"Hah... what an unfathomable world."
"To think that such existence beyond our logic was once so close and accessible."
After listening to Kenshin's recount, Hiko Seijuro didn't Mock him anymore. Instead, he maintained a rare seriousness.
Everything his disciple had encountered was truly beyond anything he could have imagined.
The Dragon Ball...
An entity that could make any wish a reality...
"I see... no wonder your swordsmanship has reached such heights."
"Previously, you were merely a 'Human' who reached the apex, but now... you have truly stepped into the domain of a 'Peerless One'."
"Hmph. What else do I have to teach a guy like you?!"
Although he spoke dismissively, Hiko Seijuro's pride was evident in every line of his face.
"Senior."
"The Ougi... I still wish to learn it."
"With my current strength, I can feel that there's still a part of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu that remains shrouded in mystery."
Kenshin's sincerity and persistence were undeniable.
"... fine."
"But since you've seen so much, I won't just 'teach' you."
"Show me your 'resolve'. Show me the weight of that world you carry!"
Hiko Seijuro stood up, his sturdy presence filling the small dojo.
...
Months later.
Restoration forces had achieved significant victories.
Kenshin, having mastered the Ougi and possessing the Divine Sword Tenseiga, became an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
But to him, every battle was merely a step toward the next "War".
His gaze would often drift to the frozen necklace, where Tomoe's figure was etched.
'Just wait for me...'
'I will surely return.'
...
Britain
"Teacher, the research data has been compiled."
"Waver Velvet, your progress is... acceptable."
Kayneth, now much more composed and less prone to fits of rage, reviewed the documents with a keen eye.
Sola sat nearby, sipping tea and observing the two.
"Wait, this part here... about the resonance between a Master's wish and a Servant's origin..."
"Hmph. You've actually managed to find something worthwhile."
"It's just a hypothesis for now, but I believe that if the connection is strong enough..."
Waver's words were cut off by a sudden tremor.
No, it wasn't an earthquake. It was a resonance.
The white Emperor's Robe hanging in his room began to glow with a soft, crimson light.
"Rider...?"
Waver rushed to his room, his heart pounding.
When he reached it, the light was already fading, but the air felt charged with an electricity he hadn't felt since Fuyuki.
'One day...'
'One day, I will be the one at the top.'
...
The story of the Dragon Ball War had theoretically concluded, but for those who had survived it, the influence of that war would continue for a lifetime.
Some chose to live ordinary lives, cherishing the second chance they had been given.
Others continued their paths, seeking greater heights and preparing for the next summons.
But regardless of their choices, one thing was certain:
The "Emperor" had truly changed their world forever.
...
Epilogue: A New Beginning
On a quiet street in Fuyuki, a red-haired boy was carrying groceries when he spotted a familiar figure in a white hoodie.
"Ah, Saber!"
"Shirou. You're late today."
"Sorry, sorry. I got caught up helping an elderly neighbor."
"Your heart is as soft as ever."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No. It is your greatest strength."
As the two walked toward their home, the setting sun cast long shadows over the city that had once been a battlefield.
Peace was fragile, but as long as they were there to protect it, the future seemed bright.
[THE END]