Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works Season 1 Episode 5 Finding the Will to Fight
- November 2, 2014
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7.7 (267)
Shirou Emiya is a budding mage who was taken in by a powerful mage called Kiritsugu Emiya, who taught him the basics of magecraft. After Kiritsugu's untimely death, Shirou vows to become a "hero of justice" to honor his adoptive father's legacy.
In this episode, Shirou is still recovering from his injuries after his confrontation with Caster. Rin Tohsaka, the young mage who saved him, is determined to strengthen their alliance in the war. She proposes that they investigate a lead on Rider, one of the Servants in the war. Rider's Master has not been seen in public, and Rin suspects that she is hiding something.
Shirou is initially hesitant to join Rin, partly due to his injuries and partly due to his own doubts about his ability to participate in the war. However, Rin's determination and persuasive arguments gradually persuade him to join her. Rin takes Shirou to an abandoned building where she has set up a magical barrier to detect any magical activity. She explains that they are going to stake out the area until they see any sign of Rider or her Master.
As they wait, Rin and Shirou engage in conversation about their respective backgrounds. Rin reveals that she comes from a long line of mages, and that she is the successor of the Tohsaka family's magecraft. She is determined to win the war to prove herself to her late father, who was a powerful mage in his own right. Shirou, by contrast, is a self-taught mage who is still learning the ropes. However, he is determined to make a difference in the war, even if he has to sacrifice his own life to do so.
Their conversation is interrupted when they detect magical activity. Shirou initially mistakes it for Saber, his own Servant, but Rin corrects him and tells him to be ready for anything. They cautiously approach the location, only to find that it is an empty alleyway. Rin reveals that the magical activity has disappeared, which means that Rider's Master is very skilled at concealing herself.
As they return to the building, Shirou notices something strange in the air. Rin tells him that it is a magical signature, and she immediately puts up a defensive barrier to protect them. Suddenly, Rider appears, riding on her ethereal mount. She is accompanied by a mysterious figure who materializes out of the shadows - it is Kuzuki Souichirou, a teacher at Shirou's school.
Rin recognizes Kuzuki as one of the Masters in the war, and she realizes that he must be Rider's Master. Kuzuki seems completely unfazed by their presence and asks them if they want to fight. Rin accepts the challenge and prepares to engage in battle.
Shirou, initially hesitant, is forced to act when Rider and Kuzuki launch a surprise attack on Rin. He uses his limited mage skills to create a protective shield around Rin and himself. Rin recognizes Shirou's talent and compliments him on his quick thinking. Together, they manage to hold off Rider and Kuzuki's attacks long enough to retreat.
As they flee, Rin tells Shirou that they need to regroup and come up with a new plan. She is impressed by Shirou's willingness to fight despite his injuries, and she tells him that he is starting to develop the "will to fight" that all mages must possess in order to survive.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Rin and Shirou retreating to a safe location to plan their next move. They know that they will have to face Rider and Kuzuki again, but they are determined to emerge victorious.
Overall, "Finding the Will to Fight" is an action-packed episode that showcases the growing bond between Rin and Shirou. The stakes are raised as Rider and Kuzuki prove to be formidable opponents, and the tension builds as Rin and Shirou desperately try to survive. The episode also delves deeper into Shirou's character, showing his dedication to honor his adoptive father's legacy and his growing determination to make a difference in the war.