So-called transforming heroes usually had one defining trait right there in the name: before and after transforming, they possessed two completely different identities! Depending on the differences between those two independent identities, the distinction between truth and secrecy could often give rise to all kinds of plot developments.
But if both of those identities had been ruthlessly exposed and could no longer be used, how was one supposed to keep acting?
Then there was only one answer... pull out a third identity while there was still time!
So everyone had guessed correctly—or rather, there had been no other possible answer.
The black-haired boy currently "pitifully begging" before Aida Mana was none other than Ash, appearing in his own twelve-year-old form!
Every bit of "innocence," "helplessness," and "pitiful sweetness" he had displayed before had been an act meant to lure Aida Mana in! Ash believed his performance had contained absolutely no flaws! After all, without some acting skill to fall back on, he would have been caught and beaten senseless long ago during his past undercover work within all sorts of villainous organizations.
I never thought my past experience would come in handy at a time like this.
If he claimed to have forgotten his past and the people from it, then naturally she would not remember that he still had this appearance! Besides, Ash had vaguely sensed before that they seemed especially fond of and indulgent toward his younger form.
Could it be that, as girls—and Pretty Cure girls partnered with fairies, no less—they simply had no resistance to small and cute things?
Ash had considered that question before, but since he could not read minds, he had been unable to verify the answer and had simply let it go. But now...
Judging by Mana's reaction, this was ten times—no,