CHAPTER 2:
King and Sweet Mask stood in the elevator waiting for it to arrive at the bottom floor. They were currently engaged in small talk.
"So… do I ever get stronger? Is there... a chance that I can train enough to live up to the legends my fans make up?" King asked.
"Perhaps, but the series wasn't finished by the time I woke up here. So I'd say it's fifty fifty, but most likely not since being overestimated by everyone is pretty much your main gimmick."
"Aww. So you don't really know?"
Sweet Mask shrugged. "Who knows. Technically anyone can get 'stronger' but actually being strong doesn't always amount to much success, like in Saitama's case. You have the most threatening presence and reputation of anyone in the Hero Association however, right next to Tatsumaki, that in itself is an achievement."
"Not by choice." King clarified.
"Maybe. But from my perspective that reputation is your main strength and form of power. Honestly given the circumstances and nature surrounding it I find it extremely difficult for you to catch up to the actual power society has envisioned for the S-Class hero King. You don't have the body, nor the determination. It's a completely utterly impossible task."
"Jee thanks." King said sarcastically.
"It's the unfortunate truth. But power comes in many forms, all humanoid or intelligent mysterious beings hesitate or back off when they encounter you. Wether you consider it good or terrible luck isn't really an issue. You have a pretty positive impact on society even without being actually strong. Like an actual feudal King, who's mere presence emits a sort of aura of power. That's a pretty neat in my book."
"I guess if you put it like that it sounds... neat... So every fight that's attributed to me winning was actually Saitama? That doesn't seem fair."
"Pretty much yeah. No one knows Saitama because it's a hobby for him, so he never actually sticks around after a fights over. The fact that you were coincidentally in the aftermath of so many his encounters is really absurd. I plan to make sure he gets credit for his heroism in the future though now that I'm here. He is the protagonist here after all. Well from my own perspective on things."
"Yeah... I'll have to make it up to him too somehow..."
"He does enjoy video games actually, we all could probably play together sometime." Sweet Mask mused.
"Good to know."
The hero duo exited the elevator and walked out into the main lobby, both looking rather suspicious with their hoodies worn over their heads.
"So uh, are you gonna call a ride or something?" King whispered.
"Yeah, helicopter is usually the fastest way around. We'll need to go to a few different places. I'll get to that. That sound alright?" He took out a phone.
"Err, I guess."
As Sweet Mask was calling a ride on the phone King became lost in thought.
Man I really don't want to go to the frontlines... maybe I should ask Isekai Mask if I can hide out somewhere until everything blows over.
"Hey- " King was interrupted by the sudden barrage of noises. As they exited the building a mysterious shouting something could be hewrd the moment they exited the building.
There was a small crowd of people nearby cowering and running away in fear. The source of this terror was from a purpled colored creature wearing protective boxing gear, small black horns horns poked out from his head guard piece.
"I am the Demonic Boxer! After winning countless tournaments in a brutal manner I have decided that only the strongest man in the world will be a worthy opponent!" He yelled out.
RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE!
The monsters eyes widened in surprise, hearing the familiar the infamous rumble of the Engine. He looked around frantically before his eyes found the source of the noise.
"Th-there you are! I challenge you King! One on one! Right now!" Demonic Boxer pointed to a hooded man, the source of the rumbling.
Probably The most bravest monster I've ever seen... suicidal maybe? Either way, I'll need to take care of this. King can only bluff... and who knows how long that will work for for someone who wants to challenge him. Good thing I'm here to save him from this.
Sweet Mask stepped forward, dropping down his hood. "Sorry, but I'll have to be your opponent instead."
"Wha-?!"
"Oh my god is that Sweet Mask?!" A female civilian noticed the light blue haired idol.
"Sweet Mask AND King are here?! We're saved!" Another civilian added.
"Tch! What's a pretty boy like you gonna- guh!"
The Demonic Boxer was silenced, his head sliced off before in an instant before he could realize what was happening. His body promptly slumped to the ground dead, along with his head. This minor display of violence was followed by the sound of a cheering crowd at the two top heroes.
Sweet Mask stared at the monsters corpse passively, narrowing his eyes.
That wasn't too hard... must've been a wolf or tiger. So this is the strength of A Class rank 1...? This newfound combat ability is pretty sweet, heh. I'm thankful for this isekai of mine into a canon character happened so smoothly... and including all those other neat skills and memories.
"Yeah! That was awesome!" Another civilian cheered.
Maybe I should try and pretend to be the real Sweet Mask for a little while. I don't think I should ignore my important positions in the Hero Association so fast... and that cheering really strokes my ego. Aha.
And because holding a position of power is a responsibility, one where people look up to me... that could be used for more good then if it was simply abandoned in an instant. Could also use some of those things for personal benefit too... of course.
Heh, there's a few girls here I might be able to visit and... sleep with. Discreetly of course, have to avoid a scandal though. Would I even be able to get away with a harem? This isn't a fantasy isekai where polygamy is sometimes easily accepted... might have to date girls in succession to get a better experience...
Beaut remembered suddenly, and he gave King a side glance. "Were you saying something earlier?"
The Engine continued its beat, but slowed down.
"N-nothing."
"Hmm."
"S-sweet Mask! I-I'm a really big fan, can I have your autograph?!" One of the nearby civilians ran up to ask him, it was a girl in her late teens.
"Of course." Beaut pulled out a pen from a pocket to sign her book.
Pretty face, but not a character I know. Gonna forget I met you, generic civilian person #62738.
"Sweet Mask. Can I get one too!?" Another fan of his came to ask for an autograph.
"Sure." He responded smoothly.
Might as well do this to burn some time. It's kinda fun.
With the helicopter still on the way and nothing better to do, Beaut decided to continue giving out autographs to pass the time. Meanwhile King just stood idly in place ignoring any who asked him, the increased pace of the Engine deterring many who were brave enough to ask.
Signing my name for all these people feels so surreal... and without having done a whole lot to earn it yet, besides that one monster kill. I guess... I won't feel as bad if I fill the previous masks shoes, for a little bit. Maybe. I'll see how I feel later, might change my mind if I get bored with it.
Soon enough Beaut and Kings ride came into sight, and he ended the signing with a last signature.
"Alright people! Me and King have something important to do so I'll have to stop for now. Please make way for the helicopter!" Beaut announced.
The civilians complied almost immediately, as the larger then average black helicopter landed in the front of the apartment building in front of the two.
King followed Beaut into the vehicle with his body rigid in movement, and his heart beat slowing rising again.
Beaut seemed to notice it, and he chuckled.
"Ha ha! Don't get so excited yet King! We have at least three stops before the main event takes place."
"Yeah..."
"S-sir! Where are we heading off to?" The pilot asked.
"Home, my... second estate. After that City Z, and then City A."
"Yes sir!" Behind the pilot a door closed, obscuring him from view within the helicopter.
"So you know King, that wall conveniently cancels out the noise, like a limo. Adds a bit of privacy for us to speak, and also it can be hard to drive with the King Engine blaring in your ears."
"S-sorry about that."
"No worries. The stops shouldn't take too long, hopefully."
Get outfit, pick up Saitama, call S-Class meeting, deal with the Monster Association, profit.
Once the main problem monsters are taken care of I can finally bask in the glory of my newfound riches. This world has a few nice ladies to mingle with...a couple martial artists... a couple mercenaries babes... not sure if I should do any of the heroes girls or not. That might cause a scandal... but Mizuki sure is sexy with her muscles, that might itself be worth the risk...
Fubuki and Tatsumaki on the other hand... I don't know... not sure if the risk reward for either of them is worth it or not. Both come with very distinctive pros and cons.
Tatsumaki was a pretty girl- and strong independent woman of twenty eight years old, and visually pleasing to look at. Although a little bit on the rough side in terms of personality, and... a bit short, she still has a pretty large appeal in the form of being the strongest psychic on the planet. Someone who most certainly could protect me in a pinch against the occasional dragon level threat that will inevitably threaten my life.
My own protection and well being isn't something to overlook here in a relationship... being an S-Class in terms of raw power, in any other relationship I'd be forced to take the lead, or be the protector. Although I could do that, I... wasn't so sure if that was the path I wanted to go here.
Fubuki might be a good choice at first glance due to her naturally voluptuous body and breasts... But any relationship might try to make with her would be slightly interfered with by a certain older sister, and Fubuki's own perspective on people might be odd to interact with now that I think about it, I don't think I Could ever engage with her in that sort of relationship...
Trying to rookie crush Saitama is a pretty big turn off for me, a despicable act that really made me dislike her personality when watching the show. Someone with the role as a hero shouldn't abuse that for personal gain or such vain reasons. Even if her overbearing sister had a hand in her personalities creation, attempting to mutilate a B Class is... unforgivable!
I'll make sure to advocate against rookie crushing in that interview later.
Tatsumaki at least is adorable in her rage and alienation of others, she has a reasonable excuse to do so in the form of a tragic backstory. And also justified in her sense of superiority. She is technically is the third strongest being on the planet after all, next to Blast and Saitama. That sort of power had a sex appeal all on its own... about on par with her sisters looks in that regard.
Now if I go the Tatsumaki route then I'd pretty much be foregoing the harem/multiple girls route permanently. Tatsumaki absolutely is not the type willing to share, or probably engage in any form of polygamy. I mean I could ask but the question itself might damage the chances of any possible relationship, or even her opinion of me as a person. I'm already treading on thin ice by existing at all.
That's not even taking into consideration the sheer difficulty and constant effort that would need to be put in in order to make any progress in romance... something I'm not so sure if I have the patience for... considering the other, possibly more attractive, and much easier options for girls around here...
Hmmm. Yeah, sorry Tatsumaki but Asami and Lin Lin's cheeks need some CLAPPING. Unfortunately Captain Mizuki's cheeks might be delayed due to her being a hero... not so sure a top hero fucking around with the lower hero classes gives off a good image me, regardless of wether I continue the Sweet Mask persona or not. Outsiders might be fine on the basis of not being directly involved in hero rankings. So by messing around with a bunch of girls randomly I might give off the vibe that I could be seduced for favors. Not exactly the look I'm going for.
Mizuki might be worth it though with those sweet sweet abs... but I'd have to genuinely date and get to know her personally if I want others to look at me in a good light. If I do end up interacting closely with her, or really any other hero girls.
So I can't have a bunch of one night stands with people on a whim... I need really romance a single girl first before I move onto the next one. Mizuki might be easy on the basis of a more simplistic physical based activity girl. So I'll start with her.
I'll try to see if I can become your friend though Tatsu. You and the rest of S Class are pretty badass, and might make interesting people to hang out with, an S Class relationship might stir up something weird so I'll leave that alone for now.
Aside from interpersonal relations and maybe a slow developing harem, I should take my newly inherited position more seriously with all that other stuff in mind. All things about my new responsibilities considered.
So what are the pros and cons of maintaining my celebrity status? Could it be more useful to society then simply to sell movies and merchandise?
A lot of people look up to me, and in a world where people transform into monsters spontaneously do to negative emotions, it might go a long way in helping people if I try to spread more positivity around with my reach to people.
Thinking about everything I could possibly do with that... maybe... I should become the perfect all powerful hero!
Thrust into a position of authority, respect, and a lot of benefits. I could easily be lazy and fool around with girls, do whatever the hell I want... but that would only be fun for so long. Although I plan to still do that, to a different degree, I could use another activity to keep me occupied and help society beyond my base instincts.
The original Sweet Mask said in the webcomic he couldn't become his ideal hero, whatever that meant, but I know that isn't the case. He was just too occupied with his stupid acting and singing jobs.
According to the memories Mask didn't train as much as he could have, and his celebrity based jobs took away from his personal life. So taking into consideration my foreknowledge, he relied too much on his naturally developed strength in his new beautiful form. He stagnated, comfortable with his position.
So... I'll forsake those old roles of a vain celebrity. And as I had thought about what I should do before when I first woke up, I'll reinforce it into my mind this time a clear plan and intentions. I'll publicly announce my resignation from certain idol activities with the interview I allowed to still happen, and proclaim my change of heart.
So I need to become stronger then... more than I already am. I do know a older martial artist that could help me with that by teaching me an advanced fighting technique.
I wonder why Mask didn't have Bang train him before, did he arrogantly think he was strong enough to fight literally any dragons solo? He certainly wasn't able to beat Führer Ugly that's for sure.
Peksy Clown, but not without that large sacrifice.
"Hey are you alright? You're kinda spacing out there." King suddenly said.
"Oh! Yeah I'm good. Just thinking about some things... say King, could I ask a favor?"
"What is it?"
"I have an interview scheduled later in the day. Would you mind giving a guest appearance on it?"
"... What for...?"
"I saw a few heroes try to newbie crush Saitama in the show. Although naturally it didn't work I'm concerned about that occurring to less powerful heroes. Do you think you could appear and maybe say something against that activity? And against infighting of heroes in general?"
"I don't know. That seems like... a lot of pressure to be on TV... in front of your entire fan base."
"It's just a few words to get the message out to the people and heroes. It'd be really impactful for the Strongest Man to say it. You only need to utter out a couple sentences, I could write the script and you only need read it for a minute or teo. Could you do that for me? It certainly would help out Saitama if he gets thrown to the lower ranks again."
"... Maybe."
...
The helicopter arrived at the estate some number of minutes later, and Beaut returned having retrieved his old outfit, a plain looking suit and cape.
"Sweet Mask used to wear that?" King inquired.
"Yeah. Looks good right!" Beaut struck a pose.
Kings eyes narrowed. Ever so slightly he could see a shine coming off him.
Huh, that's weird.
"It's okay I guess." King quickly responded. "Seems kinds bland though."
"Not exactly as fancy as something you'd think he would wear. But you know... 'I' wasn't always handsome."
"Y-yeah, I guess that makes sense. So City Z is next then?"
Beaut nodded. "Yeah. Saitama is an essential member of this operation, well, more of a trump card slash backup plan. Though honestly Tatsumaki could probably solo the entire base."
"Solo... oh uh. Don't you think calling the rest of the S Class would be redundant for this mission then? By how you say it, it sounds like Saitama and Tornado could take care of everything by themselves. Maybe we should just bring Tornado and Saitama, then let the other heroes keep protecting their respective cities instead?"
"Oh. Yeah that's a good point... although the Monster Association still is in its development phase. If we strike hard and early with our strongest members then the enemies will have zero chance of victory or esfape. They didn't plan on attacking multiple cities at once until like... umm, I think a year or so later in the timeline if I'm remembering it right. So no need to worry on that front of making sure the cities are safe."
"Besides." Beaut continued. "If we go in ourselves with just the three of us I'll have to see if I can contact Tatsumaki when we're in the City. I doubt she would listen if I called for her specifically, even if it was to fight monsters, but she'd probably listen to the Strongest Man requesting backup from her personally right?"
"O-oh yeah. A meeting sounds good."
...
City Z
Knock* *Knock*
The door opened, revealing a plain looking bald man. The real strongest man on earth.
"Hi. Who is this?" He asked simply.
"I'm Sweet Mask, and this here is my friend King. We're both professional heroes."
"Oh, that's cool... Why are you here?"
"Well you see mister Saitama, I've noticed you engage in a lot of hero work on the side. But you're not registered in the Hero Association, which might cause some issues."
"I didn't even know there was one... and why is that a problem?"
"Because you're not registered as a quote on quote 'official' hero, society won't recognize you as one. They'll just think you're some weirdo or cosplayer with a suit, and because you don't stick around after your fights the credit goes to someone else almost always. At the moment, absolutely no one knows who you are besides us two."
"W-woah really?! I didn't know."
"Yeah. This is essentially job recruitment, as a registered hero you'll essentially get paid to do what you've already been doing so you don't need to worry about a drastic lifestyle change. Plus with the job comes with some benefits, like grocery sales-
"So when do we start?"
"Technically, you need to go through the Hero Examination and take the written test to get in... but since we're both high ranking heroes and I hold something akin to executive position we can just vouch for you to get in. Although for boring legal stuff you still need to fill out some paperwork. If you don't mind that."
King never needed to take any tests, so there's no real point to Saitama taking any either. Since my strict standards for heroes is well known, and King is here, it will be unlikely that anyone will resist Saitama's inclusion in the upper ranks.
"Oh. Sure, I'm not sure if I want any special treatment. When is the exam?"
"Not for another few weeks. Since the wait is still pretty long we can just head to the main base and get you registered directly. Actually there's something else you should know too for after that."
"What is it?"
"There's a large base of monsters underneath this place. Since me and King here just found out about it we'll need to report it back to base, and them stage an invasion of it together with some other heroes. We can get you signed up real, and then we'll go straight to fighting monsters."
"Oh really?! That sounds pretty interesting. Though how come you guys just came here now?"
"I actually wanted your assistance for when we all strike together against said monster base I mentioned before. Often professional heroes team up to take down larger threats they might not be able to take on their own. This one is particularly dangerous."
"Really? Well I don't see any reason not to. Alright! Sounds good, let me get ready then- Oh uh, what's that weird noise coming from that guy." Saitama pointed at King.
Rumble! Rumble!
"That's... just his heartbeat."
"Huh. Okay." And he closed the door.
Haha! Job well done. Now in most circumstances Saitama might be rather passive in listening, but fyer mentioning his lack of reputation, and the sales benefits of being a hero I was able to quickly and easily acquire his attention. God, he has such a plain looking face. Not one once of emotion... how... lonely. Maybe I'll see if I can ship him with Tatsumaki. Hahahahaha...
"So that's Saitama. Any thoughts?"
"He looks kinda... bland. But I do feel like I recognize him a bit like you said. I just had to squint a little to see it."
"Of course. After this we'll head back to the Association base. Then we'll be able to gather everyone for the main attack. You King... could probably stick to sidelines or in the back, and feign being tired from having gathered intelligence for me. While in the meeting about the base itself I can explain battle strategy and match ups against the cadres if, if we ever need it. It'd be good to inform them just in case some get loose."
"So I can hide easier, and you have a realistic explanation for your knowledge of them. That's pretty good." King mused.
"It's a plan. Not sure if the battle will last long though since we'll be heading in fully prepared. But that's the idea, the enemy is no slouch either. They're big hitters are pretty crazy... so I might need to bribe Saitama to be serious from the get go."
King nodded.
Mmmm, slow but otherwise good progress. Baby steps, one by one until the problems are done, and so once that is out of the way I can finally be free to seduce my first waifu of this world, Mizuki.