Arjuna

True Value of the Divine Bow

Mash:
Wow...

Arjuna:
...Well. This is about 10% of its original power.

Mash:
T-Ten percent?

Arjuna:
I accept you as my Master, Fujimaru. But that doesn't mean I pledge my loyalty to you.

Arjuna:
The most important thing in this world is trust. By fighting together, I was able to know you better.

Arjuna:
But, that is not enough. Therefore, I would like to test you, Master.

Arjuna:
It's simple. Just join me for three fights. During those fights, I will obey your every order.

Arjuna:
On the other hand, I won't do anything aside from obeying your orders. How well you utilize me as a weapon...

Arjuna:
That's what I want to see. Is that all right?

Arjuna:
...Oh, there's no problem if you want the other Servants to help as well.

Arjuna:
I'm looking forward to it.

Arjuna:
I know this is sudden, but enemies are approaching. As always, enemies this level are easy prey for us.

Arjuna:
I seek a graceful, quick delivery of instructions from you, Master. That is all.

--BATTLE--:

Arjuna:
Hmm, well done. Cutting off all thought and letting myself be controlled is not a bad feeling.

Arjuna:
However, don't get overconfident about beating those weaklings. The next enemies will be somewhat formidable.

Arjuna:
You must be able to defeat formidable opponents with ease. Otherwise, you're unfit to be a commander.

Arjuna:
...Don't worry. At least there's no fear of getting killed.

Arjuna:
I, Arjuna, guarantee it.
Well, let the fight begin.

--BATTLE--:

Mash:
Whew...

Arjuna:
Splendid! I acknowledge that there is no problem with Master's ability to command.

Arjuna:
Now, this is the last test. Considering the type of enemies we may face in the future...

Arjuna:
I had a Servant prepared for this. No longer will you be fighting a mindless beast, but rather a true Hero recognized by the World itself.

Arjuna:
We must win. No matter how strong the enemy is, I must obtain a glorious victory.

Arjuna:
...No, I guess WE must obtain a glorious victory. Come, let's fight.

Arjuna:
I shall be a silent arrow! You just need to fire me toward the ones you recognize as your enemy.

Arjuna:
That's the ideal relationship of a Servant and a Master. Now, let's go!

--BATTLE--:

Arjuna:
–Good. As expected, your talents as a Master are genuine. I trust you fully, and therefore pledge my allegiance to you.

Arjuna:
The name of my bow is Agni Gandiva. This divine bow granted by the God of Flame can shoot down anything.

Arjuna:
I will show you its true strength in our upcoming battles.

Arjuna:
...Oh?

Arjuna:
–Heh heh, this bow is ideal for you. Why don't I show you the true brilliance of its flame now!

--BATTLE--:

Arjuna:
By the hellfire of Agni, God of Flame, be incinerated to ashes! ...No, this is not enough.

Arjuna:
O Shiva, God of Destruction... Rain down divine punishment upon my foes!

Arjuna:
...How was that, Master?
No, you don't have to say anything.

Arjuna:
With this, my power has been proven. My weapon and Noble Phantasm are the most powerful of their kind.

Arjuna:
You can proudly declare that I'm the best Servant.

Mash:
U-Um...

Arjuna:
Yes?

Mash:
The forest has been leveled.

Arjuna:
...Uh...uh...

Arjuna:
I think I was a little too enthusiastic...
I am sorry.

By Continuing to Question

Arjuna:
...There you are, Karna.

Karna:
Arjuna.

Arjuna:
No obstacles remain for me.
Even if they did, I would destroy them all.

Arjuna:
This will be the end.
I may be called a coward, but I will kill you.

Arjuna:
I need to kill you!
You know me, after all!

Karna:
...So this is karma. There is not room enough in the world for two supreme marksmen.

Karna:
My lance should be alone in its ability to scorch the land.

Karna:
There's no question of who dies here.
The loser will become unnecessary.

Karna:
Come at me, Arjuna. Lay it all on the line.
Give it everything you have!

Arjuna:
Don't speak down to me!
You asked for it!

Karna:
...Brilliant.

Arjuna:
Haha...hahahaha! Hahahahaha!
I win! My...my...my...!

Arjuna:
...

Narration:
Is this truly victory?
Or is this actually defeat?

Narration:
I have no sense of satisfaction,
no joy from this victory...

Narration:
I don't even feel a sense of relief that the battle is over. The only thing that I have is this ceaseless feeling of emptiness.

Narration:
I just killed the man who knew me best.

Narration:
I have no regrets. My original sworn enemy...my oldest enemy. We were destined to fight each other. And yet...

Narration:
That man, who waded through battle after battle in blinding, golden armor...

Narration:
...was the one and only hero who knew the ugly side of me.

Arjuna:
...Why, Karna?

Arjuna:
Why...why did you smile?

Narration:
And then my life came to an end while I yet pondered that mystery.

Narration:
As Arjuna, the Hero of the Endowed...I existed to protect the future.

Arjuna:
And then I was summoned as a Servant, and participated in many battles. I trust Master wholeheartedly.

Arjuna:
[♂ He /♀️ She} may be ordinary, and there are times when [♂ he /♀️ she} is too optimistic...yet still, [♂ he's /♀️ she's} a good Master.

Arjuna:
Faithful. Accurate decision-making skills. And [♂ he /♀️ she} does not treat us Servants as mere familiars. [♂ He /♀️ She} treats us with respect, but is not distant.

Arjuna:
Many Servants would consider [♂ him /♀️ her} the ideal Master.
I number myself among them.

Arjuna:
That is why I unleashed the absolute limit of my Noble Phantasm's power. And yet...

Arjuna:
I have yet to show my true face to Master.
No, I mustn't show it...

Arjuna:
My blunt ugliness out in the open...!

Mash:
Master. I have detected numerous enemies.
It seems like a surprise attack.

Arjuna:
Comfortable battles. A sense of fulfillment I feel knowing that I am fighting in the cause of absolute justice.

Arjuna:
The most wonderful cause of saving the world.
Ah...I cannot stop laughing.


Fujimaru 1:
What's wrong?


Fujimaru 2:
Arjuna?


Arjuna:
...No, it's nothing.
Now, let's go annihilate the enemy.

--BATTLE--:

Mash:
Enemy response, zero.
No problems on our end. I recommend returning.


Fujimaru 1:
Good work!

Mash:
Yes, Master. Good work to you as well.
I will have sesame buns ready for you.


Fujimaru 2:
Let's get back, Arjuna.

Arjuna:
Yes, understood.


Arjuna:
By the way, Master, was there something on my face a few minutes ago?

Arjuna:
Nothing?
I didn't look myself?

Mash:
At least on my end, I did not see any fluctuations in his Spirit Origin value. Perhaps it's fatigue?

Mash:
Arjuna, you've been volunteering for battle rather frequently recently.

Mash:
And the other Servants, especially the battle-hungry ones, have been complaining that it's not fair.

Arjuna:
...I may have overexerted myself.

Arjuna:
Understood. I will be sure to leave the battles to the other Servants for a while.

Mash:
Okay. Good work again!

Mash:
Ah-ha, Senpai. I win in this round of cards.
I will be taking this sesame bun as my prize.


Fujimaru 1:
But if you eat right before bed...

Mash:
...S-Servants don't gain weight.
That applies to Demi-Servants, too!

Mash:
...Probably.


Fujimaru 2:
It's all yours.

Mash:
Hehe. Don't sulk, Senpai.
I have one for you, too.


Mash:
Sweet dreams, Senpai...


Fujimaru 1:
Night!

Mash:
Yes, good night.


Fujimaru 2:
Good night to you too, Fou.

Fou:
Fou!



Fujimaru 1:
...?


Arjuna:
...I defeated him.
He's defeated.

Arjuna:
Haha...hahahaha! Hahahahaha!
I win! My...my...my...!


Fujimaru 1:
Arjuna...?


Arjuna:
Master!?
You...

Arjuna:
...saw my face, didn't you.

Arjuna:
You're finally awake, Master.

Arjuna:
...I am surprised.

Arjuna:
You do not seem at all bewildered by the unexpected scene you just witnessed.

Arjuna:
It seems that we have fallen into a Servant's dream. It's likely that it's my dream, or that of someone who has some connection with me.

Arjuna:
If it's mine...then I apologize in advance.


Fujimaru 1:
I'm used to it. This happens a lot.

Arjuna:
Spoken like a true Master.
But getting too used to this is hardly a good thing.

Arjuna:
You may one day be a prisoner of a different type of nightmare... Should you die inside a dream, your spirit will perish.


Fujimaru 2:
I'm in a dream again, aren't I?

Arjuna:
When you say “again,” do you mean you fall into the dreams of others often?

Arjuna:
This is neither a Rayshift nor a case of teleportation.

Arjuna:
It's truly a curious phenomenon...
But this is a first for me.


Arjuna:
Anyway, we can do little if we remain in this darkness. We must analyze our surroundings.

Arjuna:
Master, do not move. If we lose sight of each other, it will be difficult for us to find one another again.

Arjuna:
...It's subtle, but I sense a breeze.
Let's head in that direction.

Arjuna:
This place is like a labyrinth...and it's quite elaborate.

Arjuna:
Not only that... No...one moment.

Arjuna:
This is not right.
I do not understand.


Fujimaru 1:
What's wrong?


Arjuna:
My only sense of this is, I admit, intuitive, but this labyrinth does not lead any higher than we are now.

Arjuna:
The only path leads lower...to the bottom.


Fujimaru 1:
So there's no exit?


Fujimaru 2:
Seems about right for a dungeon in a nightmare...


Arjuna:
Yes, exactly. It's nonsensically structured, as only dreams can be.

Arjuna:
Honestly.
My apologies. This is most likely my own nightmare.

Arjuna:
Were this your nightmare,
it wouldn't have been as malicious as it is now.


Fujimaru 1:
My nightmare... Eli's last supper. With live music.

Arjuna:
Is this Eli the mixed dragon Servant? Hahaha. A concert festival certainly sounds interesting.

Arjuna:
Eh? A nightmare? Isn't it just music?
What? I don't get the underlying issue?


Fujimaru 2:
My nightmare would be Nightingale disinfecting me.

Arjuna:
That...is terrifying.

Arjuna:
My own mother, perhaps reflective of the times, spoiled me. Yet I still feel maternal love from Nightingale's fierceness.

Arjuna:
Either way, isn't it nice to know the Servant is genuinely concerned for you?

Arjuna:
A dream where she chases after you with a tank of disinfectant on her back? ...I see, that IS a nightmare...


Arjuna:
Anyway, let's begin our descent.
I have a feeling that that is our best option.

Arjuna:
It is annoying, though, to have so many creatures scuttling about... No, it shouldn't be an issue.

Arjuna:
We should have no trouble breaking through.
Now then, let us cut them down.

--BATTLE--:

Mash:
Enemy response, zero.
No problems on our end. I recommend returning.


Fujimaru 1:
Good work!

Mash:
Yes, Master. Good work to you as well.
I will have sesame buns ready for you.


Fujimaru 2:
Let's get back, Arjuna.

Arjuna:
Yes, understood.


Arjuna:
By the way, Master, was there something on my face a few minutes ago?

Arjuna:
Nothing?
I didn't look myself?

Mash:
At least on my end, I did not see any fluctuations in his Spirit Origin value. Perhaps it's fatigue?

Mash:
Arjuna, you've been volunteering for battle rather frequently recently.

Mash:
And the other Servants, especially the battle-hungry ones, have been complaining that it's not fair.

Arjuna:
...I may have overexerted myself.

Arjuna:
Understood. I will be sure to leave the battles to the other Servants for a while.

Mash:
Okay. Good work again!

Mash:
Ah-ha, Senpai. I win in this round of cards.
I will be taking this sesame bun as my prize.


Fujimaru 1:
But if you eat right before bed...

Mash:
...S-Servants don't gain weight.
That applies to Demi-Servants, too!

Mash:
...Probably.


Fujimaru 2:
It's all yours.

Mash:
Hehe. Don't sulk, Senpai.
I have one for you, too.


Mash:
Sweet dreams, Senpai...


Fujimaru 1:
Night!

Mash:
Yes, good night.


Fujimaru 2:
Good night to you too, Fou.

Fou:
Fou!



Fujimaru 1:
...?


Arjuna:
...I defeated him.
He's defeated.

Arjuna:
Haha...hahahaha! Hahahahaha!
I win! My...my...my...!


Fujimaru 1:
Arjuna...?


Arjuna:
Master!?
You...

Arjuna:
...saw my face, didn't you.

Arjuna:
You're finally awake, Master.

Arjuna:
...I am surprised.

Arjuna:
You do not seem at all bewildered by the unexpected scene you just witnessed.

Arjuna:
It seems that we have fallen into a Servant's dream. It's likely that it's my dream, or that of someone who has some connection with me.

Arjuna:
If it's mine...then I apologize in advance.


Fujimaru 1:
I'm used to it. This happens a lot.

Arjuna:
Spoken like a true Master.
But getting too used to this is hardly a good thing.

Arjuna:
You may one day be a prisoner of a different type of nightmare... Should you die inside a dream, your spirit will perish.


Fujimaru 2:
I'm in a dream again, aren't I?

Arjuna:
When you say “again,” do you mean you fall into the dreams of others often?

Arjuna:
This is neither a Rayshift nor a case of teleportation.

Arjuna:
It's truly a curious phenomenon...
But this is a first for me.


Arjuna:
Anyway, we can do little if we remain in this darkness. We must analyze our surroundings.

Arjuna:
Master, do not move. If we lose sight of each other, it will be difficult for us to find one another again.

Arjuna:
...It's subtle, but I sense a breeze.
Let's head in that direction.

Arjuna:
This place is like a labyrinth...and it's quite elaborate.

Arjuna:
Not only that... No...one moment.

Arjuna:
This is not right.
I do not understand.


Fujimaru 1:
What's wrong?


Arjuna:
My only sense of this is, I admit, intuitive, but this labyrinth does not lead any higher than we are now.

Arjuna:
The only path leads lower...to the bottom.


Fujimaru 1:
So there's no exit?


Fujimaru 2:
Seems about right for a dungeon in a nightmare...


Arjuna:
Yes, exactly. It's nonsensically structured, as only dreams can be.

Arjuna:
Honestly.
My apologies. This is most likely my own nightmare.

Arjuna:
Were this your nightmare,
it wouldn't have been as malicious as it is now.


Fujimaru 1:
My nightmare... Eli's last supper. With live music.

Arjuna:
Is this Eli the mixed dragon Servant? Hahaha. A concert festival certainly sounds interesting.

Arjuna:
Eh? A nightmare? Isn't it just music?
What? I don't get the underlying issue?


Fujimaru 2:
My nightmare would be Nightingale disinfecting me.

Arjuna:
That...is terrifying.

Arjuna:
My own mother, perhaps reflective of the times, spoiled me. Yet I still feel maternal love from Nightingale's fierceness.

Arjuna:
Either way, isn't it nice to know the Servant is genuinely concerned for you?

Arjuna:
A dream where she chases after you with a tank of disinfectant on her back? ...I see, that IS a nightmare...


Arjuna:
Anyway, let's begin our descent.
I have a feeling that that is our best option.

Arjuna:
It is annoying, though, to have so many creatures scuttling about... No, it shouldn't be an issue.

Arjuna:
We should have no trouble breaking through.
Now then, let us cut them down.

--BATTLE--:

Arjuna:
This is my answer: I am a Kshatriya,
but I am a Servant–a familiar–at the same time.

Arjuna:
I have a warrior's pride.
I fulfill my duties as a familiar.

Arjuna:
I can be both. I will not forsake my pride as a warrior, even as I swear my loyalty as a familiar.

Rama:
So you understand the theory. A sensible answer,
as I would expect from the great Arjuna.

Rama:
But your response is acceptable only because this is a peaceful moment. I wonder whether you can give the same answer in a time of crisis.

Arjuna:
...Are you mocking me?

Rama:
Move on to your next trial, hero.
Your destined enemy awaits!

Arjuna:
...I know. There's only one warrior in this world who radiates such fighting spirit.

Karna:
You've come, Arjuna.

Arjuna:
Karna... Why are you here!?
You shouldn't be in a place like this!

Karna:
My presence here suggests that you believe otherwise.

Karna:
An enemy who puts a question to Arjuna...
That is my role here.

Karna:
I ask of you, my sworn enemy:
Who are you?

--BATTLE--:

Krishna:
Ungh! Not yet!
Give me your hand, Arjuna!

Krishna:
We must stand up together to fight against evil!

Arjuna:
...

Arjuna:
...No. That's wrong.
You're wrong, Krishna.

Arjuna:
I know it's wrong.

Krishna:
Wh-what?

Arjuna:
I've been thinking about this the whole time.
It's because of you that I was able to fire that arrow.

Arjuna:
I blamed all my cowardice, everything I did that was unbecoming of a true warrior...on you.

Arjuna:
...At that time, I just wanted relief.
I thought the battle with Karna was going to last forever.

Arjuna:
The person I had been was being swallowed, and I despaired, knowing I was moving away from the path of a warrior.

Arjuna:
But I must accept it. No matter how much I wish to resist, the one who fired that arrow was...

Krishna:
Don't say it, Arjuna! If you say it,
you will be cursed for thousands of years!

Karna:
You must say it, Arjuna.

Karna:
There is no correct answer. The only thing you can do is hold on to your conviction until the very end.

Karna:
There will be times when you will feel lost.
That is why we must walk the path with Master.

Karna:
A Servant needs to live their second life carrying their doubts with them.

Karna:
After all, you have never before reached this place where you now stand, not even in life.

Arjuna:
...I was the one who fired the arrow.

Arjuna:
I held that arrow, I fit the arrow to the bow,
and let it loose. It was me, Arjuna.

Arjuna:
I'm sorry.

Arjuna:
Krishna. At that decisive moment,
you were not on the chariot with me.

Karna:
That's right.

Karna:
Krishna was fighting elsewhere. But after he learned of how much humiliation you suffered, he kept quiet.

Krishna:
...You are going to be admitting your own evil. Whether you be alive, dead, or even a Heroic Spirit, you cannot ever take that back.

Krishna:
You will bear this regret for eternity.

Arjuna:
That may be true.
But I have decided I will no longer fear regret.

Krishna:
...

Krishna:
I see...Then I shall hold on to that regret of yours.

Arjuna:
Krishna?

Krishna:
Maybe...just maybe...my existence is the leak in the dam.

Arjuna:
I don't understand what you're getting at.

Krishna:
Nothing. I'm just talking to myself. Don't worry about it. It's time to wake up, Fujimaru.

Krishna:
It's unlikely I will make another appearance anytime soon. You should forget about this whole dream.

Karna:
I will not be appearing here again.
Farewell Arjuna. Farewell Master.

Arjuna:
I will fade away too.

Arjuna:
But I must apologize, Master. The numerous times you were put in danger...all of it was because of me.

Arjuna:
It is probably because the bond between you and I has grown stronger.

Arjuna:
The deeper the bond I form with someone, the more fearful I become of them learning of the existence of my Krishna.

Arjuna:
That's why I called you to my dream,
and tried to kill you.

Arjuna:
I'm such a fool... A vile, detestable betrayer.
I would not protest should I be put to death.

Arjuna:
...Master.
Now you know all of who...of what I am.

Arjuna:
And yet, you still embrace my everything...my light, my darkness, and my evil.

Arjuna:
I see... Then I will never again fear that smile of yours, nor this darkness. Never again...


Fujimaru 1:
This...isn't a dream, is it?


Arjuna:
You have awoken, Master.
I thank you for showing me such a wonderful dream.

Arjuna:
And I would also like to apologize for putting your life in danger.

Arjuna:
But I am in something of a bind. The crime that I committed should cost me my life, but if I do offer up my life, I would not be able to fight for you anymore.

Arjuna:
Whatever should I do?


Fujimaru 1:
Morning, Arjuna.


Arjuna:
...Good morning.

Arjuna:
I will waver no more.
I will dedicate all that I have to serving you.

Arjuna:
But now that I think about it...

Arjuna:
I felt like I was on a long, long journey...
Yet it seemed a short thing at the same time.

Arjuna:
There is nothing absolute in this world.
Various substances prowl, wander, and are transient.

Arjuna:
Emotions are no exception.
Even love can one day change to hate and sadness.

Arjuna:
Or the opposite might happen.

Arjuna:
But there is just one thing that I can say with confidence.

Arjuna:
...I feel fortunate to have met you.

Narration:
I am an Archer. My True Name is Arjuna.
I am a Kshatriya warrior and a Servant...

Narration:
I lend my strength to a Master in order to win back the future. I am just an average Heroic Spirit.

Narration:
I am a descendant of a god, but not a god myself. I may have incredible power that ordinary humans lack, but I am still human.

Narration:
I simply fight. I fight for my Master.
My reason for fighting is my belief in my Master.

Narration:
That is all I require to see myself as a hero. For that purpose, I can embrace the darkness within me and not be abashed by it.

Narration:
I am an Archer.
I am Arjuna.

Narration:
I am Fujimaru's Servant.