' Well done."
Gudako stepped forward, eyes wide in awe. "You've done the impossible again, Satria-kun. What are you?"
[Dr. Romani (on comms): That wasn't teleportation... There's no magical trace left behind. Is that even humanly possible? It's something beyond this world—like the Blue Giant.]
Artoria nodded solemnly. "We must thank Saint Martha for letting him bond with her holy pet. It clearly motivated him. He's a difficult child, but when he works, it's... effective."
Elizabeth gave Martha a radiant smile. "Yes, thank you, Saint Martha! Who would've guessed your pet could unlock his... passionate potential?"
Esdeath, lips twitching with amusement, added, "It seems bonding with Tara has awakened his inner 'Hero of Kindness.' Or at least made him slightly more productive."
All eyes turned to Martha.
She blinked, a sweatdrop forming on her temple as she realized everyone now blamed—or credited—her for Satria's power burst. "Oh, um… yes. You're… welcome?" she replied with a tight-lipped smile.
Meanwhile, Siegfried swayed on his feet, visibly dizzy. "W-where… where am I? Who are all of you…?"
Before anyone could explain, Satria clapped a hand on Siegfried's shoulder with a big grin. "Relax, you're in another world now! Summoned by yours truly to slay a demon queen—classic isekai stuff." He struck a confident pose, thumb pointed to himself. "I'm the Golden Emperor, leader of heroes, master of beasts, and— ouch!"
Jeanne had stepped forward, her smile terrifyingly serene. "Master~ Would you please stop causing confusion? I can get angry, you know."
Satria straightened up instantly, beads of sweat forming. "Y-Yes, ma'am!"
Naruto knelt beside Siegfried, his brow furrowed as he placed a hand on the man's chest. A wave of dense, dark energy pulsed from Siegfried's body, heavy and suffocating.
"This curse... it's strong," Naruto muttered, his fingers tightening into fists. "It's weighing him down—blocking his energy, draining him. But I know we can break it."
Jeanne knelt beside him, her expression solemn but resolute. "Siegfried's strength is vital. We need him to face Jeanne Alter and Fafnir. We can't let this darkness bind him any longer."
Placing her hand gently over Siegfried's heart, she focused her holy energy. A soft glow began to radiate from her palm, gentle but steady. "Together, Naruto. Let's free him."
Naruto nodded and summoned several shadow clones, which spread out in a circle around Siegfried. Each clone placed their hands on the ground, forming a chakra seal to help channel and stabilize the flow.
"All right," Naruto said, taking a deep breath. "I'll flood his system with healing chakra. You focus on burning the curse out with your holy light."
He placed both hands firmly on Siegfried's shoulder, and golden chakra poured from his palms. "Sage Art: Purification!"
Jeanne closed her eyes and raised her flag high. With a surge of power, she invoked her Noble Phantasm. "Let this light purify your soul... Luminosité Éternelle!"
Their combined powers surged. Naruto's warm, vibrant chakra and Jeanne's divine light wrapped around Siegfried in a radiant cocoon. The darkness inside him thrashed violently, resisting, screeching in defiance—but it was no match.
The curse began to crack and fragment under the pressure. Jeanne's holy light burned through the corruption like sunlight on mist, while Naruto's chakra filled Siegfried's core, restoring what had been sapped away.
Little by little, the oppressive energy receded. The tension in Siegfried's body eased. His breathing grew steadier. The curse shattered completely, evaporating in a final hiss of black mist.
Siegfried's eyes fluttered open, filled with confusion at first—but then recognition and deep gratitude.
"You..." he said hoarsely. "You freed me... from her darkness."
Jeanne smiled gently, lowering her flag. "We couldn't leave you like that. Your strength will help us bring an end to this nightmare."
Siegfried sat up slowly, rolling his shoulders as he felt the power surging back into his limbs. "Thank you… both of you." His grip tightened into a determined fist. "Now that the curse is lifted, I'll stand with you. Jeanne Alter and Fafnir will fall—this time, for good."
As the group regrouped, Marie Antoinette twirled a strand of hair between her fingers, eyeing the team with a curious smile. "I must say, we've accomplished quite a bit in record time. It's almost… miraculous."
Mash turned to Naruto, eager. "So what's next? Can we go straight to Jeanne Alter?"
Naruto grinned, lifting a hand. "Actually, yeah. I've got a special technique—lets us teleport instantly to any marked spot. Saves us the hassle of slogging through enemy patrols."
Marie's eyes sparkled. "Teleportation? Oh, how divine! And you can take all of us?"
"Yep," Naruto confirmed with a nod. "As long as I've placed a seal, I can warp everyone. And I already marked a spot near Jeanne Alter's fortress."
His gaze drifted toward Jeanne. "So… are we ready?"
Jeanne closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with unshakable resolve. "We've come too far to hesitate now. We must stop her—and free her from the suffering she never asked for. I believe in us."
Naruto formed a quick series of hand seals, then slammed his palm into the ground. A glowing mark etched itself into the earth beneath them.
"All right, everyone. Step into the circle—this'll drop us right at her doorstep."
One by one, the team stepped into the glowing seal. Jeanne stood beside Naruto, with Siegfried just behind her, now restored and ready.
In a flash of golden light, the world vanished.
When the light faded, they stood before a looming, twisted castle. Its spires reached into a storm-choked sky, and its very walls seemed to pulse with dark magic. Shadows slithered across the stone like living things, whispering silent threats to the intruders.
The air was thick with malice.
"This is it," Mash whispered, gripping her shield. "Jeanne Alter's stronghold…"
Naruto stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Let's finish this."
Marie looked around in awe, clutching her fan tightly to her chest. "That was… exhilarating! Thank you, Naruto. I see now why everyone—especially the King of Knights and the Ice General—relies on your talents."
Naruto gave her a thumbs-up, his usual easygoing grin on full display. "No problem. Just make sure this trip counts. Stay stealthy, stay sharp—we're going in quiet and hitting them hard."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Except for one.
Satria stood tall and proud—right out in the open. Not even trying to hide behind the trees. His presence radiated energy like a sun gone rogue, loud and impossible to ignore.
And then, he moved.
In a blur of golden light and thunderous wind, he streaked toward the fortress, not bothering with finesse or caution. Before anyone could stop him, he was at the front gates.
With an echoing boom, he kicked the massive doors open, the crash reverberating through the mountains like a war drum.
"EMO-GIRL!!! YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE HAS RETURNED—AND I BRING THE DESTRUCTION OF FRANCISTAN!"
The entire Chaldea group froze mid-step, jaws collectively dropping.
"He… he just went in," one of them whispered.
Jeanne looked like her soul had briefly left her body. "Master… we are not here to destroy France, but to save it from her..."
Martha groaned, massaging her temples. "So much for the element of surprise. Why does the jester have this much power...?"
Crom buried her face in her hands. "Why do I keep expecting anything different? He did the same thing in my arc—though at least this time he didn't wear one of his ridiculous costumes. Still, he really has a hobby of crashing in with style."
Naruto stood from the bush he was crouched behind, letting out a sigh of surrender. "Welp. There goes our plan. Time to back him up."
Artoria, staring at Satria's fading silhouette, muttered under her breath, "How has this man survived this long with those tactics?"
Inside the fortress, Jeanne Alter stood at the heart of the grand hall, flanked by monstrous versions of corrupted heroic spirits. Beside her towered Fafnir, his massive body coiled in ominous silence, black scales shimmering like obsidian, his eyes glowing with ancient fury.
Jeanne Alter's expression twisted in annoyance as the castle trembled from Satria's entrance.
"You… You actually had the audacity to barge in here, again, you buffoon?" she snarled, pointing a finger at him as her dark cape whipped in the air. "This is my moment! I am the Dragon Witch, the destroyer of France! No one destroys this country but me!"
Satria didn't flinch. In fact, he grinned.
"A true warrior doesn't hide behind pets and corrupted friends, woman!" he shouted, slamming his fist into his palm. "Leave the poor dragon alone! He's just misunderstood!"
Jeanne Alter's eye twitched. "You've mocked me for the last time, clown. I swear I'll grind you into the dirt so slowly you'll beg me for mercy!"
Satria simply shrugged, radiating calm confidence. "Clearly, you've never fought someone who fights for justice... and kindness!"
He pointed at her in the most dramatic way imaginable.
"I don't need sneak attacks or schemes. I'm here to beat you fair and square—for the dragons you've enslaved, for my Nakama, and most of all… for you."
He turned his gaze to Fafnir, stepping forward without fear.
"You don't have to serve her anymore. I can see it—you're not evil. You're hurting. But you don't have to carry that burden alone. I'm here to save you." His voice softened. "Join me, Fafnir. Join my Nakama!"
Silence.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
Jeanne Alter blinked. "...What?"
Fafnir blinked.
The corrupted servants stared.
Satria stood tall.
To be continued...