Chapter 416

Chapter 151: Each Has Their Own Justice

“Is it over already?”

Ash squatted slowly in front of Lily, the sharp sound of his right wrist saber making her tremble.

“My heart still hurts. Don’t disappoint me.”

The rain continued to pour down.

The cold raindrops hit her face. Clad only in her base light garment, the girls had blurry eyes as they looked at the advancing knight.

After becoming Pretty Cure and going through fierce battles one after another, they had long prepared themselves for what was to come. Even if their enemy was overwhelming despair in the darkness, the heart of a legendary warrior would give them the strength to stand up again.

But now, facing them from the opposite side was the “Kamen Rider” who had always been behind them, supporting, encouraging, and guiding them—indispensable companions!

The battle had already shown the answer. He came earnestly, sincerely, to fight with them.

For the girls to kill their most important people…

“I can’t do it…”

Lily, kneeling and trembling, could not grip her hands tightly. She could not even muster the strength or courage to look up at him. Tears mixed with cold rain dripped down her chin, falling into a small puddle below, merging with the dirty water.

“Because of you, I rose from the shadow of losing everything. Because of you, I saw the sun that made the Heart Flower bloom. Because of you, I mustered the courage to transform again and fight again!”

Whether due to her body’s chill or her heart’s, her teeth chattered on Lily’s face, which was devoid of anything but vulnerability.

“It’s because of you that I believe in you! You picked me up from this place back then but now want to push me back to hell…”

This feeling of powerlessness was stronger than when she lost to the Dark Pretty Cure.

“Now you’re giving us reasons that are meaningless and incomprehensible, making us fight and kill each other… How am I supposed to do that…”

“I can’t… I can’t do it…”

The red mask hid Ash’s expression. Squatting, the man turned to the others, whose expressions mirrored the same breakdown as Lily’s.

“You need to say you can’t do it again, Lily.”

Then, I’ll “help” you.

“I can’t…”

“Alright.”

Ash’s reply remained unheard by anyone.

Then, he changed his tone.

“Is that so? Seriously, he’s just a coffee shop boss. Even if he’s handsome and says nice words, is he really that important to you? Without him, you forget your battles?”

What do you mean?!

Several people were clutching their wounds, glaring back angrily.

“What’s the matter? Is the legend of your warriors’ hearts made of substandard glass? Too fragile, aren’t they?”

Ash raised his hand, grabbing the purple shimmering garment collar, lifting up the dazed Lily.

“Or perhaps you can’t fight without me watching? Pssh, such weak words, too ridiculous.”

“…”

“What did you fight for before?” His tone gradually turned malicious. “Could it be that you were just playing at being heroes?”

“If you’re just going to pout and give up fighting without me following you.”

He brought his lips close to her ear, whispering softly.

“Then return the transformation devices to the Heart Tree early and give up being Pretty Cure.”

“It’ll be easier that way, won’t it? Passing off responsibility to someone else.”

The only person not heavily affected, Wuki, supported herself. Watching Lily, abandoned and angry, she glared at Ash.

“What… does that mean?!”

A relaxed voice suddenly emerged from Ash’s armor.

“That means you have all been played by me! The dazzling you, dancing in my palm, will never be forgotten!”

Stepping back and standing up, Ash wiped off water droplets, placing his hands on his waist.

The plasma cannon in the center of the chest armor began to open from the middle, spreading outward. Four eyes instantly erupted with dazzling blue light, shooting lightning that concentrated in front of the plasma cannon, generating an enormous plasma sphere.

“However, even the most fun game has an end. If not forgotten, I’ll surely miss this.”

Facing the plasma sphere illuminating everyone’s sorrow, fear, and resentment, only a cherry blossom figure rushed forward.

At that moment, Ash was ready to unleash a powerful attack, but he was also in his weakest, most vulnerable state.

“!”

A crystal beam struck Ash’s chest as his attack was about to be launched. Sparks exploded from the muzzle, as he clutched his chest with half of his cloak to suppress the energy surge. He grunted and retreated two steps.

“Lei!”

“Blossom Lei!”

“Heaven Lei!”

As everyone called out her name, it was clear who had stepped forward.

“I… have been pushed too far…”

Each time she witnessed the desert apostles’ evil deeds, the phrase was both a question and a mantra. This time, she did not shout it out, gripping the broken magic staff, her head lowered as she whispered almost unheard.

On her hand, the broken tip of the magic wand emitted thick smoke.

“I may not know the feelings of others, but I will never give up on the responsibility of being a Pretty Cure!”

“Oh, and what is that reason?”

Ash, experiencing pain for the first time with his new form, lightly tapped his chest, revealing smoke, and eagerly awaited an answer.

“Whatever you say, we have something we want to protect, and that’s why we’ve fought until now! This isn’t false!”

“To defend the Heart Tree, to protect everyone… especially the Heart Flowers hurt by you!”

Scanning her three companions behind, when the usually timid Hanazaki Lei held the magic staff firmly, her eyes revealed no weakness.

“Even if the opponent is Ash, I will make you fall!”

—————-

In the heavy downpour, holding the magic staff, the girl discarded all distractions. No longer trembling, no longer afraid, no longer weak, she stood in front of her companions, confronting the knight.

“Huhuhuhu, hahaha, haahaha!”

After a while, a cheerful laugh came from the armor.

“What, very good at talking!”

In Lei’s wary gaze, Ash raised both hands, pointing two fingers toward them.

“Keep up the effort. I’m looking forward to your growth.”

“Wait! After you win against us, do you plan on leaving like that?!”

The knight facing away from four of them turned around, revealing a profile.

“Hmm, pretty fun, isn’t it?”