by The fourth episode of the latest Pretty Cure series, “Detective PreCure!”, aired on February 22, 2026, and once again captured fans’ attention not just for its mystery plot, but for a surprisingly hilarious detail. Popular character Moria Ruka appeared throughout the episode constantly eating ice cream, sparking widespread discussion online. The keyword “Ruka-chan” quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter), with viewers amused by her seemingly endless dessert consumption.
Broadcast every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on ABC TV and TV Asahi, Detective PreCure! is the 23rd entry in the long-running magical girl franchise. This season combines classic transformation action with detective storytelling, offering a fresh twist that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Episode 4 Recap: “So Exciting! My First Client!”
Episode 4, titled “So Exciting! My First Client!”, focuses on Mikuru’s frustration after opening a detective agency but struggling to attract clients. Her worries finally end when a university student named Komatsuzaki Junichi rushes in seeking help.
Junichi dreams of becoming a manga artist, but he reports a strange incident: the contents of his bag suddenly changed, and the manuscript he had been working on disappeared. Based on his story, Anna and the team deduce that his bag may have been swapped during a collision near the train station.
Their investigation reveals that a woman at the scene carried an identical bag, prompting the group to search for her. However, the situation escalates when Goemon, a member of the Phantom Thieves, appears and steals the bag himself.
Using Jet’s invention the Prikit Light the heroes chase Goemon, only to discover that the stolen manuscript likely contains a mysterious artifact known as the Makoto Jewel. This revelation deepens the overarching plot while maintaining the series’ lighthearted tone.
Ruka’s Ice Cream Gag Steals the Show
While the mystery storyline kept viewers engaged, the real viral moment came from Moria Ruka’s repeated appearances eating different types of ice cream.
- In her first scene, she casually eats soft-serve ice cream
- When she appears again in town, she is enjoying a completely different flavor
- Later, she switches to a popsicle
- Near the episode’s end, she cycles through multiple frozen treats in quick succession
Her first spoken line delivered while eating was simply “Yes,” echoing her previous appearance and reinforcing the comedic running gag.
Fans quickly noticed the pattern, joking that she consumed five ice creams in a single day.
Social Media Reactions: “Is Her Stomach Okay?”
Viewers flooded social media with humorous comments, including:
- “Every time Ruka shows up, she’s eating something new.”
- “How many ice creams has she had today?”
- “Ruka-chan’s on her fifth one already!”
- “Someone stop her before she gets a stomachache!”
The absurd consistency turned Ruka into one of the episode’s biggest talking points, demonstrating how even small character quirks can drive fan engagement.
Why This Detail Resonated With Fans
Ruka’s ice cream habit works on multiple levels:
1. Memorable Character Trait
Recurring visual jokes help characters stand out, especially in large ensemble casts typical of the Pretty Cure franchise.
2. Comedic Timing
Her casual snacking contrasts sharply with the urgency of detective work, creating humorous dissonance.
3. Relatable Comfort Element
Food-based quirks often make characters feel approachable and human, even in fantastical settings.
4. Social Media Shareability
Short, repeatable moments are perfect for clips, screenshots, and memes.
About “Detective PreCure!” (Tanpuri)
This season introduces a detective theme to the long-running magical girl series, blending mystery-solving with transformation battles. The concept of running a detective agency adds episodic cases while gradually building a larger narrative involving stolen artifacts and shadowy villains.
Key highlights of the series include:
- A fresh investigative storyline
- New gadgets and inventions
- Character-driven humor
- Classic Pretty Cure teamwork and action
What to Expect Next
Given the positive response, Ruka’s ice cream gimmick may become a recurring signature element throughout the season. Fans are already speculating whether future episodes will reveal:
- A story reason behind her obsession
- A running counter of how many ice creams she eats
- A dramatic scene where she finally runs out of dessert
Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding the Makoto Jewel suggests that the series will gradually shift toward higher stakes.
Final Thoughts
Episode 4 of Detective PreCure! proves that sometimes the smallest details leave the biggest impression. While the episode delivered a solid detective case and advanced the overarching plot, it was Moria Ruka’s relentless ice cream consumption that truly captured viewers’ hearts — and timelines.
Whether you tune in for magical action, lighthearted mystery, or meme-worthy character moments, this season continues to offer something for everyone.
