Kamen Rider is playing the villain in Pretty Cure

"It's so troublesome..."

After a round of heated arguments, the bartender finally took double the compensation and walked backstage with a confused look on his face. He prepared drinks while cleaning up the mess he had just made.

"call--!"

After finishing the cup in one gulp, the numbness brought by the alcohol obviously dispelled some of the lifeless and decadent feeling emanating from Kaler's body, and he even became more amiable.

"How is this city?"

I was wondering why you went to so much trouble to find me, and now you ask me this?

"not bad."

Thinking of the passersby who apologized when they bumped into someone earlier, the Tumu guys who patiently warned him, and the bartender who bravely intervened just now, the quality of the people was comparable to the "Hero Game" world fabricated by Prim, which left a really good impression on Ash.

"Although in reality, all of them were captured by you. Humph! At least it's better than the last time when you almost used them as sacrifices for the artificial purge."

"Don't say that. That was all Dust's will."

Kaler, who had signaled to the bartender that the cleaning could be done later and had first filled his glass, also looked annoyed when he said this.

"You don't know that when Light realized this almost happened, he was so angry that he almost turned from the Giant of Light into Leonicus."

"He completely shirked his responsibility in just a few moves."

"Whatever you say."

"Then why is he so different from you?"

"Because he is a perfect creation that possesses all your memories, both good and sad."

Kaler sighed softly, not knowing whether he was lamenting the death of Dust or himself.

"He's perfect enough to be the best person to replace you, but it's precisely because he's too perfect."

"When you're born full of pride, only to discover that your identity, friends, and loved ones—everything—is actually someone else's, leaving you a mere 'blank' with nothing. Can you guarantee you won't go crazy, or even take some meaningless revenge on society, causing the world to feel pain?"

"..."

After putting himself in Duxter's position... even if it was just a fantasy, Ash couldn't stand it and quickly stepped back to watch. No wonder that guy was jumping back and forth like a normal person.

However, although he can understand it, it still does not mean that he will agree with it.

"So, what does this city have to do with your plan?"

"This is a laboratory, Ash."

After another drink, Kaler's hands remained steady without any loss. He drew a semicircle like a brain with his hands and described it to Ash.

"He didn't know what kind of humans this plan would create at first, so He created this Forgotten City ahead of time, a place where humans from different worlds could live together, as a preliminary test server for observation and experimentation."

"And you've seen the results. The actual effect is remarkable. Even people from different worlds and with different appearances can still grow into very good people after receiving guidance, right?"

"So don't give me some ridiculous reasons. Just tell me if it's useful or not."

After taking the special cola ordered by Ash from the bartender, he placed it on the table, pushed it with his fingers, and passed it to him.

"Does this sound much better?"

191

Chapter 191: What is the reason for fighting?

"So, you're here to admonish me?"

Are you trying to persuade me to jump to your side again, just like I did in the past?

Or did you invite me here specifically so that I can drink with you and show off how well you do?

"If that's what it's for."

Ash picked up the Coke without any doubt whether it was poisonous or not, and drank it all amidst the extraordinary sound of bubbles bursting.

"Either I leave now, or you get out now."

"That's really harsh. I actually thought it was pretty good."

"If the people here hadn't been abducted by you from all over the world, the persuasiveness would be even higher."

Also, what does human beings’ own choices have to do with you?

"Snapped!"

Snapping his fingers, the blush on his face became more and more obvious, and Kaler, who looked like he was about to get drunk, nodded repeatedly.

"Well said, that really hits the nail on the head!"

Do you think I will believe anything you say? Do you really treat me as the naive and innocent protagonist in the early stages of a TV show?

“So, this is the real purpose.”

A golden gear was taken out from Kaler's hand and passed along the table to Ash, whose eyes were full of confusion.

Gears? I know there are gears in the Full Opener that can be infused with the power of an entire world, but what do you mean by giving me this all of a sudden?

"Are you still missing a few people around you? As someone with OCD, it must be very uncomfortable."

Finally putting down his wine glass, Kaler shook his fingertips, indicating something.

"This is the key to that world. Go, become a knight and save your princess."

"!—So kind?"

The first thing that came to Ash's mind was that there was something fishy going on, like a trap specially prepared for him. Especially when he thought about this guy claiming that his creation was entirely created by his painful memories, Ash absolutely did not believe that he would not take revenge on him.

However, Ash didn't hesitate and took the gear in his hand with a sweep of his hand. No matter whether there was a trap or not, as long as it was for Mana, it was worth going through!

"Are you not afraid that this is a deliberate conspiracy?"

"Don't be afraid. If an enemy comes, we will fight him. If a flood comes, we will block it with earth. Besides, I am not alone now."

Friendship and love that stand together through thick and thin are enough to crush any conspiracy or trickery, and this is also recorded in the history of special effects.

After taking the gear, Ash stood up and prepared to leave without saying anything more. After all, the purpose of this trip had been achieved. If they talked any longer, Ash couldn't imagine any other possibility except a fight.

"Wait, Ash, one last question."

"What?"

The hand that was raised in impatience was already on the waist where the closed gear gun was hidden, and it depended on the situation whether he would shoot him again on the spot.

"What is your reason for fighting now?"

"…What else could it be? Is there any other argument besides stopping you?"

"No no no~Ash."

Kaler, who was sitting at the front desk, turned his back and continued speaking as if he was not afraid at all that Ash would take the opportunity to shoot him from behind.

"It is precisely because our memories, at least in the negative aspects, are the same that I can conclude that this is not the case at all."

"Initially, you wanted to satisfy your own desire to see the heroes you'd only seen on screen. He fulfilled that for you. Besides, aren't your favorite characters now living in the same world with you every day? You can't miss them if you look up or down, can't you?"

"..."

With his arms crossed over his chest and the closed gear gun tucked under his arm, Ash finally did not shoot him impatiently because what he said in the past was indeed the truth.

"And so, as your journey progressed, you became increasingly familiar with this companion, even becoming somewhat reluctant to let him go. This is why you were willing to help, even though you didn't even know his true purpose. It's also why you repeatedly sacrificed your life for Dark Echoes."

By the end of the story, Kale's back, which was not very straight to begin with, looked even more hunched.

"The reason you fought at this time was for His wish, which has now been perfectly fulfilled. It is thanks to your help that He was able to spread His long-cherished wish to the entire multiverse. Isn't this perfect?"

"...But this is no reason for you to make things worse! Besides, I have more things to bear now!"

"I know, you like those Pretty Cure girls, right?"

Kaler nodded repeatedly, and his tone suddenly became a little sour when he said this.

"And it's not just one or two, but an ultimate crystal palace that includes all kinds of girls, from appearance to personality~ It's great! Boy and Girl, the reason for fighting to protect the one you love is really a setting that can be called king in any work."

"But... now you have even less reason, right? Not to mention I'm giving you back the part you were missing now."

Aren’t the people you love by your side now? So what are you fighting for?

"Do you mean there are new people you've met, including their families?"

Kaler, who was talking to himself, seemed to be awakened by himself, and nodded repeatedly and continued.

"That's easy. I'll make some special dishes for you later and just send them over. We're not some glorious heroes. A little double standard is more in line with our character."

"enough!"

Ash was really angry, and the muzzle of his gun was pointed at the other person's eyebrows.

"What a mess this is! And you think you've said all this just to make me turn a blind eye—do you think they would allow this kind of thing?!"

"But it's just like when you were catching up on the Super Sentai stories, you hated watching those episodes about irrelevant bystanders. Ash, you don't like those ordinary bystanders who don't shine like them, right?"

"!?"

"It's natural that many people like the protagonist and villain highlighted in the story, but the tens of thousands of casualties in the battle between the two sides mentioned in the narration's footnotes are just numbers, no matter how many there are."

It's not as cold-blooded as it sounds. It's like seeing a news report about an accident in a foreign country thousands of kilometers away, with countless casualties. Even if the photo is from a TV show, with no relatives or even strangers, would anyone feel connected to the incident, or even feel it's their fault? Even those with naturally strong empathy have their limits, right?

"Unlike heroes who were born to save the world and must uphold justice, Ash, you are not a hero."

From the front desk to the half-open door where the bell rang crisply, the two people's passionate gazes penetrated the air, creating a silent and fierce collision.

"So Ash."

"What is your reason for fighting?"

192

Chapter 192 Ayumi: Count me in!

"It's unbelievable that you, Ash, will have such a cute and sensible daughter in the future."

Despite attempts to conceal it, the truth eventually came out. The revelation that Baomei was Ash's daughter immediately drew widespread attention, a rare respite from the intense preparations for the war.

"Wow, he was always considered a troublemaker back home, but now he has girlfriends (although there are too many of them) and is even going to be a father!"

"Dear seniors, gentlemen and ladies!"

Inexplicably, she felt like she was being dragged around the streets visiting relatives during the Lunar New Year holidays. Being surrounded by such a large crowd and showered with well-intentioned gifts, Baomei was momentarily flustered. Her pretty face flushed red, and she barely managed to say hello to her uncles, sisters, brothers, and aunts.

"Please, please take your time!"

Although I was mentally prepared in advance... the reality was still far beyond my expectations! How many people does Dad know? And if we're just friends, why would he be so enthusiastic towards me?

"Ash, I'm telling you~"

Boya Lingjia, who has always been full of energy and is no different from the passionate man he used to be even though he has become an uncle, poked Ash, who seemed inexplicably lacking energy since he came back, with his elbow.

"I didn't expect that the troublemaker from the past has become such a mature person now. Now that I'm also a hero taking care of children, would you like me to teach you a few more tricks from my past experience with Xiao Wu?"

"Ha~"

As if infected by Ling's vitality, a smile appeared on Ash's face again.

"I've seen those tricks before, right? Besides, Xiao Wu is so well-behaved, she doesn't need any special care at all."

"That's really surprising, Ash."

At this moment, an unexpected person came closer after hearing this, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Tomari Shinnosuke.

"Don't be fooled by how obedient and well-behaved this child is now. You don't know how naughty children like this usually are when they are young!"

As someone who has also seen a future generation travel back in time (though not literally), Shinnosuke definitely has the same experience to speak for himself! Furthermore, during his own time, his own son was only recently born. The fact that he spoke so earnestly and thoughtfully to Ash about this was a result of his own personal experience.

"But this time."

Seeing Baomei, who usually appears calm and composed, now seeming distressed and happy because of everyone's enthusiasm, several people couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted while smiling.

"Even if it's for our families, we must win this war."

Thinking of this, both the young man who inherited the courage of the dinosaurs and the policeman with the engine always running in his heart strengthened their determination.

"Yes, we must return to them later."

"what."

Ash, who was listening to such a righteous speech, suddenly interrupted at this moment.