Chapter 7: Tatsumaki is Pissed
Right now, Tatsumaki was extremely pissed off.
She was already unhappy that her mission target had been snatched right out from under her nose, but then that damn Scarface had the audacity to challenge her!
For years, Tatsumaki had sat comfortably at Rank 2 of the S-Class. This was the first time anyone had dared to provoke her so arrogantly.
But that wasn't even the main point. The main point was that instead of prioritizing their duel, that hateful King had gone off to do other things!
After going home to stew in her anger, she got madder the more she thought about it. So, she stormed straight into the Hero Association Headquarters, demanding that they summon King immediately for a fight.
At first, Sitch tried to stall, reasoning that King probably had important matters to attend to and shouldn't be disturbed so casually.
But that just made Tatsumaki angrier. She used her psychokinesis to grab random objects and start smashing them around the office. Sitch, having no spine to stand up to her, had no choice but to call King.
Please... Mr. King, hurry up and get here...
I really can't control this problem child anymore!
Just then, the main doors of the Hero Association Headquarters slid open. Two figures walked in.
Seeing the iconic blonde hair and the three jagged scars on his face, Tatsumaki—who was currently fuming—instantly locked onto her target.
"I didn't think you'd actually dare to show up, King! Come on! Let's take this outside!"
Hearing this, Sitch nearly had a heart attack.
Bro, are you kidding me?
The Hero Association's "Ultimate Weapon"—the world's strongest Esper—versus the "Strongest Man on Earth." If these two fought, wouldn't they wipe the entire city off the map?!
Seeing that he couldn't talk sense into Tatsumaki, Sitch turned his desperate gaze to Kenji, leaning in to whisper:
"Mr. King, how about you two just talk it out? If you actually fight, the consequences... it wouldn't be good."
Kenji glanced at him, then waved his hand calmly, his voice steady and deep:
"No problem. If she wants to fight, I'll entertain her anytime."
Why are you adding fuel to the fire too?!
Sitch mentally collapsed.
This damn Hero Association... every single S-Class hero is crazier than the last! I can't manage any of them!
Seeing the tension between King and Tatsumaki reaching a breaking point, Sitch didn't dare intervene further. His eyes drifted to the person who had walked in with King.
The first thing that caught his eye was a shiny bald head, followed by a generic, "mob character" face, and finally, a mustard-yellow jumpsuit that screamed "amateur."
Although the guy looked like a total weakling no matter how you squinted, Sitch remembered that King had brought him. He asked cautiously:
"Mr. King, who might this be?"
Kenji, who was currently in a standoff with Tatsumaki, turned his head and introduced Saitama to Sitch.
"This is a powerhouse I brought with me. He's here to take the Hero Certification Exam. I can guarantee you: his strength is absolutely not inferior to mine."
When that last sentence dropped, everyone in the room widened their eyes. Sitch's jaw practically hit the floor.
Someone the "Strongest Man on Earth" admits is on par with him? Is he really that terrifying?!
If King wasn't lying, then the Hero Association was about to gain another trump card of equal caliber.
Excitement surged in Sitch's heart. He immediately put on a welcoming smile and ushered Saitama toward the reception room, personally arranging the exam details.
Although the monthly scheduled exam wasn't happening today, for someone who might be as strong as King—and to give King face—it was worth setting up a private special exam.
Saitama was initially confused by the fuss, but the moment the Hero Association staff brought out free drinks and a fruit platter, his eyes instantly filled with "Wisdom."
Watching Saitama frantically inhaling fruit under the principle of "if it's free, eat it," Kenji turned his attention back to Tatsumaki.
Just as he was about to speak, a system notification chimed in his ear.
[Ding! Congratulations Host, you have triggered a Choice Event.]
[Option 1: Display the charisma of the Strongest Man on Earth. Fight S-Class Rank 2, Tatsumaki, and show the world the true weight of your title. Crush her arrogant and conceited ego, and teach her that "there is always a sky beyond the sky."]
Reward: Random High-Level Ninjutsu x1, Taijutsu Auto-Training Card x2.
[Option 2: Avoid the edge. Choose to endure and hide your strength until you can completely crush Tatsumaki with zero effort. Play the role of the hidden "Dragon King" protagonist, learn to swallow your pride, and enjoy a life of smirking from the shadows.]
Reward: Stat Points x1000.
Hm? I can get rewards by triggering options?
Kenji realized he still knew too little about this Gold Finger of his. Or maybe the system was just painfully minimalist and required him to figure things out on his own.
He quickly scanned the two options and chose Option 1 without hesitation.
Are you kidding? The atmosphere is already this tense. If I choose to hide now, how am I any different from a cowardly turtle?
Besides, while both rewards were good, Option 1 offered uncertain but potentially massive gains. If he pulled a good skill, the return would be huge.
Option 2 offered stats, which were nice and reliable, but the mindset didn't fit Kenji.
Not my style. Rejected.
[Ding! Congratulations Host, you have selected Option 1.]
Seeing Kenji suddenly standing there motionless, Tatsumaki felt like she was being ignored again. She clenched her small fists, her psychic aura swirling around her like a storm.
"Scarface... you are really cocky!"
Tatsumaki nearly lost control of her temper right there, but she managed to hold back. she pointed a finger toward the exit, her voice icy cold.
"Get out there. We're going to the outskirts to settle this properly. I'll teach you the consequences of provoking me!"
Facing the arrogant and conceited Esper, Kenji crossed his arms. His majestic, intimidating face remained expressionless.
"Come on then. I also want to see the true strength of the Strongest Esper. Don't disappoint me."
The thought of fighting an opponent on the same level as Tatsumaki made Kenji's heart beat faster involuntarily.
DOOM! DOOM! DOOM! DOOM-DOOM-DOOM!!
The engine-like heartbeat instantly resonated through the entire hall. Each thud felt like a heavy war hammer striking the souls of everyone present, creating a suffocating pressure.
But Tatsumaki didn't care about that.
A few seconds later, two streaks of green light shot out of the Hero Association doors, racing toward the uninhabited outskirts of the city.