Chapter 540

Fifty-second Only Watching Ash

“That girl is the one protecting this world!” With his hand wiping over his sharp forehead producing a crisp “slip” sound, Fourze looked in Yayoi’s direction, with a rather envious expression. “Being able to travel to different worlds and make so many friends, I truly envy you for being able to do that!”

“It’s not like we’ve become friends with everyone… seriously, do you only have that to say?” Although he seemed to be urging him on, the upturned corner of Ash’s lips clearly revealed his true thoughts.

“Ash!” From the silence of the previous battle, Fourze became enthusiastic again, extending his fist. “I’ve completed this task, this is proof of our friendship!”

“I never doubted you.” Laughing, Ash also extended his own fist, completing the fist bump.

“Alright, let’s get to the main topic. You’re not the type to drop the ball at a crucial moment.”

To give father and daughter some private time for their farewell, Ash and Fourze came to a shadow behind the factory. As soon as he started speaking, the originally relaxed atmosphere instantly turned serious, even making the background music become incredibly tense.

Recalling that he might have run into a knight who visited another set by chance in his previous world, Ash speculated that maybe the knight had carried news from this world to the others, hence why the past friends were seeking him out now.

“Speak up, Stringtaro,” Ash asked, crossing his arms nonchalantly, “What thing could be making you so urgent? It doesn’t matter to me.”

After all, this friend-and-friendship-focused guy could only be this urgent if something truly significant was happening.

But haven’t I been away from the knight world for some time? What connection could it possibly have, is this related to any historical problems? Oh… then it’s such a hassle!

“Indeed, there is an issue that absolutely needs to be told!” Upon hearing Fourze’s usually spirited voice turn earnest, Ash couldn’t help but listen intently.

“Ash, someone saw you reappearing in the knights’ world. Meanwhile, 39 once separate knight worlds are gradually merging back together. This is really disastrous!”

“What are you talking about?” Ash listened to him with confusion, just like sipping black tea with senior students and not understanding anything. “Right now, I’m in the Pretty Cure world!”

And since when did the knight world become 39 parts again? I just went around for a bit and Dai-ge had new movies?

“Leaving aside how I’ve reappeared, do you mean to say that the worlds are merging again because of me?”

Ash couldn’t help but frown. After all, this kind of responsibility usually falls on the world destroyer. Unless he’s dead, what does it have to do with me?

“No, it’s not like that. I still believe you are my friend, so I don’t think it’s your fault!” Fourze’s voice was filled with emotion. “But Ash, you must be careful. The knight world is indeed collapsing right now—”

Boom! A golden gears ring flew out of the Gear Tector cover and landed in Ash’s hands, turning into a dark, powerless form.

The clear figure of Fourze before him now vanished as if it had never existed.

“Sigh…” Holding the gear tightly, Ash didn’t speak for a long time.

“Sorry, but right now I can only watch.”

Now, even if you’ve told me all this, what can I do?

“You told me that my journey has no going back, right?”

[…]

Closing his eyes, Ash stopped thinking about these unsolvable concerns, then walked towards Yayoi.

Ash opened his eyes, ending the recall of last week’s events.

One hand supporting his chin as he leaned lazily against a man sitting on the windowsill. He looked down over the active students after school time, as if he were a boastful ronin surveying a crowd. Ash yawned under the gazes of the girls, some puzzled, some worried, and a few glaring.

Mmm, I remember the school where they were always so oppressive, caring about nothing but grades, not like this relaxed atmosphere where the gentle breeze and sunlight make it so comfortable…

Yes, right now, Ash was infiltrating Miyuki and her friends’ school, suddenly appearing at the window just as they were about to leave together after class.

According to his own words, he came to check on them out of kindness. Who believes it, besides Miyuki?

“This fellow… what is he doing?” Though initially attracted by his looks, his actual behavior had left a bitter taste. Facing Ash now, Naoko was at a loss how to react.

“Is he being too unrestrained?”

Ah, wasn’t that domineering handsome boss from before? He’s still pretty handsome… but isn’t this a big difference?

Return me the naive, admiring feeling I used to have for him!

Seeing the troubled expressions of his friends, Yayoi restrained a smile behind them.