Even the Atomic Samurai at his peak absolutely couldn't withstand Hulk's furious punch.
The only way to resist was by unloading the force.
But now, even lifting a single finger was difficult for him. His face was swollen like a pig's head, black and blue, with no trace of the world's greatest swordsman's demeanor.
A figure appeared in front of Atomic Samurai.
Yellow tight suit, shiny bald head, already carrying an imposing presence.
Facing the brutal Hulk, Saitama calmly extended his palm.
Fist met palm.
Bang!
The shockwave rolled out, blowing Atomic Samurai's spirit into awe.
Saitama didn't move an inch, but his face grew serious.
This power… it had already surpassed before. It seemed that Atomic Samurai had injured him, pushing him into rage, losing control. This was trouble!
"Stop, Bruce!"
With just a slight squeeze of his fingers, Saitama locked Hulk's fist.
Then, with a sharp lift—
Before the nearly bug-eyed stares of countless pro heroes—
The fearsome, terrifying green giant who had made Atomic Samurai's face twitch in fear—
Was lifted high into the air with one hand!
Saitama lifted Hulk single-handedly!
The sight was too shocking!
For a moment—
Everyone tilted their heads back, mouths wide enough to fit two eggs.
"This… this baldy is the real monster, right?!"
"Who the hell told me Saitama was a freeloader king? I swear I'll beat them to death right now!"
"Hiss—this bald strength… even more terrifying than Bruce's?!"
"Damn! S-Class Rank 2's invincible might!"
"My Saitama is the best!"
"Saitama is so handsome! Aniki, I want to have your babies!!"
…
The crowd erupted, some even going crazy with excitement.
All along, they thought Saitama had only risen by freeloading.
He didn't dare accept Atomic Samurai's challenge, just afraid of losing face.
But now—who dared say Atomic Samurai was stronger than Saitama? Whoever did, the other pro heroes were ready to fight them!
From behind, Iaian and Bushidrill staggered forward.
Seeing this scene, they exchanged glances and gave bitter smiles.
They had always wanted to surpass Saitama.
But now it was clear.
Forget surpassing Saitama—compared to Bruce, even their so-called "godlike" Atomic Samurai couldn't measure up.
That baldy… was truly a legendary existence.
Boom—
The Hulk, held high, was slammed into the ground by Saitama.
The earth quaked violently, smoke rising as Hulk roared like a beast.
Losing control?
But before he could climb up, Saitama leapt high and pressed him down hard.
The terrifying force caused the ground within a hundred meters to collapse, countless buildings shattering and crumbling like a natural disaster!
Saitama squatted on Hulk's chest, raising his fist, dead-fish eyes filled with irritation.
Hulk roared, struggling desperately to rise, but no matter how hard he strained, he couldn't move.
As Saitama's fist slowly rose, fear flickered in Hulk's furious eyes.
Then clarity returned.
His body shrank rapidly.
"Wait wait wait!! Saitama, I-I was wrong! It's me, Bruce!! Stop, please!!"
The scientist Bruce Banner begged for mercy again and again.
The scene made people want to spit blood.
A few minutes ago, Bruce had smashed Atomic Samurai to such a miserable state.
Yet now, in front of Saitama, he was just a weak middle-aged uncle, with no pride at all.
Of course—
These onlookers were just speaking from the sidelines.
If they too had been punched to the moon by Saitama, they'd probably change their worldview real quick.
"Bruce, hurry up and change clothes. We're going for ramen. Call Genos too!"
In a good mood, Saitama jumped off Bruce, while the middle-aged uncle scrambled to change clothes.
Thanks to his transformation, dressing was unusually difficult.
After all, he was stuck with a bargain-bin outfit recommended by some lazy friend.
Because he was poor!
From afar—
A bald cape-wearer and a greasy middle-aged uncle in cheap street clothes… what a strange pair.
But among those present, not a single one dared laugh.
Instead, their gazes toward Saitama and Bruce brimmed with admiration and respect.
"Now that's a master!"
"A true master! Not bound by appearances!"
"See? Strength is proven through time."
"Uncle Bruce is awesome too. Where can I buy the same outfit?"
"To become strong, you have to start from the bottom!"
…
Saitama and Bruce probably didn't even realize.
Because of their antics—
A bald-headed trend and shabby streetwear craze suddenly swept through the Hero Association.
Sometimes, looking across the association, you'd see a dense crowd of bald heads.
Ask them about it, and they'd say:
"What are you staring at?! Careful or I'll punch you! My boss is Saitama, got it?!"
"By the way, check on Atomic Samurai."
As he passed Iaian and Bushidrill, Saitama kindly reminded them.
The two proud near-S-Class heroes felt sour in their hearts.
Atomic Samurai, barely struggling to his feet, his face dark as coal.
"Oh, and don't forget to remind your master—fifty million yen, don't forget!"
As Saitama casually said this before leaving—
"Pffft—!"
Atomic Samurai, who had been barely holding himself upright, finally couldn't hold it anymore.
Blood spurted out!
Regret!
That cut deep!
Leaving the Hero Association, in high spirits, Saitama took Bruce and invited Genos along. Together, they went to the newly opened Ichiraku Ramen and ate to their heart's content.
The next day—
A piece of news swept through the Hero Association like a storm!
"No way… you're kidding me, right?!"
"Am I blind?! Are you sure this ranking is real?!"
"Damn it! Who the hell ever heard of a pro hero named Bruce Banner?!"
"I protest!"
"I protest, the Hero Association is totally unfair! Completely biased!"
Early in the morning, the association headquarters buzzed like boiling water.
Countless heroes visiting from out of town stared dumbfounded at the latest rankings.
S-Class Rank 1: Tornado of Terror
S-Class Rank 2: Saitama
S-Class Rank 3: Silver Fang
S-Class Rank 4: Bruce Banner
S-Class Rank 5: Child Emperor
S-Class Rank 6: Atomic Samurai
S-Class Rank 7: Kamikaze
…
"Who can explain to me what the hell this S-Class Rank 4 is about?!"
A wail resounded through the hall, drowning out all other voices.
(End of Chapter)
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