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.