Villainous Kamen Rider in Pretty Cure

Extra Case File 19 The Self-proclaimed Man

In the past, when Ash was still young and had not yet had the opportunity to be involved in or actually become anything “villainous,” despite some chance encounters with the “transformation hero” series, he was completely engrossed in this “heroic charm” that did not exist in reality. However, he wasn’t just a die-hard otaku obsessed with tokusatsu shows… well, at least not at that time.

Occasionally, perhaps when he wanted to change his mood, Ash would watch other animated shows, too. Besides the giant robots he particularly loved, the ones that left the deepest impression on him were those bishoujo comedy anime with a harem setting.

Unlike normal people who were drawn to the diverse and charming women in the harem, what caught Ash’s attention wasn’t their personalities but rather the men in leading roles, especially the male protagonists who were nothing but useless. No, not typical useless males, but the kind that were utterly incapable compared to various heroes, known as “wimpy” main characters.

The male lead in these shows clearly led a mundane and dull life; being kind sometimes came off as weak towards everyone. Perhaps his weakness was better than Ash himself, who was usually gloomy and unsociable.

Despite the protagonist’s insignificance, there were always a group of girls inexplicably attached to him, becoming jealous of his relationships, and performing various romantic comedies. When the female lead explained why she liked him, the answer was almost always “You’re so gentle.” Frankly, it was maddening how such effortless affection could be justified.

Even now, Ash despised such pointless plots involving interactions with members of the opposite sex, whether in real life or fictional stories. He thought, why not watch another episode of animation instead?

Initially, Ash couldn’t understand what this so-called “gentleness” meant, even for a genius like himself. It baffled him how someone could easily fall in love with an ill-matched partner through sheer gentleness alone.

Later on, Ash gradually understood. In those wimpy harem series, the main character was often depicted as helpless. The word ‘gentle’ conveyed nothing more than kindness to others, lacking any particular qualities, thus only ‘gentleness’ could be described about the male lead.

Afterward, convinced he was a genius and looking down on everyone around him, Ash swore to become a ‘gentle’ person.

Ash was far from being a wimp; he was a genius!

Ash was not gentle; he had nothing to do with gentleness!

When it came to Yu’s situation—someone whose legs were fine but unable to walk due to psychological issues—Ash felt a deep disdain.

Thus, instead of the ‘gentle’ approach, Ash chose a simpler method to help her regain confidence and stand up. He merely picked up a helmet and put it on her head, then pushed her forward.

Exactly that—pushed her forward.

Standing at the top of the slope, Ash seemed oblivious to the desperate pleas of the blonde-haired woman. He aimed at her wheelchair and slightly pushed with his index finger.

Just a gentle push, really.

“Aaah! Aaah! I can’t stop!”

The blonde-haired woman’s face turned pale with terror. Her hands tried to grip the rapidly rolling wheelchair but failed. With wheels accelerating downhill, she knew stopping was impossible. Already suffering several scratches from futile attempts, Yu could only watch herself accelerate down the slope, feeling the wind rush by her face, powerless to escape.

Stop! Someone, make it stop!

Yu felt trapped by her legs… no, her mind, restrained on this wheelchair that Ash had transformed into a painful tool. What she could do was…

“Yu!”

“What are you doing?!”

“Stop it!”

Not only one person was shocked speechless by Ash’s abrupt action. Immediatly afterward, Himizuki hurried to grab the wheelchair but missed as it slid down. She could only watch helplessly.

Anyone trying to reach Yu before were blocked by Ash’s hand. No entry here.

“What have you done?!”

Didn’t you just defeat the Final Monster as a hero? Why now? Are you trying to kill her?!

“Her legs are fine already, but she can’t stand because of her inner weakness.”

It was probably just another old psychological trauma, right? Indeed, the ordinary person is weak and cannot transcend their own feelings!

Ash bluntly exposed Yu’s secret in front of everyone, shocking them all.

“If she lacks the courage to stand up, I’ll lend her my strength. As they say, revealing the truth is necessary to overcome great fear.”

“You—why?! That’s your method?!” Saya’s eyes widened angrily at Ash’s frivolous explanation. “How dare you claim it when you don’t know anything!”

“Absurd.” Ash shook his head lightly at Saya’s outburst, denying her words. “I know because—”

“I am a genius.”

And with a single glance and touch, I can see through everything.

“What—!” Himizuki, equally taken aback by Ash’s brazenness, felt desperate watching Yu speed up even more. “There are better ways! Together, as friends, we could have encouraged Yu to stand again—”

“Too naive.”

Hearing Yu’s screams, Ash frowned slightly. “Your leniency won’t work. Serious illness requires strong medicine. If you ask me, this should have been done sooner!”

“What you’re saying is too arrogant!”

“It’s not arrogance; it’s simply how powerful I am.” Unashamed of his boldness, Ash patted his battle armor’s flaming pattern, causing a boastful sound to resonate.

“Mighty individuals must be greater than common folk. Sorry, but that’s just my nature.”

“Profound truth.”