Boom—
The moment he caught Natasha, Barton's expression changed drastically.
As a S.H.I.E.L.D. superhero, his eyes weren't the only thing enhanced—his body had also been modified, far beyond normal human limits.
In this early period of Steve's rise, Barton was considered one of the top-tier enhanced fighters around.
He thought he could catch Natasha after Saitama had thrown her—
Rumble—
But the moment he did, Barton screamed in agony. Bones in his arms and chest shattered beyond count, blood spraying like a fountain as he smashed through two concrete buildings before finally stopping.
The solid ground bore a trench nearly twenty meters long and one meter deep from his impact.
"Cough… Natasha… run! This guy… is too strong! We're not his match at all!"
Hawkeye lay on the ground, battered and broken, shoving Natasha away with trembling hands as he reached for his alloy bow.
"Barton!"
Blood trickled from the corner of Natasha's lips. Gone was her composure—her beautiful eyes were now wide with terror.
"Go! If you stay, we'll both die! Don't try to save me! I'll… I'll hold him off!!"
Barton roared, and Natasha—never one to hesitate—shot Saitama a glare sharp enough to kill before fleeing.
Saitama: "…"
Why did this… feel so weird?
Wait… did I just become some villain for the heroes to defeat?
He almost laughed at the absurdity.
If he hadn't noticed their justice value and held back, Natasha and Barton wouldn't be in New York anymore—they'd be on the moon watching the sunrise.
"Saitama! Even if I die, I'll hold you back, you monster!"
Barton growled, bloodied hands pulling his bowstring to full draw.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Five arrows streaked toward Saitama like shooting stars, two of them curving midair as if guided. The other three clattered to the ground around him, forming a perfect triangle.
Zzzzt— Electric arcs burst from the triangle, the two guided arrows detonating in a blinding explosion that swallowed Saitama and half the building beside him.
"Hah… didn't expect to use these special arrows so soon, but if it takes out this monster, it's worth it…"
Barton dropped to his knees, chest heaving like a bellows, sweat dripping from his brow.
But then, his relieved smile froze—
Saitama walked out of the flames without a scratch, casually plucking arrow fragments from his clothes.
Pfft—
Barton spat blood. Was he seeing things? His vision went black and he collapsed unconscious.
Saitama: "…"
I didn't even… do anything… and someone's already down?
In the distance, police sirens wailed. Even though Natasha had chosen a secluded street, the commotion had drawn attention.
"Sigh… well, since we're both pro heroes, I guess I'll help you out."
Saitama muttered helplessly, drooping his head as he grabbed the unconscious Barton.
Where to?
He didn't know his way around… Guess he'd just take him to Stark—hopefully Barton wouldn't die on the way.
Half an hour later—
A deserted street, neon signs flashing.
Saitama stared at the road signs, frowning. "I think… I'm lost…"
Stark Industries – District 16 Underground Research Facility.
Inside a massive five-meter-high electromagnetic oscillation arc reactor, bright blue energy danced. Dozens of top scientists in white lab coats worked tirelessly.
Since last night, when Stark escaped captivity, reappeared in the media, and boldly announced the closure of Stark Industries' weapons division—
Vice Chairman Obadiah Stane had gone mad, urgently assembling this elite R&D team.
"Mr. Stane, we've studied it, but the task you've given us… well, there's a problem—actually, a very big problem…"
The bald-headed Dr. William, team leader, spoke awkwardly. "Yes, sir, the tech for this suit's functions simply doesn't exist yet, so…"
Per Stane's orders, they had three days to shrink the five-meter arc reactor to palm size and integrate it into an armored suit.
The damned suit—was Stane out of his mind?
William complained inwardly, but he didn't dare voice it. Compared to Stark, Stane's temper was far worse.
"What do you mean it doesn't exist?! William, the tech's right here! Just make it smaller—smaller!!"
The bald, bearded Stane loomed like a beast about to lash out.
"Yes, sir, I understand… but with our current tech, we simply can't—"
"Tony Stark built it in a cave! With a box of scraps!!" Stane roared.
"Sorry… I'm not Tony Stark…"
William grimaced.
"A bunch of idiots! I'd be better off doing it myself!!" Stane snapped.
If these fools couldn't make it, then he'd just have to do it himself.
(End of Chapter)
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