Kamen Rider is a Villain in Pretty Cure Chapter 16

Even though she usually acted without much regard for convention, she was still a girl, and there was no way she could go out wearing a skirt with a ripped inseam. Ash's home certainly wouldn't have women's skirts (unless you counted any treasures he might have stored in his inventory), so what Nono Hana was wearing on her legs now was a pair of jeans Ash had lent her.

Wearing someone else's clothes feels so… unfamiliar…

She glanced subtly towards Ash. Despite everything that had happened earlier, Ash still looked uninterested, as if nothing could pique his curiosity. Seeing Ash like this, Nono Hana felt a slight sense of relief, but also a strange sadness.

It seems Dr. Ash isn't disappointed in my terrible performance, but he doesn't react either… Actually, Dr. Ash has always been lost in his own world, indifferent to everything around him. That's… not very good, is it?

As the doctor who had saved her life, it was only natural that she wanted to repay him.

Seeing Ash immersed in his own "boredom," she felt a desire to help him.

But towards Dr. Ash, who seemed gentle towards her yet secretly erected an invisible "Heart's Wall," could she, as "Nono Hana," really find a way to help him?

At least, she couldn't see any viable way at the moment. Thinking of this, Nono Hana couldn't help but clench her small fists.

Speaking of which, what am I to Dr. Ash now? What is our relationship?

"Click."

The sound of the door opening pulled Hana's drifting gaze back, and she quickly looked inside.

[Extra]Case File 30: The Arrogant Ash

"Auntie, please accept this gift."

Maintaining traditional etiquette, Hana knelt on the tatami mat and presented the beautifully packaged fruit she had bought to the middle-aged woman opposite her, receiving a serene smile in return.

"It's so rare for Hana to come visit Homare, you really shouldn't have bothered preparing a gift. I'm so sorry to trouble you."

Homare's mother, Kagayaki Chihiro, was grateful that her daughter had made such sincere friends. She welcomed Hana's visit with genuine warmth. As she brought out two cups of tea, she saw the expensive fruit Hana had brought and her face lit up with a surprised smile.

The papaya in here is exactly what Little Homare likes... Ah, no, no. It's already a great kindness for her to visit as a friend. I can't accept this.

Seeing Hana about to refuse the gift, she smiled slightly, picked up the gift again, and placed it aside. She then spoke in a playful tone.

"No, no, it's just a small token of my regard for Homare. Aunt Chihiro, please accept it. This much isn't a big expense!"

"But, Miss Hana, haven't you recently...?"

Chihiro had heard about Hana's company going bankrupt not long ago from her daughter, which was why she hesitated to accept the gift.

"Haha, that was all in the past!" Hana said with an embarrassed laugh, fanning herself as she continued to brush it off. "I'm different now, it's completely fine!"

She wasn't just putting on a brave face; Hana was actually telling the truth. After all, whether it was the surgery or the subsequent treatments with Ash, the black-market doctor had maintained his usual proud demeanor, muttering, "This is all part of the favor," and refusing to take a single penny from her. Even if she secretly left money, she would find it back in her bag at some unknown time. It made one wonder where he got the money to maintain his clinic.

When she turned to return the money to her parents again, they pushed it back, saying she needed it more now that she was unemployed. In the end, Hana reluctantly accepted, waiting for an opportunity to repay Ash and her parents for their kindness.

"Thank you so much. Then I'll accept this on Homare's behalf..."

The sound of the wooden door sliding open interrupted Chihiro's polite words, and the figure entering simultaneously drew both their attention.

It was Ash, who had arrived late after doing who-knows-what. With just a slight nod of his eyes towards Hana, Ash swaggered over to Hana's side, chose a comfortable position, and sat down cross-legged. He acted as if he were completely at home, his posture utterly lacking in politeness, which made Hana beside him break out in a cold sweat.

Hana wanted to remind Ash, after all, he was her guest, so he should be mindful of his behavior. But the words caught in her throat, and she couldn't bring herself to speak. Rather, facing Ash, who always acted according to his own will, Hana had almost become accustomed to his ways.

Mr. Ash is a good person, but he really is... unique, hahaha.

"This is Ash, Mr. Ash!" Before the other person could ask any questions or Ash could spout any more world-ahead-of-its-time remarks, Hana quickly introduced the nonchalant Ash. "Mr. Ash is a doctor, and a very skilled one at that!"

As if fearing her words wouldn't be convincing, Hana quickly patted her small, bust-like chest until she was almost out of breath, then hurriedly continued.

"Auntie, you've heard about my condition from Homare, right? See, I'm perfectly healthy now, completely (big lie) fine! And it's all thanks to this doctor!"

"In that case, Dr. Ash is truly amazing!" Hearing Hana's introduction, Chihiro exclaimed with genuine admiration. Her eyes grew brighter, and unconsciously, like Hana, she began to use honorifics towards Ash, who looked younger than her.

"The wisdom of mortals." Naturally, Ash had no concept of humility whatsoever. The light reflecting off his glasses, pushed slightly up his nose, obscured his eyes, revealing only a mysterious smile.

Those with talent should have pride. Unless it's for acting, what's the point of being so humble!

"Compared to my talent, this is merely a matter of moving my fingers. Besides the time it takes, it's nothing... I predict now, there is nothing in this world that can stump me."

He readily accepted without hesitation, showing no hint of modesty. She felt it was just like Dr. Ash.

However, it was precisely this confident belief that made his identity seem more convincing in their eyes.

"That's right! Dr. Ash is so amazing, so I'm sure he can help Homare too!"

"In that case, Homare, that child—finally!" The hope conveyed by Hana made the eyes of this middle-aged woman well up with tears. Excitedly, she leaned forward and clasped Ash's hands! "Homare is a good child. She used to try so hard, she could jump higher than anyone! But after she fell, she just couldn't... So, Doctor, please! Please save her this time!"

"Hmph." Ash grunted and pulled his hands away. Although his eyes narrowed slightly, the curve of his lips indicated that he was quite pleased with their flattery.

"What you're describing is merely the expected outcome. Alright, now take me to see the patient."

Kagayaki Homare... is that her name? I thought she was just another boring commoner.

Well, I can't help it if I'm asked so earnestly. Now, let me pay a little more attention then~

"What's the situation now?"

"Yes, regarding Homare, she was staring blankly at the sky and her legs before, but it seems after that recent brush with death, she's changed a bit."

"Changed?" Ash blinked, a thoughtful look on his face. "How has she changed?"

Following them into the backyard of the house, Ash saw the familiar yellow figure. However, unlike the somewhat dejected appearance he had seen before, Homare, now in her wheelchair, was supporting her upper body with her hands, half of her body suspended. As sweat continuously dripped down, it looked as if she were trying to stand up again with her weakened legs!

"Haa—" Unfortunately, it didn't last long before she almost fell to the ground, finally collapsing back into her wheelchair. "Still not working— Hmm, it's Mom and Hana! And this is..."

This is... Ah, I remember! It's that strange doctor who came with Hana that day and stared at my legs with such an obvious gaze!

As if recalling those terrifying eyes, Homare shivered involuntarily.

[Extra] Case File 31: Merciless Ash

"Gulp."

Nono Hana stood behind Ash, who was concentrating intently. Her hand, raised to cheer him on, hovered in front of her chest. She swallowed, her breath held tight, and the sound was clearly audible.

There was only one reason she was so nervous at this moment: Ash was meticulously examining Homare. Their Precure friend was afraid to make a sound and disturb them.

The man half-crouched before the blonde woman, stretching out her full, slender thighs. He cupped her delicate feet, freeing them from her casual flats, and tossed the discarded black stockings aside.

Focused on his work for once, he paid no mind to anything else. He gazed at the soft, small feet in his hands with an intensity that was more fervent than ever. His pupils, constricting, narrowed his focus to an extreme degree. Invisible to the naked eye, the pulsing veins beneath the healthy skin, the vibrant red muscle tissue, and the sturdy bones were all clearly visible to him.

"Hmm, just as I thought."

"Mmm... Mm..." Unlike Ash, who remained calm, Homare couldn't help but clench her right fist against her chin. Blushing, she let out small breaths as he "played" with her feet.

She had always used machines for examinations at the hospital, and being touched by other doctors was nothing strange. Moreover, her legs felt completely normal right now; it couldn't be itching or anything similar.

So why was she feeling so shy now, with him so intently examining her feet?

Was it because her good friend was watching, making her feel embarrassed? Why did she suddenly feel as if she'd been completely exposed? Was it just a feeling?

"Mhm."

He reached out and grasped Homare's thigh, just above her knee, as she almost cried out. Feeling the warm, smooth texture on his fingertips, the man traced the veins downwards with his ten fingers, his hands continuously massaging the healthy, full flesh of her toes and the arch of her foot. His expression, however, grew increasingly furrowed.

"D-Doctor?" Homare, enduring the shame, mustered her courage to ask, "What is it? Is it something serious?"

"No." Ash shook his head, and his next words eased Homare's anxiety. "Both externally and internally, her muscles, nerves, and bones are indeed perfectly fine."

In his eyes, Homare's legs were as healthy as they could possibly be, healthier even than his own. At most, due to a lack of regular exercise, there was a slight accumulation of fat around her calves, but his initial visual assessment was completely accurate.

"The only problem lies with you." Ash released his grip and formed a fist, tapping her knee with just the right amount of force. The nerve reaction caused her foot to spring up, and just as she was about to kick him in the jaw, he tilted his head, his toes merely brushing aside a few strands of her hair.

"You believe you can't stand, and that's why you're like this!"

"But..." The doctor's warning perfectly matched what Time Fire had told her before. Even though she had been mentally prepared, her mouth felt dry. "I've been trying my best to stand, but I just can't!"

"Then try standing up."

Seeing Ash step back, Homare gritted her teeth and gathered her courage again, her arms beginning to tense.

"I... Ah—!"

With trembling hands, under the encouraging gaze of Hana before her, she gripped the armrests of her wheelchair and slowly tried to stand. However, midway, she lost her balance, and the wheelchair rolled backward. Without support, Homare fell forward uncontrollably.

"Yo-ho~" Ash, not letting her fall face-first, reached through her armpits and caught her. At the same time, he repeatedly rubbed his hands on her head.

"I, I!" Homare's beautiful, star-like eyes slowly closed. Tiny tears welled up on her long lashes, and her eyes filled with the tears of her grievances. "I broke my leg once before. Even though it healed, I couldn't jump again no matter how hard I tried!"

The pent-up frustration and grief of years seemed to find an outlet. Homare poured out her past, the painful secrets only her friends and family knew, to Ash.

"No matter how hard I tried, even forcing myself to jump, I always feared the moment of landing, and without fail, I would fall!"

Ash supported Homare from under her arms, his expression calm as he listened to her disjointed account of her past.

So, another case of past trauma affecting the present. That explains things reasonably well.

"My friends at the time shook their heads at my pathetic state. Alone, I eventually gave up on jumping again, and I gave up on my dream..." Homare looked at him with a pleading gaze, praying for a satisfactory answer.

"Am I going to repeat this again, until I can never stand up?"

"Well," Ash's words were the exact opposite of the answer she longed for. "Your effort is not a bad thing, but effort doesn't always yield results. Sometimes, if something isn't possible, it just isn't. Recognizing that is also very important."

"How could you..." The strength that had supported her entire body instantly gave way, and Homare slumped back into her wheelchair, the light in her eyes rapidly fading.

"What you lack is your own courage, and what you cannot overcome is your own weakness." Without regard for her emotions, Ash delivered two more sharp blows. He then lowered his head, sniffed his hand, and frowned slightly before patting her golden hair, actually rubbing it against his hand.

Hmm, no reaction even with this. What a good child. Oh?

"Wait! Wait, wait!"

A tug from behind made Ash turn around, and he saw Nono Hana, her face puffed out like a pufferfish, her displeasure evident.

"What is this?" Pulling Ash away to a spot where Homare couldn't hear, Hana immediately expressed her dissatisfaction. "I don't understand medicine, but I understood that. Homare can't stand because of psychological reasons, right?"

"So why is Dr. Ash discouraging her!"

"Forget it. She's already trapped in her own weakness. What good will come from continuing to encourage her weakness?" Ash shook his head, expressing his disagreement. "Besides, I wasn't lying, was I?"

"Grumble grumble..." Hearing this, Hana's cheeks puffed out even more, making Ash feel an urge to poke her and deflate her. "But aren't you, Dr. Ash, very capable? You said you would cure her!"

"Yes, and I didn't say I wouldn't. So..."

From behind his back, Ash pulled out a blue chainsaw, much to Hana's horror.

"I'll just cut off her legs."

[Extra] Case File 32: Treat the Head for a Headache, Saw the Legs for Leg Pain

"I'll just cut off her legs."

"Cut off her legs."

"Cut them off..."

It felt like being hit on the head by a critical blow from a Doomsday Monster during a past combat mishap. Hana's eyes went blank, her stopped brain emitting a whirring sound like a hard drive glitching.

Ash's shocking words, spoken so casually, had completely stunned her. Her eyes, wide as saucers, could no longer process Ash's smug introduction.

"GS-03 Destroyer— Ha! Hikawa got chewed out by that... what was his name, Tachibana? Because he lost this thing. Actually, I just took it for myself~"

Ash boasted about his "criminal history" without a hint of self-awareness as he slid his hands into the blue steel gauntlets. With a flick of his elbow, the chainsaw folded within sprang open, revealing silver-gray teeth filled with a deadly aura.

"By generating ultra-high frequencies, the blade vibrates at extreme speeds. In just one minute, it can perform 2 million ultra-high frequency vibrations through rotational oscillation, capable of slicing through even the hardest materials in a single stroke." As Ash pressed the switch on the grip, a vibration imperceptible to normal ears, yet causing his body to tremble uncontrollably, began to spread outwards from him. Ash casually performed a few clean, sharp flourishes with the blade, as if even the surrounding wind was being cut.

Wait, isn't this thing a bit too unfair?

"Although its excessive weight makes it difficult to hit enemies of equal or greater agility, its cutting power alone surpasses even the Shining Saber! Ha, this is tokusatsu physics—in other words, you don't need to worry too much about the laws of physics!"

Completely oblivious to Homare's fading expression beside him, Ash retracted the saw blade with a flick of his wrist and started walking towards her.

"Alright, I'll use this chainsaw to chop off Homare's legs... huh?"

After only a couple of steps, Ash was blocked by a pink figure who suddenly appeared in front of him. Nono Hana spread her arms, shielding him. She exuded an aura of "If you want to get to Homare, you'll have to step over my dead body!" Her incredibly complex expression and gaze clearly conveyed her utterly unpleasant and speechless mood at that moment.

"Dr. AAAAAASH—!"

Hana enunciated his name with solemnity, each syllable carefully uttered. Homare's rare seriousness and firm stance forced Ash to stop in his tracks. "What do you mean, 'chop off Homare's legs with a chainsaw'? What does that mean! Those are, those are—those are her body, her legs!"

What kind of logic is this?! Even if I'm a bit clumsy, I'm definitely not stupid. Just because Homare can't stand up, you're going to saw off her legs... What kind of third-rate, amateur logic is this—cut off the hand because the hand hurts, cut off the leg because the leg hurts! This isn't even a case of 'buying the casket and returning the jade'; it's like a Russian rescue operation where the kidnappers take hostages, so you just eliminate everyone involved!!!

Before Ash could utter any more nonsensical remarks, Hana strode forward, grabbed the man's arm, and shook him vigorously.

"Aren't you Dr. Ash? Don't doctors save people? Or is Dr. Ash's method just to do this?!"

"Sodayo." Ash nodded innocently. "If I don't remove her legs, how can I give her prosthetic ones?"

Huh? Wait, what did you just say?

Hana's mouth gaped open, her eyes blinking. For a moment, she wondered if she had misheard him.