Chapter 552

Sixty-Four The Tiny Promise

Here, this was the cockpit of the robot that Yayoi was so fascinated with, wasn’t it?

After all, there weren’t any giant robots in the real world that could fly or run, especially not one combined from a pirate ship as Ash mentioned. Compared to cute things that general girls liked, Akane, who favored more masculine things, was far more interested in such strong symbols!

Like the freshness she felt when transforming into a Pretty Cure for the first time, her curiosity was sparked deep within her heart, making her look around curiously inside the cockpit adorned with pirate flags. She poked at the flags, inspected the strange key controllers on the steering wheel, and finally her gaze fixated on Ash’s hand.

The large panoramic screen in front of them showed everything that Go-Kaijō was seeing. Two giant steel hands were pressing against the surface of the small asteroid, and as the force was applied, cosmic dust started seeping out of his fingers. Ash firmly turned the steering wheel, causing the propulsion flames beneath Go-Kaijō’s feet to dramatically increase. The original flame colors began wildly changing, clearly indicating the peak performance state.

“Can you really move this asteroid?” Looking at the temperature rising on the screen with growing disbelief, Akane marveled, despite her initial skepticism. “But didn’t you say something like this was impossible… Could we break it apart with one of the weapons on Go-Kaijō?”

“The planet is already in Earth’s orbit,” Ash replied while still handling tasks, explaining Akane’s doubts. “If we broke it now, the scattered fragments captured by gravity could end up like another mass extinction event for humans.”

“The power of Go-Kaijō can’t shift the asteroid, but given the lack of gravity in space, my job isn’t to push it away but to change its trajectory.”

Previous calculations had helped Ash to choose the optimal spot and angle for applying force to push the asteroid off its current path.

It was clear that the force pulling the asteroid toward Earth had weakened, likely thanks to the efforts from Miyuki and others on the ground; indeed, once they got back, he would commend them.

“Yes, yes. Wow! What a brilliant plan!”

Akane nodded, pretending to understand even though she did not. Ash seemed greatly pleased by her approval.

As they chatted, Akane noticed that Ash’s movements became quicker as he spun the control wheel. Finally, unable to resist any longer, she asked him a question that had been on her mind:

“So how do you control the entire huge robot using just a steering wheel, Ash?”

“Leave super-system stuff alone.”

Akane thought the universe would be full of exciting actions now, considering this involved saving Earth, yet she found the scene on the screen monotonous and time dragging. Even admiring the vast cosmos was interrupted by the asteroid.

Nonetheless, Akane sat down casually next to Ash, observing his operation, drawing parallels between the scenes of skilled captains steering in storms on TV and Ash now.

Wasn’t she finding it a bit charming?

They started chatting aimlessly, dissolving the previous tension between them effortlessly.

“Actually, you really do know those heroes on TV… No wonder Yayoi has become a little awestruck and attached to you.”

“Of course, who do you think I am?”

Ash tore open a packet of Super Sentai toy biscuits, snapped it in half, and handed a piece to Akane behind him.

Chewing on the crispy biscuit from another world, memories of Ash sneaking their snacks came to Akane.

“Ash, do you like eating?”

“It’s not about liking or not; it’s more about seizing the opportunity and not letting it slip, once it comes,” Ash responded thoughtfully, recalling the experience. “But I’m curious, because it’s human nature to hold onto what you’ve caught.”

“I see… So, Ash! Let’s make a promise!”

Akane didn’t quite get Ash’s meaning, but she felt excited hearing it, lifting up her pinky finger to signal a tiny promise.

“You should come to my place next time. I’ll cook okonomiyaki for you. It will be absolutely delicious!”

Then, I’ll show my strength for sure! I’ll make you something so tasty it would astonish you!

“Hmm… You shouldn’t say that now. It’s bad luck, we’re about to push the asteroid.”

Ash dismissed it with a wave of his hand, intertwining fingers with hers.

“What! I’ve made up my mind to invite you, didn’t I—”

“Clunk——”

A sudden blaring noise rang throughout Go-Kaijō, originating from the joint near the chest area, forcing Ash to let go of her hand.

“What happened?”

Not waiting for a response, Akane sat up, cupping her ears. Next, the lights above them abruptly went out!

“Aahh——!”

The sudden darkness induced an instinctive scream from the girl.

With arms restrained and unable to move, Ash sidestepped like a crab, using his memory to find the energy box and kicking it before sparks flew to his pants.

The girl, nearly scorched, didn’t shake his resolve, even as the ceiling flickered before it finally brightened again.

Trying to pull away Akane, whom he held tightly, it took a moment to break her grip.

“All right?”

Opening her eyes cautiously, lifting her head, she saw Ash eyeing her with a subtle expression “𓁹‿𓁹.” Blushing instantly, Akane scrambled away.

“No, it’s not like that!” Akane waved her hands frantically, explaining but only making things more confusing. “It’s just that it was shocking for anyone… Right? Right!”

Ash remained silent, simply reaching over and switching off the light again.

“Ah! Eh?”

Just as the darkness returned to light, Akane felt mortified staring at his never-changing smirk.

Hehe, isn’t she rather endearing like this? Not very womanly?