So this guy has recently been sharpening his sword against me?
But what meaning does that have for Saitama?
Even if he beats Atomic Samurai, what does that prove?
That I'm stronger than you?
Do I need to prove that?
"Don't worry, just—"
Like a limp mollusk, Saitama leaned against the chair, head drooping.
There wasn't the slightest bit of dignity or awareness befitting a top S-Class hero.
He looked more like a retired security guard uncle.
Atomic Samurai: "..."
The battle fervor in his belly was met with a closed door at Saitama's end, leaving him frustrated…
"Saitama! This test doesn't seem that difficult, huh? What are we eating tonight?"
At that moment, Bruce Banner walked out of the hall.
He had just finished the written test, feeling totally relaxed. The questions were simple, and barring surprises, he should secure a hero license.
He just didn't know what rank it would be.
"How about ramen? There's a new shop that just opened on the next street! Super good!"
The moment food was mentioned, it was as if Saitama got plugged into a power source, leaping off the chair in excitement.
"Oh right, we gotta call Genos too! Tonight we'll have a ramen contest—the loser pays!!"
"No problem, but right now I don't have money~~~" Bruce said awkwardly.
"Uh… why don't you borrow from Genos for now, then pay him later?" Saitama thought aloud.
"You don't have money?"
"Me? I've got no money."
Saitama replied helplessly.
Off to the side, Atomic Samurai broke out in a light sweat.
So, the challenge of a prestigious S-Class Rank 4 hero wasn't as important as a ramen shop opening next door?
Atomic Samurai almost wanted to go talk philosophy with the ramen shop owner.
"Well, young people should save some money—you never know when you'll need it."
Bruce, in the tone of an older man giving advice, reminded him—forgetting he himself was poorer and older than Saitama.
"True, that makes sense."
Suddenly enlightened, Saitama's eyes lit up as he turned to the annoyed Atomic Samurai.
"Oh! Atomic, didn't you just say you wanted to fight me?"
"Oh? Hahaha! You finally realized it? Let's have a duel between men, Saitama!"
Atomic Samurai instantly perked up, thrilled.
Right now, his ambition was sky-high—defeat Saitama and prove himself the strongest!
"No problem. How much?"
"Oh?!"
Atomic Samurai froze, not responding for a moment. "Wh-what do you mean, how much?"
"Our match. How much prize money if I win? Food's expensive these days—everything's gone up."
Saitama counted on his fingers, muttering.
Atomic Samurai's mouth twitched.
This had to be the first time in history someone asked for money before accepting a duel with an S-Class hero.
But as long as the baldy accepted, he didn't care what the condition was!
Heh, he wasn't short on cash anyway!
"How about fifty million yen?" Atomic Samurai offered.
The words had barely fallen before the bald slacker responded enthusiastically, "Deal! Fifty million yen… that's a lot. Bruce, are you ready?"
"Huh?"
Bruce Banner, lost in thought, blinked. "Ready for what?"
"Yeah!" Saitama pointed matter-of-factly at Atomic Samurai. "That's the famous Rank 4 S-Class Atomic Samurai! Beat him and your hero ranking will soar!"
"That's awesome! Thanks, Saitama! Hey, Samurai, let's fight!"
Bruce's eyes gleamed.
Now that his true nature had been unleashed, he was brimming with violent energy, blood boiling hot.
Atomic Samurai: "..."
He felt like a herd of alpacas was stampeding across his head, while countless curses circled his mind.
What the hell was this situation?
"What do you mean, Saitama? I invited you! This… this guy isn't even a licensed hero—he's not qualified to fight me!"
Atomic Samurai's brows furrowed, his face cold.
After all, he was Rank 4 of the S-Class, proud and aloof.
And here he was, getting played with like this?
"Bruce Banner is my good friend. He's very strong, and he just came today to take the hero exam. Our bet still stands—if he beats you, fifty million yen."
Saitama said.
Damn it!
"And if he loses?" Atomic Samurai's eyes glinted with menace. It had been a long time since he went wild—did they really think this Rank 4 S-Class was just for show?
"Bruce, fifty million yen. What if you lose?"
"Don't worry, I won't lose! Worst case, I'll work for him to pay it back!"
Bruce pounded his chest with confidence.
He was full of anticipation for this "very powerful" Atomic Samurai Saitama spoke of.
Just then—
Iaian and Bushidrill walked out of the hall, eyes wide.
"This guy really thinks he's something? So what if he's strong? Strength doesn't equal fighting ability!"
"Challenging our master—you'll have to get through us first, Iaian! Let's drag him down together!"
Seeing their master being challenged by a newbie, even the usually composed Iaian and Bushidrill flared with anger.
In an instant, they slid left and right, lunging forward.
Iaian drew his blade, flashing cold light.
Bushidrill's arm-drill screamed with a shrill whine.
"Young man, if you mess up Master's plans, I'll make you pay with your life!"
Atomic Samurai sneered, glancing at his disciples. "Don't go too far—just teach him a lesson…"
Boom!
A dull explosion.
Before he finished speaking, two figures were ripped apart mid-charge.
Bruce Banner's frame ballooned, muscles knotting, transforming into the Hulk!
The massive hand closed around Bushidrill like he was a chick.
The drill, strong enough to pierce thirty-centimeter alloy plates, couldn't even scratch Hulk's palm!
In midair, Iaian's face tightened, his eyes flashing cold.
"Iai Giri (Quick-Draw Slash)!"
Hum~~ A razor-thin line, the long blade slicing down Hulk's shoulder.
But to his shock, there was no spray of blood—two thick fingers pinched his blade.
"Oh!"
Hulk grinned, giving a sharp flick.
Iaian and Bushidrill were flung like rag dolls, smashing into the wall with a thunderous crash.
"Bruce is strong—you'd better be careful."
Saitama yawned, offering a casual warning.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For 20+ Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!]
[[email protected]/Draumel]
[Thank You For Your Support!]