A few of the audience were inside the bathroom, delaying the next viewing from playing. The room was quiet as many were still trying to register the display of power they'd seen from Saitama.
Many of the Class-S heroes thought that they were the strongest around. After seeing Saitama's strength, however, they weren't so sure anymore. Tatsumaki was the only one who still thought she could defeat Saitama, despite the feeling of cold fear she'd pushed deep down into the pit of her mind.
Meanwhile, the executives and Amai Mask had gathered into a corner of the room to speak about Saitama.
"It's still hard to believe that any living creature, man or monster, could have that kind of power."
"Indeed. Perhaps Zack is overexaggerating Saitama's strength. He did put us all on that battlefield earlier. It may not be all that difficult to do."
"If that is true, then what purpose would it serve?"
"Maybe not. He said that he had done so to let us all feel what it's like to go up against him."
"And if his strength is indeed real, then having him as a hero is beneficial for us and humanity."
"More than you can imagine." Amai Mask agreed as the others all began to return to their seats.
"The others are waiting to keep watching. Please return to your seats. Thank you!" Zack announced to them with a smile. The group made their way back to their seats before the lights dimmed and the next viewing started.
The viewing begins by fading into outside of Saitama's apartment.
'It's been five days since I debuted as a Professional Hero. There haven't been any serious incidents so far.' came Saitama's thoughts before the scene shifted to Saitama as he read a book before moving the book slight, revealing eyes that looked a little weirded out. 'However, in the midst of this new beginning, Genos ended up staying at my house.'
Scene shifts to show Saitama relaxing and Genos writing something, with Saitama sweating a little.
"So, uh, what are you writing over there?" Saitama asks.
"I'm recording the details of your lessons and training regimen." Genos answered as the scene shifts, showing his notebook having drawings of Saitama's angle of relaxing and holding the book.
"You've got to be kidding me." Tank-Top Master said as most of the audience looked utterly flabbergasted at what they were seeing.
"I'm...at a loss for words." Sitch said.
"That's training?" Tareo asked while tilting his head. "It looks more like Mr. Saitama's just relaxing."
"That's because I am just relaxing. Or will in the future." Saitama answered before looking at Genos. "How can you think that sitting at certain angles and holding a book is training?"
"Is it not?" Genos asked.
"Not those angles." Flash answered. "And holding a book like that isn't training either."
"Genos, we understand that you desperately wish to do away with the mad cyborg that attacked your town years ago, but that," Bang said before pointing up at the screen, the pictures still up there. "Is a little much."
"Desperate? If he's writing how Saitama's relaxing, he's obsessed." Metal Bat corrected. "What else are you gonna write down? How he holds his chopsticks when he eats? Which hand he uses to change the channel with the remote?"
"Please don't give him any ideas." Child Emperor deadpanned.
"The point that we're trying to make is that people, even heroes, like to relax." Prisoner explained.
"Yeah. You think that all of us here just spend every second training when we're not fighting monsters?" Darkshine asked. "Even I put the weights down and just relax."
"Hmm. Perhaps you're right." Genos muttered before he began to write in his notebook. "I shall make a note of this. Relaxing is also a key to obtaining ultimate strength."
"...Hopeless." Sonic muttered.
Scene shifts to Saitama now sitting up and pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
'Crap. He's raising the bar again!' he thought before the scene shifted to Genos. 'I can't think of a single thing I could possibly teach this guy.' Scene shifts back to Saitama silently looking at Genos. 'I feel bad, like I'm scamming him or something.'
"Isn't that because you are scamming him?" Drive Knight asked.
"It's not exactly Saitama's fault." King said. "Saitama kept on trying to tell Genos he didn't want a disciple, but Genos refused to take no for an answer."
"But Saitama did say that he'd take Genos as a disciple if he registered with him as a hero." Bofoi countered.
"Okay, you got me there." King admitted.
"Still, it would be hard for Saitama, or anyone, to teach anything to Genos when all Saitama's done is strength training." Flash spoke up.
"Who knows. Perhaps Saitama will surprise us." said Bang.
Saitama looks down in thought.
'C'mon, think! Just make up some techniques, or a spiritual theory or...something!' he thought before his eyes become wide and bloodshot, his teeth bared. 'GRR! Strength training is all I've got! I know Genos won't be satisfied with that! PLUS THE DUDE'S A CYBORG!'
"Dude, you look constipated." Metal Bat deadpanned.
"Lots of people who think hard look constipated. And I know. I've seen that look on plenty of creatures across many worlds." Zack answered.
"By the way..." Genos began, catching Saitama's attention as the scene shifts back to Genos. "Earlier at the seminar, they said if you are a Class-C hero and you have no activity for a week, your name will be removed from the Hero Registry. Will you be alright, Master?" Genos asks as the scene shifts a few more times before going to Saitama gasping in shock, his face covered in sweat and his eyes wide in terror.
"Something tells me you didn't read the handbook that new heroes are given." said McCoy.
"Seriously?! They said that?!" Saitama quickly asked in a panic, his head zooming into the scene after it shifted back to Genos.
"Yes." was all Genos said before the scene flashed back to Saitama relaxing in front of the TV.
"Do you have to keep picking your nose?" Tornado asked with a scowl.
"It's my home. I can pick my nose any time I want." Saitama answered.
"But I was watching TV and there wasn't anything to act on!" Saitama quickly explains as the scene shifts, showing the news showing nothing in particular.
"The news only reports major incidents like natural disasters, terrorism, and dangerous monsters." Genos began to explain before the scene shifted to Genos in the present. "You always battle the most powerful enemies so you were probably not aware of this..." Genos continued before the scene shifted back to Saitama. "But Class-C heroes mostly take care of purse snatchers, robberies and random attacks." he continued as the scene kept on zooming in on an increasingly worrying Saitama. "With Class-C so full of heroes, they must actively look for cases to survive. Many get discouraged and change careers. Much in the same way a salesman makes cold calls, nothing will come your way without legwork."
"THIS IS NO TIME TO BE READING MANGA!" Saitama shouts as the scene shifts, showing him hastily putting on his hero outfit.
"Are we leaving?" Genos asks as he stands up.
"I am! You stay here! Don't you get it?! If I'm seen with a Class-S hero like you, then I won't get any credit!" Saitama yelled.
"Very perceptive." Bang commented.
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't Mr. Saitama get any credit?" Tareo asked.
"If a monster's killed, people automatically believe that the highest ranked hero at the scene is responsible." Drive Knight explained.
"We have to tell the Hero Association what really happens, otherwise they'll just give all the credit to whomever's the highest ranked in the vicinity." Pig God added.
"But that's not right. All the heroes who fight against a monster should be given credit." Tareo said with a frown.
"That's another problem that needs to be addressed, but I'll explain in more detail later on." Zack told them.
"But as your disciple..." Genos began as Saitama took his gloves off his indoor clothesline in a rush before he stops and softly gasps. The scene then shifts as Saitama calmly puts on his gloves.
"Genos. From the very beginning, my intense desire to be a hero was what lead me down the path of strength training. That's how I made it this far." he began, his voice and face sounding slightly serious. He then turns to face Genos. "For you, perhaps things will change if you aim higher as a hero, to be more than what you are now." Scene shifts to Genos, then to Saitama again. "Frankly speaking, you're a cyborg, so training your body would be useless. Instead, a change in mindset may lead you to greater strength."
"Sound advice." Bang said with a nod.
"Still a bit of a shame though." Darkshine said before flexing his arm. "If you still had a human body, I'd have trained you until your muscles shined like mine."
"He's a cyborg. A bit of polish will make him shine." Metal Bat joked.
Scene shows Saitama, but the background goes black and his face is lit up a bit.
'Damn! Listen to me. I'm just making all this crap up.' Saitama thought in a panic.
"Wait. You what?" Tareo asked.
"He said he's blowing smoke out his ass." Zombieman answered.
"I can't help it. I don't know anything but strength training." Saitama admitted.
"Which is why it's going to be interesting seeing if you bluff your way out of this." Atomic Samurai said with a smirk.
Saitama then looks down before the scene shifts again.
"So...in other words, it's not about having raw power or technique. Not at all. It's about training your mind." he began as the scene zooms in on a book, the title reading 'How I Developed Indomitable Will by Class-S Hero King.' The scene then shifts back to Saitama. "You must first fight your way through the the Professional Hero Industry. Aim to break into the Top 10 of the Class-S heroes. That will be your goal for the time being."
"Now that's gonna be difficult." Child Emperor stated.
"He's right. For any of us in Class-S to move up in rank would require us to accomplish an unimaginably amazing feat." Silverfang explained.
"That just means I have a lot of work ahead of me." Genos stated with a determined look.
Genos is silent for a moment before finally speaking.
"I understand. I WILL TRY!" Genos declares as the scene shifts, showing Saitama walking away, his face back to normal and covered in sweat with a small smile.
'He totally bought it! Sweetness!' Saitama thought.
"Sorry Genos." Saitama apologized.
"Do not worry, Master. I will still take whatever I can learn from these viewings and apply them later on." Genos answered.
Scene shifts to show Saitama walking outside before it changes to him running at high speeds, the wind nearly knocking people over and blowing up one woman's skirt.
'After that, I sped around town while frantically looking for bad guys.' Saitama thought as the scene shows him running and looking around with bloodshot eyes and teeth bared.
"Running at high speeds alone won't help you find criminals. I know." Flash commented.
The scene changes a few times, showing Saitama running around, a dust cloud following him everywhere.
'I ran. And ran. And ran! But...the city was completely quiet!'
Scene now shows it's dusk, with Saitama gasping for breath and hunched over after running.
"How long did you run? All day?" Watchdog Man asked.
"That's some impressive stamina." Prisoner commented.
"Could you do that, Flashy Flash?" Tareo asked the heroic ninja.
"I'm not sure. I've never had any reason to run for such a long time." Flash answered after a moment of thought.
Scene shifts to a cat yawning.
"I give up." Saitama said in defeat before the scene shifted back to him, still catching his breath. "Just one more day left." he said in slight fear before he stood up, the scene shifting to show him looking completely fine. "Guess I'll just head home then." he said before he turned and headed for his home, a nearby woman keeping her dog from get close as it barked and tried to get near him. The scene shifted to show the city bathed in twilight. "I'll leave tomorrow's problems to tomorrow's me."
"Try walking next time." Child Emperor suggested with a chuckle.
"Or visit other cities." Bofoi added. "Heroes don't have to take care of crime in just the city they live in."
"He's right. Sometimes the Hero Association calls a lot of heroes from neighboring cities to help when it's required." Tank-Top Master explained.
"And if that doesn't work, they call us in Class-S to lend a hand." Atomic Samurai finished.
"In short, a hero needs to be ready to help at any place at any time." Sitch summarized.
"Alright then." Saitama said with a nod before they all turned back to the screen.
The theme song ends and the scene changes to show the clear blue sky, the words 'The Following Day' in bold in the center. Scene pans down to a panicking Saitama.
"I'm guessing you still haven't found anything to do?" Pig God asked.
'It's quiet out here today too!' Saitama thought as the scene shifted a few times, showing a peaceful City-Z. 'There's nothing to do! NOTHING! I'm gonna lose my registration!'
"I'd take that as a yes." Drive Knight answered.
"For crying out loud! You don't need to stop a crime!" Tornado said in aggravation. "You can do something else! Pick up trash in the area! Get a cat out of a tree! Help some old woman cross the street even!"
Scene shifts to show a kunai flying through the air before it shifts back to Saitama turning towards it and catching it between two fingers. The scene then shifts again, showing Sonic wearing street clothes.
"Or he could beat the shit out of Sonic again." Metal Bat finished.
"Not if I kill Saitama before he can throw any punches." Sonic said with a grin.
"I highly doubt you've trained enough to be able to accomplish that." Flash said with a bored look.
Scene shifts back to Saitama.
"Hold up!" Saitama yelled before the scene shifted back to a scowling Sonic. "I've run into you before! What was your name again?!"
"You forgot who I am?" Sonic asked with a glare.
"Just means you're not worth remembering." Tornado said, earning a death glare from Sonic.
"Children. Stop it." Zack warned with a chuckle
Scene shifts back to Saitama, who is talking to himself.
"Seed-on-the-ground?"
"Nope. Try again." King said.
"Lost-and-Found?"
"Wrong." said Director Zeimeet while a few snickered.
"Oh! Jack-'o-Lantern Panic!"
"Strike three! You're out!" Metal Bat laughed, with others joining in.
"No. It's Speed-'o-Sound Sonic." Sonic corrected.
"How can you forget my name after I tried to kill you?" Sonic demanded.
"I can't remember everyone I've punched before." Saitama answered.
"Can you remember everyone you've killed?" Flash asked. Sonic's response was to growl before turning towards the screen. "Thought not."
Scene shifts back to Saitama, who is now scratching his head.
"I've finally found you, Saitama." Sonic said before the scene shifted to his face, his eyes shadowed over. "Today is the day we settle our-"
"Hey, sorry. I'm busy. See you around, okay?" Saitama interrupted before he started walking away.
"...Huh?"
"This won't end well." Flash muttered.
Scene shifts back to an enraged Sonic.
"Insolent worm! Think you can run from me?!" Sonic yells before he unsheathes his blade and disappears. Scene shifts to show Sonic next to Saitama, swinging the sword at his head-
CHOMP!
-only to have an angry Saitama bite the blade into pieces.
Many were surprised at Saitama's reaction, though not as much after seeing him punch a hole through a mountain of rock.
"He bit the sword! So cool!" Tareo exclaimed in awe.
"Talk about getting some iron in your diet." Pig God chuckled.
'What the-?! I didn't even see what happened.' Sonic thought in shock after the scene shifted back to his surprised face, then zoomed out to show his broken blade. 'His face should've been sliced open, but the blade was...'
"I told you, I'm busy. Plus, I'm pissed." Saitama said as Sonic landed, the scene shifting to him as he sheathed his broken blade. "So anyone in my way..." Scene then shifts to Saitama's serious face covered in shadow, an aura of rage surrounding him as his eyes are revealed and glaring at Sonic. "Gets Punched!"
Scene shifts to Sonic gasping, his terror filled expression covered in sweat.
"I don't blame you for being scared." Darkshine admitted.
"Still, I don't think Saitama will aim for the nuts this time." Zombieman added.
"I wasn't aiming for them the first time." Saitama argued.
"Just do the smart thing and surrender. Avoid the punch altogether." Bofoi suggested to Sonic.
"That's the guy!" came a woman's voice before the scene shifted, showing a small woman pointing at the two men, a muscular man in a tiger striped tank-top standing next to her, his head out of the scene. "He's very, very dangerous. A public nuisance! Please, stop him!" she continued, catching both Saitama and Sonic's attention.
"Is that so?!" yelled the man, the scene shifting to a close-up of his lips. "You're the offender, huh?!" he asked before the scene shifted, showing the man in full view and flexing his muscles. "Well, the Tank top Tiger is here!"
"Oh great. One of your muscle headed goons are there." Tornado scoffed.
"Is he a hero?" Saitama asked.
"Indeed. He's Tank top Tiger, Class-C Rank 6. He's one of many in the Tank top Army that I lead." Tank top Master explained.
"He's also in over his head if it's only him there." Flash added. "Sonic's way too powerful for him to handle."
"That may be true, but Saitama's there, so I believe he's not in any real danger." Prisoner spoke up.
'A hero?' Saitama thought as the scene shifted to him and Sonic before he turned towards Sonic. "Bad news, Sonic. They think you're some sort of criminal." Saitama said before the scene shifted, showing Saitama with a big smile. "Maybe getting tossed in a cell will cool off that hot he-" he continued before Tank top Tiger approached Saitama and placed his hand on his head, making the bald hero look up at him.
"She means you, cue ball." Tiger explained.
"HUH?!" Saitama yelped in utter shock.
"What?!" a lot of the audience yelled.
"She thinks I'm the criminal?" Saitama asked.
"Unforgivable." Genos growled.
"But Mr. Saitama didn't do anything wrong!" Tareo stated.
"What's going on here?!" Metal Bat demanded.
"Can't he tell Saitama's a hero too?" Darkshine stated. "Look at his outfit. It practically screams 'Hero.'"
"He's been running all around town with this scary look on his face since yesterday morning." the short woman explained as the scene shifted a few times, showing people gathering around them.
"Oh...oops." Saitama said.
"So it's just a misunderstanding." Fubuki stated.
"Hey, wait a minute! I'm a hero too!" Saitama said in his own defense.
"You are, huh? I've never heard of a hero like you." Tanktop Tiger answered.
"SO WHAT?! I JUST STARTED, OKAY?!" Saitama yelled.
"In any case..." Tanktop Tiger began before the scene shifted to Tiger looking down on Saitama. "You're causing problems around here for everyone. If you really are a hero, then don't go around frightening people. You're hurting all the other heroes reputations." he finished while the scene shifted to a sweating Saitama, then to Sonic looking on and the crowd watching as well.
"He does have a point about that. It's not good for heroes to scare people." Sekingar said in agreement.
"My bad." Saitama said.
"Lesson learned. Don't run around with scary looks." Bang joked.
"Hey. Isn't that Tanktop Tiger over there?"
"I can't believe it. It really is Tanktop Tiger!"
"No way!"
"He's the real deal!"
These and other comments were spoken amongst the crowd as the scene shifts, showing the people speaking before it shifted back to Tanktop Tiger smirking and rubbing his finger under his nose.
"Even Class-C heroes get recognized. Well, if they're in the Top ten anyway." Tiger boasted before leaning forward and speaking in a loud voice. "So, how 'bout it new guy! You wanna fight?!" he asked before the scene shifted to his smug grin as he whispered the next part. "And make me look good in the process?"
Tanktop Master facepalmed in embarrassment while many in the audience looked on with unimpressed or irked looks.
"I deeply apologize for my underlings actions." Tanktop Master said to Saitama.
"It hasn't happened yet, so don't worry about it." Saitama replied.
"You really want to do something? Teach your underlings not to act that way to other heroes." Atomic Samurai said.
"Exploding shuriken!"
Scene shows shurikens flying before they collide with Tanktop Tiger, who screams in shock and pain after being hit by the explosions. Scene then shows him falling down, scorched and dazed.
A lot of the audience were shocked while Sonic merely smiled in satisfaction.
"AHHH!"
"TANKTOP TIGER!"
Scene shifts again, showing Sonic post throw and Saitama looking down at Tanktop Tiger.
"What was all that for, Sonic?" Saitama asked as he started down at Tanktop Tiger.
"He was interferring, so I tucked him in for a nap." Sonic answered as the scene zoomed in on his smirking face.
"Hey! Call a hero! Now, quick!"
"RUN FOR IT!"
Scene shifts, showing the crowd now running away and screaming.
"Interesting, though. So you too have become one of these worthless Association heroes?" Sonic said while resting his hand on the hilt of his broken blade, with Saitama turning slightly to acknowledge him.
"Hey! Who you calling worthless?!" Metal Bat snapped.
"You and every other person that become heroes." Sonic answered with a scowl.
"But heroes are the good guys." Tareo argued before yelping in fear when Sonic directed his glare at the boy.
"Come now. Don't go scaring the child just because you don't like heroes. Everyone's entitled to their opinion." Bang spoke up. Sonic merely kept his scowl in place before looking back at the screen.
Scene shifts to Sonic smiling at Saitama.
"Then all I have to do..." he began before hunching forward, a mad grin on his face. "Is to create a situation where you're forced to fight! SAITAMA, THE HERO!"
He disappears before the scene shifts, showing he is now high up in the air.
"HAIL OF CARNAGE!"
He throws a large amount of exploding shurikens, each primed to blow when they hit something. Scene shifts to Saitama, who has his hand up to block out the sun and narrows his eyes at the incoming projectiles.
"Those won't hurt Saitama." an executive scoffed with a smirk.
Scene shifts a few times to show the shurikens flying past Saitama and smashing into the nearby buildings, causing much destruction.
"Saitama? No. Everything else? Yes!" Child Emperor said shock.
Scene shifts to Saitama looking around with an angry scowl.
"HEY, STOP IT!" he yells up at Sonic before the scene shifts to Sonic.
"SAITAMA! COME FORTH AND FIGHT ME!" he demands as he throws more shurikens, causing more damage and terrorizing everyone around, the scene shifting around to show the people panicking and running away. "YOU'RE A HERO! CAN YOU PREVENT THEIR DEATHS?!"
"All this just to get Saitama to fight you?" Amai Mask asked, his eyes turning red and veins appearing on his forehead as he stood up. "I should've dealt with you the moment I saw you on the screen."
"Careful." Flash warned. "If you plan on attacking Sonic, you won't come out unscathed."
"I won't abide his existence any longer." Amai Mask declared.
"Just try it." Sonic challenged as he unsheathed a blade with a wide grin.
SPLASH!
Both men blinked as they were suddenly drenched with water.
"Do I have to keep doing this?" Zack asked as he made the firehose vanish and a hairdryer appear, then blasted the two with hot air to dry them off. "Sit down and shut up!" Zack ordered before forcing them both into their seats.
"Dad." a child whimpered as he walked forward, crying his eyes into his arm and ignorant of the car flying towards him.
"LOOK OUT, KID!" Darkshine yelled.
Saitama steps in the way and lifts his arm, causing the car to bend around the arm while standing perfectly still.
"Nice save." King commented.
Scene shifts to Saitama's face darkened by shadows.
"Ugh, damn it all. Can't everyone just let me do my job?" he cursed before the scene shifts to the boy looking up at Saitama in shock. "I don't have time for this crap." Saitama complains as he places the car on the ground. "I gotta find a bad guy to take down."
"Hello! Sonic's destroying the town! Stop him, you bald moron!" Tornado snapped.
Saitama lifts his head up and looks up at Sonic, the scene shifting to show Sonic laughing and throwing more shurikens everywhere.
"A bad guy." Saitama says to himself.
"He laughs like a bad guy from a child's cartoon." an executive commented.
"I do not!" Sonic denied.
"Then what did we all just hear?" Flash asked with a smirk, making Sonic growl in anger.
Scene shifts to a close-up of Sonic.
"NOT COMING?! THEN I'LL GO TO YOU!" he declares before the camera pans up and to the right, showing Saitama right behind him.
"I'm right here." Saitama says in a dull tone before karate chopping Sonic's head, sending him crashing into the ground. Scene shifts to Sonic buried in the ground, his left leg twitching as he groans in pain.
"And he's down for the count." Pig God commented while Sonic glared, inwardly seething at seeing himself being defeated again.
"Talk about your splitting headache." Zack joked while dressed up like Groucho Marx.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Sekingar asked while a few chuckled.
"Don't you worry your robotic eye about it. Just enjoy the show." Zack said before turning back to normal.
Saitama lands down on the ground and looks down at an unconscious Sonic.
"I wonder if taking out this guy will count as work." Saitama said to himself.
"It should. And the credit better not go to Tanktop Tiger." Zombieman said while looking at the executives.
"Don't look at us. These things haven't happened yet." a female executive argued.
Scene changes to one of the main rooms of the Hero Association Headquarters.
"The man apprehended by the Class-C hero in City-Z the other day is suspected of being involved in several heinous crimes, including assassination." a worker informed the Bearded Worker as the scene shifts to the one talking, then to the Bearded Worker, who was looking at a picture and info about Sonic on a projected screen.
"Looks like some time has passed." Drive Knight surmised.
"He said the other day, so it could've been yesterday or more." said Bofoi.
"City-Z again, huh?" BW said before looking at another paper on his desk. "What's the status of the investigation I requested?"
Scene shifts to show the City-Z operator woman typing something at her desk.
"You mean the one for the Ghost Town?"
"Yes."
"Let me see." she said before bringing up another screen, which popped up in front of the Bearded Worker too. "It appears an official inquiry has been submitted." she informed him, the scene shifting to the screen showing an image of Spring Mustachio and Golden Ball on it.
"Cool! Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio!" Tareo exclaimed with a smile
"Are they heroes too?" Saitama asked.
"Indeed. Both are highly skilled Class-A heroes." Sekingar explained.
"And it looks like they're going to be sent to City-Z to investigate the Ghost Town that you live in, Saitama." Amai Mask stated.
"Perhaps you will all run into each other." Bang guessed.
"Let's just hope they don't act like Snek." Child Emperor deadpanned, remembering how Snek tried to crush Saitama.
Scene shifts to the Bearded Worker looking at the screen.
"Well, doesn't that sound ever so interesting." came a woman's voice before the scene shifted, showing Tornado leaning onto his desk and hovering in the air, a smile on her face. "Want me to check it out?"
"Oh joy. The brat's there." Metal Bat huffed.
"Who're you calling a brat?!" Tornado snapped.
"You, ya little brat!" Metal Bat roared. The room began to shake and glow green before the two of them were forced into their seats.
"You're both brats! Now stop it!" Zack huffed.
"Yes, please. Some of us are trying to watch this." Flash stated, earning glares from the two of them.
"T-Tornado! How did you get in here?!" the Bearded Worker asked in a flustered voice as the scene zoomed out a bit.
"Why? Aren't I allowed in here?" Tornado asked sounding annoyed as she stood up straight and floated in front of him.
"Of course. For City-Z, the investigation's a formality. It's not worth your time." the Bearded Worker answered after the scene shifted to him before it shifted to a close-up of Tornado's eye as it glowed green.
"What?" she said in a calm tone as the scene zoomed out, showing her frowning and glowing green. "You mean you don't think I'm good enough?"
Scene zooms out to show Tornado making the room shake and objects levitate with her power, with the Bearded Worker getting worried.
"Come now, Tornado. The man merely said that it wasn't necessary to send you." Bang told her, looking a little put off at her reaction.
"Why is she like that?" Tareo whispered to the executives.
"We don't know. She's been like that for as long as she's worked as a hero." Sitch whispered back.
"That's not it." said the City-Z operator as she walked towards them with a smile. "The Association decided this was not a Class-S matter. That's all."
"Yes! Exactly right." the Bearded Worker said in agreement. The scene then shifted to a close-up of Tornado giving him another glare before she ceased using her powers on the room and simply huffed.
"You'd better tell me if you find anything that looks like it can fight." she ordered the Bearded Worker before she flew out the door, but stopped and looked back at them. "It'd be much faster if I went myself. You guys are idiots." she insulted before the door shut. Scene shifted back to the two workers as the Bearded Worker sighed in the relief, the scene shifting to his coffee staining his papers.
"Staying calm and keeping Tornado from losing it? You've just earned a big raise." an executive whispered to the women, who smiled at the news.
"What's with all the insults?" Saitama asked. "The guy's just doing his job. You don't need to throw a fit like that."
"Shut up, baldy! I can say whatever I want to anyone!" Tornado snapped.
"Best to just ignore her. Insults make up the majority of her vocabulary." Flash said in a calm tone, earning a few laughs from some of the others while her glare and power intensified.
"You can't say he's not wrong!" Zack snickered as Tornado pouted in her seat, knowing Zack wouldn't let her punish anyone for laughing at her.
Scene changes to show a black foot step onto the road, a bit of water dripping from a strand of something green. Scene zooms out to show a figure shrouded in green seaweed standing in front of the gate to the City-Z Ghost Town before the scene shifts again to a close-up of a bloodshot eyeball.
"What was that?" Tareo asked with a fearful frown.
"Looks like some kind of seaweed monster." Flash guessed.
"Must've been heading into the Ghost Town." Saitama said, having recognized the gate.
"If that's the case, then it's gonna die if it runs into you." Metal Bat said a smirk.
"That, or Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio can deal with it if they encounter it during their investigation." Sitch spoke up. "Or even Genos since he's now living out there."
"If I do fight it, I hope it's tough." Saitama said with a hopeful smile.
Scene changes to show the Hero Association's main branch in City-A.
"Reports have come in from each location being investigated." Sekingar announced as the scene changes to his hand placing a phone on a computer table, the phone synchronizing and having various information being displayed in front of a group of executives and workers.
"'Each location?' Wasn't it only City-Z that Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio were going to investigate?"
"We hold multiple investigations in different cities at a time." Sekingar explained.
Scene shifts to an overview of the table and executives, a holographic image of Watchdog Man on the table.
"First is Watchdog Man, Class-S hero investigating City-Q. 'Nothing unusual.'" said Sekingar.
"Nothing unusual?"
"Yes sir."
"That's hard to believe. We all know City-Q is a hot zone with more casualties and monsters than any other area under our jurisdiction."
"And I defeat any monster in City-Q. There's nothing unusual about that." Watchdog Man stated with his usual look.
Most of the executives just stared at him before going back to the screen.
Scene changes to another angle, showing Sekingar speaking.
"Well sir, knowing him, I'm confident he believes that, whatever may occur, he'll be able to take care of it on his own without assistance." he says before the scene changes, showing Watchdog Man atop a mountain of monster corpses, his silhouette against the moonlight before the scene shifts to a close-up of his blank face. "Though he's focused his efforts on City-Q, his track record at monster elimination is top notch. There's really no need to worry."
"Awesome!" Tareo muttered with a big smile.
"Nice job." Atomic Samurai said with a nod.
"Thanks." Watchdog Man replied.
Scene changes to two executives.
"Class-S heroes don't pay attention to details. They're not ones for writing reports." grumbled an executive.
"Hey, we write those reports well enough!" Metal Bat protested.
"I doubt you can." Tornado said, earning a glare from the bat wielding hero.
"You're not much better, Tornado." Sitch commented.
"What?!" she said in a calm tone while glaring daggers at Sitch.
"Whenever you have to write a report, it's 1 part report and 10 parts insult." he explained.
"HA!" Metal Bat laughed.
"SHUT UP!" Tornado snapped.
"Why can't they all just get along?" Blast grumbled to himself.
"Because life is never that easy anywhere." Zack answered so only Blast could hear it.
"Next, City-W. Class-A hero Heavy Kong reports, 'Nothing unusual.'" Sekingar continued as an image of Heavy Kong was shown before the scene shifted a few more times, showing other heroes. "In City-H, Mushroom, Class-B, and Horsebone, Class-C report, 'Nothing unusual.'"
"Why is that guy wearing a horse head?" Saitama asked.
"We honestly have no idea." Sekingar answered. "Some other heroes wear things like that as well."
"In City-D, Lightning Genji, Class-A reports, 'Slow restoration after the devastation caused by the gigantic creature aside, nothing unusual.'" Sekingar spoke again as images showing extensive damage everywhere.
"Cities B and D both sustained extensive damage. The Association took a lot of heat for that." said a female executive as the scene shifted, showing her and Sekingar.
"Why would the Association be in trouble about that?" Tareo asked.
"The people want the Hero Association to kill or subdue any monster before anything bad happens." Zombieman explained before taking a drag from his cigarette.
"But you can't tell when or where the monsters will strike...can you?" Tareo asked.
"Sorry kid. Seeing the future isn't a power any of us have." Metal Bat spoke up.
"Maybe not any of the heroes, but there is someone who can see into the future with 100% accuracy." Sitch stated.
"There is? Who?" Saitama asked.
"Madame Shibabawa, the greet seer." Sitch answered. "She makes predictions that have helped the Association prevent countless deaths in the past, earning her special treatment."
"That sounds pretty handy." Saitama said before looking up in thought while scratching his chin. "Maybe she can predict next month's sales if I ask her."
"Don't." Zack said while using his power to keep Tornado's mouth shut. "No point."
"Wait a second. If she can see into the future as well as everyone says she can, how come monster attacks keep happening? If she tells you all where they'll be, then you could be there long before it happens and stop it, right?" Saitama asked.
"Unfortunately, Madame Shibabawa is quite old. Using her powers is taxing, so she can only make a few predictions at a time before she needs to rest." Sitch explained.
"Oh...okay." Saitama said in understanding.
"In order to prevent more disasters from occurring, we must be diligent and uncover any covert activity that could threaten our society." said Sekingar before the scene shifted to Sitch.
"Well keep in mind this investigation was requested for that express purpose. But detecting these monsters is more difficult than expected." Sitch reminded them all.
"Not to mention a big pain in the ass." Metal Bat commented, with many in the room nodded and agreeing.
Scene shifts to show a hologram of Snek above the table.
"In City-F, Class-A hero 'Snakebite' Sneck reports, 'Hammerhead, former leader of the Paradiser terrorist group, has been spotted in a suit and tie. Further investigation is being conducted.'" Sekingar read as footage of Hammerhead standing in front of a building played, showing him nervously fiddling with his tie while sweating and mumbling something.
"Is he going to a job interview?" Darkshine asked.
"If he is, he should probably stop acting like he's about to be put in front of a firing squad." Flash answered.
"At least he's trying to turn his life around." Prisoner said with a smile.
"Be that as it may, he's still a wanted criminal even before he and those other men got their hands on those battlesuits. He must be brought to justice." Amai Mask said in a cold voice.
"Hmm...true." Prisoner nodded before grinning. "I can help with that."
"Help...right." Sitch muttered, sweat appearing on his forehead.
"No other reports." Sekingar finished before all the holograms vanished.
"What about City-Z?" asked the bald mustached executive before the scene shifted to him. "I've heard repeated rumblings of a potential disaster brewing somewhere in the abandoned area."
"Really? I don't notice anything dangerous." Saitama said.
"That's because you can kill anything out there as easily as swatting a bug." Watchdog Man said.
"Unless it's a mosquito." Tank-Top Master said with a smirk, making a few of them chuckle while Saitama just gave him a deadpan look.
"No reports available." the Bespectacled Worker answered before the scene shifted to show him talking. "However, two highly capable Class-A heroes have been sent to investigate, so we should get to the bottom of these rumors soon."
Scene fade switches to show Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio standing together in City-Z
"Here we are in City-Z." said Spring Mustachio before the scene shifted to a frontal view of him while he fiddled with his mustache, the words 'Spring Mustachio, Class-A Rank-33' appearing on the screen. The scene then shifted over to Golden Ball, the words 'Golden Ball, Class-A Rank-29' appearing on screen.
"Yeah. Let's get on with it and get out of here." he said before shifting the sucker in his mouth to the other side before the two started walking. The scenes then begin to shift about, showing clips of the two walking and talking with scenes of leftover damage from previous monster attacks shown here and there.
"City-Z is quite expansive, but further ahead lies the abandoned area. The one we were told to investigate. Compared with other areas, City-Z has an abnormally high rate of monster related incidents. The frequency has been increasing over the past 10 years, the last few having more and more advanced monsters appearing, and the residents have fled for the safety of the city center." said Spring Mustachio.
"I know. This place is like a ghost town. Only the water and electricity are still intact, right?" Golden Ball asked.
"Indeed. Looking for a cheap house?" Spring Mustachio joked.
"Come off it." Golden Ball answered with a laugh as the scene changed to the two of them approaching the gate to the abandoned area. "People say that something real nasty is living around here. Even you must've heard about it."
"But of course. I assume that's why the two of us have been assigned to this investigation." Spring Mustachio said as the two stood before the gate to the abandoned district.
"Once we hit the abandoned area, we need to walk in with our game faces on." Golden Ball stated.
"Agreed. We mustn't let our guard down for a second." said Spring Mustachio as the scenes shifted again, showing the two walking through the abandoned area.
"But why here? Why the increase in monsters in this place?" Golden Ball asked.
Sitch had his notepad out and ready to write anything that was of interest since he and the other executives were curious about that as well.
"Well that's the mystery, isn't it? There are quite a few theories out there about it, and here's mine." Spring Mustachio began while looking over his shoulder at Golden Ball. "A colony of monsters resides here and is naturally producing more of them. Or perhaps a queen exists, birthing more of her kind."
"That's not good." McCoy stated with a frown.
"Relax. If we see anything, I'll just pop by and rip the whole place to pieces." Tornado told them all.
"Hold on! I live there!" Saitama protested.
"You can move." Tornado huffed.
"I like it there." Saitama countered. "And if there's anything there, I'll just do it myself without wrecking the whole place.
"I just said I'd handle it!" Tornado snapped.
"Yeah, but you'll wreck everything!" Saitama whined.
"Could you two stop already? Some of us are watching this." Flash spoke up. Tornado growled before huffing and looking away while Saitama just sat and watched.
Scene shows the two of them looking ahead before shifting, showing their feet stopping just at the edge of a crater in the ground.
"Of course, I have no proof of this yet, but there is something to this Ghost Town." Spring Mustachio continued as the scene shifted, showing the large crater they were looking down into before shifting back up to their faces. "Or rather...something in it. Of that, you can be sure." he finished as the scene shifted, showing that they were near the building Saitama and Genos lived in.
"Isn't that your house, Saitama?" Metal Bat asked.
"Yeah." Saitama said with a nod.
"Does that mean you'll get to meet Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio?" Tareo asked.
Scene changes to show Genos looking startled as a ringing noise is heard before glaring over his shoulder.
"Proximity alarm! What tripped it?"
"Or they could run into Genos first." Darkshine said.
"Let's hope Genos doesn't attack them." Atomic Samurai spoke up.
"I will not attack unless they do, or if they try to bother Master Saitama." Genos stated.
"How about you don't attack them at all?" Saitama asked, looking irritated that Genos would just attack someone for bothering him.
"Very well. If we should meet, I shall ask what business they have with you and send them away if it is pointless." Genos declared, making a lot of the audience facepalm.
Scene goes back to outside and shows Golden Ball squatting and taking a closer look at the crater.
"If we can hunt down this mysterious being, we'll go to the top of the rankings, no doubt." said Golden Ball.
"Do all heroes want to be in the upper ranks?" Saitama asked.
"Not all of them, but quite many indeed." Bang answered.
Scene shifts to a short distance away from the two heroes.
"True. We can't let Mr. Amai Mask remain first forever, can-" Spring Mustachio said as the sound of wet footsteps sounded out before a black foot stepped in and out of view. The scene shifted to both heroes reacting and looking in the direction it came from.
'Something's there!' the thought.
"Think it was that monster we saw before?" Tank-Top Master asked as most of the audience was now on edge.
"If it is, then those two better get ready for a fight." Metal Bat answered.
"If they do, maybe Mr. Genos will hear and come to help?" Tareo suggested.
"We'll just have to watch and see how it unfolds." said Flash.
"Was that a monster?" Golden Ball asked after the scene shifted, showing the area they were looking at.
"There's no way to be sure." Spring Mustachio answered before the scene shifted to them. "But it's rather hard to imagine a human still living in these conditions. Let's pursue it!" he says before the two run off-screen.
"What's wrong with living out there? I find it okay." Saitama answered.
"How you can live out there despite being strong enough to kill any monster out there is a mystery." Sekingar spoke up.
"Free rent." Saitama answered with a smile.
"Even with free rent, I'd take a place not infested with monsters." Sekingar said before they looked back at the screen.
Scene changes, showing Genos staring at nothing before it shifts, showing him in a pink apron and blue foot protection while he scrubs the toilet.
"It seems they are not after us." he said to himself.
"Are you scrubbing Saitama's toilet?" Tareo asked.
"As his disciple, it is my duty to clean Master Saitama's home." Genos declared.
"Not all that strange. After all, I have Charanko clean the dojo." Bang spoke up.
"Lucky. I gotta scrub my own toilet." Metal Bat huffed.
"It's not like it'd kill you." Tornado said. "Even I do stuff like that myself."
"You have psychic powers. You wouldn't have to touch anything." Metal Bat countered while Tornado merely smirked.
Scene changes, showing the feet of the monster as it walked down the street before it stops, it's kelpy hair dripping with water.
"Can this be the place I heard about?" she asked before the scene shifted to the front and began to pan upwards to show it's eye and it's upper body covered by her hair. "I don't know. Sure don't seem like it. Aw man. I came all this way for nothing. Isn't anyone around?" she asked before the scene shifted, showing Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio arriving and looking at her from a good distance.
"A monster! It came out of nowhere!" Golden Ball said before the scene shifts to show the two getting ready to fight. "Let's take it down! Ready, Golden Ball?"
"Hell yeah!" Golden Ball replied after biting down on his sucker. "Victory to the swift!" he said as he took out a metallic slingshot with a laser pointer built in and drew back a projectile in it.
"Get the monster, Golden Ball!" Tareo shouted in excitement.
"Hey. People!" the monster said after the scene shifted to her, a little red dot on her hair.
"Fool. If they hadn't of spoken, they could've killed it without drawing it's attention." Sonic said.
"Indeed. The best way to deal with a monster is swiftly before it even realizes anything's wrong." Flash commented.
"I can blast through a 20 mm steel plate with one of my shape memory golden bullets! SUCK ON THIS!" he roared before he let it fly. The scene shifted to show the golden ball changing into a sharp projectile. It shifted again to show the monster swat it away with a strand of hair, making it smash into streetlight, leaving the monster to stare at Golden Ball.
"That was pretty cool." Saitama said after watching the bullet change.
"Doesn't matter if it got deflected by hair." Zombieman said.
Scene shifts to Golden Ball's stunned face.
"He just flicked it away!" he says as the scene shifts, showing a strand of the monster's hair coming out of a storm drain and wrapping around Golden Ball's right leg.
"Uh oh." Child Emperor muttered.
Scene shifts to show Golden Ball screaming as he was hoisted high into the air before being pulled into the drain and dragged through, tearing up the ground along the way. It then shifted to him being slammed into the side of a building before shifting to a close-up of him spitting up blood.
A lot of the audience winced at that.
"GOLDEN BALL!" Spring Mustachio cried out in worry before the scene shifted, showing the hair coming after him. He jumps out of the way as two strands smack where he was standing before returning to the monster. The scene then shifts to show Spring Mustachio taking a handkerchief out of his pocket before snapping his fingers, causing the handkerchief to explode in a puff of smoke, transforming into a rapier sword.
"That handkerchief was a sword?" Saitama asked.
"That...actually looked cool." Metal Bat said while Tareo looked excited to see what Spring Mustachio would do.
Scene then shifts back and forth, showing Kombu Infinity attacking while Spring Mustachio deflects it all with a war cry. It ends with the monster pulling her hair back while Spring Mustachio stands there with sword raised.
"Wow." the monster muttered after the scene shifted to her.
"Not bad." Flash commented.
"You trained him well, Nichirin." Atomic Samurai said to himself with a small smile.
"So cool!" Tareo whispered in awe.
Scene shifts to show the dust cloud around Spring Mustachio being kicked up, blocking him from view. It then shifted to show him plant his foot into the ground before shifting upwards, showing his sword aiming forward and coiling in on itself.
"Never seen a sword do that." said Saitama.
Scene shifts to the monster staring in confusion before going back to Spring Mustachio.
"Tomboy...THRUST!" he yelled before thrusting the sword forward, the blade extended at a rapid speed. Scene shifts to the monster dodging at the last second, leaving the sword to continue onwards until it hit something in the distance. Scene then shifts to show a shocked Spring Mustachio. 'It slipped past my Tomboy attack.' he thought as the scene shifted, showing the blade had pierced through multiple objects before it retracted to it's normal length. Scene then shows the monster looking at a strand of hair with a smoking hole in it before looking at Spring Mustachio.
"Not too bad." she complimented.
"That monster's got some good reflexes." King commented.
"Yeah, she does." Zack answered.
"...She?" Bofoi asked in confusion.
"Don't let the voice fool you. Kombu Infinity, that monster, is a girl." Zack explained.
"And we should care why?" Tornado asked.
"You don't. Just wanted to point it out." Zack answered before he looked at the screen.
Scene shows Spring Mustachio back in a battle stance.
'Those tentacles. From the way they react, they're tough as steel.' he thought as the scene shifted, showing Kombu Infinity's hair moving about. 'A monster that can use it's infinite number of tentacles like steel whips. Such power.' he thought after the scene shifted back to him before he looked off to the side, the scene shifting to show an unconscious Golden Ball lying in a broken wall. It then went back to Spring Mustachio as he looked back at Kombu Infinity before shifting to his hand behind his back and pushing buttons on a cellphone. 'I must call in reinforcements from the Association.'
"Good call." Pig God mumbled through his food.
"Yeah. Best to ask for help when you're in over your head." Darkshine agreed.
"Let's just hope that help arrives in time." a female executive muttered.
"I would like to ask you a question, if I may. I was just wondering if you were born in this neighborhood?" Spring Mustachio asked after the scene shifted to the two of them before shifting to just her.
"Hmm? Nah. Actually, I'm from out of town." she answered before the scene shifted to an aerial view of the two. "I heard a bunch of crazy strong monsters were all getting together around here. Too bad." she said as the scene shifted to behind her, her hair wiggling about. "Looks like it turned out to be just a rumor."
"Let us hope that it truly is just a rumor." an elderly executive said.
"But now," Kombu Infinity began before the scene shifted, showing Kombu Infinity's hair flaring up everywhere. "I feel like it'd be kind of fun to stick around and make the rumor true. A self-fulfilling prophecy!" she said as the scene shifted to Spring Mustachio fiddling with his mustache before shifting to a close-up of Kombu Infinity's face. "I could be the Ghost Town Monster. IT'S GOT A NICE RING TO IT!" she shouted, looking positively deranged.
"Well that came out of nowhere." Atomic Samurai commented.
"Spring Mustachio will be okay, right?...right?!" Tareo asked in worry.
"We've seen that he can deflect her attacks, but there's only so much that one can hold out." Bang stated with a grim look, making Tareo swallow the lump in his throat.
Scene changes to the Hero Association, showing the Z Branch Operator speaking to the Bearded Worker.
"We have a request for back-up from the two heroes that were dispatched over to City-Z!" she declared as an alarm rang out before the scene shifted, showing an alert was going off and the condition of Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio. "Class-A Rank-29, Golden Ball, has been knocked out! Class-A Rank-33, Spring Mustachio, is in trouble! They're in the abandoned city!"
Scene shifts to a close-up of the Bearded Worker.
"Call in all nearby heroes for immediate assistance! Class-A and above!" he ordered.
"Wonder who'll show up." Metal Bat thought out loud.
"Perhaps Genos since it's going out to all heroes Class-A and above, meaning Class-S heroes will get the call as well." Amai Mask answered.
"If that's the case, then we may see you appear soon, Silverfang." Prisoner commented.
"Perhaps. We can only wait and see." said Silverfang.
Scene changes to show two heroes outside a vending machine, with the one with the mask getting a drink.
"See the monster alert for City-Z?" D-Pad asked as he shook his drink
"The threat level appears to be Tiger, or higher." Armored Chief Clerk answered after looking at his phone.
"More heroes?" Saitama asked.
"Yeah. They're D-Pad, Class-C Rank-22, and Armored Chief Clerk, Class-C Rank 111." Tareo answered as he read his Hero Almanac before showing Saitama their pictures.
The scene then shifted, showing five other heroes in a restaurant. Three were standing, one was sitting with his arms folded, and another was eating a meal.
"Is it the Ghost Town Monster?" Gaskmask Cowboy asked while tightening some rope.
"They're not sure yet." Hyotokko answered.
"I'll go." said Blue Fire, gaining their attention. "I want to catch the tiger by it's tail."
"And who are they?" Saitama asked Tareo.
"They're Food Battler Futoshi, Class-C Rank-66, Gasmask Cowboy, Class-C Rank-141, Hyotokko, Class-C Rank-347, Smile Man, Class-A Rank-27, and Blue Fire, Class-A Rank-6." Tareo listed off while showing their pictures as well.
"Are they strong?" Saitama asked.
"Of course they are! They're heroes!" Tareo exclaimed.
"Hopefully strong enough to help Spring Mustachio out." Pig God said.
Scene shifts to half of Spring Mustachio's blade flying through the air before landing behind him. It then shifted again to show Spring Mustachio severely injured, yet still standing in a battle stance.
"Shit. That monster really beat the crap out of him." Metal Bat commented.
"If those other heroes don't hurry, it may cost him his life." Flash said, making Tareo pale in horror.
Spring Mustachio is breathing heavily before chuckling and letting the arm holding his broken sword slump.
"Now I understand." he said before the scene shifted to a grinning Kombu Infinity. "If it means running into monsters like this all the time..." he began before the scene shifted back to him. "...I wouldn't want to live around here...either...urrrrgh..." he wheezed out before succumbing to his injuries and falling forward, out cold.
"Two of our Class-A heroes defeated." an executive said with a grimace. "This monster must be quite strong. Perhaps even at threat level Demon."
"Pathetic." Tornado scoffed. "If they had just sent me, none of this would've happened."
"Well they didn't. And none of this has happened yet, so quiet down." Amai Mask told her, make her glare at him.
Scene shifts to show Spring Mustachio lying unconscious on the ground before panning up to Kombu Infinity as her hair stops wiggling everywhere.
"Ugh, boring! Come on, seriously?! I finally kick a hero's butt, and I don't even get a single scream!" she complained as the camera shifted to a little further up. "Now that I think about it, even if I start living here, I'll never be famous if there's no people around. Guess I'll just keep going. Gotta find out where they're living." she said as the scene shifted while she turned to leave, only for her to stop. Scene then changes to show a shadowed figure approaching. "There's somebody."
"We don't have to guess who that is, do we?" Zombieman said after exhaling some smoke.
"Is it another hero...or just a dude?" Kombu Infinity asked before the scene shifted, showing Saitama in his blue track suit and carrying a small bag of groceries in one hand.
"Thought so." Zombieman said with a smirk.
"That monster's toast." Metal Bat said with a laugh.
"I thought all the regular humans cleared out." she said before the scene shifted back to her. "If the monster really did exist, there's no way he could live here." she continued as the scene shifted, showing Saitama stopping a few steps away from her. "I guess that means..." she began before the scene shifted, showing her launching her hair at him. "...it was just a rumor." she finished in a disappointed tone.
"Crap." Saitama said before the scene shifted, showing him looking up as his face was covered in the shadow of the hair. "I forgot to buy kombu soup stock." he said before the scene went black, a loud bang going off.
"Well, it's dead now." Darkshine commented, with others agreeing.
'Tell them Saitama only plucked out her hair, or don't tell them?' Zack thought while holding his hands out like scales. '...Ah screw it. No point anyway.'
Scene fades in to show kombu being boiled in a pot that was surrounded by other ingredients.
"Are you seriously going to eat her hair?" Child Emperor asked as he and a few others cringed in disgust.
"Looks more like he's boiling it to make soup stock." Watchdog Man said in a blank tone.
"What's wrong with eating parts from monsters?" Pig God asked.
"Where do we begin?" Tank-Top Master asked.
"Master. I saw a lot of kombu right outside the door." Genos said as the scene shifted, showing him coming inside and Saitama manning the stove.
"Oh yeah. Funny story. I, uh..." Saitama began before pausing, the scene shifting to a close-up of him before he continues with a smile. "...just happened...to catch it...for a really good price." he finished before the scene shifts, showing him stirring it before picking a strand of kombu out of the pot with some chopsticks while Genos approaches and looks inside the pot.
"Nice save." King said.
"People say that kombu is good for growing hair, but there is no scientific proof, so it's real benefits have yet to be confirmed." Genos began as the scene shifted around, showing Saitama standing and frowning, his eyes shadowed over. "I did some research, so I am sure, Master. For example, according to this site-"
"NO ONE SAID ANYTHING ABOUT HAIR!" Saitama yelled as the scene shifted to all the kombu inside a wooden crate outside the door.
"You really need to be careful not to bring up anything related to growing hair." Fubuki told Genos.
"My apologies, Master Saitama." Genos said.
"It's fine. Just don't do it like your future self did." Saitama said with a sigh.
"Is that it for this episode?" Drive Knight asked.
"Not quite yet." Zack answered.
Scene changes to the Hero Association Headquarters in City-A.
"City-Z investigative report." came Sekingar's voice before the scene shifted to him reading the report to the other executives. "'There is nothing noteworthy to report the downtown or residential areas." he read as the scene shifted, showing holograms of Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio above the table. "During our investigation, we encountered a ferocious monster in the abandoned area, but were unable to exterminate it, and left it in defeat." Scene changes to show Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio bandaged up and lying in hospital beds.
"It appears that the two of them will be out of commission for quite some time." Metal Knight stated.
"Fortunately we escaped death, but the monster we encountered there disappeared, and it's possible that it still roams the area." Sekingar continued as the scene changed to the gate towards the Ghost Town. "Also, according to the monster itself, there's a rumor that-"
"-powerful monsters have gathered in secret, and already exist in this area." said Eyelashes as the scene changed, showing a group of people in suits gathered around Fubuki inside their well furnished headquarters.
Fubuki smiled as she saw that she and her group had finally made an appearance since they all started watching these future viewings.
"Who are all the people in the suits?" Saitama asked.
"That's my team." Fubuki answered. "We're known as the Blizzard Bunch, comprised of highly skilled Class-B heroes."
"Oh please. They're just a bunch of dead weight you carry around for dumb reasons." Tornado scoffed, making Fubuki scowl. "If you'd just listen to me and cut all ties with them, I can make you stronger than you'd ever get hanging around with those nobodies."
"My team and I are just fine." Fubuki declared, making Tornado grunt in aggrivation.
"What's up with them?" Saitama asked the executives.
"NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, BALDY!" Tornado roared, having overheard him.
"It's a touchy subject. Best not to discuss it now." Sitch whispered to Saitama.
Scene shifted to show a frontal view of the man and a few others.
"That's rough. It sounds like it was a pretty brutal encounter." Eyelashes stated before the scene shifted to a full view of Fubuki sitting and looking up at him.
"A monster, huh?" she asked in a bored tone.
"Y-Yes." Eyelashes stuttered before the scene zoomed in on Fubuki.
"Think I'll pass this time." she decided with a sigh.
"Wise choice." Bang said before looking at Fubuki. "As organized as your group is, taking on a monster that could easily defeat two Class-A heroes would be foolish."
"You see?! Told you I should've gone! You're so lame!" Tornado snapped after the scene changed to a close-up of her.
"I-I'm sorry, but..." the Bearded Worker began before scene shifted to show her hovering over him and getting in his face, drawing the attention of other workers. "When faced with something like this, I'm sure even you would've had a tough time. It's unprecedented." he said as he raised a tablet up to her to let her see a picture. She looked at it before scoffing and turning away. Scene changes to him lowering the tablet before gasping as she got in his face.
"You idiot. I would've been just fine." she declared.
"Against that kombu monster, yeah. Against Saitama? Maybe not so much." Child Emperor said.
"You honestly believe I can't take on that baldy?" Tatsumaki asked with a glare.
"You will stop calling Master Saitama baldy, you little brat!" Genos ordered before he was flung towards the wall. The only reason he wasn't smashed against it was due to a white aura surrounding him and cancelling out the green aura.
"It's almost over. Settle down down." Zack told them as he placed Genos back in his seat.
Scene changes to show a massive hole in what used to be a building inside the Ghost Town, the camera panning downwards to show Lightning Max, Blue Fire, Battery Man, and Smile Man standing and looking at the destruction with wide eyes.
"The rumor has not been confirmed yet, but the reinforcements saw signs that point to the existence of some horrible monstrosity." Sekingar continued.
"You dare call Master Saitama a monster?!" Genos growled, his systems powering up as he glared at Sekingar, who was now sweating.
"Easy Genos. It hasn't happened yet, and nobody knows who caused the damage." Darkshine explained. Genos just stood there before his systems powered down and he sat back in his seat.
"Holy crap! What happened out here?" Battery Man asked. "What kind of monster could cause such violence? I'd hate to face off against whatever this crazy thing is."
"He a Class-A hero too?" Saitama asked.
"Actually, that's Battery Man, Class-C Rank-85." Tareo answered.
"Idiot. If two Class-A heroes got their asses beat, what makes him think a Class-C will be of any help?" Tornado asked.
"It shouldn't matter what Class you're in." Saitama said, gaining their attention. "If you're going to be a hero, you should go where trouble is."
"Got that right." Metal Bat answered. "Even if they can't beat the monster, they can still do something to help."
"Hmm? What's this?" Lightning Max asked after the scene shifted, showing a piece of kombu at his feet. It then shifts to him kneeling down and picking it up to examine it. "Is it a part of the monster Spring Mustachio's been fighting against?"
"There may have been a territorial dispute between the monsters." Blue Fire answered before the scene shifts to an aerial view of the damaged buildings.
"Good thing it happened in the abandoned area." an executive said. "No people around to get hurt or become homeless."
"But either way, it seems like there's definitely something here." Blue Fire finished.
"Yeah. One really strong hero." Watchdog Man answered.
"This requires resolution. We must continue our investigation and maintain vigilance over City-Z." Sekingar concluded.
Scene then changes to a crowded area of City-Z at night, where people are talking as they watch the news about the destruction in the abandoned area on a jumbo screen.
"Hey. Did you hear the news? There are monsters living in the City-Z Ghost Town." one man said.
"Yeah. I heard someone say the toughest ones are secretly plotting something." another man answered before the scene faded to an image of four monsters talking amongst themselves.
"No no. Not that rumor. It's about a more dangerous monster." one of them corrected.
"What do you mean?" another asked.
"You didn't hear?" a third one asked as the scene changed, showing City-Z at night, with the entire Ghost Town dark. "I'm told the place has now become terrifying for both humans and monsters."
The Terrifying City
"So Saitama living there has started all kinds of rumors, huh?" Atomic Samurai said with a small smile.
"Yeah, and it looks like other monsters are now becoming afraid of the Ghost Town." Flashy Flash added.
"Can you blame them? Almost every time Saitama throws a punch, it causes more destruction than the monsters do." Metal Bat spoke up.
"And if he's not careful, he could destroy far more than intended." Drive Knight added.
"True, but we've also seen that Saitama can control his strength." Bang said, remembering him destroying Hammerhead's suit without harming the man.
"Why are they all talking like I'm not here?" Saitama muttered before munching on some popcorn.
Scene changes to a bright day in the Ghost Town outside of Saitama's home.
"Master. I filled in the holes in front of the house." Genos informed his master as the scene shifts to the repaired roads and sidewalks outside.
"Oh. Okay thanks." Saitama answered in gratitude before the scene shifted, showing images of Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio in a newspaper Saitama was reading.
"Also, your rank has gone from last place, 388 to 342. Congratulations." Genos continued.
"Nice jump in the ranks." Darkshine complimented.
"A few more heroic acts like taking down Sonic and you'll hit Rank 1 in Class-C in no time." Metal Bat said with confidence.
"Which will allow you the chance to rise to Class-B." Zombieman finished.
"Cool." Saitama answered. As they talked, the executives spoke amongst themselves.
"Something wrong, Sitch?" McCoy asked.
"It's the rumor that caused that monster to visit the City-Z Ghost Town in the first place." Stich answered. "Where did it hear it from? And could it possibly be true?"
"That is worrisome. The Ghost Town is quite large, so there are plenty of places for the monsters to hide." said a female executive.
"Well if we see them from these viewings, we can assemble a task force and send them in to wipe these monsters out before they can become a problem." said Sekingar. The executives all began to agree with that before they turned to the screen again.
"Oh?" Saitama asks while lowering the paper before the scene shifted to him. "Wait. Cause of that Panic guy? Guess he boosted my ranking. Cool." he said before he went back to his paper.
"It's Speed. 'O-Sound. Sonic!" Sonic growled, veins sticking up on his face in rage as a few of the audience laughed.
"So, I think it's been about a week now." Saitama continued while turning a page in the paper. "Have you done anything?"
"No. Not yet, anyway." Genos answered as the scene shifted, showing Genos on a laptop and Saitama calmly reading a newspaper.
"Not surprising. Class-S heroes are only called for the worst situations." Bang explained.
"Well, you've still got time, I guess." Saitama told him.
"I am still ranked last in Class-S for ability. 17th place." Genos explained before the scene shifts, showing Saitama smirking as he takes his cup of tea.
"Sounds like you need lots of training." he said before he begins to drink. The scene then shifts to show Genos's face as he looks at his laptop.
"But according to popularity rankings voted on by the public, I am number 6th." Genos continued, causing Saitama to spew his tea everywhere.
"WHY?!" Saitama yelled while smashing his hands against the coffee table.
"Yeah, why? If Mr. Genos hasn't done anything, why is he so high up in popularity?" Tareo asked.
"Could be a number of reasons." Zombieman answered.
Scene shifts again, showing Genos reading his laptop.
"'A 19 year old genius who made his debut in Class-S. He is fantastic. He is so handsome. Love how he refuses to do media interviews. Cool.' Those kinds of comments." Genos read off before the scene pans over, showing Saitama staring at him in wide-eyed shock.
"Well that explains it." Atomic Samurai said with a bored look.
"Can you blame them? Even though Genos hasn't done anything, it's been 2 years since someone made Class-S right off the bat. The last one that did so was King." Tank-Top Master explained.
"That would garner a lot of attention." Bofoi agreed.
"So unless you're Class-S, people don't care?" Saitama asked.
"I care." Tareo countered. "All heroes are awesome, no matter the rank."
"Good God. How are you not embarrassed to read those out loud?" Saitama asked before the scene shifted back to Genos.
"Quite simple. This is based on impressions from my photo. They are not true evaluations about me. I think nothing of them." Genos answered before the scene shifted to Saitama, who looked a little put off about Genos's answer.
"Oh...yeah." was all he said.
"'The cyborg prince." Genos continues, making Saitama's face morph a little more before shifting to the empty crate outside the door. "Behind his steely exterior, I feel his fragile self. Top five handsomest heroes-"
"ENOUGH ALREADY!" Saitama yelled.
"You do realize that you're rubbing your higher rank and such in your master's face, right?" Flash asked, making Genos gasp in shock before standing up and bowing to Saitama.
"I deeply apologize for my future self's horrible behavior, Master Saitama!" Genos yelled.
"Eh, forget it. Just try to learn from all this and don't do it when the time comes." Saitama said with a wave of his hand.
"YES MASTER!" Genos agreed.
"You okay, Blizzard?" Darkshine asked, noticing her looking down.
"I'm fine." she answered, though she didn't sound fine. Hard to feel fine when you've seen another example of someone being praised when they did nothing while you work and do your best to help.
"Shall we continue?" Amai Mask asked. "I'm curious to see what happens next."
"Agreed." Sitch said while writing in his notebook.
"Alright then. Let's begin!" Zack yelled with a grin before starting the next one.