Back on Su Mo's side—
After dealing with the serial killer, Okita Souji could feel just how much stronger she had become. Though she still didn't know the full extent of her Master's true nature, she now had a much clearer sense of his power.
In short: he was ridiculously overpowered.
And now, with Su Mo announcing that he had changed his mind and was ready to actively participate in the Holy Grail War, seeking victory—Okita's fighting spirit ignited.
"No problem! With my current strength, I'll definitely lead you to victory, Master!"
She thumped her chest confidently. Empowered by Su Mo's magic, Okita felt unstoppable.
All her stats had reached A-rank. At this level, she felt she could dominate other Servants in a head-on fight with just her basic attacks. Add to that her swordsmanship and Noble Phantasm, and her chances in one-on-one duels looked promising. With some strategic planning and a little help from her Master, she was confident she could win.
Watching her radiant optimism, Su Mo was silent for a moment.
"…Then I'll be counting on you," he said with a faint smile, though the tone betrayed his doubts.
He didn't fully trust her combat capabilities. But seeing her so fired up, he decided to accept her earnestness—for now.
Unaware of her Master's inner scepticism, Okita beamed with joy at his affirmation.
"Let's head back quickly! I brought lots of snacks for little Sakura!"
Saying this, the cheerful Saber of Sakura tugged Su Mo along as they made their way back to their base.
Before long, they arrived at a grand estate. Three large characters were carved onto the gate:
Matou Residence.
This was the ancestral home of the Matou family, one of the three founding families of the Holy Grail War.
Originally, it should have been under the control of Matou Zouken, the decaying old worm who clung to life with twisted sorcery.
But as a transmigrator, Su Mo hadn't forgotten one of the essential side quests—rescuing Sakura from the Worm Pit.
Before entering the Mist Space, and after summoning Okita, Su Mo had carried out a flawless assassination with her. Even though Zouken had many life-preserving tricks, they were useless before the power of Su Mo's Mystic Eyes of Death Perception.
Under their gaze, Su Mo easily identified the old fiend's true death point—his core worm—and cleaved it apart in a single strike.
Just like that, the decrepit monster who had lingered for centuries was finally laid to rest.
And more importantly, Su Mo rescued little Sakura before she could be thrown into that hellish pit for her "transformation."
"I'm home, Sakura!"
Okita's lively voice rang out as they pushed open the doors.
Moments later, the sound of small footsteps approached.
A petite girl, no more than six years old, ran out to greet them. Her face lit up with a warm, relieved smile.
"Welcome back, Su Mo-nii, Okita-neesan!"
Seeing them, her heart clearly settled. For the little girl who had been saved by these two, her gratitude came from the depths of her soul.
Although she had never undergone the modification process, Zouken had tried to intimidate her into obedience by taking her to the Worm Cellar several times.
Even just witnessing that grotesque sight had left deep trauma.
She couldn't imagine what it would have felt like to experience it firsthand.
Thankfully… she would never have to.
With these two heroes rescuing her, she was finally free from that world of nightmares.
"Looks like you've been a good girl, Sakura, not running around," Okita said happily, scooping her into a hug. After affectionately rubbing their cheeks together, she handed Sakura the snacks she had bought.
"These are a special gift just for you!"
Sakura's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Okita-neesan!"
She peeked into the convenience bag curiously—then tilted her head. "But… why are most of the boxes empty?"
"Uh…"
Okita froze.
Crisis! Major crisis!
"W-Well, you see, there are many complicated adult reasons behind that…"
She tried to dodge the question with a cute excuse.
But Sakura's gaze didn't miss a thing.
"Okita-neesan, you've got crumbs on the corner of your mouth."
"Uwah! I-I-I was just trying it first for your sake, Sakura! I didn't mean to eat them all!"
Okita scrambled to wipe her mouth, flustered beyond belief.
Her desperate excuses were so unconvincing, even a toddler wouldn't buy them.
But—
"Oh, I see. Got it," Sakura nodded sweetly, as if fully convinced.
Su Mo looked over curiously—only to catch the little girl winking at him mischievously.
Clearly, she had seen right through Okita but chose not to expose her.
"…"
Su Mo was at a loss for words.
He glanced at Okita—still visibly relieved, believing her bluff had worked.
Then he looked at Sakura—six years old, yet so composed and thoughtful, even going out of her way to protect Okita's pride.
Which of them is really the older sister here?
For a moment, he honestly wasn't sure.
Even though Okita brought her snacks, dinner was still a necessity.
Okita couldn't cook. And Su Mo… hadn't been much of a cook either.
But after absorbing the experiences of his alternate selves from the Mist Space, he now had a decent amount of culinary skill.
So, when Su Mo said he'd cook dinner himself this time—
Okita Souji looked visibly excited, her eyes sparkling in anticipation. Sakura, on the other hand, appeared a little nervous as she voiced her objection.
"Mama… Mama said that cooking is a girl's responsibility. Su Mo-nii just needs to focus on important matters. These small things can be left to me!"
Her voice grew a little subdued as she mentioned her mother. Even though she knew her mother hadn't meant to abandon her, there was still some lingering resentment in her heart.
"You say something like that a few decades later and people would roast you alive," Su Mo quipped dryly.
Sakura didn't quite understand, tilting her head in confusion. Okita, meanwhile, visibly flinched like an arrow had pierced her knee.
"So… does that mean since I can't cook, I'm not even a proper girl?" Saber muttered under her breath, but neither of the other two acknowledged her sulk.
"That aside, having a six-year-old make meals for two grown adults just doesn't sit right with me," Su Mo pointed out.
While Sakura's culinary skills were still at a beginner's level, she was undeniably better than both him and Okita. Still, seeing such a small girl standing on a stool and tiptoeing around the kitchen to cook for them felt too much like child labour.
"But I like cooking for Onii-chan and Onee-chan!" Sakura said earnestly.
To her, this was the only irreplaceable value she had now. Seeing Su Mo and Okita eat the food she had made filled her with genuine joy.
If Su Mo took over the kitchen, then she feared she'd become useless… and useless things get thrown away.
Just like how her father had discarded her.
That fear took root in her heart.
Su Mo could read that unspoken fear in her stubborn little gaze. Having just been abandoned by her own family, it was only natural for her to cling to those who saved her, desperate not to be left behind again.
He thought for a moment, then smiled warmly.
"You're right. We don't have a lot of time to spend on cooking."
At his words, Sakura's face lit up.
"But" he continued, "it wouldn't be fair to let you handle everything on your own. How about this—why don't the two of us cook together for now? We'll prepare meals as a team, and once you're a little older, I'll hand the kitchen over to you."
The suggestion immediately got Okita pumped.
"Yay!" she clapped excitedly. "That means I get to taste food made by both of you!"
Sakura looked hesitant but nodded in agreement. "Okay… I understand."
Still, deep inside, she quietly vowed to surpass Su Mo in cooking. At the very least, she'd make sure his stomach would never want anyone else's food again.
And so, the determined little girl gave it her all in that evening's dinner.
Only to be completely outclassed by Su Mo.
"This sweet flower chicken is so good!"
"These matsutake-stuffed meat rolls are amazing!"
"And this omelette… how is it just a plain egg dish but tastes like it's gone through the trials of war and death?!"
"Master, I didn't know you could cook like this!" Okita practically had tears in her eyes as she licked her plate clean.
Sakura had originally thought she was exaggerating.
But one bite of Su Mo's food later, she realized Okita's praise was, if anything, understated.
It wasn't some god-tier gourmet experience—but the timing, seasoning, and cooking technique were so refined that each dish felt perfected through countless repetitions.
In contrast, her own beginner-level cooking was miles behind.
"Nothing special—just familiarity through repetition," Su Mo shrugged in response to their astonished expressions.
"These are just the few dishes I've gotten used to making over and over. I wouldn't say I'm great overall. Most other dishes I try still come out pretty average."
These particular recipes were from his time in the world of Teyvat. Cooking over a campfire in the wilderness, he had focused solely on mastering control over heat. Everything else was pretty basic.
Not quite a master chef, but still better than your average eatery.
Sakura, meanwhile, looked utterly dejected.
Su Mo couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and ruffled her soft hair.
"Wanna learn?"
Sakura's head shot up, her eyes lighting up with hope.
"I'll teach you," he promised.
"You're the best, Su Mo-nii!" she beamed.
What made her happiest wasn't just the chance to learn how to cook—it was what Su Mo's offer implied.
It meant he saw her as someone who'd be there in the future, preparing meals.
In other words… Su Mo still needed her.
And if he needed her, he wouldn't abandon her.