Chapter 560

Seventy-Second Scene: “The View Seen”

Coming and going like the wind, in what should be modern society, Ash’s presence to Naoko feels almost like that of a ronin from period dramas, freely wandering with no constraints.

Naoko admitted that she had been somewhat captivated by him at first due to his clearly styled appearance, which had made her briefly overlook his actual character. But the reality proved that Ash was far from the idea she had in her mind.

The man looked down on the少女 (girl) sitting on the ground, his gaze meeting hers. Looking into those eyes as innocent and curious as a child’s, Naoko’s heart subtly skipped a beat.

It felt… a bit like when my younger brother would see toys in the mall and couldn’t walk away, looking at me saying he wanted them.

This is bad, even though it’s such an unashamed and rude look, why do I feel this familiar urge to get closer when I’m being looked at? Is it because there’s no ill will?

“Hmm, if you must know.” Ash, leaning on one hand on his hip, pointed to his temple with his other finger as if he were seriously pondering what he just said. “Don’t you find it cool? Just like an additional warrior who always stays out of the team but appears just in time when there’s trouble.”

Isn’t it cool? When I saw it on TV before, I couldn’t resist how much I liked this character.

“Hah, what’s that supposed to mean? That makes no sense!”

“Alright.” Ash shrugged, noticing the other person missed the joke entirely, feeling rather disappointed. “Because if I entered through the front gate, they would refuse me entry claiming I seem like an suspicious individual.”

“Hmm, that might be right… wait, what! What do you consider this school?”

“Well, it’s obviously a place where I can come and go as I please, hahaha!”

Ash laughed offhandedly while eyeing Naoko who was still lying on the ground, eventually extending his hand towards her.

Even though her teeth gritted from listening to his boastful comments, Naoko took hold of his hand, only squeezing hard out of frustration.

She enjoys seeing others embarrassed and always ridicules anyone who slips up, given the chance. This confident attitude of his reminds me so much of my little brother who is always causing mischief and running around; he’s basically a bear in human skin!

But now he’s actually offering his hand to help me up. Has he changed? Well, good for him.

Without minding the insignificant amount of strength in his grip, the moment Ash pulled her up, he continued by calling out her nickname.

“Oh, Little Naoko.”

Then, the man pushed up his knee as he leaped backward, sliding down the window like a stunt performer. With the intermittent sound of howling winds, Naoko could only decipher his words from his lip movements.

“Panda-kun saw it…”

Even this panda-kun thing is kind of cute.

Ah.

Naoko suddenly recalling the incident regarding underpants reminded her that she hadn’t worn underwear because she woke up late, and had just noticed herself exposed when she sat on the ground earlier…

“Bam~”

The girl’s cheeks flushed brilliantly with anger and embarrassment as visible steam burst from the top of her head.

“Ash—”

I won’t let you get away with this!!

With her face steaming from fury, Naoko violently shoved open the classroom door, scaring Rihua who had just approached to enter.

At this moment, Naoko utilized her athletic skills from being on the soccer team, racing down the staircase with the speed akin to a storm. Curious looks followed her from passing teens, wondering whose animosity could have driven the class leader to a frenzy.

You bastard! I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, but you’re still a bastard—

“You better wait for me—”

Seeing Ash’s back, Naoko became even more agitated, about to reprimand him. However, another girl entering her line of vision caused her to stop short.

That girl held a bottle of mineral water in her hand, indicating that Ash wasn’t escaping but waiting for someone.

Who was sitting there…was Akane?!

“Sigh.”

After finishing the club activities, Akane sat on the chair, continuously pulling at her collar to dispel the warmth and sweat from the strenuous exercise, leaving her outline evident through the moisture.

After wiping her forehead with the handkerchief embroidered with sunflowers, Akane noticed Ash approaching and waved excitedly toward him.

“You actually came to school today? We haven’t seen you for days, and we were planning on finding you later. If nothing’s wrong then, that’s great!”

It’s impossible not to worry after seeing such a state, so I need to look after him so he doesn’t harm himself again.

“It’s nothing much. Not like I came here specially to see you. It’s just that these days there’s been no trouble from the Tragic Kingdom, so I thought I’d drop by the school.”

He really seems fine now, and the power and injuries from battles seem to have healed, thanks to the miraculous cure of Pretty Cure. Therefore, with renewed vigor, he has resumed his previous research.

Ash hasn’t slept for days in search of a way to enter the so-called “Tragic Kingdom,” hoping to find the emperor, Pierrot, in hopes of uncovering precise prophecies from the Dark Sword Moon’s power.

However, despite the considerable time spent, no breakthrough was achieved.

This Tragic Kingdom seemed distinct from the others. After extensive scientific calculations and mystical rituals, Ash concluded that the Tragic Kingdom existed in a different world unreachable by him.

Still, it’s not all bad news; perhaps with the “Door of Books” retrieved from his inventory, which could be adjusted to assist them, they may receive an unexpected bonus.

As for the rest, it remains to be seen.

“Here.”

Ash tossed the premium mineral water to Akane. “Though I didn’t come specifically for you, I bought this special mineral water for you. Drink it with gratitude.”

“Thanks! Here I go!” Akane did not hesitate, opened the bottle, and took a large gulp before exhaling in relief. The girl displayed a carefree smile, an expression that required no translation to convey genuine contentment toward Ash.

“Phew! Refreshing! Water tastes even better than any drink after exercising!”

What?!

Naoko widened her eyes behind the school observatory tree, silently screaming inside her heart.

Akane… and that guy too! Didn’t Akane always say she hated him because he often plays tricks on her?

W-What’s going on, when did they start getting along so well?!

Naoko, who treasures bonds between friends, found it perplexing to watch Ash chatting animatedly with Akane. She could feel her heart being roughly pulled.

“Why—What in the world is happening…”

The tiny voice behind the tree went unnoticed by everyone.