Sakura will suffer inhuman torment in the Matou household.
She'll be shut away in an underground worm cellar, her body and soul gnawed day and night by crest worms. Those things will alter her magecraft attribute, but at the cost of endless pain.
She will lose her own name, be called "Matou Sakura," and gradually grow numb to her past in the Tohsaka home.
Worse still, Matou Zouken plans to raise Sakura as a vessel for the Holy Grail—meaning her body will be remade into a "container" capable of holding immense mana, to be used as a sacrifice in the Holy Grail War.
Tohsaka Rin: "No… that's impossible. Father would never let that happen!"
Rei Ao: "Your father doesn't know. Matou Zouken hides himself well. On the surface, he's only looking for a suitable heir to carry on the Matou bloodline. Your father has been deceived."
Rei Ao: "Of course, that doesn't mean he's blameless."
Busujima Saeko: "That's too cruel… How can anyone do that to a young girl?"
Yuzuriha Inori: "So sad… such a heavy fate."
Miko Yotsuya: "Just imagining it gives me chills. Worms are terrifying!"
Aihara Enju: "Rei Ao-nii, can't you stop this from happening? I know better than anyone what it's like to be treated as a tool!"
Rin was trembling all over, barely able to hold the pen in her hand. She pictured her sister locked in a dark basement, devoured by countless worms, and her stomach lurched.
Tohsaka Rin: "W-what should I do? I can't let Sakura suffer that fate!"
Rei Ao: "That's why I'm telling you. Knowing the future is how you change it."
Yukinoshita Yukino: "But be careful. Confronting your father head-on may not be wise."
Julis: "She's right. You need a thorough plan."
Stella: "Hey! Need help? I can make those creeps pay."
Tohsaka Rin: "Thank you… but I want to try convincing Father first…"
Rei Ao: "Are you sure he'll believe you?"
Rin's gaze grew complicated. She could secretly investigate the Matou family's history—especially anything about crest worms and Grail vessels.
The Tohsaka archives might already contain such records. Or she could ask Father to take her to visit the Matou estate and use the opportunity to scout the grounds—particularly places not open to outsiders.
She could also feign interest in Matou magecraft and ask Father for more about Matou Zouken and their system. Above all, she had to be careful and avoid tipping them off. If Matou Zouken sensed something, he might move against Sakura even sooner.
Tohsaka Rin: "Thank you for telling me, Group Owner Rei Ao—and thank you, everyone, for the advice."
Tohsaka Rin: "I'm going to try!"
Miyamizu Mitsuha: "You've got this! We're all behind you!"
Akiyama Mio: "Exactly. If you need anything, just say the word."
Rei Ao: "All right. If you can't manage, come to me."
Rin closed the group chat, took a deep breath, and a resolute light flashed in her eyes. She walked to the window, looked toward Sakura, and made a silent vow.
"No matter what, I won't let that future happen. I'll protect you, Sakura."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door—Tohsaka Tokiomi's voice came through. "Rin, are you there? I have something to discuss with you."
Rin's heart lurched. She forced herself to stay calm and opened the door. "Father, what is it?"
Tokiomi's expression was grave. "It's about your sister Sakura's future. I have some decisions to tell you. And I need your opinion as the Tohsaka heir."
Rin's heart sank. Had Father already decided? Time was even tighter than she'd thought!
She followed him to the study, mind racing for countermeasures. Based on what Rei Ao had told her, she had to find a way to stop this—or at least stall for time until she could gather proof of the Matou plot.
"Sit, Rin," Tokiomi said, gesturing to the chair opposite. "You're nearly eighteen; it's time you learned more about the Tohsaka responsibilities and the rules of the magus world."
"Yes, Father," Rin answered respectfully, even as she thought hard about how to steer the conversation.
"As for Sakura…" Tokiomi began calmly.
Rin mustered her courage and cut in. "Father! Before that—may I ask a few questions about the Matou family?"
She spoke cautiously. "I saw some entries about Matou magecraft in the archives, and I was curious about their Magic Crest."
Tokiomi looked surprised, then smiled with approval. "Good. Curiosity befits a magus. The Matou system is indeed unusual…"
Rin listened intently while watching for anything that might confirm Rei Ao's claims. Strangely, she heard nothing about insect users.
"I heard the Matou line hasn't produced an outstanding magus in recent generations. Is that true?" Rin pressed on. "Then how have they maintained their status among the Three Families?"
Tokiomi frowned slightly. "Rin, those questions may be beyond what you need to concern yourself with right now."
Rin tensed and knew she couldn't push directly. She shifted tactics. "I'm sorry, Father. I was just thinking… if the Matou have no suitable heir, won't their magecraft be lost? That would be a shame."
Tokiomi looked at his daughter, a complex light in his eyes. "A magus lineage is indeed a serious matter. Sometimes, to preserve precious magecraft, we must make difficult choices."
Rin's heart sank. His words all but confirmed Rei Ao's warning—he really was considering sending Sakura to the Matou.
"Father!" Rin couldn't help raising her voice. "You don't mean… to send Sakura—"
Tokiomi stared at her in surprise. "How did you…?" He sighed. "It seems you've already sensed it. Yes. I am considering adopting Sakura into the Matou family. It's the best choice for her—she can develop her talents, and the Matou bloodline can continue."