Chapter 529

Chapter Forty-One

The Universe Has Arrived!

Seeing Yayoi’s body trembling violently due to excitement, her mouth agape, and sweat dripping from her chin to her chest, Ash smiled and put away the Gear Sealed Gun.

In theory, given the disaster at hand, summoning “Rescue Team GOGOV” would be the optimal solution. However, how should one put it?

You said that you hate me for the malicious way I destroy the image of Kamen Riders, which means that your最爱 is the true Kamen Rider, right?

As a reward for showing me something good, this time it is my turn to fulfill your wish.

“Universe–”

A voice full of dreams and enthusiasm came from the direction of the Knight. The first thing “Kamen Rider Fourze” did after making his debut was to clench both fists, bow forcefully, and then spread his chest wide as if it could encompass the universe itself.

“Has arrived!”

Yayoi’s excitement visibly increased by a thousandfold.

“That’s right, this is absolutely real! Real Fourze!!”

Yayoi couldn’t tell if it was Kusuriya Stringtarō, Fujishiro Sōta, or Takayama Seiji inside; however, she could feel the genuine passion in the air!

Seeing her idol standing in front of her, which was once just a dream on TV, held an immense significance for Yayoi. The tears that had been welling up because of sadness now sparkled with emotion.

So, my dream isn’t just self-satisfaction after all!

“Indeed, there is such a tradition.” Ash crossed his arms, not surprised at all by the sudden shout of the Kamen Rider.

He recently noticed that when he summoned friends to assist him, even though they were just battle puppets, they exhibited strong connections with their original versions.

Though he didn’t understand how it all worked, that was fine… After all, some things go beyond physical laws.

Ash naturally stepped forward, affectionately patting Fourze’s shoulder.

“In any case, I’m counting on you, Rocket Head!”

Thumb-upping the person behind him, Fourze, unmindful of Ash giving him a nickname, raised both hands. The Knight’s hands brushed over his rocket head, producing a loud “Ziri~” sound.

Pulling out a ring-pull red switch and swapping it with the rocket switch on the belt, he then yanked it hard.

“[FireOn]!”

The Astronomical Switch altered Fourze’s right arm structure, transferring abundant energy throughout his body, turning his silvery form into fiery red. Transforming into “Flame Mode,” Fourze stood before everyone, his shoulder armor imprinted with a flame emblem shielding others from heat.

The Knight raised his “Over Flame Gun” — reminiscent of a flamethrower or fire extinguisher — pulling out a segment, inserting the No. 20 Flame Switch, and ringing the alarm as he aimed at the violent fire tornado swirling inside the factory warehouse and pulled the trigger.

“[LimitBreak]!”

The sea-blue foam extinguishing bullets erupted from the gun, rapidly dousing the flames, far more efficiently than conventional retardants or water streams could. Meanwhile, Ash pulled out Holy Sword and slashed the door, splitting it into fragments.

The extinguishing bullets prevented potential explosive air blasts. As the door reopened, a gust of wind blew through, lifting Ash and the girl’s hair, thus preventing asphyxiation in the narrow space. Thus, dressed as a firefighter, Fourze rushed towards the huge tanks to put out the fires, while Ash sequentially carried the unlucky workers to safety.

“Hmm, it seems they were only affected by smoke. I don’t think there’s any risk to their lives.”

Hearing Ash’s evaluation of the unconscious workers, Yayoi felt relief.

“It’s great; everyone… wait?”

A large hand gently covered her head, making her pause.

“You’ve done well this time, Yayoi.”

Why does this feel familiar?

“Huh? But it was Fourze who put out the fire, wasn’t it?”

“But you dragged them out of the explosion area with all your might first so they could be saved. Putting out the fire happened afterwards.” Ash patted her little head, and smiling at her soft “Ahw,” he continued, “It’s good to be humble, but it gets boring when it’s excessive. Doing good deeds deserves praise.”

“Even without any power, choosing to do something, I take back my unfair opinion about you.”

Though you’re a coward, you do have backbone. Maybe you don’t need it, but I recognize you.

“You’ve saved their lives. You can be proud of that.”

!

Even though we were once enemies, and even after joining us, I still disliked him.

But when he apologized for saving my life and spoke these gentle words, especially hearing those who criticized me praising me…

I’m a little happy.

Thick smoke billowed out from the warehouse cracks. Under the astronomical switch’s powerful force, what was destined to become a tragedy was forcibly quelled at its start. Returning to the basic Fourze, he waved toward the two, while Ash subtly withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.

“Aah.” Seeing the Knight waving as if wanting to say something, Ash stopped him with a raised finger.

“I’m no longer the person you knew…”

Before Ash finished speaking, understanding Fourze immediately extended his fist, waiting for a response.

Before his mind could react, his body did, and Ash too stuck out his hand, they met in a fist bump, then alternated knocking fists up and down before gripping tightly together.

“Even if forgotten!” This simple yet passionate voice, distinctly that of a high school kid, the Knight placed one fist against Ash’s heart and knocked on it.

“The bond of friendship among friends won’t fade, and your actions just now proved it!”

“Hmph, pretty words from you…” Ash huffed, but a nostalgic, faint smile graced his lips.

It feels quite natural now.