Chapter 562

Chapter Seventy-Four

The way men repay is very awkward.

When Ash appeared, Naoko’s expression darkened instantly, especially as the other party was spinning her soccer ball in the same manner they would a basketball. The scene was just too strange.

“Still angry? Really, little girls sure are troublesome…” Listening to Ash’s condescending tone made Naoko even more annoyed. “What am I supposed to be angry about? If you think so, I’ll show you mine to even things out.”

“If you really dare to do that, I’ll call the police immediately!”

“Tch.” Seeing the girl become extremely cautious and start backing away, Ash shrugged indifferently. “Can’t take a joke at all, how boring.”

“You… Aren’t you close with Miyuki and the others? Why not stay with them?”

“Their business is their own. I’m here looking for you now.”

Eh? Me?

Naoko couldn’t react immediately, as being defeated by this person along with everyone else and having her powers sealed was a negative impression that stuck deeply. Even good thoughts she had before were squashed quickly.

Now he says he’s looking for me? This strange feeling…

“What do you want from me?”

“After all, you’re the only Pretty Cure who can’t transform yet, right?” Ash’s unmasked words pierced her chest like an arrow, hitting a nerve that made her almost spew blood.

“So, I came to see what your problem is. Obviously, wallowing in self-pity won’t get you far.”

Seeing Ash talk confidently, any strange feelings in her heart plummeted further.

“See… have you seen enough?!”

“Aah.” Soaking in the girl’s fiery gaze, Ash casually took out sunglasses and put them on while looking up at the sun. “So, you’re ready to mock me.”

This guy… has he never been reprimanded for his rude remarks before getting to this size?

It’s my anger alone, and yet you still come to face me? Saying you’re disturbing me… are you provoking me? You are!

Fine! As the eldest sister, Naoko of the Green川 family, I fear no challenge! If you insist on confronting me, then—

Pointing at Ash, Naoko opened her mouth but found herself unable to say anything.

In truth, recalling his initial disregard, no matter what she said, it would count for nothing to him.

“You… You still show up like this now!”

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Facing Naoko’s restrained questioning, Ash tilted his head, puzzled. “This school isn’t yours. Why can’t I enter?”

“But—But if you come to school, you’re neither a student nor a teacher!”

“That’s right, but since I can walk where I want, why does it concern you?”

“You—!” Naoko, as a good student, felt enraged by Ash’s blatant disrespect of the school. “Yet, it was your doing, sealing the Smile Palette without reason and taking away our ability to transform!”

Isn’t this your fault?!

Only I remain now! This difference makes me too hesitant to join with everyone else.

The last time, despite seeing through their schemes, I could only watch until Rihua saved me from Wolfrun’s wrath…

“It was me. What of it?”

Ah… this guy, how can he hate to such an extent!

In Naoko’s understanding, good kids should reflect and apologize when they make mistakes. However, Ash seems neither a good kid nor sensible.

Facing the star player of the football club, Ash passed the ball to Naoko with a style similar to basketball. Instinctively catching it, the force thrust her back, staggering slightly.

“Huh?!”

Wh—What is this!

Fed up with rage, Naoko let go of the ball and angrily aimed a kick at the one who “stole” her original self.

“Unseal the curse, bastard!”

“If you want it, come and get it.” Catching the flying ball, Ash kept it rotating against his palm, the friction making it disappear rapidly. “You’ve known the rules long ago.”

“You said only with resolve can the seal be broken, but is my resolve not strong enough?!”

I looked at it only and wanted to battle alongside Rihua, yet the Smile Palette had no reaction!

What is resolve anyway?!

“Beyond despair, resolve becomes visible.”

“What are you talking about… Who understands this!”

“This kind of reasoning cannot be explained with words alone.” Just as Ash’s words fueled Naoko’s rising blood pressure, he unexpectedly halted. With a dazzling trick, he lifted the ball under his foot.

This guy, knows about soccer too?

“Hm, hadn’t lost touch with what I learned. I guess I’m a genius… Interested?”

Want to try some moves?

“Fine, if you dare!”

Hearing Ash’s suggestion, Naoko finally showed a hint of excitement on her face.

I can’t win in a fight… but soccer is my strength. As a star of the school’s football club, standing down isn’t an option!

Thus, an unusual sight occurred on the school field, as two people in vastly different sizes fiercely vied for control of a ball using tackles and dribbling skills.

“Ha!”

They wouldn’t gang up on the smaller person, Ash lowered his speed and strength to match Naoko’s level. His skillful footwork shielded the ball from Naoko’s attack.

Naoko fought fiercely, worthy of her ace status; unmatched speed and agility. Her swift kicks and nimble movements fluttered like butterfly wings, determined to reclaim the ball from Ash’s clutches!

“Watch me break through—ah!”

Another dull thud, followed by Ash blocking the shot that Naoko aimed. But this time, unlike anger, Naoko laughed excitedly.

“I’d say I’m better, right?”

“We’re not done yet, who knows!”

Simple physical contact, without words, is often best. Ash, having done this many times, knew well of this principle.

Miyuki, Yayoi, and Akane, each had helped pull him back from the brink of despair during battles. Healing him with their ways, keeping his heart from turning dark.

In return, Ash started understanding their stories.