We come to a familiar theater now filled with loud cheers and sounds of laughter as Saitama and King face off in the battle of the century.
Saitama, wearing the most serious expression he could muster, was currently sweating while smashing the buttons on his controller.
King, wearing a calm and collected look, was currently using two fingers to beat Saitama into a corner.
"GAH! WHAT THE HELL!? YOU'RE UNBEATABLE!? " Saitama throws his hands up in frustration as he stares at the loss screen for what seems to be the millionth time.
"You keep spamming the same buttons." King says bluntly in the usual King fashion.
"Pfh. Just give up baldy. You're gonna keep losing and it's getting embarrassing." Tatsumaki continues to laugh at Saitama's lack of skill in video games.
"Why is King so good at video games?" Fubuki questions to herself like it's the most unreasonable thing in the world while sitting next to an esper that could lift a continent and multiple people who could destroy a city.
"ONE MORE TIME!" Saitama shouts out while raising his controller at King indignantly.
"Master, perhaps you require a break?" Genos questions in an aloof manner while writing in his notebook.
"Good lord you don't know when to give up. Let us have a turn!" Metal Bat groans out while leaning backwards into his chair.
"Why don't you try some combos? You know? Instead of mashing the same buttons!" Child Emperor questions in slight irritation while giving his insight.
"Saitama and combos? Yeah not happening." Zombie Man chuckles while pulling out a cigarette before having it promptly smacked out of his hand by Metal Bat who points at an oblivious Child Emperor.
"Didn't know you were good at video games." Pig god absentmindedly mutters to King as Saitama continues to argue with the group for another round.
"I picked up a thing or two in my free time." King answers, slightly surprised that Pig god was even watching.
"Who knew King was so good at video games?" Darkshine comments toward his fellow muscle heads.
"Yes. That was definitely a surprise." Tank Top Master replies while scratching his head.
"Hoh, don't some of these fighting moves seem a little unfeasible, no?" Bang questions in negative iq.
"Silver-Fang… you've accomplished more unfeasible things in your lifetime." Atomic Samurai mutters while slowly turning to face the man, slightly baffled at the old hero's switch from wise to dunce.
"But… that one character on the screen was able to twist his body around several times. I don't think that is physically possible." Bomb joins in, suddenly equally as dense as Bang.
Atomic Samurai just smacks his face as he stares at the two strongest martial artists he knows.
"Isn't King so cool?" Tareo questions rhetorically to the menacing hero-hunter next to him with eyes wide in admiration.
"Huh? Oh yeah. He's very cool. Hey, you know what's cooler?" Garou questions in a scheming tone while turning to look at the vacant seats next to him.
"What's that?" Tareo replies in confusion.
"MONSTERS!" Garou flips around and makes a scary face at Tareo while the poor boy screams in surprise.
After recovering from his scare Tareo scowls at the snickering Hero Hunter.
"Don't do that! You're not scary!" Tareo grumbles in annoyance while punching Garou's arm then regretting it instantly.
"Sorry sorry. Can't help it." Garou continues to laugh while waving his hands in the air mockingly.
Currently the S Class heroes and some audience members were watching Saitama and King have their video game bout and thus found that Saitama was in fact not good at video games.
On the other hand the majority of the high ranking Association employees were currently holding a meeting in a room provided by the screen.
"That about wraps things up with what we've learned." Stitch starts finishing up the hour long meeting having gone over the past events and knowledge they had learned.
"Hold on. Do you propose we ask the Screen a few questions while the heroes are absent? I have a few of my own." Sekingar, a man with a robotic eye asks.
"Well, there would be no harm, but it would require the cooperation of our host." Stitch points up at the ceiling.
"I am here."
"Ah. Perfect timing. We've wrapped up our meeting, but a co-worker of mine has questions they'd like to ask. Is that alright?" Stitch looks around at wherever the invisible being could be in the ceiling.
"Depends on the question, but go ahead and ask."
"Is it possible to bring more people into this theater?" Sekingar bluntly questions, getting straight to the point.
"Yes."
"Then is it alri-"
"I've already chosen a few newcomers to bring in. One of which you might be well acquainted with or not depending on who you are."
"Who could we be acquainted with that's not already in the viewing room?" A random associate asks, slightly baffled.
Instead of answering, the door to the room opens, revealing a certain space warping hero standing with his arms crossed while wearing a grin.
"BLAST!?" The entire room shouts out.
"Hey. Nice to see you guys. Mr. Mysterious brought me here and told me there was something interesting to watch." Blast waves a hand casually.
"W-what are you- how did you- wait, Screen did you plan on bringing Blast here from the very beginning?" Stitch stumbles over his words before he finally settles on questioning the Screen.
"Yes. He was more troublesome to track down and even harder to convince, but he already knows the information you know."
"I've taken an interest in our resident bald hero and his strength so I've decided to stay. And apparently the screen has taken care of the 'problem' temporarily. So we don't have to worry for now." Blast makes quotation marks around the word problem.
"You mean?" Stitch asks in shock.
"Yes." Blast simply nods in response.
"Now that that's settled. Blast has decided to remain hidden while watching the show so as to not cause a disturbance within the heroes and future members of the audience. We will be continuing with the regular viewing schedule so please file into the theater when you finish."
Everyone other than Stitch and a few others were still currently in shock processing the appearance of the mysterious number 1 hero.
"I'll be in a different room. We can discuss things here the next time there's a meeting." After finishing his sentence Blast teleports away in the blink of an eye leaving the associate members to take a shaky seat, not having realized they stood up in the first place.
"So Blast is just here now? How did the Screen even reach him?" Sekingar questions to himself in disbelief.
"What 'it' was Blast talking about?" An associate questions while staring at Stitch suspiciously.
"That is classified… and if viewing the future means anything then we'll see soon enough." Stitch mutters back cryptically.
The theater now full of all the current viewers, minus Blast, have settled down in their seats to view the next episode.
"Before we begin, I'd like to inform you all that I will be bringing new people into the room. Do not feel the need to disarm, harm, maim, or kill the people you may see. This is not a request. I will be bringing in the mentioned Sonic from previous episodes and Doctor Genus along with his currently surviving creations."
A bunch of questions arise from the room before one surprised yet calm voice calls out in particular.
"Wait. What do you mean creatures? Wasn't Armored Gorilla the only one that survived?" Zombie Man questions in suspicion.
"Ah yes. Mosquito Girl also survived. She merely lost a few of her appendages and is now as harmless as a fly."
Suddenly a door randomly opens with a bang as said Mosquito Girl with mechanical body parts steps out angrily
"OI! I AM NOT A FLY!" Mosquito Girl reveals herself and yells at the Screen, completely forgetting the presence of the heroes.
The familiar Armored Gorilla from before, minus the outer armor, comes out carrying a syringe filled with what was most likely blood and stabs it into Mosquito Girl.
"Mosquito Girl. We were supposed to wait for the Screen's signal." Doctor Genus mutters as he and Sonic walk out into the theater.
"Why did we have to wait so long? Who do you think you are keeping me trapped in there for an hour? I was going to kill these three." Sonic points over at the mentioned trio.
Chaos erupts at the sudden appearance of on screen villainous characters until everyone gets placed into a seat and is forcibly silenced except the already silent members.
"You are all very loud. Ok. Please just watch the next episode. If anyone fights you're getting sent into the silent room and will miss important information… and funny moments surrounding the Caped Baldy."
Saitama just wears an annoyed look at the mention of his official hero name.
The 4 new members sit near the edges of the theater, one in particular staying far away from Saitama.
"It looks like I'll have to wait before interrogating Sonic." Flashy Flash thinks to himself.
"Uh, Genos is that the one that-" Saitama questions before getting cut off abruptly.
"Forced me to almost self-destruct in an act of defiance to my approaching death? Yes. Yes Master that is." Genos smoldered in his seat at seeing the once thought dead monster now alive.
"Well I hope she's not like traumatized. I did hit her pretty good." Saitama replies while glancing over to the new members he was quite familiar with.
"Perhaps not hard enough." Genos mutters silently to himself with a cold look in his eyes.
The screen then begins to brighten in preparation for the next episode.
"Ugh. The light. It burns." Fubuki states humorously to herself as Tatsumaki just rolls her eyes.
A space station appears and is shown floating in the vacuum of space, as a giant asteroid makes its appearance. "Initiating docking procedures."
"Roger."
The camera quickly switches from outer space to the inside of a mission control room on Earth.
"Elevating from 6 to 9 on the Torino Scale!"
CITY A – HERO ASSOCIATION HQ
"The course suddenly shifted? I see."
"Then we will discuss how best to deal with the situation."
The scene switches to Genos on the phone, most likely answering the association.
"Should I go now? All right."
Genos walks over to Saitama who was currently reading manga absentmindedly.
"Master, for some reason the Hero Association wants me to come in. I will be back later." Genos reports.
"Okay. Maybe you're getting fired?" Saitama waves off at his disciple with a smirk.
"Baldy are you… jealous?" Tatsumaki snickers at the on screen hero's remark.
"What? No. Was just joking jeez." Saitama looks guiltily away from the short espers stare.
"Definitely jealous." Zombie Man looks over to Metal Bat giving him a look.
"Totally." Metal Bat nods.
THE ULTIMATE DISCIPLE
Suddenly some music and a video starts playing on the screen.
"Woah hey that's new." Saitama says out loud, grabbing the attention of a few.
"Damn this beat is really nice." Metal Bat says while nodding his head.
"A little too loud for my tastes." Child Emperor says while also nodding his head.
"Seriously? One Punch Man?" Tatsumaki grumbles while shaking her head, as if disappointed.
"Quite fitting if you think about it, no?" Fubuki comments.
"A little too fitting if you ask me." Saitama mumbles to himself dejectedly.
"Well he does kill things in one punch." Atomic Samurai mutters to Bang who just nods and chuckles.
The music ends with a still image of Saitama walking off with groceries in a dramatic pose.
"Good lord the Screen even dramatized your grocery shopping problem." Tatsumaki once again sighs in disappointment while shaking her head.
"The whole song just reminds me of my problem." Saitama just stays silent with comedic anger marks apparent on his bald head while ignoring the hidden meanings behind the lyrics.
CITY Z HERO ASSOCIATION BUILDING
Genos enters the near empty building.
"Ah, you would be Genos?" An unknown man questions Genos.
"Hoh. It seems I've made my appearance brother." Bang chuckles while stroking his mustache.
"I bet you haven't been this excited in a while." Bomb retorts while laughing softly.
"Perhaps." Bang smirks humorously.
"My name is Bang. Nice to meet you."
"Bang, Class S rank 3, a.k.a. 'Silver Fang.' He possesses true skill."
"The Association called me in."
"Everyone's at Headquarters. This little branch office is empty just now. Each of the Class S heroes got the call to come here, but we're the only ones who showed up."
"Why is that?"
"Too far away, or perhaps they're busy. Of course, some of the more cold-blooded ones simply don't bother. After all, we're called up only when there's some impossible problem they want us to take care of."
"Hey. Why did no one other than the old man and Genos show up?" Saitama turns to face his co-workers.
A bunch of them turn away to avoid meeting his gaze.
"Hmph. I was busy." Tatsumaki retorts while fidgeting in her seat unbeknownst to everyone else.
"I can't handle a meteor bro! Not even my fighting spirit is enough for that." Metal Bat explains himself in a valiant manner.
"I don't have that kinda fire power." Zombie Man shakes his head.
"I had cram school!" Child Emperor blurts before taking a nervous grin as a couple of people stare at him. "I swear that reason sounded more reasonable in my head…" The embarrassed prodigy slowly mutters out.
The rest of the heroes make their explanations/excuses while a few remain silent, choosing to ignore the question.
"Well to be fair. It's not like we have your level of strength. We're lucky Metal Knight and Genos handled it." Child Emperor states in a calculating manner.
"I did not-" Genos starts out before suddenly remembering not to spoil the episode.
"I was there, yes, but I did not destroy the meteor." Metal Knight explains as Genos just gives a look of confusion toward Metal Knight for not being stopped by the Screen.
"Wait so Demon Cyborg destroyed that thing? I find that hard to believe." Child Emperor wonders aloud.
Bang just stays silent, allowing for the audience to find out for themselves who truly destroyed the meteor.
"Today's no exception. The threat level is Dragon, a worst-case scenario. 35 minutes from now, a huge meteor will strike City Z. They are asking if nearby Class S heroes can do anything about it."
"A meteor?"
"Apparently, it suddenly changed paths. That means the end for us. The impact will wipe out City Z. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do this time. You too should think about evacuating with your loved ones."
"What? Wasn't expecting the rookie to take care of the problem?" Atomic Samurai grins in a joking manner before becoming slightly baffled at Bang's serious expression.
"Hoh. Of course I had faith in our rookie Genos-kun." Bang winks and chuckles much to the confusion of the sword master.
"Do the citizens know?"
"I was told they would estimate the impact area and issue evacuation orders 30 minutes before it hits."
The scene swaps to the outside citizens suddenly realizing the meteor's existence.
"Attention! This is an announcement from the Hero Association." A loudspeaker announces.
"People are sure to panic." Bang calmy states.
"And you, old fellow?" Genos quirks an eyebrow.
"Old fellow, is it? Call me Bang."
"You are not evacuating?"
Bang turns and walks off to the side dramatically.
"My dojo has been in my family for generations. I cannot abandon it."
Atomic Samurai slightly sweatdrops at his colleagues' declaration. "He was really going to die there wasn't he? Why am I not surprised?" Samurai laughs humorously to himself as Bang just gives him a questioning look.
Bang swiftly moves into his signature pose, bringing out his well honed technique. "Fist of Flowing Water Crushing Rock."
"Heard of it?" Bang then realizes he was currently speaking to no one.
"He left…"
The scene swaps to the panicking populace, scrambling to leave the already doomed city.
"Emergency evacuation warning. The threat level is Dragon. Evacuate immediately. 21 more minutes until meteor impact."
"It's huge…"
"No way we can escape that."
Genos is seen running across the rooftops, carrying an interesting looking black briefcase.
"So many people have given up hope of survival. It is not just City Z that is in danger. The neighboring cities will also sustain damage. It is too late to evacuate.
"Tch. Maybe I should've gone to stop the stupid meteor." Tatsumaki wonders to herself in annoyance, slightly regretting her careless behavior as a hero.
Meanwhile, Fubuki silently glances at the cyborg sitting in front of her as she ponders over the current or past threat. "Does the Demon Cyborg truly have enough power to even rival Metal Knight?"
"Damn that thing is massive. The Demon Cyborg really stopped that? Finding that hard to believe." Garou ponders over the new information he has gathered.
Genos looks up to see the meteor coming closer. "I did not expect to be testing this prototype so soon!"
Genos launches his briefcase as it transforms into a pair of arms, locking into place as Genos poses dramatically. "Let me see if an attack from my incineration cannon at full power will do the trick. Master Saitama lives here too. I cannot possibly evacuate without him."
"Huh. He was worried about me?" Saitama pondered over this odd feeling of having someone worry over him despite his immeasurable strength.
Genos, turning to look at his Master and seeing his odd look quickly mistakes the situation. "Sensei. I apologize for not having faith in your strength. At the time I still could not comprehend just how vast your power was. For me to assume such a meteor could even hind-" Genos gets cut off in his quiet apology as Saitama raises a hand.
"It's fine Genos, actually nice to have someone worry about me for once." Saitama softly smiles while looking up as if reminiscing.
"Hai Sensei." Genos mutters, slightly baffled at Saitama's content appearance while Mumen Rider just snickers at the cyborg's confusion.
Suddenly a robot blasts past Genos causing him to look up in intrigue.
"Ah. Now I remember. The field test that day. Perhaps I should have stayed longer." Metal Knight turns to look at the bald hero, already piecing together what could have happened.
"Is that…?"
Metal Knight's robot lands on a nearby building as suddenly Genos appears behind it
"You are Bofoi, correct?"
"And you are the new boy, Genos. Come to stop the meteor?"
"Yes." Genos responds curtly.
"Class S rank 7. A hero who uses intense firepower to obliterate his opponents along with everything in their vicinity. Does he also live in City Z? Or did he rush here, putting his life at risk?"
"As if! Metal Knight putting himself at risk? Fat chance!" Tatsumaki laughs sarcastically at the thought while gazing at the metal drone.
"I simply took advantage of the situation Tornado. And I at the very least attempted something, despite my intentions." Metal Knight responds.
"Tch." Tatsumaki just glares at the emotionless husk that is the red eyed robot.
"Bofoi. I need your help."
"I refuse."
"Why?"
"I only came to field test my new weapon. The meteor is a perfect target."
"A test?"
"If that meteor hits, you too will die."
"I will not."
"What?"
"What you are talking to right now is a remotely-controlled drone. Sorry to disappoint you, but my life's not at stake here. Also, I am not Bofoi. I am Metal Knight. Heroes call each other by their hero names, not real names. Everyone knows that." Metal Knight corrects the surprised Genos.
"Huh. Wait, is that really true?" Saitama turns around in his seat to confirm his question.
"Yeah baldy. No one calls anyone by their actual names." Tatsumaki rolls her eyes as a few of the other heroes nod, not having even realized they didn't really know each other's true names.
"Ah sorry Tats. Guess I'll call you Tornado now?" Saitama scratches the back of his head, slightly embarrassed over not understanding the heroics customs while nudging Genos in minor annoyance for not telling him.
The esper responds by shaking her head while waving her hand in dismissal. "I permit you to call me by name. Although I'd prefer my actual name." Tatsumaki mutters the last part out while rolling her eyes as everyone around her minus Saitama just stares at her as if the entire Earth exploded.
"Oh sweet. Nice, thanks Tats." Saitama turns back around to resume watching the screen.
Tatsumaki, having noticed the stares, questions everyone. "What are you idiots staring at?"
"S-Sis… other than me you never let anyone call you by name." Fubuki bravely speaks out.
Tatsumaki's eyes ever so slightly widened in realization.
Quickly thinking of a response, the great Terrible Tornado barely keeps herself contained from bursting out in denial. "He can't even remember my full name, let alone my hero name, so I just stopped correcting him! By the way don't expect this to be an invitation for you numbskulls to use my name! Baldy's an exception for how dumb he is!"
"Hey!" Saitama turns back around with an angry look having heard the last part of Tatsumaki's explanation.
"Oh shut it cueball!" Tatsumaki fires back almost instantly.
The rest of the audience is left to ponder just how much everything has changed since coming here as the two heroes bicker once more.
"You can call me Isamu Mr. Saitama!" Child Emperor blurts out randomly causing everyone to gaze at him in shock as he looks at everyone with a victorious grin for some odd reason.
"Call me Bad!" Metal Bat yells out while jabbing his thumb at himself.
"Huh? Bad? Like a bad guy? That a nickname?" Saitama questions, slightly confused as Metal Bad groans.
"HELL NO! It's just my name, dumbass!" Metal Bat quickly corrects the thought.
"Ah ok. My bad." Saitama grins as everyone just sighs and smacks their faces including Genos.
Garou just rolls his eyes while gagging at the comradery.
"Looks like it's time to end our little chat."
Genos looks up to see the meteor then turns and runs up a taller building.
"All right!" Genos begins readying his incineration cannon.
"Firing missiles!" Metal Knight suddenly releases the missiles attached to the robot's back straight toward the meteor.
"Metal Knight? I cannot fire with his missiles in the way." Genos relents his blast as the energy disperses within his chassis.
The missiles make their mark causing an enormous explosion and forcing Genos to cover his eyes. "Amazing. Such destructive power. This hero is dangerous. I must be wary."
"Hoh. You think of me as a threat, do you Demon Cyborg?" Metal Knight questions robotically as the mentioned cyborg just stares back while Saitama just sweat drops.
The meteor suddenly breaks through the cloud of smoke and disperses it instantly. "Not quite potent enough, eh?"
Genos begins charging his arm up for what seems to be a final move. "33 seconds left until impact. To fire my incineration cannon at full power, I need five seconds to charge it with my body's energy."
Electrical sparks burst out from Genos' arm as his core radiates with power. "But the target is already close. And if I do take it out, what then? The meteor may break apart and still cause a disaster. But even before that, will my weapons be powerful enough to stop it? Even Metal Knight's countless missiles had no effect."
"First off, be calm." A sudden voice calls out causing Genos to lose composure for a second, stopping his charging.
"I see you've lost composure. You are far too young to be worried about failure. When your back's up against the wall, just muddle through. The outcome won't change. So that's what is best." Bang speaks his age old wisdom.
"Bang has some pretty good advice." Saitama looks down at his fist as he clenches it. "Just muddle through, huh…"
"Muddling through is best…?" Genos thinks of Saitama's blank face as his structure for hope.
Genos rips off his shirt as his chest cavity opens up, revealing his core. "He is right. If the outcome will not change… then I… how can I die without giving it my all?"
Genos' arm opens up as he takes out his core and slams in into the opening. "Bang, get down!"
"Oh." Bang's eyes widen slightly.
"I will no longer think about failure or repercussions! I will just pour everything I have… into one last shot!" Genos releases his incineration cannon at full power, displaying an impressive blast as he yells out in exertion.
As the blast reaches the meteor it observably does nothing to slow it down. "Dammit, it is not working!"
"No! I think I see the meteor being pushed back."
"It's not. A meteor of that caliber can't be stopped by the tin-can's blast. Wait… if Metal Knight and the cyborg didn't stop the meteor… and Bang definitely didn't… then who…?" Tatsumaki slowly looks over toward Saitama, things suddenly clicking together.
"I knew it. The Demon Cyborg wasn't the one who finished the meteor off." Fubuki mused as she watched the meteor continue its descent.
"Really?" Genos questions in surprise.
Bang then winces slightly before responding. "Oh, no. It was just my imagination."
"You old fool!" The annoyed cyborg curses out.
"So this…will be my grave." Genos slowly powers down and falls to his knees, having exhausted his power core.
"Nine more seconds. Get out of here, Bang." Genos warns Bang fruitlessly.
"Old man, take care of Genos." A familiar voice calls out causing Bang to turn around in surprise.
Everyone's eyes slowly widen as they begin to realize who truly stopped the meteor.
"No way." Metal Bat mutters out.
"Of course it was the baldy." Zombie Man begins smirking in an almost childlike manner.
"But… that amount of power. He would have to exert a force of over…" Child Emperor's face goes white at his own calculations.
"He surely didn't. But then who could have?" Fubuki mutters to herself, attempting to reason out that it wasn't the bald hero's doing.
"You lied? No… you twisted the truth, you sly geezer." Bang simply smiles as Atomic Samurai becomes stunned at the revelation.
"So this is what I missed out on? What a shame." Bofoi secretly muses to himself.
"Who…who are you?" Bang questions with a tone of absolute confusion and shock.
"I'm a hero." Saitama responds in a cool manner.
Genos lifts his head and turns in shock as Saitama begins to crouch down before exploding upwards way too fast for either hero to see.
"Master?!" Genos mutters in complete awe while attempting to track his movement.
Saitama zooms past the screen so fast that it warps his shape, unable to capture his speed.
"You're not…" Saitama continues to zoom past the camera.
"Holy shit." Metal Bat mutters in barely contained excitement, nearly standing on his seat.
"Talk about badass." Zombie Man continues to grin.
"Gonna fall…" His face gains his serious mode proportions once more.
"Impossible. Illogical. Unfeasible. But then again, it is the Caped Baldy." Metal Knight concludes.
"The egg-head is actually going to do it isn't he?" Garou mutters to himself, slightly baffled.
"Go Mr. Saitama!" Tareo shouts in glee.
"What incredible strength…" Dr. Genus could only gawk once more as he watched.
Meanwhile, his two creations were currently sharing the same thought. "That's who we ran into!?"
"That level of speed…" Both Flashy Flash and Sonic think to themselves, ironically, at the same time.
"On my town!" Saitama smashes through the entire meteor and completely halts its movement, creating cracks around its entire being.
Before even a second passes, the meteor explodes into an even bigger display compared to Metal Knight's missiles, causing a shower of meteor pieces to fall.
Everyone is stunned into sheer awe at the display of power though Tatsumaki's eyes narrow momentarily. "Wait, the idiot forgot about the smaller pieces. If those fall, it'll cause destruction everywhere." Tornado, while wondering how she did not hear about this, stares at the hero in front of her, wondering how he would've recovered from the backlash.
"I-I can't believe he truly shattered it…" Fubuki stuttered as she watched the meteor pieces fall.
"He really shattered it! How did he not get into S-Class after this!?" Child Emperor questions to himself while rapidly rerunning his previous calculations.
"He burst through it like it was made of nothing." Darkshine wonders aloud in pure shock next to an equally surprised Tank Top Master and Puri Puri Prisoner with their mouths hanging open.
"That level of power. I-It's not… real." Stitch stutters out slowly.
"Doctor… is such a feat of strength really achievable by a human?" Mosquito Girl questions her creator, while fearfully glancing over at said human.
"Well. I would not have believed it if I did not see it for myself." Genus sweats in his seat at the implications of Saitama's act of defiance against such an impenetrable force. Like a single man fighting against an act of nature mankind is incapable of fighting against. The indomitable spirit of human will flows through the bald hero's very being.
Blast whistles out in surprise in his own private room. "Quite the punch indeed. Dunno if I woulda fared any better."
"He shattered it! Unbelievable! But…" Bang watches as the meteor fragments begin to fall.
The leftover pieces fall over the city causing massive destruction.
"It's collapsing…!" Genos begins sliding off the building, but is unable to move.
Luckily Bang comes just in time to save the young hero. "It's not just this building. The destruction is spreading through the whole city."
Saitama falls back down softly as a meteor smashes into a building in the background. "Guess that settles that."
"You idiot! How the hell does that settle anything! You should have destroyed the meteorite pieces!" Tatsumaki yells out in surprise at Saitama's nonchalant attitude.
"Well, better than the whole meteor falling on us right? Besides no one got hurt. I think." Saitama mutters out as Mumen Rider just sweat drops.
Everyone just shakes their heads, although most have gotten used to the bald hero's lack of emotion.
THREE DAYS LATER
"Although City Z was able to avoid total destruction, the city was still devastated, with the effects of the meteor fragments visible everywhere." The T.V displays the aftermath of Saitama's act of heroism.
"If only the Hero Association had called… you to help instead of me, Master. If you had worked with Metal Knight, the damage could have been minimized." Genos dejectedly deduces."
"But that Metal Knight guy… wasn't interested in helping, right?" Saitama questioned.
Metal Knight's robot head simply turns away from the bald hero, as if embarrassed over such a thing.
"So stop worrying about it. I think we kept the damage to a minimum. After all, no one died."
"He is right… Master's punch killed the meteor's momentum. Theoretically, the shockwaves from the meteor would have annihilated everything. Stopping it was nothing short of a miracle."
A large majority of the audience nod in agreement with Genos' statement while Tatsumaki just huffs in annoyance along with Sonic surprisingly.
"I would not be surprised if people talk about Master for years to come, praising him as a man of courage. But… Master has no idea. Some of the public is even making him out to be the bad guy for causing the partial destruction of City Z."
"Oh you're kidding me? They made YOU out to be the bad guy?" Tatsumaki lets out a groan as she waves her hands exasperatedly.
"Does it not bother you Mr. Saitama?" Child Emperor questions in curiosity as he stares at the man who seemed to do it all. Well everything except thinking.
"Nah. As long as I can save people they can think however they want with me." Saitama waves his hand in dismissal as he once again shows the others a glimpse of what kind of person he is.
"Is he human at all, doctor?" Mosquito Girl questions half sarcastically and half seriously while rolling her eyes.
"Who knows at this point." Genus sighs while holding a hand to his head.
"He seems pretty chill." Armored Gorilla comments randomly.
"No, I should not mention it." Genos shakes his head.
"By the way, do you think we moved up in ranking?" Saitama questions.
"Yes, we did." Genos replies.
"Wait… HE STAYED IN B-CLASS EVEN AFTER THIS? ARE THE GOOFBALLS AT THE ASSOCIATION THAT BLIND??? No wonder no one's ever heard of this walking idiotic disaster." Tatsumaki ponders to herself while slowly losing it at the incompetence of the Association.
"I went from Class S 17 rank to 16. Metal Knight also moved up from rank 7 to 6."
"Master, you shot up from Class C 342 rank to 5." Genos states in a proud tone while still wearing his stoic expression.
"C-CLASS???" Tatsumaki turns around to glare at the fearful association employees behind her as Fubuki just lets out a tired sigh.
"Number 5?!" Saitama wears a humorously befuddled expression.
"From 342 to 5? What the hell?! That's crazy!" Saitama yells out.
Genos smirks. "Not at all. Your performance was worthy of Class A or even Class S."
"Wait, was it really?" Saitama turns around to look at everyone who in turn all give their own nods of affirmation.
"Baldy, the first giant monster would've gotten you A class at the very least." Zombie Man mutters while shaking his head at the fact that they somehow hadn't found this man until now.
"Yeah most of us jumped from C to S in like a couple of days." Metal Bat responds while a few others reminisce.
"After all, it was threat level Dragon."
"Yeah?" Saitama looks up from his manga.
"If there had been no damage, I am sure you would be at Class S rank . Smashing the meteor alone was worthy of Class A. But I think the Hero Association assumed that Metal Knight and I played a big role."
"By the way, they always report threat levels as 'demon' or 'tiger' or whatever. Does all that mean anything?"
"You idiot. How the hell… you know what, this one makes more sense." Tatsumaki exhales as she realizes why he wouldn't know the threat levels.
"For how strong he is I assume such levels don't matter very much." Fubuki ponders quietly to herself as she watches the confused baldy.
"It does… Tiger: A crisis threatening massive loss of life. Demon: A crisis threatening to halt the functioning of an entire city, or its destruction. Dragon: A crisis threatening the destruction of multiple cities. God: A crisis threatening human extinction." Genos explains swiftly.
"Wow…I had no idea." Saitama gives a look of surprise.
"I believe heroes often consider threat levels when deciding to respond or not. But I guess they do not matter to you."
"Duh. The guy's overpowered/strong/broken/stupidly op." Everyone in the audience wonders while either smirking or chuckling at the thought.
"Well, of course not. If the heroes run away, who's left to help?"
The room suddenly goes silent as everyone takes a moment to take in Saitama's words while a few narrow their eyes at the supposed heroic symbolisms.
Genos just smiles inside, knowing that he made the right decision in following his teacher. "I am glad everyone else can witness Master's glory."
Mumen Rider just nods in agreement while hearing the very same words he lived by.
"Jeez. I don't know if I should feel shocked or annoyed at his thoughtless thoughts." Tatsumaki sighs and rolls her eyes while still being surprised at Saitama's heroic words.
"Hoh. Such wisdom is unexpected from you Saitama-kun." Bang chuckles while Atomic Samurai looks to be in thought. "Alright, you've got some of my respect baldy."
"Good lord, is this guy like the ideals of heroism incarnate?" Metal Bat wonders to himself silently as the bald hero's words repeat in his head.
"Tch. Same trash, same garbage, same nonsense. Doesn't matter, I'll crush you too." Garou silently glares at Saitama while Tareo just looks on in admiration, oblivious to the currently scheming hero hunter next to him.
"Ha this guy's great. Reliable and modest. Guess I can leave Earth to him for a while." Blast chuckles to himself as he ponders, finding Saitama to be a very strange enigma.
"What are you doing?" Saitama watches as Genos, who pulls out a notebook and begins writing rapidly.
"I must record your words." Genos quickly responds while not stopping in his flurry of note taking.
Saitama deadpans while getting up from the floor. "Anyway, it wasn't all that much for such a huge jump in rank…"
"All right. I'll be out for a bit."
Genos looks up in surprise. "You are going out, Master? I will come with you." Genos begins getting up before Saitama holds a hand out.
"You stay here. If something happens, you'll get all the credit again."
"Hmph. So you do care about the credit." Tatsumaki smirks in satisfaction at finding some sort of flaw other than Saitama's lack of emotion or lack of hair.
"Hey it's only fair I get credit where credits due you know." Saitama just looks toward the esper, slightly peeved.
"Ah shit I'm so screwed…" King just stares at his lap with a defeated look taking over his face.
Saitama walks through the wrecked city Z. "This place has been wrecked… Oh. My favorite supermarket got smashed. And the crappy apartment building I got kicked out of is… just fine…damn."
"Hey. You cheating bastard." A familiar irritating voice calls out to our Bald hero.
"Oh lord. Not again." Tank Top Master hides away as he receives pats on the back from the other two muscle heads.
"Uh…who are you?"
"You know damn well I'm Tank Top Tiger! Brother! It's that guy!"
"Seriously, who is this guy?" Saitama just looks on, confused at the situation before him.
"You called me, little bro?" Suddenly another Tank Top wearing hero comes forward.
"They multiplied. Yippee." Tatsumaki mutters in an extremely sarcastic tone.
"Please. No more." Tank Top Master cries to himself while cradling his legs like a ginormous baby.
"Brother!" Tank Top Tiger smirks.
"The hero Tank Top Black Hole… is here! So you're the fraud who takes credit for work done by Class S heroes in order to jump the rankings?" TTBH points an accusing finger at the Bald hero.
"What the—?"
"No one could move up to number five so quickly without cheating."
Everyone collectively smacks their faces.
"You do realize all of you would have been the same if not worse had you not seen Saitama's actions first hand correct? If he had entered the S Class out of nowhere more than one of you would have reacted less than pleasantly."
Tatsumaki feels as if she is being stared at by the Screen.
"So give Tank Top Master a break for the next part. He had no way of knowing this had occurred. Not excusing their actions but you all need to let it go, I mean, look at Saitama."
"Huh?" Saitama suddenly hears his name and thus wonders what is going on.
"Next part?" Garou absentmindedly wonders.
"Wasn't gonna say anything just fyi." Metal Bad mutters as a few also nod their heads.
"Well you will in about 5 seconds."
The screen continues to play out as the cast are left wondering what the Screen meant.
"What do you guys want?"
"Huh? Isn't that obvious?"
"To beat you up so bad… you'll never be able to—"
"Hang on, little bro." TTBH stops his brother in arms.
"Bastards like him don't learn from that kind of lesson. Let's make him really pay… with the most brutal method there is."
"Are you the one?! The jerk-off responsible for destroying this city?!"
"I get it! There are tons of people in this city who are angry with him."
"Unbelievable! How can you show your face?!"
"I see what he's doing. He's going to use their anger…"
"Do you feel nothing at the sight of this devastation?"
"…to break his spirit!"
Everyone can be seen barely containing their anger and resentment, now realizing what the Screen meant earlier.
"I'm gonna twist those bastards. Fuck whatever the association says." Tornado grimly thinks to herself while smirking evilly.
"Man, those guys really want to get smacked, good lord." Metal Bat grits his teeth while rolling his eyes..
"Shame really. Didn't wanna waste bullets on taking out the trash." Zombie Man nonchalantly comments to nobody in particular.
"I guess I could take a few experimental test subjects into a new project." Child Emperor mutters innocently while typing away at his computer.
"The baldy sure can take a verbal beat down. I'll give him that." Atomic Samurai speaks to Bang before turning to look at him and realizing he too was greatly affected by the situation. "Guess he didn't see this part before."
"Wow I knew heroes were all trash, but this takes the cake!" Garou laughs maniacally although too few care as they were currently also containing their irritation.
Surprisingly Genos himself was quite calm, or appeared so at least
Saitama, having somehow noticed the raging spirits of his comrades, turns to address the situation. "It's fine guys. Sure what they did was wrong, but you don't have to act like they just killed someone. Just reprimand them a little or take their rank away, I'm sure that'll get them riled up." Saitama gives a small smile as the tension settles and Tank Top Master appears from out of his chair again.
"Baldy, you're too forgiving for your own good. If you don't take care of the problem from the root then they'll keep on growing like weeds in your lawn." Tornado crosses her arms as she scowls at Tank Top Master causing him to flinch once more.
Saitama just sighs out as Bang simply appears mildly upset while pondering to himself. "I still believe Saitama-kun leaving the hero association would have benefited him more, but perhaps I was wrong. I may have only delayed the problem rather than attempting to stop it."
"You're gloating, thinking you've actually saved these people! Why else would you be walking around so shamelessly? Thanks to your screw up, these citizens have nowhere to go! If you were gonna fail this hard, why'd you butt in?! The other heroes would have done a way better job! And yet you still wanna play hero, even after causing such a huge disaster? Look at this place! All this destruction is your doing!" TTBH continues his speech.
"That's right."
"I-It's your fault!"
"They took the bait." TTBH smirks in victory.
"You hear that? The heart-wrenching cry of someone who lost his home! Look at them all, victims of your thoughtless actions!"
"That's right!
"Yeah, you tell him!"
"Haven't you even thought to take responsibility?"
"Yeah!"
"You're inhuman!"
"Give up being a hero!"
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Go on, get outta here!"
"Get lost!"
"Beat it!"
"Scram!"
The theater stays silent yet it became evident more than ever before how upset a large majority of the people in the room were.
"That's gotta be tough. Doctor, how does he withstand the mental burden?" The curious Mosquito Girl questions.
"Perhaps he doesn't at all and just hides it. Or maybe he's less human than I originally thought." Genus contemplates to himself over the lack of emotion against the jeering of such a large crowd.
Tank Top Tiger grins triumphantly. "We got him. His pride should be shattered by now. That's what he gets for cheating… That idiot!"
The scene switches to Genos on his computer looking at a news article.
CITY Z FORUM – IS IT TRUE A CLASS C HERO DESTROYED THE TOWN?
The camera pans back to the crowd obliviously jeering at the savior of their town.
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Give it up! Give it up! Give it up!"
"Is this what you call mob mentality? They're all chanting in unison." Tank Top Tiger watches in fascination and glee as the crowd continues.
A familiar figure is seen standing on top of a nearby building. "Saitama… Without a doubt, you saved this city. Yet look how the city treats you. This is reality, though. You're strong, the strongest man I've ever seen. That's why I refrain from saying anything. I'd hate to see you rotting away in this industry. Resigning is also an option."
"He brings up a pretty good point. There's a lot of corruption in the hero association even if others aren't really affected by it." Mumen Rider ponders on Bang's inner thoughts.
"You would let one of the strongest people you know leave the hero association because of this wouldn't you, Silver-Fang." Atomic Samurai glances at his old friend.
"I can't believe Bang didn't do anything! I mean I know why but ugh! You had the power to stop that stupid stunt!" Tatsumaki rants angrily in her head as the jeering onslaught goes on in the background.
"Time to finish him off!"
"Saitama man please tell me you put these guys in their place? I need some sort of satisfaction resulting in them getting beaten to a pulp." Metal Bat questions the bald hero who just sweat drops comedically.
"Hey! He's getting ready to fight!"
"Huh? What are you talking—" Saitama questions, slightly confused as he had not moved a single inch.
"No way! You're gonna take out your frustration on these people here, just like you destroyed their city?! Do you just kill everyone you don't like? I won't let you do that! We, the Tank Top Brothers, will not stand by and let you resort to violence! If you're a hero, then fight us fair and square!"
"The Tank Top group does not endorse these two." Tank Top Master dejectedly mutters.
"So they're out to crush a rookie and perform a publicity stunt at the same time. "I'd say they've gotten a little greedy. No wonder they can't rise above Class B." Bang comments as he watches in disappointment before leaving.
"Yeah!
"Go, Tank Top!"
"Do it!"
Genos can be seen arriving at the scene and jogging toward his Sensei.
"Hmph. The tin-can will definitely lose his shit here. They get what they deserve." Tatsumaki mutters in slight gratification..
"Tank Top Tiger, who fights like a true tiger, and…"
"Tank Top Black Hole, who crushes all with a grip strength of 2,800 psi!
The entire room, minus the weaker heroes and associates, forms one collective thought. "That's it?"
"We brothers will punish all who stray from the path of the hero!" Tank Top Tiger rushes forward only to get launched by Saitama with a nonchalant punch.
"Huh? Damn it! I'll rip you apart!" TTBH leaps toward Saitama with his hand ready to tear apart the Bald hero.
Only for him to get his hands crushed between Saitama's fingers.
"I give up! I give up! You're crushing my hand!" TTBH cries out in immense pain.
"Huh? You're kidding, right?" Saitama looks at the man in confusion.
"Tch. They deserve worse. Stupid baldy going easy on them." Tatsumaki bitterly mutters as Fubuki somehow finds herself agreeing.
"Eh. Good enough I guess." Zombie Man grumbles as Metal Bat just stares at him.
"You really thought that was enough?" Child Emperor side eyes Zombie Man who just gives him a shrug.
"Man those guys were really pathetic. Thought they would have something up their sleeves with all that barking." Garou rolls his eyes while sighing as if disappointed.
"I give up for real. I'm sorry! I'm sorry for lying!"
"No, you weren't lying." Saitama says, causing TTBH to stop crying for a moment.
"I'm the one who smashed the meteor! Anyone with a complaint, let's hear it. Speak up!" Saitama yells out to the crowd daring them to voice themselves.
Genos watches on not having moved since arriving.
"Because of you, my brand new car was—"
"You can shut up! Why would I give a crap about your problems? Tell it to the meteor, jackass! Listen up! I don't do this hero-thing for admiration! I do it because I want to! So if you wanna blame me, go ahead! You baldies!" Saitama goes on a tirade in frustration.
"You're the baldy…"
"Pfh they've got a point." Tatsumaki snickers as Saitama just sighs tiredly.
"WHAT'D YOU SAY??!!" Saitama dramatically yells out.
Suddenly Genos walks up from behind. "Master."
"Oh, it's you, Genos. Hang on. These guys—"
"Let's go home, Master.
"Oh yeah?"
The scene changes to the sun setting on a destroyed City Z.
"Dammit. That guy's face is burned into my brain. I'm gonna remember this."
"Clearly not you idiot. How did you even forget this incident? I would've hunted those two down." Tatsumaki glares at the screen as if the two heroes would pop up while questioning Saitama.
"Guess it wasn't worth remembering it heh." Saitama replies absentmindedly.
"Man, your memory is like a goldfish or something." Metal Bat comments while snickering slightly.
"Actually goldfish have quite a good memory." Child Emperor responds while correcting the bat-wielding hero.
"Ah so the Saitama-kun here has a memory worse than that of a goldfish?" Bang wonders aloud.
The room bursts into laughter as Saitama just grumbles in his seat.
The two can be seen walking past the clean up of City Z. "Master. I have never met any person as incredible as you, Master Saitama."
"What brought that on? You're creeping me out."
"Even if the public doesn't appreciate you, I will still follow you."
"You don't have to butter me up. Really." Saitama mutters while wearing a small smile as the screen cuts to black.
Saitama comes to a sudden realization after the last few words exchanged with his disciple. "Huh. I'm really lucky to have Genos with me."
"Oi baldy." Tatsumaki floats over to Saitama while poking him in the head.
"Huh? What's up Tats?" Saitama turns around to answer back.
"Why the hell do you put up with all that crap? With your strength you could topple anyone. No one should be able to trample over you. Except me of course." Tatsumaki questions before adding the last part smugly.
"I dunno. Just doesn't feel right to do that you know?" Saitama answers slowly, slightly unsure of his own response to the short esper's question.
"She has a point though. You shouldn't let people just walk all over you. Why didn't you just show them how much strength you have? Scare'em shitless." Metal Bat hops over the chairs before sitting beside Genos.
"You idiot if he did that he would kill everyone around the area." Child Emperor joins in on the conversation, taking a seat next to Saitama. "But that's true as well. If you just showed the association your power and got yourself validated you wouldn't have to deal with all that stuff."
"I guess the thought never crossed my mind?" Saitama shrugs, still unable to really give a good answer.
Everyone exhales in some sort of exhaustion as Saitama blankly stares at them.
"Saitama-kun are you feeling alright?" Bang walks down the stairs of the theater before coming over to the small group.
"Yeah yeah don't worry about me I'm feeling fine. I've really never thought about just showing off my power. It wasn't my goal to do that in the first place. I just wanted to fight strong monsters and that's it." Saitama replies.
Fubuki just watches the conversation going on while wondering to herself. "Well getting Saitama to join the group is out the window. After all that ridicule I don't think I can ever find myself asking him to let alone keeping him in place."
"Doctor, do you think you could ask him to let you do research? He might want to find out the secret to his own power." Armored Gorilla questions his creator who seems to be in deep thought.
"Perhaps… the possibility is there, but we must first recuperate and run the takoyaki stand. Let's continue to lay low for now. I'm sure Zombie Man still resents me." Doctor Genus concludes as Mosquito Girl stares at the mentioned undead hero with curiosity.
"That was all for this episode. You know the gist, take your 5 minute break before we continue and ask any questions if you have."
A chorus of affirmatives arise from the theater.