Hey readers been a while, I've been busy with IRL stuff that needs to be taken care of first, and I decided that this match length won't be as long as I decided the quality of the match will deteriorate the longer, I tried to make it longer than it has to be due to the two fighters fighting here. I rather have something short but high quality over something long and low quality, enjoy.
After the heartbreaking match with Heracles, Brunhild and Geir walked through the hallway in silence as they got ready for the next match. But it was only silent until Geir spoke up. "Big Sis." Geir soon called out as Brunhild paused walking and turned back to Geir with a raised eyebrow. "Why is it that the Gods want to wipe out Humanity so much to begin with?" She asked softly. "So much now, that they're even going as far to break their own rules to do so." She added in.
"It's rather simple Geir, the reason why the Gods wanted to wipe out Humanity is because for all the virtues and light the Gods like to cast upon themselves, they also see Humanity as a mirror to their dark side as well." Brunhild said as Geir looked confused.
"What do you mean?" Geir asked.
"There are many Gods who condemned Humanity for the current state that the world is right now, various species now dead, pollution at a level never before seen, global warming, and more." Brunhild started off. "However; if you think about it logically, since Gods created Humanity and Humanity's a product of the Gods then that also means Mankind's wasted poison a product of the Gods too." She said to Geir.
"That's…" Geir never really considered it that way before, so in a twisted sense of irony, the Gods created Humans, but they destroyed the Earth basically and they blame Humanity for everything, but considering the destructive urges of the Gods as well as their blatant cruelty. Was it all that surprising that Humanity would copy the actions of their Creators and show the Gods a reflection of who they are?
"It's very much Human Nature for Humans to blame one another for the crimes that have been done." Zelretch rumbled as he approached the Valkyries. "Therefore, instead of simply realizing that the Gods themselves are also responsible for the state of Earth, they simply picked the best patsy and blame it all on Humanity." Zelretch replied.
"But that's…" Geir did not know what to think of it.
"At the very least, that's what I believe." Zelretch said. "We can argue motives later, because for as flawed Humans can be…I still think there's something special and worth saving about them." Zelretch said with a smile, the same kind of smile Alucard had when thinking about the Humans who defeated him.
"There is something special about Humanity." Brunhild nodded in agreement. "But that won't matter now if we don't win this tournament, come now, we need to pick up our next fighter." She said as the other two nodded.
"Do we know who's fighting next?" Geir asked as Brunhild took out her device and saw who it was being announced.
"They're now sending out Shiva now to fight." Brunhild said seriously as everyone else nodded. "He's not going to be an easy foe to defeat." She warned Zelretch.
"Originally I had planned on having Kenshiro fight him, but Zeus swapped out with Shiva." Zelretch said before he smirked. "But this is now a good time to use the fighter that I had planned to use for Zeus, a certain One Punch Man if all of you know?" He added in with a knowing look.
"Saitama?" Geir asked for clarification before she thought about it. "Yeah, that makes sense, Saitama should do." Geir replied as Geir then texted out a message to Saitama to let him know he was going up next.
"I suppose the more important question is what kind of cheating the Gods might do to make it easier for themselves." Zelretch hummed as the Valkyries looked in worry.
XXXXX
"So, who are these guys?" Saitama asked the woman in front of her as the pair simply stood in a hallway surrounded by the bodies of people smashed all over the hallway around them. Earlier Saitama was going to meet up with his Valkyrie partner and he did, but suddenly assassins came out of nowhere to try and take them out. If it were anyone else among the fighters, save for possible Touma and Hibiki; they would have died instantly. But Saitama was really indifferent about them.
"I don't know, perhaps they came to try and prevent you from fighting or cripple you to some extent would be my guess" The woman next to him rumbled as she was none other than Saitama's partner, Thrud, the third eldest of the Valkyrie sisters. She was a statuesque woman of with a muscular built, and when compared to Saitama, made him look absolutely miniscule. And she had a single braid of pink hair which came down the right side of her head.
"Really now? They're going to go this far to try and pull one over us?" Saitama asked curiously as he poked one of the knocked-out assassins with his gloved finger.
"We have humiliated the Gods with our victories in all of our matches thus far." Thrud pointed out. "Gods as a general rule of thumb are incredibly prideful and when someone attacks that pride, they more often than not strike down the person who insulted that pride." Thrud explained.
"That's stupid, you can't kill anyone just because they happen to offend your pride." Saitama said very bluntly to Thrud who was very amused by what she heard. She wasn't sure what to think when she had been partnered up with Saitama, while he wasn't the kind of guy she would exactly fall in love, he had numerous other positive qualities that made him just as wonderful.
"I know, well enough about that, we got an entire race to save so let us perform our Volund Ritual." Thrud said as Saitama nodded as they held hands and Thrud glowed brightly before she became a weapon most fitting for Saitama.
XXXXX
"So, Loki, what is it you wanted me to be here for?" Shiva asked as he entered Loki's room which kind of annoyed him as he wanted to get ready for his fight, though he was not exactly in the highest of spirits considering how the last match went. "This better be worth my time." He groused out.
"It's rather simple, you know about Norse Berserkers, right?" Loki questioned calmly with a smile as Shiva raised an eyebrow.
"Everyone knows about them, basically get them some drugs and soon they will do nothing but focus on battle, why?" Shiva questioned.
"This drug here." Loki said as he made an herb appear in his hand. "Is basically a drug that can replicate that but not in the way you're thinking, basically this gives an overall physical boost to your strength and dulls the pain nerves in your head." Loki explained as Shiva raised an eyebrow.
"Side Effects?" He questioned Loki.
"None and best of all after it's done and after, it helps numb pain allowing you to get treatment without your body going into shock." He explained.
"I see. But why are you giving it to me?" Shiva asked suspiciously.
Loki lost his smile as he turned into a frothing monster. "You saw how we are losing, right now we need to gain our victory right here and right now and I could give less of a shit over which of us done in Humanity. But as long as we win, we're good." He snarled.
"So, this should give me the edge huh?" Shiva commented as he took the herb. "Normally I would be against it, but all the Humans that the Valkyries have sent out have been absolute monsters, and this guy can't leave his family fatherless and husbandless either." Shiva said as he took the herb.
"Excellent then." Loki said with a nasty smirk as Shiva walked off then.
"Don't get me wrong, this is dirty, but we started playing dirty the moment we changed the rules to suit us." Shiva said. "Besides my family does come first." Shiva said as he walked off to attend his fight.
XXXXX
"AND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE ARE BACK TO THE FIFTH ROUND OF REGARNAROK!" Heimdall announced loudly to everyone in the stage. "SO FAR WE HAVE SEEN AN UNPRECEDENTED WIN RECORD SET BY HUMANITY! RAGNA THE BLOODEDGE TRIUMPHED OVER THOR, KENSHIRO BROUGHT DOWN ZEUS TO HEEL, SLAYER OF DEMONS CUT POSEIDON DOWN TO BITS, AND JUST RECENTLY ALUCARD HAD BROUGHT DOWN THE GOD; HERACLES!" Heimdall announced to the audience.
Then before them were screens that showcased the highlights of each fight and the end of the fight before it showed a scoreboard which showed that the Gods stood at zero and Humanity stood at four, giving them the unprecedented advantage if it were a normal tournament. However, the Gods now changed that to make it so Humanity had to win all thirteen fights instead, which upset a lot of Humanity.
"AND NOW WE BEGIN OUR INTRODUCTIONS!" Heimdall shouted. "THE FIFTH CHAMPION IS A MAN WHO GAINED UNBELIEVABLE STRENGTH AND POWER AFTER THREE YEARS OF TRAINING FOR EVERY SINGLE DAY! HE BECAME SO STRONG THAT JUST ABOUT EVERY MONSTER HE FACED WAS DEFEATED IN ONE PUNCH! TO MANY HE IS SIMPLE CAPED BALDY, TO OTHERS HE'S KNOWN AS SOMEONE WHO IS A HERO JUST FOR FUN, BUT TO OTHER HE'S KNOWN AS ONE PUNCH MAN!" Heimdall said excitedly as the battlefield changed to suit a coliseum before Humanity's gate opened up to reveal their next Champion. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I BRING TO YOU SAITAMA!" He shouted as all of Humanity cheered loudly for Saitama as he came out looking about as calm as ever in the face of all these cheers, though he did have a small smile on his face for the cheers he got.
"Hello." He greeted everyone casually as he waved to his side.
"AND FACING THE HERO IS THIS GOD! CREATING AND DESTROYING THE WORLD ON A WHIM, CREATION AND DESTRUCTION, DESTRUCTION AND CREATION! THE WORLD IS CLEARLY THIS GOD'S PLAYTHING!" Heimdall shouted. "WHAT IS IT THAT HE DESIRES? THERE'S NO REASONING! THERE'S NO ARGUING! THOSE WHO DON'T INTEREST HIM RECEIVE NOTHING BUT DESTRUCTION! REPRESENTING FOR THE GODS IS… SHIVA!"
"It's finally my turn, it's about damn time for me to destroy." Shiva said, getting pumped.
Now the battle for the Fifth Round of Ragnarök begins, between Shiva the Destroyer and Saitama the One Punch Man.
"Master, you can do it! Show everyone your true capability!" Genos, Saitama's Disciple yelled loudly.
"Saitama, win for us and show Humanity that you are no Faker." King said quietly.
"I can't believe we're relying on the Baldy to fight for all of Humanity." Tornado sighed out. "But I suppose he was picked for a reason after all."
"Win Saitama." Was all Fubuki had to say and all she really needed to say in her opinion.
"Saitama, you defeated countless monsters, aliens, criminals, and more, don't fail here when the stakes are higher than ever before." Silver Fang said calmly with a look of concentration.
"Have faith in Saitama, he has yet to fail us yet so far." Bomb, Silver Fang's older brother spoke up with a calm look. "Saitama is bar none, one of the strongest men to ever exist, he shall not fail us here." He said with complete assurance.
"Indeed, Saitama is strong." Flashy Flash spoke. "Even if his technique is unrefined, he has more than any physical prowess and the likes to make up for it, and he' just as tough as he is strong, Saitama will not fail us here." Flashy Flash declared.
"Saitama is a True Hero; he won't fail us." Mumen Rider chimed in as well. "He's willing to do what's necessary for others, and he will continue to do so here." He said to his fellow Heroes.
"You better not lose here Saitama; you've done too much now to lose to some loser God." Speed-o'-Sound Sonic hissed out darkly. "You defeated me multiple times, it would be a disgrace to me if you were beaten here so don't you dare lose."
"Saitama show them the pride and power of a real Hero like yourself!" Sweet Mask yelled to Saitama. "Show these Gods what it means to mess with a Hero!"
"Come on Saitama, you got this in the bag!" Forte shouted as well. "Don't give them one inch of ground!"
"I hope this fight goes well Saitama for the fate of Humanity now lies in your hand, and I don't expect you to fail in the least." Dr. Genus said with a smile. "No doubt about it, you will rise to become an outstanding hero and prove yourself worthy like the ones that came before you."
"I admit this is going to heart wrenching, but you got heart and power where it matters." Suriyu said.
"You already defeated once before Saitama; don't you dare lose to a mere God." Garou snarled.
On the Gods' side of the audience, Shiva's family of Durga, Parvati, Kali, and Ganesha were all cheering loudly for him in their own ways.
"Fight Shiva! You can do it!" Durga yelled out.
"We believe in you so don't falter!" Parvati also added in.
"Win our first and only Victory in this tournament!" Kali chimed in.
"Come on father, show that human what for!" Ganesha yelled very loudly.
"Ready to be destroyed Human?" Shiva asked with a slightly savage grin on his face, though if one paid a bit closer attention, they could notice his veins bulging a bit.
"I just have a question." Saitama said as Shiva raised an eyebrow but motioned him to continue. "Why are you going this far to wipe out Humanity?" He asked very casually.
"Huh? Isn't obvious? You guys are absolute bastards, you keep on sinning and sinning, that guiding you lot is too much of a massive pain. You Humans keep on finding newer and newer ways to sin and make lives miserable that your entire race is beyond salvation." Shiva stated. "That's why we're going to wipe you out and begin again." He finished.
And it would hardly be a second when he finished speaking that Saitama moved too fast for anyone's eyes to follow and Saitama delivered a punch to Shiva's chest and sent him deep into a groove across the arena away from him. And the sheer ease that Saitama did this shocked just about every Human and God in attendance, albeit for their own reasons.
For Humans, they had never seen or heard of anyone capable of what Saitama had done. As for Gods, they were shocked and horrified that the Valkyries sent out another Monster in Human flesh and he seemed to be doing all of this fighting effortlessly.
"Are you stupid? You can't go around wiping out our entire race just because it's too hard guiding Humanity; even delinquents aren't that rude." Saitama chastised.
"What the?!" Hermes muttered in shock.
"That strength." Hades said softly with widened eyes. 'For some reason, it reminds me somewhat of what Zeus could do…but even greater than he could pull.' He thought to himself.
Ares, who had just come back from mourning the loss and death of Hercules could only let his jaws drop in shock of what he saw before him.
Odin, Loki, and Odin's Ravens were stunned at what they saw as they had known that that the Humans picked were strong but they never saw anyone who effortlessly punched Shiva down so easily and had their own worries.
Shiva's own family were shocked and greatly worried for him.
Shiva groaned as he jumped right back up ready for a fight as he cracked his neck. 'Damn if I hadn't taken that crap Loki handed me, I would have already been in immense pain already.' Shiva thought to himself as he took a deep breath and got into a combat pose. "Don't underestimate me!" He shouted at Saitama, who look deadpanned still.
"Okay." Saitama said before he moved fast and struck hard at Shiva, who instantly put up his guard as he was able to predict where Saitama would hit him and took preemptive action to strike him first with a Cross Counter. Where he was able to land a clean blow on Saitama, but Saitama didn't notice the impact and struck his gut causing major stress to Shiva's abdomen and send him skidding across the ground before he stopped himself.
Despite the damage he took, Shiva couldn't help but grin excitedly at what was happening. Right… now this… is how a brawl should be!" Shiva shouted in excitement as he charged at Saitama as he used his Trump Card right away, the War Dance; Hidden Treasure of Svarga.
Saitama got ready and struck at what he assumed to be Shiva but to his own small surprise, he only hit an afterimage and Shiva started chanting very hard to push his body to make sure that Saitama could not keep up with him.
Saitama tried to hit the right Shiva but he always barely slipped away from Saitama's punches or hit the wrong image before he noticed that Shiva was making a punch for him and he blocked the attack with his own fists, which resulted in a dispersal of wind comparable to that of a high-powered tornado as everyone watching the match struggled to keep their eyes on the fight.
Shiva then let out a barrage of blows upon Saitama's face, who blocked the entire barrage with his own speedy prowess, and seeing that he was getting nowhere with the assault he was landing on Saitama, quickly swept his leg at Saitama's legs and tripped him up before he unleashed a pair of powerful strikes with his right arms and sent Saitama skidding away towards the end of the arena, and causing Shiva to rush after him to beat him down.
"So, this is the power of the Hindu God of Destruction." Brunhild noted with sweat on her forehead as she grinned somewhat weakly at what she saw.
"So much power being thrown around like it's nothing." Geir noted with concern as she ducked under to avoid the wind being blown around. "At their level of strength, those two could probably tear apart multiple cities and the likes with ease."
Saitama was soon able to regain his footing and started engaging in Shiva into an all-out duel of rapid jabs as Saitama was faster but Shiva had more arms, so they were able to perfectly counter each other blow for blow before both of them stopped at the same moment to unleash for a strong punch, they forgo any form of defense within that moment to strike the other down and both did so successfully.
Shiva and Saitama were both sent skidding away from one another as they prepared for combat. Shiva was breathing heavily in excitement at what he was seeing. 'Incredible, absolutely incredible! This guy is tanking everything I got and no matter what I do, I can't seem to land any serious hits even when I use my War Dance to give me an advantage of speed. He's even keeping up more easily than the rest!' He thought to himself excitedly. "You're very strong, quite possibly the strongest warrior I've met to date." Shiva praised.
'This guy.' Saitama thought to himself as he still looked unemotional as ever. 'He kind of reminds me of Boros and Garou.' He thought to himself. "Cool you're pretty tough." He complimented.
"LET'S GO!" Shiva shouted as he charged at Saitama with all the speed he could muster as Saitama matched him for speed. With Fighters going at their highest speed, they became blurs to everyone else, ordinarily Shiva would not have been able to accomplish this, but the drug that Loki gave him allowed him to push his body beyond its limits without issues and was the only thing that honestly gave Shiva any chance of fighting Saitama.
And when Shiva used his War Dance to get around Saitama by confusing him with his afterimages, but Saitama countered his afterimages with his own afterimages, of which Saitama produced great quantity than Shiva had, shocking him to no end as Saitama used the chance to land glancing blows at Shiva while using the technique, before Shiva was able to get lucky and grab Saitama and stop his afterimages.
But Saitama spun his legs around and kicked Shiva hard in the face while still grabbing onto Saitama. This resulted in Saitama unleash a hail of kicks onto Shiva as he still held onto his body until Shiva was forced to let go when Saitama kicked him in the abdomen and knocked out all the air in his body before Saitama got some distance and noticed that part of his outfits that were touched by Shiva was sizzling and somewhat melting.
That was a side effect of Shiva's War dance, the effect known as Tandava, in which due to his intense dancing, Shiva's body starts to superheat to the point that he starts to combust which increases the power of his blows and burn his foe. But due to Saitama's own toughness, Tandava has no such effect on Saitama's body whatsoever, rendering that ability of Shiva fruitless against him.
"Huh, it's kind of lukewarm." Saitama noted before he reacted and grabbed Shiva's arms before swinging him around and sent him into the ground before kicking him hard in the guts, causing Shiva to be sent skidding away from Saitama as he gasped and then coughed out blood from his mouth as he slowly got back up to continue the fight. But even he couldn't ignore how Saitama could simply shrugged off the heat of his attacks like it was nothing at all.
"You're really fucking tough, you know that?" Shiva noted before Saitama rushed in and spin kicked him in the shoulder and dislocating his limb and causing Shiva to grit his teeth as he used his dislocated limb to grab the ground and used the force form the kick to revert back to normal.
"Yeah, I am." Saitama said as Shiva charged straight at him with all four of him limbs and initiated his war dance to try and strike Saitama but Saitama once again either blocked or dodged most of Shiva's attacks with ease as Shiva tried to get the edge on Saitama but was making no clear head against him before Shiva jumped back panting in exhaustion.
"Damn looks like I can't afford to just use my fists then." Shiva said before he roared. "Come to me! Shiva Kavacha!" He roared as armor formed around him and he smirked as he tightened his grip. "I'll be taking you on with everything I got, Saitama!" He roared as he then clapped his hands before extending them and out came an ornate trident weapon that's better known as Trishula.
From the audience Brynhild gasped at the sight as she had known Shiva's preference for unarmed combat and started to sweat at what she saw. "The Armor and Trident of Shiva!" She gasped out. "Tools well associated with him, an armor that's said to be unbreakable and the trident that supposedly represents the three aspects of Shiva, from Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer!"
"Seriously?!" That's the kind of weapon that Shiva has up his sleeves!?" Geir shouted in surprise at what she saw.
"Damn, looks like Shiva is going all out now." Zelretch noted with a furrowed look on his face, even he wouldn't take his chances with Divine Class Weapons, even though he could most likely tank the attacks or deal with it on his own. Damage from Divine Class Weapons are dangerous after all and something that should not be taken, if possible, furthermore he had no idea as to how Saitama could deal with such attacks.
"Huh, that's cool I guess." Saitama noted as he could sense the change in power that Shiva was going for. "Guess you're starting to take me serious." He said before he charged at Shiva and clashed with him, but to the shock of everyone from Saitama's world, Shiva was able to handle the blow from Saitama much better this time as Shiva smirked as his muscles expanded somewhat and started to swing his weapon at Saitama.
"That's a nasty looking weapon if I have to say so myself." Atomic Samurai winced a bit at what he saw.
"Come on Saitama, don't falter here yet just because he pulled out some armor and weapon!" Mumen Rider said cheering for his friend.
"You took on the strongest of what the Monsters had to offer, don't falter here Saitama, now and forever." Flashy Flash said as he watched the fight carefully.
"Stay cautious." Silver Fang muttered.
"So have at thee!" Shiva shouted as he moved even faster than he did before and Saitama quickly went on the defensive trying to block Shiva's rapid speed thrusts, swipes, stabs, and swings from his trident as Saitama tried to make an attack every time, he saw an opening on Shiva, but much to his own surprise, Shiva's armor was holding up quite well all things considered.
"Ah boy." Saitama muttered before Shiva tricked him with his own afterimage and struck Saitama across the back with his trident and sent him skidding across the ground as Saitama stumbled a bit, causing his expression to get surprised to some extent by the impact he felt that actually made him feel the blow.
"Master felt that blow!?" Genos gasped out from the audience. "But I don't think anyone has ever managed to throw Master for a loop in ever." He analyzed.
"Guess the weapon and armor aren't just for show then." Metal Bat muttered while sweating to some extent at what he saw.
"This might actually prove difficult for Saitama." Fubuki noted as her older sister nodded in agreement with her.
Saitama's eyes got serious as he started counterattacking Shiva's assault and every time he laid a punch on Shiva, he couldn't destroy the armor, but he did notice that he was making dents on them. And Shiva wasn't going to give him space or time to pull off any of his Serious Series of moves. Thus, he can only counter with his Normal Series of moves, which were proving to be lose traction against Shiva right about now.
Shiva's increase in durability and speed did not came from just his Armor and Trident, which are part of his mythos, but also due to the Norse Craze Drug he took, the drug actually unleashed limiters in Shiva's mind and allowing him to push his body beyond normal, the Trident allowed him to increase his offensive power, while his armor allowed him to increase his durability, but at the same time keep his body together from imploding on itself as well.
Therefore, at this very moment, Shiva has finally found a way to match Saitama in terms of strength and durability, and only exceeding him in terms of speed. Shiva's current streak of assault encouraged the Gods as they cheered for him, the loudest of the Gods being his family right about now.
'Damn this feels good.' Shiva thought with a smile as he kept the pressure on Saitama and prevented him from getting any room or time to be able to prep any of his stronger attacks. 'I know the kind of fighter you are, you're a straightforward brawler type of guy, you don't use any fancy tricks or abilities, only your sheer physical prowess combined with a basic move set, that by itself is commendable, but against experienced unarmed fighters like me, it makes you all the more predictable now that I can react to you!' Shiva thought seriously.
Saitama was on the other hand of trying to find a way to counterattack against Shiva. 'Okay so he's now matching me for the most part now, but he has the advantage of range with that trident, that's going to be tough and his armor's pretty durable too, considering how many blows I landed on it, but I suppose that's God Armor for you.' Saitama thought as he made another punch with his fist as he used the remaining fist to counter against the trident of Shiva.
'But you still are denting his armor, meaning that it cannot endure for long under your blows.' His Valkyrie reminded him telepathically. 'You could just try denting it again and again until it cracks and when it finally cracks you could launch a surprise attack.' She added in.
'Good idea, I think I got most of it.' Saitama thought as he focused on attacking Shiva's armor again, making Shiva laugh as he continued his attacks thinking that Saitama was not making any plan but only desperate attacks. Thing is, Saitama had enough strength he didn't really had to plan out most moves, luckily, he also had the power of Volund to give him the ability to unite with the Valkyries, and the Valkyries in general were all Maidens of War, and thus could strategize, fulfilling a much-needed niche that Saitama needed covered, especially in this Tournament for Humanity's Future.
Therefore, when Saitama fights, Thrud plans out and use her intellect to cover Saitama's weakness. Following Thrud's plan, Saitama continued his blows on Shiva's armor and made a dent on it bit by bit until it started cracking, and when Shiva made his next attack on Saitama, at Thrud's order, Saitama ducked down and used both of his hands to wrench the trident out of Shiva's hand and knock it away from him and drag him close so Saitama could land the final blow that destroyed Shiva's armor. An attack and event that shocked everyone watching the fight before them.
"Impossible! That mortal destroyed a Divine Armament!?" Ares shouted in shock.
"That would require a great deal of strength, and judging from the amount of blows it took, also time as well." Hermes noted in surprise.
"Strong, that one is very strong." Hades frowned. "I cannot think of any mortal warrior capable of such a feat, but without that defense now, Shiva cannot win." He said grimly.
"How can this be?" Loki muttered in shock, unable to must anymore anger at the moment as he was more shocked with the way that Saitama broke through Shiva's armor, then he received a bigger shock when Saitama suddenly picked up Shiva's trident and with an application of his power, snapped the trident in half and rendered it useless for Shiva.
"No! He broke father's Trident!" Ganesha cried out worried for his father.
"Be strong, Shiva is stronger than that." Durga said, even though she was greatly worried for Shiva as well, and Parvati and Kali were also similarly worried for Shiva, as they now had a taste of Saitama's full strength shown before them.
He broke Shiva's Divine Tools!?" Brynhild gasped out loud in awe. "Saitama, he is without doubt among the most physically capable Warrior that I have ever seen in my life, to break those Divine Weapon and Armor is no easy task, even for us Valkyries!" She said with pride.
"So, this is the power of One Punch Man." Geir said with tears down her face, touched by the sheer power and prowess of a Man who trained and trained until he broke his limits. "This is what Humanity is capable of birthing." She said with sniffles.
"I have to say Saitama, you surprised even me, not even I saw this coming." Zelretch admitted casually before he grinned. "But this is what I like about my powers, you see so many possibilities and probabilities that Life is like a never-ending surprise of hidden presents, life will find a way, life will always survive in some way, shape, or form, and they will continue to surprise even immortals till the end of existence itself." Zelretch said poetically. "Then again, I doubt life will end so easily, after all, our existence and our very history, is like a never ending Shonen Jump, full of new and exciting stories and chapters every week."
"Alright now, you lost your armor and trident, how about we go back to basics?" Saitama said as he got into his combat pose to Shiva, which caught him by surprise, but seeing how much Saitama is willingly let him have a chance to get back up to fight him, Shiva couldn't help but smile. This may be the place he will die, but at the very least he will die leaving an impact.
"Gladly!" Shiva roared as he smashed his fists together and soon started up his War Dance once more and pushed it to its extreme. "Tandava Karma." He announced as he forced his heart to start beating faster and soon Shiva became truly an Avatar of Fire as he readied himself for battle. "This is everything I got Saitama, so have at you!" He shouted as he charged faster than ever before as Saitama rushed to hit him.
"Serious Series, Consecutive Punches!" Saitama declared as he and Shiva launched volley of blows after blows against each other with Saitama matching Shiva's fiery firsts with his own fast fists with each blow landing against one another but only Shiva was taking damage and one blow from Saitama was able to gut punched Shiva in the gut and sent him skidding away as he used his power to get back into the fight.
Soon Saitama and Shiva were once again moving so fast that nobody could catch up to how fast they were fighting with a few exceptions. Many Gods and Humans were in awe at this display of physical might. Shiva had only been able to push himself further than normal due to the drug he took dampening his pain senses. But even he can tell he was losing ground against Saitama.
"Krittivasa!" Shiva then shouted as he jumped up and lowered his leg onto Saitama, intended to strike him hard and fast. As he jumped out of the way of Saitama's fists and intended to land one striking blow against him.
"Serious Headbutt!" Saitama declared as he smashed his head against Shiva's leg and literally destroyed it with sheer power of what he managed to counter the kick with. Shiva grimaced as he lost his leg and used his four arms to keep him moving, luckily, he had practice and experience in moving on his arms, so he could still fight as he launched blows after blows against Saitama with his remaining free arms and leg for combat against Saitama, but it was clear that Shiva's trump card wasn't going to work against him but Shiva gave it all that he got against him.
"Shiva." Durga muttered with tears in her eyes as she saw her husband go all out against One Punch Man with everything he got.
"Papa." Ganesha muttered sorrowfully as he saw Shiva gave it all that he got so he could have the greatest and most impactful fight that he could have in his life.
"Shiva darling." Parvati whispered as she held her hands together hoping against hope that Shiva could win.
"Shiva, what an outstanding fight you found yourself in." Kali said with a cocky smirk, which was forced to some extent.
"Master!" Genos said with wide eyed look of awe,
"Saitama." Fubuki said with a smile.
"Caped Baldy, you're doing good." Tatsumaki complimented.
"Show them everything you got, Saitama." Flashy Flash said with a smile.
"Go on boy, show them why you're the Strongest Hero." Silver Fang said as Bomb nodded as they watch in awe of this fight.
"Saitama." King said was he needed to say since he knew Saitama would not give up.
"That's right Saitama, shown them your endless potential, the potential of the Human power!" Sweet Mask said.
Saitama and Shiva landed one more blow on each other as both were sent skidding back. They knew that the next clash would be their final and most serious blows. So, in a display of respect to each other, they readied their strongest blows and got ready to end it all.
"Behold Saitama! This is everything I got!" Shiva yelled as he burned hotter and brighter than ever before that he was an akin to that of a mini sun as his remaining leg glowed with power. "So, take everything I got!" He shouted as he charged and did a Spinning Heel Kick with his last charge. "Deva Loka!" He roared
"If that's the case, then here's my Ultimate Move." Saitama said seriously as he bunched up his muscles and gripped his right fist hard. "Serious Series: Serious Punch!" He said as smashed against Shiva's final attack. The backlash was so heavy that almost everyone would have been blown away had it not been for the coliseum being built to be the toughest location that the Gods have built to date yet, and now there were cracks and dust all over as nobody could see what was going on.
But if anyone had looked up into the sky and not blinded by the dust storm, they would have seen the sky completely free of clouds completely and be in awe of just how power Saitama's blows were. When the arena cleared up, it showed that Saitama was standing in one piece, albeit completely dusted and dirty, and Shiva was on the ground fading away to dust before everyone.
"So, this is how it ends huh?" Shiva muttered before he laughed a bit. "Damn you were so strong, I never had a chance, did I?" He questioned as Saitama remained silent. "But for some reason, I feel like you were holding back, were you?" He questioned.
"Who knows for sure?" Was all Saitama said as Shiva laughed at that lacking question.
"What a cocky and nonchalant guy you are, but damn, I had so much fun, thank for the fight Saitama." Shiva said with a cocky grin.
"Yeah, it was fun fighting you." Saitama said quietly as Shiva died before him.
After his death was confirmed Heimdall rushed onto the stage. "AFTER A STUNNING MATCH OF BLOWS AND ATTACKS, HUMANITY HAS WON AGAIN, SAITAMA HAS PERSERVERED OVER SHIVA THE DESTROYER, HUMANITY WIN'S THE FIFTH ROUND!" He declared as Humanity cheered for their victory once again as the Gods were left to grit their teeth angrily over their losses.
"Father!" Ganesha mourned sorrowfully for Shiva, as did the rest of his family as they were all sobbing sorrowfully for Shiva's death as they had no way to bring him back, all they could find comfort in was that he had the greatest fight of his life and enjoyed it to the fullest.
Meanwhile all of Saitama's friends and colleges cheered him on for his victory in their own way, though many might not say it, as some of them were too loud and didn't think it was necessary, they were all proud that one of their own managed to win Ragnarök for Humanity and winning them one step closer to their freedom.
Saitama simply looked up and heard all the cheers and applause coming his way in this match's end and for the first time in a very long while he gained a very happy smile on his face, that caused his bland features to die down and make him look more youthful or cooler depending on who you ask. "Well, it's nice to get cheers like this too." He mused as he casually walked off the stage looking forward to getting a well-deserved meal and sharing one with his Valkyrie Partner Thrud, whom he considers to be family now at this point.
In a stunning display of strength, ability, and skill unseen, unknown, and unmatched, Humanity had won the Fifth Match, Saitama, or One Punch Man has persevered over Shiva the Destroyer, and now Mankind is one step closer to winning their freedom from extinction.
Round Five.
Saitama Vs. Shiva: Saitama's Victory.
Finishing Move: Serious Series: Serious Punch.
Match Length: Four Minutes, and Ten Seconds.
XXXXX
"Well now that was a fight for sure." Brynhild said as she, Geir, and Zelretch left the stadium and stretched out her limbs. "I must admit, I did not know Saitama was capable of all that." She said to Zelretch.
"I told you, my chosen Warriors aren't so weak that they need Divine Weapons of their own to win it for them" Zelretch calmly chastised, which Brynhild took in stride, something that surprised Geir considering how self-assured Brynhild acts at time.
"I see the truth in that, but the question is, who are the Gods sending out next and who do we send in return?" Brynhild asked as she thought about the various Champions that they could send against the God that would be fighting them.
"That would be me little Brynhild." A male voice spoke up as Buddha came into view as he walked to them. "Apparently the Gods want to send me out to fight against Humanity." He said casually as he ate his candy before the trio.
"Oh, Lord Buddha, you intend to fight Humanity?" Zelretch asked the Divine as Buddha suddenly laughed considerably at that as Zelretch smirked.
"Give me a break, me? Fighting for the Gods?" Buddha scoffed at such a ridiculous notion. "If Gods won't save Man, then I will, I will save Man because I am Buddha." He declared to them.
"I see then, then I welcome you to our side." Brynhild said casually and just as she was about to move, Buddha spoke again.
"But there is a demand I sort of want to have before I join your side." Buddha said to Brynhild.
"Oh, and might I ask what that is?" Brynhild asked with a calm and stoic look as Buddha gained a smirk on his face.
"You know that boy of yours, Touma Kamijou?" Buddha asked, to the confusion of Geir, and Zelretch as well, while Brynhild tensed up a bit.
"What about him?" Brynhild asked while looking calm on the outside, but on the inside very nervous and very worried for Touma. As strange as it is for a Valkyrie like to even openly show worry, it would be out of character to anyone who knew Brynhild.
But there was a reason for why Brynhild was worried, for you see, Touma Kamijou has triggered Brynhild's nonexistent and dead maternal instincts. The reason for this goes back to when she first met Touma and she could sense, to her own horror, the sheer amount of agony that Touma went through in the Infinite Hells caused by the Magic God Othinus, then learning about the nature of Imagine Breaker from Zelretch and how much misfortune Touma had suffered made her cry and pull Touma into a hug reassuring him that everything will be okay.
Kenshiro and Slayer of Demons may be her favorites among Champions, but Touma was the only one that had earned Brynhild's worry and concern, especially when Touma denied the Volund and is possibly the only one going without it due to Imagine Breaker working against it, and thus Brynhild fretted more over Touma than anyone else. And now Buddha wanted something with him.
"I want to fight with him in the next round for Ragnarök." Buddha said to the surprise of the trio.
"You want to fight alongside Kamijou Touma?" Zelretch blinked in surprise at that, he had never seen this coming before what Buddha said had kicked in. "You want the next round to be a Two on One fight!?" Zelretch said with rare wide eyes.
"Would that even be allowed? Ragnarök is supposed to be one on one matches though." Geir pointed out.
"The Gods are cheating." Buddha said. "And as a God, I am entitled to some cheating too, so I'm going to fight with Touma Kamijou by my side." He said before he smirked. "And Technically I can fill out a Volund Contract with him so I can technically be one and the same with him, so it's quite legal all things considered.
"I see, but I must ask, why Touma Kamijou in particular." Brynhild asked and much to her own surprise Buddha lost his smile and looked far more serious than ever before.
"I only met the kid once, but when I look into his eyes, I don't see a normal high school student that he proclaims to be or a super warrior like the others. I know suffering and that boy has gone through nasty shit that most can never hope to comprehend." He said solemnly as Brynhild nodded, as she could tell that Buddha could also sense the agony that Touma went through. "He carries too much on himself and I want to help carry that burden with him, after all I am Buddha." He said seriously.
"I see then." Brynhild said. "I shall be sure to let him know." Brynhild nodded as she walked on her way as she left Buddha with Zelretch and Geir to talk. And as she made her way in the hallway, she soon found the door to Touma's room and opened it up to reveal an ordinary dorm room and at the bed Touma was napping a bit, hoping to get some rest.
Somehow it seemed fitting to Brnyhild that Touma only wanted the basic necessities, he didn't want wealth, fame, power, or anything, like that, all he wanted to do was live his life as normally as possible. And that desire to remain down to earth is one of many reasons why Brynhild has a very soft spot in her heart for Touma Kamijou. "Time to wake up Touma." She spoke more kindly than she would with most.
And soon Touma found himself quickly waking up. "Ah Brynhild is it my turn?" He asked.
"Indeed, it is your turn next and the next match will be unique, for you will be fighting alongside with Buddha." She said as Touma's eyes went wide at that. "Surprising, I know, but he will not fight against Humanity but for Humanity, and he wants you to be his partner." She spoke.
"Well, this is strange." He muttered as Brynhild nodded before she surprised Touma by walking in closer and pulling him into a hug." Brynhild?" Touma muttered.
"Fight well and win Touma, for Mankind now depends on you in this Match." She said softly to him. "And please don't lose your life either." She pleaded as Touma blushed as Brynhild is an attractive woman that kind of hits of all of his favorite ideals about a woman, a kind, caring, big sister type figure.
"Don't worry I will, and anyone who says, otherwise, I'll shatter their illusion of that." He promised as Brynhild smiled at the boy who can be considered a Savior and carries the powerful name of "He Who Purifies Gods and Slays Demons."