A silly looking pink octopus monster with sharp claws appears as citizens flee from the beast. A younger looking King obtains a slash from the monster as he cries out in pain. "Someone! Someone! HELP!"
Suddenly, a calmer voice calls out to the man. "Hey, calm down. I defeated the monster. Is your eye okay? Try opening it slowly."
Prompted by the man's voice, King slowly opens his eyes while calming down. "Can you see?" The voice calls out with a cheery tone.
King turns to look upward at his hero. "Wh-Who are you?"
The camera pans slowly to reveal the face of a younger Saitama with a bunch of bloody wounds and a gleaming fire in his eyes. "Me? Hm… I guess I'm just a guy who's a hero for fun.
"Wow you really weren't kidding about the near death experiences…" Tatsumaki mumbles in a tiny bit of shock at seeing the bald hero so injured.
"I didn't lie! I keep saying that, jeez." Saitama responds with faux anger while the others also gaze at the screen in surprise. The origins of both Saitama and King seemed ironically similar yet different. Both were weak, but while one silently fought to become stronger with no recognition while the other adopted the mirage of being the strongest and reaped the benefits.
"Brother, do you see his eyes? Is it not like before?" Bomb questions while looking over to his sibling who just nods.
"Yes, it is like a fire that rages with a seemingly infinite fuel source. But now… has died out. A truly interesting detail for the Screen to highlight…" Bang responds while holding a thinking pose directed toward the screen.
"I think you both are overreaching, it's just the light from the sun you geezers." Atomic Samurai sighs while fiddling with his wheat stalk.
"You're so hurt…" King mutters in awe and worry, but Saitama just smirks at the man confidently. "This is nothing. Plus I scored a big win today!"
Slowly, but surely, the image of the younger Saitama gets replaced with the bald hero in front of King as he realizes who the man is.
"This guy is…" King mumbles out as tears fall down his face once more.
"Hey, what's the matter? Hey!" Saitama calls out to the sobbing man.
But King can only respond with three words. "I'm so sorry!"
"Huh, I guess it played out pretty much the same." Saitama mutters while watching the screen with a neutral expression.
"Yeah… I'm glad I was able to apologize to you Saitama-shi. You saved my life, literally." King chuckles slightly while wearing a grateful expression toward the bald hero.
"No problem, King." Saitama just smiles a bit while giving a thumbs up to the former hero who just stares at him with surprise.
Some time passes as the camera pans to the two sitting down amongst the rubble of King's apartment.
"Are you having fun? Being a hero who lies and cowers in fear?" Saitama questions, though without a stern voice, just a curious one.
"No…"
"I mean, it's none of my business, so I'm not going to lecture you or anything."
"But uh... I may have been taking credit for your deeds, Saitama."
"Credit isn't the issue here. You're everyone's hero now." The bald hero replies, but only receives a guilty expression from King. "No, I'm…"
"No matter what you think, they think that you're the ultimate hero. King, are you going to continue with your lies? Or are you going to quit being a hero?"
"I can't find the courage to decide…" King mumbles in response dejectedly.
"In that case, why don't you just get strong?" Saitama answers back simply as King finally looks up at the man once more. "Huh?"
"I'm going now. See ya."
"Hold on! Aren't you angry with me?" King calls out while throwing out an open hand. "You worked so hard to become a hero, and yet, I…" King's expression twists as he clenches his hand and faces downward.
"I'll be coming by now and then to play some games. Peace." With that, Saitama simply jumps out of the hole in the wall, leaving King to watch in a mix of emotions.
"Hey! Yeah… ok." King mutters out, unsure how to feel about what had just occurred.
"Wow, that was surprisingly cheesy jeez." Tatsumaki mutters out while wearing a small smirk for some reason.
"Maybe you should do that King. Keep the title and become stronger." Saitama randomly says aloud, causing the small group around him to doubletake in his direction.
"Hah!? You want him to keep his position in the S-Class!? Hell no! He's still a damn fraud!" The Tornado of Terror yells out in pure befuddlement and anger.
"That doesn't make sense Saitama, why would you want him to keep your credit? Even then it wouldn't be safe for Mr. Koshigaya if he continues to be known as the strongest. It will only attract unwanted attention." Fubuki mutters with a bewildered expression while Mumen Rider just watches silently.
"I do not believe he should continue to live the way he has, Master! There is no point to it!" Genos faces his teacher with a look of pure disbelief.
"What are you talking about Saitama-shi, I can't do that!" King stutters out in confusion while wondering why the hell the bald hero wanted him to keep what was rightfully his.
"I mean, future me has a point. If he gets outed as a fraud won't the association look bad? Don't you guys lose face if things like this happen?" Saitama questions while turning to the back room of associates and looking toward Sitch.
"Uh… well yes, we would probably lose the trust of many, but if we explain the situation and reveal that you were the actual person behind all the heroic feats we can blame it all on Mr. Koshigaya and avoid severe backlash." Sitch explains carefully while staring at the bald hero's blank expression.
"Yeah I'm fully ok with that. I deserve to take the blame after all I've done." King replies dejectedly as he questions to himself why Saitama had thought of such a thing, even in the future. What was the point of his random kindness?
"Eh. I dunno, it seems like a bunch of unnecessary work to be honest. And I kinda don't want all the attention anymore. Seeing Koshi go through all that made me a little relieved." Saitama responds with a sweat drop while thinking about how difficult his grocery runs would be. Sure he liked recognition and thanks, but being as popular as Tats or King would be a nightmare.
"I cannot believe you are seriously considering this, you idiot baldy!" Tatsumaki whines out in sheer disbelief as she smacks him in the back of his bald head.
"Oi! I just think it'd be easier this way, you don't need to smack me." Saitama retorts while rubbing the back of his head with a slightly annoyed look.
"Oh don't give me that bull you didn't feel a damn thing!" The Tornado of Terror responds while rolling her eyes at the bald hero's dramatics.
"Maybe we can discuss this another time?" Bang questions aloud while everyone just continues to watch the debacle unfold.
"He wants to make the fake a hero again? Is he kidding?" Garou wonders to himself in absolute confusion while others think along the same lines.
"Hey I think it's a good idea, let King be King and add Saitama to the roster. You'll still get money from King's reputation and Saitama will become another S-Class. Your profits will skyrocket. And if you ever need the quote on quote King's help you can just call on Saitama. The problem fixes itself if you ask me." Blast casually adds himself to the conversation while leaning back in his seat as his shades glint in the dim light, causing everyone to stare at him in surprise. Inwardly, Blast really only wanted to see King's secretive ability. If the Screen was going to such a length to keep it hidden then it must've been important.
"You can't actually be thinking about this! All of you! He cannot retain his status as an S-Class! This is unbelievable!" Amai Mask yells out with a somewhat desperate tone mixed with rage.
"Ok can everyone silence themselves? You can discuss this after the episode, it's almost done anyways." The Screen interrupts the discussion with an annoyed tone.
The theater goes promptly quiet themselves while still glancing at each other with varying expressions. Was Saitama and Blast truly serious about this?
"I can't believe those two WANT me to keep this damn title… What is going on in their heads?" King runs his hands down his scarred face while ruminating on this crazy day.
The scene swaps to a familiar laboratory. "Dr. Kuseno, these are parts from a robot calling itself the machine god G4. It had immense power and superb AI. If there are any parts from it that I can use, please allow me to do so."
"Th-This is... Genos, how did you obtain this thing?"
The camera pans upward to reveal Genos' damaged body. "Doctor, I want to get stronger."
The doctor sighs as he lifts his head up to face Genos. "All right. Let's give it a try. I believe I can still make you stronger."
"Thank you."
"But, Genos, while I know you became a cyborg for the sake of justice, you shouldn't push yourself too hard." Dr. Kuseno warns with a concerned tone.
Genos shakes his head while looking down at his remaining clenched fist. "No, I have to push myself. Right now, I'm trying to rank in the top ten of Class S."
"It'll be an upward battle, kid, you better have what it takes to challenge us." Atomic Samurai smirks toward the stoic cyborg who just nods while Bang smiles, clearly amused by the interaction. "Hoh hoh, how spry the youth is."
"Yeah you'll need all the luck if you plan on getting to me! Let's see what your Dr. Kuseno can cook up for you!" Child Emperor pridefully points at himself as a mechanical arm pops out a candy for him to eat.
"Eh you can take my place, more work for you buddy." Zombie Man waves his hand in dismissal while grinning slightly.
"You gotta get past me first, Demon Cyborg!" Metal Bat cackles while loading his bat onto his shoulder cockily before getting poked in the side by his sibling, causing him to instantly lose his tough demeanor. Armored Gorilla chuckles slightly while Mosquito Girl stifles a laugh as they gaze at the conquered Metal Bat, defeated by tickles.
"Be wary of my climb to the top." Genos then turns to look at Tornado who just raises an eyebrow. "You as well Ms. Tornado. Do not believe you are safe at number 2."
"Tch, the audacity of an overgrown microwave. Come at me I dare you! See what happens you delusional tin-can!" Tatsumaki responds with a growl to her tone as she hmphs in the opposite direction while crossing her arms. Fubuki promptly sweat drops while simultaneously wondering if Genos had actually been serious or if he was just teasing her sister.
"That reckless goal set by your mentor, yes? I had a feeling you'd mention that. More importantly, Genos, have you gathered any clues about the cyborg? That rampaging cyborg that destroyed your home? You seem to be completely focused on your hero activities lately."
"I haven't been able to track it down at all."
"I see... But—
"The rampaging cyborg that's destroyed many towns and taken countless lives… I will track it down, no matter what, and destroy it with my own hands. Whatever it takes." Genos mutters with anger filling his voice as his eyes gaze deeply into his savior's eyes.
"Despite becoming a hero and gaining a master, it appears that his hatred hasn't disappeared. Genos, I'm worried. I've been pursuing this cyborg longer than you, and I know just how dangerous it is. If you do end up finding it, don't do anything rash and report back to me. You are calm and intelligent, but the passions of youth can lead one to ruin. Do not fight it alone."
"Doctor Kuseno, I understand. That battle… we will fight together." Genos' eyes gleam with a bright red.
At the new main headquarters in what was formerly City A, a meeting was currently taking place.
Sitch was currently addressing a large room filled to the brim with nasty looking individuals, all most likely criminals. "I am Sitch, the leader of Earth in the Danger Prophecy Emergency Countermeasures Team. I am deeply grateful that denizens of the underworld like yourselves would heed our call. Let me just say that we will not be looking into your criminal history or activities at this time. This is not a trap. There are a few heroes here, but they are just serving as my bodyguards."
"Hah!? What the hell are you doing!? You really think I can't handle everything myself!?" Tatsumaki yells out in pure irritation while floating in front of Sitch who just leans backwards with a fearful expression.
"T-This is the future! I haven't even done this yet Ms. Tornado!" Sitch responds with a terrified voice while glancing at his co-workers who just sweat drop while looking away.
"Yeah, but you probably had plans for this already! The future stuff is only like a day into the future! So that means you were planning this in advance!" Tatsumaki retorts Sitch's argument, prompting a wince from the guilty association executive.
"When did you guys start planning on hiring thugs?" Zombie Man questions with a slightly surprised expression, not having realized that the association was struggling with the increasing threats.
An executive looks over to Sitch who just nods in confirmation, prompting said executive to begin explaining. "The increasing monster attacks have forced our hand. Despite having many strong heroes within the S-Class there are just too many threats to deal with. Even Ms. Tornado can't be everywhere at once. That is why we created a plan to bring in as many people we could use to mitigate the threat. We apologize for not informing any of you."
The heroes all glance at each other while wearing wary and concerned expressions. None of them had realized it was getting that bad, it was honestly a bit surprising since they fought monsters on a day to day basis. Were they really being overrun?
"Well why didn't you request Metal Knight to create a mini army to cover more ground? It wouldn't be that hard, they could probably handle the lower level stuff pretty easily." Child Emperor questions with a semi-confused expression while pointing at the drone in front of him. An executive raises a finger to answer, but suddenly gets interrupted by the drone himself. "I am already building an army for that exact purpose, but I have run into several issues and therefore have been halted in production. I was one of the few who prompted the association in hiring the criminals. It is an easy and relatively unharmful solution. If they become too rowdy we can simply show them their place to dissipate any issues."
A few of the heroes wear tense expressions while hearing Metal Knight's statements. If the cold calculating Metal Knight of all people had come to the conclusion that the monsters were becoming even a slight issue then they truly were blind to the problem.
Suiryu just watches the entire thing with a worried expression. "There's more monsters now? I wonder if the tournament will go smoothly… Wait, is that why that weird Screen talked about me being semi-important? Am I gonna be fighting monsters too? Is lil sis gonna be alright…?" The young martial artist ponders on the possible events that could happen while getting slightly concerned.
"I wonder if I finally take the stage in this damn viewing? Can't wait to see what heroes I hunt." Garou grins maniacally while watching the screen with great intrigue, though his evil expression goes unnoticed by Tareo. As per usual.
A random thug grins widely. "Heroes? Bring them on! I'll murder all of them!"
"They won't act as long as you don't do anything reckless." Sitch continues.
"Why don't we just take over the place?" Another random criminal cackles out.
"Wanted men with huge bounties and top assassins. Even prison escapees. What is Sitch thinking, inviting these ruffians here?"
Class A Rank 7 Magicman
"I don't give a crap why they're here, but seeing'em laughing it up is pissing me off."
Class A Rank 5 Heavy Tank Loincloth
"I'll burn them to cinders if they make even the slightest suspicious move."
Class A Rank 6 Blue Fire
"I have three Class A rank heroes, each with S Class combative skills. No one here is stupid enough to lose control in front of them."
"All right, let's begin."
A familiar outfit and face show up as he questions Sitch. "Wait. Where's the hero named Saitama? Doesn't he live in these headquarters?"
Sonic's eyes widened momentarily, slightly surprised that he had decided to join the meeting, but then remembered that this version of himself hadn't experienced all of the theater's events.
"It seems your vendetta against that bald man is as strong as ever." Flashy Flash chuckles sarcastically while Sonic just rolls his eyes while shoving a hand into the cocky ninja's face. "Shut up."
"Who are you? I'd appreciate it if we could hold off on anything off topic until later. This is rather important."
"He isn't here? Then I'm leaving." Sonic mutters with a slightly irritated tone.
"Think you can leave without hearing us out? You came, so you're staying here." Blue Fire essentially demands with no room for argument. Though he doesn't realize who he's talking to.
"Level Tiger or higher disasters are happening more often lately. This month, the rate is six times the last three years' average. This could indicate the Earth Doom prophecy foretold by the Great Seer Madame Shibabawa is approaching. Or perhaps that it has already begun. If this continues, the current heroes will be exhausted and unable to deal with the disasters. The prophecy said the greatest disaster in history will occur within six months, and clearly, it hasn't passed. Even Class S heroes are dealing with some of these incidents, but there are so many disasters happening, there aren't enough heroes to go around." Sonic proceeds to throw out the papers nonchalantly.
A few of the heroes turn to glance at Sitch who just sweats anxiously. "H-how did he?"
"Pfh, too easy." Sonic snickers while holding a hand to cover his mouth in a mocking manner.
"In other words, in the increasingly intense fights to save humanity that lie ahead you want help from both the good and bad, as long as they know how to fight. Does that pretty much sum it up? Well, I refuse." Sonic mutters in a bored tone.
Sitch wears a slightly panicked expression while looking toward the falling papers. "H-How did he get his hands on papers I never even handed out?"
"The thought of playing hero with you losers nauseates me." With Sonic's final words he disappears.
"The feeling's relatable." Garous nods in agreement comedically while Tareo watches him with confusion.
On the outside, the speedy ninja could be seen walking away with an annoyed expression. "Damn it. What a waste of time. This was a great opportunity for outsiders to enter the Hero Association HQ, but all I know about him are his name, his face, and that he's Class B Rank 33."
In City Z a certain duo of new characters show up at the entrance of the abandoned district.
"Seriously? A guy like him?" Eyelashes questions with a dumbfounded expression.
"Oh no." Fubuki softly mumbles while praying to the heavens that she was not there as Tatsumaki glances over to her sister with an eye roll.
"Unbelievable." Mountain Ape mutters under his breath.
A pair of heels clacking could be heard walking up to the two. "Yes. In the physical exam portion of the Hero Test, he crushed every record for every event."
"Lady Blizzard!"
Class B Rank 1 Hellish Blizzard
"Huh, I guess we meet soon too, that's cool I guess." Saitama comments randomly while Fubuki just dies on the inside. She knew Saitama most likely wouldn't care, but she still felt incredibly guilty for her future self's actions.
Genos turns his head slightly to side-eye Fubuki while realizing what her reason for being there would most likely be. "The Screen did remind us to not be unforgiving toward Ms. Fubuki's actions… Perhaps this is what it was speaking of."
"Despite having no notable record of his actions since then, he managed to climb up from Class C to Class B. Right after his debut, on top of that. There has to be something about this man." Fubuki explains as she focuses on the image of Saitama on the sheet of paper.
"There has to be something about him. A secret behind his strength." Sonic mutters while continuing his walk away from the Hero Association.
"How many times do I have to say I have no secret? Jeez." Saitama mutters in slight annoyance while picking at his ear.
Fubuki breaks the lock on the gateway to City Z as she glows a faint blue. "First, we're going out to find where he is."
"Yes, ma'am!" The two heroes cry out in unison.
"I'm going to hunt him down, and I'm going to make him regret the fact that he managed to embarrass me, Sound-o'-Speed Sonic."
"Just you wait…"
"You better be prepared…"
"...Saitama!" Both Fubuki and Sonic exclaim in annoyance.
"Oh, were you coming to challenge me? I guess I don't mind." Saitama wonders aloud obliviously while shrugging as Tatsumaki facepalms.
"I apologize for my future actions in advance, Saitama…" The Blizzard of Hell bows her head slightly as the bald hero turns to the esper with a befuddled expression. "Huh?"
Meanwhile…
Saitama and King sit side by side with serious expressions as they face an unknown threat. Until the camera pans down to reveal their controllers.
"Hey, why are you taking all the items? What the hell, man?" Saitama questions in minor irritation.
"First come, first serve." King mutters back.
The increasingly annoyed Saitama slowly grows a bit red. "This is co-op, you moron. I haven't gotten one power-up! How can we beat the boss? I'm still in my default gear!"
"Don't worry. I can beat them by myself." King nonchalantly responds.
A cracking sound is suddenly heard. "Whoops. The controller broke.
"What?"
"Wow I think that's the second time I've seen you lose control over your strength baldy and both times were over dumb games haha." Tatsumaki snickers while watching the amusing interaction play out. They had all seen how frustrated the bald hero had been when playing video games with the fraud earlier along with his mini game with Bang.
"Leave me alone, I didn't do that yet so you have no proof I would do that." Saitama shamelessly responds while turning his gaze toward a wall.
"Master, I shall order more controllers for your future gaming sessions." Genos remarks while setting an internal reminder for himself while Saitama just nods in neutral thanks.
"Aw man, I think that was one of my favorite ones." King mumbles under his breath while Saitama mumbles a small apology, to which the former hero quickly shakes his head while waving a hand in dismissal. "Don't worry I think future me will let anything slide at that point haha."
"Onii-chan did you get to play video games here?" Zenko asks her brother with an extremely interested expression.
"Yeah, we played a few games during a break. I think we still have the stuff in the white room." Metal Bat mumbles in response while holding a thinking pose and trying to remember the events.
Zenko's eyes just gleam while Metal Bat sweat drops. "I guess you want to play later too?" The bat wielding hero only receives an adorably small nod, to which his heart melts.
"I think my eyes just got blinded for a sec." Zombie Man mutters under his breath while glancing to the side as Child Emperor just looked up at him with an innocently confused expression, prompting a defeated look from the undead hero. "I'm surrounded…"
Back to the Hero Association…
"Guess we'll be compensated for our time, yeah?" A random thug chuckles out while the villains all laugh.
A mysterious white haired individual picks up a paper dropped by Sonic. "Oi oi oi. This great prophecy's pretty sweet…" The face of Garou appears on the screen as he grins menacingly.
The in theater Garou smirks just as menacingly as his on screen counterpart when Tareo suddenly pulls on his sleeve, prompting the future hero hunter to look toward the young child. "Uncle, why are you there with the criminals?"
"Uh…" The martial artist's mind blanks, not really knowing why he was currently hesitating in just saying that he was planning on hunting the young Tareo's precious heroes. This was going to be an awkward next couple of episodes… wasn't it?