Chapter 307

The Thirty-Eighth, Wuki, Growth Complete

“It has already begun.”

Hanging upside down from a tree with her feet hooked around the trunk, Ash watched from the front row as the two Pretty Cures battled the Desert Beast.

“I really want to go back to the dojo; actually, I like Minami-do style the best!”

The Desert Beast, which was once a Boy’s Heart Flower, would inadvertently leak out his former owner’s inner voice, acting almost like a truth-telling robot. In Ash’s eyes, this was quite amusing.

The transformed girl shot a glare at the culprit, Spider Gaki, who glared back without any intention to back down.

“Hmph, this guy is still a dependent child. He wants his master to discipline him, how embarrassing.”

“You actually took advantage of the boy’s desire to apologize—something that—”

“It’s unforgivable!”

Lei and Erika were growing visibly.

The Desert Beast swung the plaque he used as a weapon, smashing the ground where the girl stood, but the two girls had already bypassed his arm on either side. Two shouts echoed together as their roundhouse kicks instantly flipped the huge Desert Beast over.

Erika’s actions were no longer just entirely spontaneous. Her movements became more efficient. Lei, who was initially so timid she would be scared by the enemy, now had the courage to directly attack the enemy. Moreover, as they always fought in pairs, their coordination was becoming increasingly precise and clever. It would take quite some effort for a normal Desert Beast to face them.

“Lei, do you think we’re getting stronger?”

Erika couldn’t help but ask her companion. Lei nodded without looking back, keeping her eyes fixed on the Desert Beast getting up from the fall.

“Yes, we have to get stronger.”

In Lei’s mind, there were two drastically different people. Timons, who constantly plundered their Heart Seeds, relentlessly forced them to become stronger through merciless attacks.

And then, the shopkeeper, who treated them gently… recalling Ash’s encouragement to her, Lei felt a surge of excitement.

How could she not strive after hearing such words!

“Hurray, let’s give it our all—!”

Erika turned her head and saw Ash hanging on a tree, her mouth agape. Her original words were forgotten.

“Why are you here again!”

Gripping her sleeves, ready to fight, Spider Gaki also noticed the upside-down Ash and immediately panicked, shouting loudly.

“Timons! This time, it’s my battle, stay out!”

“Alright, alright, this time I truly didn’t plan to interfere.”

Ash raised both hands, though he was hanging upside down, causing his outstretched arms to touch the ground, resembling some sort of green policeman who loves standing on his head.

“This time, I just intended to watch, after all…”

Ash’s gaze bypassed Spider Gaki, Lei, and Erika, settling on Wuki, who stepped forward.

Penetrating the Snakies, she moved like a ghost, each punch and kick bringing down enemies, her motions no longer stiff as before.

“Maybe something interesting will happen.”

“Humph, then show me!”

Though he didn’t understand the nonsense, given that he stated his intention merely to observe, it must be…

The moment for my grand demonstration?

I’ll satisfy you!

As Pretty Cures prepared to summon their weapons to purify the Desert Beast, Spider Gaki raised his fiery right fist, and faintly, it seemed one could hear dragon roars.

“Spider Gaki—Dragon Grand Explosion Special Edition!”

His naming taste might rival a certain anomaly point and policeman, but in terms of practical results, it was shocking. Bellowing, his fist smashed onto the ground, instantly tearing apart the ground beneath Pretty Cures’ feet, causing them to lose their立足点. The lava ejected from the crack propelled them away. If not for holding on to the rocks above, they would have fallen into the bubbling lava below.

“What, Timons, did you see that!”

“Well, indeed, passion is true passion.”

Undeniably, Spider Gaki is a full-hearted martial arts enthusiast who recklessly attacks without cunning. His approach to pursuing strength head-on suggests a disregard for positions, making it seem less like villainy.

Perhaps if it were the Reiwa Riders series, they could wash him clean with two brushes and give him a belt to become a Kamen Rider, after which the sinister group B might defraud Atsumu and Komori of their money…

“Gross.”

Seemingly having thought of something repulsive, Ash stuck out his tongue.

Let’s focus on the nearby Pretty Cures instead.

Only slightly distracted, Wuki had already defeated all the minions and, disregarding danger, ran towards the crack to reach the hanging Lei and Erika.

“You okay? Give me your hand!”

“Thank you—behind!”

A gust of wind from behind caused Wuki’s defensive instinct to rage, the boy rolling away to dodge an attack that nearly scored a hit on his face.

“Grr, mere humans can avoid my attacks. Fine, let’s play.”

The hanging Ash released his legs, lightly landing on the ground.

Ha, finally — that’s what I wanted to see!

Sensing the strength of the opponent, Wuki assumed a combat stance, feeling as if facing a formidable threat. Even if Timons might spare him, this person wouldn’t.

However, I feel… like I won’t lose!

If direct confrontation isn’t possible, then—

Skillfully dodging the overly blunt attack, the girl’s side kick hit the joint, tilting Spider Gaki’s body. Seizing the opening, a follow-up uppercut left Spider Gaki dizzy.

Her body moved on its own, though it was the same tactic, it felt so different now!

As the fight progressed, Spider Gaki grew more anxious while Wuki became more excited.

‘The path of martial arts truly taught me hardships.’

‘Yet, it also brought me the joy of challenges!’

Following her instincts, she darted toward the vulnerable chest, delivering two palm strikes, nearly knocking Spider Gaki off balance.

‘This isn’t about honing skills for a brother or family!’

Spider Gaki’s speed and strength far surpassed Wuki’s, yet the result was that he didn’t even manage to touch her, being continuously counter-attacked. The girl fluttered like a butterfly and stung like a bee!

“Here!”

Unexpectedly, there was a human capable of matching his strength. Giddy with excitement, Spider Gaki abandoned finishing Pretty Cures, and his flaming fist rushed towards Wuki’s chest.

No one could dodge this move—what?!

Wuki’s actions started almost simultaneously with his swing, dancing elegantly. She spun to evade the punch, grabbed Spider Gaki’s wrist, used the momentum to execute an overhead throw, slamming him into the ground.

“This is because I genuinely love martial arts!”

Only when lying on the ground did Spider Gaki realize what had happened, stunned that a mere human had taken him down.

“Timons, was it you?”

Ash wasn’t sure how he concluded this, but he admitted without hesitation.

“Right, how do you find that? I’m quite talented in teaching, aren’t I?”

“Hmph.”

Seeing his Desert Beast purified by Pretty Cures, he glared at someone and teleported back to base with the fallen figure.

“Mr. Timons—ah!”

Eager to share, Wuki realized the Pretty Cures were still present and their situation remained hostile.

“You did well this time,” said Ash without hesitation. Even if improper, he almost wanted to applaud.

“I look forward to seeing your, your growth.”

Pulling Kayin aside, Ash turned and left without regret.

‘I don’t say it; are you seriously thinking of living with them?’

‘It’s perfect! Maybe I’ll even get hugged—what’s wrong with that? I’m a devil after all!’

“Goodbye—”

In an instant, Ash vanished, not leaving time for Wuki to return thanks.

“Thanks.”

Unsure if heard, Wuki spoke nonetheless.

“I love martial arts and cute things alike.”

Watching from afar, Erika nudged her friend’s shoulder, noticing Lei’s distant gaze.

“Lei, did we miss something?”

“Perhaps…”