Chapter 572

Eighty-fourth Chapter Proving Friendship and Loyalty

“Even if we part ways, it’s not supposed to be meaningless or only full of suffering!”

“It must be, to meet each other better in the future!”

If you don’t take the first step because you might lose, wouldn’t everything become impossible? Is there any logic in that?

“Saying that we shouldn’t have started, shouldn’t have met… You’d say that only because you’ve had many beautiful memories in your past!”

Isn’t that exactly the proof that you once existed!

Seeing Ash still just looking at her, Naoko added with even more emphasis!

“If you fight by rejecting others, your battle will never end because everyone becomes your enemy!”

Naoko Mikutagawa was a girl who had become a Pretty Cure less than a month ago, lacking critical experiences beyond football. Young and energetic but equally naive and lost.

Ash, on the other hand, had traveled countless worlds, gaining friends and losing them repeatedly, each memory leaving another scar on his deeply injured soul. His actual psychological age and physical age were both a mystery, possibly in a dual quantum state like a small night light and an old night light.

They didn’t really have much worth mentioning to talk about. There was no way Ash would believe or be convinced by her solely because her voice was pleasant or her aura was strong, so…

“It sounds reasonable, but it’s pointless,” Ash maintained his stoic expression, shifting his legs. “I won’t be moved by just pretty words. If you really want to prove you’re right and I’m wrong…”

“Then prove yourself.”

But precisely because Naoko is young enough, she does what she says.

“I’ll do it!” The girl who was nearly close to breaking down had no hesitation left in her eyes. “Let Miyoaki and the others fight believing such things… Even if this is the best choice, I won’t do it!”

“We, the Pretty Cures, aren’t together for combat; we are friends who laugh together!”

“It’s not that we became friends after working hard as Pretty Cures. It’s because we are friends that we work together as Pretty Cures. This is the spirit we need, to prevent tragedy and bring smiles to the world!”

Holding tightly to the giggling cosmetic box until it creaked, she stashed the photos inside, filling her bag with items before setting off again.

“I’ll prove it, whether it’s my eligibility as a Pretty Cure, our bond isn’t that weak, or you’re wrong! I’ll prove all of it!”

Determined, Naoko placed her hand on the bookshelf as she stepped toward the light portal ahead, but hesitated, her other foot remaining planted.

She realized that even Ash, who originally begged her not to leave, had now been pushed by her actions to dislike her.

Her hand must have been trembling, hah, I’m… still not strong enough.

“I’m sorry, I said some arrogant things.”

“The battle against the Tragic Kingdom isn’t your fault, right?” Unanticipated, Naoko smiled at Ash behind her. “Well, then you should hold back and let us Pretty Cures handle it.”

Goodbye.

In the mysterious library, this time it was truly silent with just Ash alone.

“Said such cool lines despite being just a woman.”

However.

“I don’t actually mind.”

I was quite looking forward to you coming up and punching me. That would make your words seem even more righteous, right?

But, could everyone become my enemy…? It used to be my intention once, and I never questioned it before. When did I start changing?

And my existence…

“Hmph, I don’t need that.”

[But, you’ve formed friendships with people from the past; that’s an undeniable fact.]

“You… Have said that countless times. And as a system, you’re too human. And while you’ve collected all the dark echoes, you’re miserly when giving out rewards…]

Casually flipping through the fairy tales on the shelf, instead of ending the conversation by crumpling the interface, Ash engaged in dialogue.

“You should do something with the traditional conspiracy of black curtains rather than chatting with me all the time and making sarcastic remarks.”

[I’m already working on it.]

“Oh, is that so, thanks for letting me know.” Indifferent, Ash waved his hand, sending the floating panel away. “I’ll look forward to any betrayal.”

[Ash, regarding your changes in heart, I seek confirmation from you.]

Being straightforward, as usual, made Ash stop what he was doing and look at the highlighted text.

[Do you still wish to continue fighting heroically, putting your whole self into bloodshed?]

“Do you think I still want to…”

What kind of question is this.

Shaking his head, Ash casually adjusted his arm, producing a sharp cracking sound, then.

Snap—

With a sudden clench, the darkness flame of the evil dragon ignited in his hand.

“Yes, very much!”

The burning black fire burned the shadow behind him into an incredibly sinister and distorted shape.

Once it was that— without questioning reason, without asking why! Filled with blood and flames, purely fighting out of rage, and also the moment heroes fought for justice, displaying their blazing beliefs!

Such a mindset, filled with idealism and such radiant spirit and body, couldn’t help but intrigue me!

It’s… been so long since I fought so simply and freely!

“How could I not want to? Rather, I don’t think there has ever been a moment where I didn’t!”

Facing Miyuki, I held back. Thinking about it now, I’d want to switch sides immediately and beat them all, then viciously trample on them while laughing at their incredulous expressions!

Only this intrinsic part of me hasn’t changed.

[Then why are you the nagging little koi fish according to that joker?]

“Why indeed?”

Originally roaring skyward, on the verge of going insane and striking poses, Ash slowly composed himself, finally gently exhaling two women’s names.

“Ai… Rei.”

“And perhaps, those who never gave up along the way, wanting to help me regardless.”

Whether they battled me or pushed themselves to their limits, their efforts were simply to make me change.

So, my nagging nature now…

“Feels like if I continue carefree like before.”

“I’d be betraying their efforts.”

I don’t want to do such a thing.

[Ash.]

The virtual panel floated lazily to his head, giving it a gentle pat.

[You’ve grown up.]

[You’ve grown up.]