Chapter 376

The One Hundred Ninth Accidents Caused by the Ring

Indeed, what kind of situation is this, like kids bickering with each other?

Even though they didn’t say it out loud, the thoughts of the three were clearly reflected on their faces.

“Mr. Ash, you truly manage to surprise everyone no matter when.”

Wuki’s summary was immediately echoed unanimously.

“What do you mean?! Can someone be called a good friend in such a way? I don’t see you acting in any supportive role — mmph, let go of me, Teddy!”

Ash stepped back calmly. Due to his companions urgently pulling him from behind, Momotaros’ nails just narrowly missed his face.

Seeing these guys making fools of themselves, Ash felt unexpectedly pleased.

“Calm down, Brother Peach. However, is it really that serious?”

Kintaros lifted the cup from the other side and sniffed it; there was no strange scent!

“Is that so? Senior? This one is quite fine.”

Seeing Tora jumping around, Urataros enjoyed his coffee contentedly, simultaneously sorting things out in his mind.

After all, his senior extorted quite a few puddings from Ash before, though Ash isn’t particularly fond of sweets, nor is he someone with a wide heart.

“Hasty fish doesn’t need bait—after all, senior, you dove straight onto the hook Ash presented.”

“What— Fine! Before teaching Ash a lesson, I’ll get rid of your smelly turtle shell first.”

“Oh dear, senior should stop being violent in front of girls!”

“Alright, I understand what’s going on now!”

Just as the Oni Gods were about to have another fight, Lei suddenly raised her voice, drawing everyone’s attention. Adjusting her glasses which reflected wisdom, Lei made her judgment.

“It has to be because the shop owner loves special effects, specifically hiring suit actors to give us an unexpected treat!”

Recently, the shop owner has been promoting Kamen Rider and stuff, but apart from Wuki showing interest, Erika and I prefer magic girl shows like “Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha.” After all, occasionally feeling involved is quite interesting.

Therefore, for promotion, the shop owner specially hired suit actors to perform this play—perfectly reasonable! The shop owner put considerable effort into this.

“Mm, even if your theory sounds far-fetched,” Erika nodded approvingly. “Given it happened with the shop owner, it makes perfect sense.”

Hmm, see, shop owner, what else can you say—

“Mm, usually speaking, your judgment is correct,” a knuckle pop on the forehead of the struggling Momotaros sent him sprawling, Ash responded softly. “But how do you explain the previous possession?”

“Ruined… Failed judgment,” Lei dropped to sit against the wall, dejectedly drawing circles.

Ash went to the seemingly endless melancholic Hanazaki Lei beside him and gently touched her cute head.

“Hold on, shop owner… Please don’t… in front of so many…”

Lei shyly buried her neck into her collar. Everyone knew Ash liked messing with soft and cute things, and typically a spirit would be given free rein. Now, if not there, it would be anyone but Lily suffering. Erika had been angry several times because of it, only recently starting to enjoy it quietly… hm?

“It’s okay, I understand you tried to liven up the atmosphere because you didn’t want them fighting,” witnessing Lei’s bright spot, Ash smiled approvingly, adding more pressure.

“Even if possessed, you don’t want them to argue and stuff—all a great child indeed. So well-behaved, worked hard.”

Beside them, Wuki smiled, yet Erika puffed her cheeks indignant, while Ash rubbed Lei’s soft head gently.

If it were earlier, it certainly would make her faint in embarrassment, but now Lei blushed and giggled, holding her hot face.

“Yeah, I… worked hard…”

Lei is a good child, and over time, the shop owner will notice that, then comes intent… hm?

There seems to be something hard pushing her head… huh?

“Shop owner, that hand, show it to me slightly.”

Completing his sentence, she snatched his hand away from her forehead to inspect it.

“What… uh?”

“Ring.”

Instantly, Lei’s silent unease drew everyone’s gaze again. When she uttered the last word, everyone’s expression changed dramatically.

“What’s wrong, Ted, why did the mood change suddenly?”

“I don’t know either, Brother Peach. You ask me, and I’m clueless too.”

“Psh,” watching the two approaching girls, Urataros hurriedly shushed them with a finger. “Everyone, now is the time for silence.”

“The ring on your left ring finger … means …”

Erika examined Ash’s ring slowly, saying each word carefully, but what alarmed Ash was her eyes gradually resembling Lily’s earlier unsettling gaze.

Then looking at Lei standing up, oh no, those eyes were already lifeless!

“Ring, what’s wrong with the ring?”

Ash looked again at his ring. No, it’s really just a normal ring, not some power-up device! Why are both you and Lily reacting so strangely?

Why do you all care so much about a ring?! How could you be transformed with a ring?!

“Ash-sensei…”

“Congratulations… why are you congratulating me out of the blue?”

Touching his ring, hearing a once gentle tone turn devoid of emotion, Ash felt a chill.

But then, shock instantly turned into alarm.

“You liar, shop owner!”

A sudden alert made him dodge and catch a flying belt toy behind. There, Erika, looking sorrowful enough to melt, was being restrained by Wuki, who looked panicked.

“Hold it, Erika, stay cool!”

“Wuki, move! Clearly and clearly, something happened between Rei and me nearly ruined our friendship, and now if you do this, it means nothing anymore?!”

An enraged woman is fearsome, Wuki almost couldn’t stop Erika’s outburst.

“We’ve always—always thought you would wait for me, so why, why did you get married?!”

What!?

Erika’s words paralysed Ash in place with a stunned expression, unable to dodge the next book flying past his head.

“Who got married? With whom?!”

Facing the two questioning him, Ash removed the book and, unusually embarrassed, replied.

“What are you guys talking about? I’m still single!”

What are you even thinking?