Episode Title:
The Curtain Rises.
Episode Description:
Back in Shirou's home, Rin tells Shirou that he is chosen as one of the Masters for the Holy Grail War, then explains the basics behind it. When Shirou is unable to comprehend the situation, Rin decides to take him to see Kirei Kotomine, a priest who is her legal guardian and also the overseer of the Holy Grail War. When they arrive at the church and meet up with Kirei, Shirou learns that the responsibilities of a Master are unavoidable once chosen. After hearing about the Holy Grail and the purpose of the Holy Grail War, Shirou learns that there were four Holy Grail Wars before the current one, with the latest one taking place ten years ago. Kirei, saying that there can be no action taken against a victor with dark intentions, realizes that Shirou has no interest in fighting. At the conclusion of the Fourth Holy Grail War, an evil Master touched the Holy Grail, resulting in the horrifying fire that Shirou survived. Kirei adds that before the evil Master appeared, a good Master won and held the Holy Grail, but the Holy Grail deemed the good Master unworthy due to his refusal to fight. Shirou regroups with Saber outside of the church, declaring that he finally accepts his responsibilities as a Master. They agree to fight in the Fifth Holy Grail War together. Archer informs Rin that they should attack since Shirou is now a proper Master. Rin responds by saying that she still has a debt to pay Shirou in return for saving her life, deciding to let Shirou and Saber return home. Moments later, they are confronted by Illya, who is revealed to be the Master of the Servant Berserker.
