Saitama was calmly reading a book as he relaxed in his apartment, reflecting on the last few days since joining the Hero Association. The recent events around his apartment hadn't really fazed him much since monsters were usually unpredictable. As long as they didn't wreck the place, kill each other, attack him or his disciples, or try and destroy humanity, they were okay in his books.
Speaking of disciples.
"So, what are you writing?" Saitama asked, his face strained into a calm smile as he looked at his roommate/disciple, Genos.
"I am recording the lessons of your training, master." Genos answered before going back to his notebook, which held detailed sketches of Saitama relaxing and reading his book.
'Crap! He's raising the bar again!' thought the bald hero while pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. 'I can't think of a single thing to teach him. I feel bad, like I'm scamming him or something. Come on, think. Just make up some techniques, or a spiritual theory, or something!' His face then contorted to wide, bloodshot eyed fury, sweat coating his face. 'STRENGTH TRAINING'S ALL I'VE GOT! IT'LL ONLY WORK FOR MIZUKI AND BEAST QUEEN! PLUS THE DUDE'S A CYBORG!"
"By the way." Genos began, gaining Saitama's attention. "Earlier at the seminar, they said that if you're a Class-C hero, and you have no activity for a week, your name will be removed from the registry. Will you be alright, Master?"
"Seriously, they said that?!" Saitama asked in a panic, his eyes wide and bloodshot again.
"Yes." Genos confirmed. He then explained that the news Saitama watched would only report truly disastrous threats, like monster attacks, terrorism, and natural disasters. He then explained that Class-C heroes mainly took care of minor threats like pickpockets, robberies, and purse snatchers. He seemed to be oblivious to his master's mounting dread as he explained that Class-C heroes had to constantly look for work to survive since so many were in Class-C, and that some would get discouraged and change jobs.
"Much like a salesman makes cold calls, nothing will come your way without legwork." Genos finished.
"THIS IS NO TIME TO BE READING MANGA!" Saitama yelled before he began to quickly put on his hero suit.
"Are we leaving?" Genos asked as he stood up from the table.
"I AM! YOU STAY HERE!" he ordered. "Don't you get it?! If I'm seen with a Class-S hero like you, then I won't get any credit!"
"But as your disciple!" Genos began before seeing his master stop his frantic movement.
"Genos." Saitama started, his voice calm and full of confidence as he slowly put on his gloves. "From the very beginning, my intense desire to become a hero is what drove me to strength training. That's how I've made it this far. For you, perhaps things will change if you aim higher as a hero." He then turned to Genos, a serious look in his eyes as he continued. "Frankly speaking, you're a cyborg, so training your body would be useless. Instead, a change in mindset may lead you to greater strength."
'Oh man, listen to me! I'm just making all this crap up!' Saitama thought, his confident face giving nothing away. He looked down at the book he'd been reading titled 'How I Gained an Indomitable Will', written by Class-S Hero King, and came up with an idea to get Genos off his back. "So, in other words, it's not about having raw power or technique; It's about training your mind. You must first fight your way through the professional hero industry. Aim to break into the top ten of the Class-S Heroes. That will be your goal for now."
Genos was quiet, his eyes shut for a moment before looking up at Saitama's retreating back.
"I understand! I WILL TRY!" Genos declared, much to Saitama's relief.
'He totally bought it! Sweetness!' he thought before heading out the door.
"That was amazing!"
Saitama blinked in surprise to see Mizuki smiling at him with wide eyes, her ear placed near the door.
"Training hard?" he asked her, earning a vigorous nod.
"I heard the advice you gave Genos-Senpai!" she whispered. "Do you got any for me?"
Saitama merely smiled at her as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Just do what I've told you, and you'll get stronger in no time." he said before walking down the stairwell. The moment his foot touched the ground, he took off to begin his search to find a crime in progress.
"Right!" Mizuki muttered to herself as she pumped her arms before heading up to the roof. "Hey Beast Queen!" she greeted the lionness with a smile.
"Right on time." Beast Queen smirked from where she stood next to a snoring Vaccine Girl.
"What's she doing sleeping in a place like this?" Mizuki asked as she eyed the sleeping purple monster before raising an eyebrow at her. "And why is she wear clothes a size too small for her?" Beast Queen could only chuckle while shaking her head, a smirk on her maw.
"It's a long story..."
-Meanwhile-
"My Queen! We've procured the materials you asked for!" said a Subterranean as he knelt before her, a sack held out to her. Both were currently a fair distance from Saitama's apartment.
"Thank you." she said with a smile as she took the bag. "Keep me updated on your progress."
"Yes my queen!" the Subterranean said with a bow before burrowing back down. Sub Queen turned and began walking back towards the apartments while opening the bag and peering at the contents inside. "Perfect." A brisk walk found her in front of Saitama's door, where she knocked and used her own magma to cover herself more properly.
"Yes?" Genos asked when he opened the door. "Hello Subterranean Queen. If you're looking for Master Saitama, he's not here."
"That's fine. I'm actually here to speak with you." she said as she held up the bag she was carrying.
"What is that?" he asked.
"A mutually beneficial proposition." she grinned as she opened the bag and held it's contents out for him to see.
"Wh-What is this?!"
-On the roof-
Vaccine Girl's eyes fluttered open before she groaned and sat up, her body stiff from sleeping on the flat rooftop. She blinked a few times before her vision stopped blurring, allowing her to see a topless Beast Queen and Captain Mizuki doing sit-ups.
"100!" Mizuki shouted before the two of them kicked their legs forward, flinging their bodies upwards and landing on their feet. "Now for the 10k run!"
'Good luck with that.' Vaccine Girl thought before her stomach gurgled 'Oh shit! It didn't dig-'
BUUUUURP!
Both Mizuki and BQ turned to see Vaccine Girl look at them, hands covering her mouth before she let out a nervous chuckle.
"Excuse me?" she said with a shrug, earning a bark of laughter from Beast Queen.
"Look who's finally awake." she grinned.
"The others told me what happened." Mizuki said as she approached Vaccine Girl. "You okay?"
"Well, I'm not a balloon, so that's one thing.' Vaccine Girl shrugged before standing up. She then blinked when she noticed that she didn't need to crane her neck to look up at Mizuki as much as she did the other day. She blinked once. Twice. Then her eyes widened after the third time as a thought dawned on her. "Do I look...taller?"
"That, and you look like you're wearing clothes a size too small." Beast Queen answered. Vaccine Girl looked down at herself and nearly broke her face with how big her grin had gotten. Not only had she indeed grown taller, but her breasts were now rivaling Mizuki's.
"YES! That little smog spewing bastard gave me a huge boost!" she yelled in joy. "At this rate, I'll be back to full strength, and more!"
"That's awesome!" Mizuki nodded with a smile. "By the way, what was your full strength?"
"I was strong enough to reduce cities to rubble." Vaccine Girl casually stated before frowning at Mizuki's paling expression. "Don't give me that look! It doesn't matter how strong I get. I'd never be a match for Saitama! It's why I gave up eradicating humanity."
"Oh yeah." Mizuki blinked before sheepishly scratching the back of her head. "I forgot."
'Dumbass.' Vaccine Girl thought, her palm striking her face. With a sigh, she removed her hand and walked off towards the stairwell, only to stop and shift around in place.
"What's wrong? Pants too tight?" Beast Queen snickered, which escalated to chuckling when the midget gave her the finger before leaving.
"Tight pants aren't funny." Mizuki pouted. "Why do you think I always wear stretchy spandex?"
"Point." Beast Queen sighed before they left for the 10k run.
-Much later-
Saitama returned home after an unsuccessful search for any crime to stop, leaving him just one day left before losing his registration. He walked in and took off his boots but stopped when he saw a note on his table.
Master Saitama,
I'm out looking into a potential upgrade. I'll return later tonight.
-Genos
"Huh. Well, at least he's keeping busy." the bald hero said as he prepared for the night. Wash gloves, take a bath, change into pajamas, eat dinner, and watch the news before going to bed.
-Next day-
Saitama had awoken to the smell of food being made by Genos, who was smiling as he worked.
"Good morning, Master." Genos bowed before returning to his cooking.
"You seem happy. Something happened?" Saitama asked as Genos served the food.
"The Subterranean Queen has given me an opportunity to upgrade myself. If all goes well, I will soon become stronger than before."
"Oh. That's cool." Saitama nodded before quickly eating his breakfast. "Well, gotta run."
"Good luck, Master." said Genos as Saitama left his apartment. He walked down the stairs to see Mizuki and Beast Queen returning from their run.
"Heya, Master!" Mizuki greeted. "Heading out to find crime to stop? Genos-Senpai explained what happened when I didn't see you yesterday."
"Yeah. If I don't find anything today, I'll be taken off the Hero Registration." Saitama sighed out.
"Well, if that happens, can't you just retake the test?" Beast Queen asked.
"It won't work." Mizuki began, a rare serious expression across her features. "The Hero Association regard heroes who don't have any activity as 'incompetent' and won't allow for do-overs. In other words, Master, if you don't find anything, you won't be able to-where'd he go?" she finished in surprise when she noticed a lack of a bald hero in front of her.
"He ran off right after the 'do-over' bit." Beast Queen answered, her thumb pointed at the very distant form of Saitama running.
"HEY! WAIT UP!" Mizuki yelled as she ran after him.
-Later-
Saitama was looking around in a panic, his fingers tapping against each other frantically, with Mizuki doing her best to catch her breath after pushing herself to find Saitama.
"Glad...I...found...you!" she gasped out, sweat re-coating her hunched over form.
"Sorry." he muttered as he kept looking around. 'Nothing! The city's quiet today too! I'm gonna lose my registration!' His panic melted into his usual expressionless face as his hand shot up and caught a throwing star between his middle and fore fingers.
"Who's...that?" Mizuki wheezed as she finally stood up to look at the man glaring daggers at Saitama.
"Hey, wait! I've run into you before! What was your name?!" Saitama shouted before mumbling to himself. "Seed on the ground? No, wait. Lost and found?" He finally pointed at the man with a smile. "Jack-o-lantern Panic!"
"No. It's Speed-o-Sound Sonic." Sonic corrected. "I've finally found you, Saitama. Today's the day we settle our-"
"Sorry, but I'm busy. See ya around, okay?" Saitama waved him off before he and Mizuki began walking away.
"...Huh?" Sonic blinked as he watched them leave.
"INSOLENT WORM!" Sonic growled as the veins on his face pulsated with rage. "THINK YOU CAN RUN FROM ME?!" He finished the last word while unsheathing his blade before disappearing from his current spot. He reappeared next to Saitama, blade swinging down at his head-
CHOMP!
-and then jumping back when he saw that his blade had been broken, his eyes not seeing Saitama spitting out a few metal pieces still in his mouth from where he bit down.
"I told you, I'm busy." Saitama stated as Sonic landed in a crouch, his hand sheathing his broken blade as he watched Saitama cautiously. "Plus, I'm pissed. So anyone who gets in my way?"
Sonic could practically see the aura of danger surrounding Saitama as the bald hero turned to him, his eyes, which held no mercy within, piercing right into Sonic's very soul.
"Get's Punched!"
Sonic swore he'd felt his heart stop at the threat, his sweating face paling at the memory of the last time he'd been punched by Saitama. He was so terrified that he didn't notice Mizuki nodding the memory of Saitama punching a mountain into nothing. All three of them were snapped out of it by a woman pointing at them all and talking.
"That's the guy! He's very, very dangerous. A public nuisance. Please, stop him!" the woman stated.
"IS THAT SO?! YOUR THE OFFENDER, HUH?!" yelled a muscular man with a tiger-striped patterned tank top and hairdo as he flexed his muscles. "WELL, THE TANK TOP TIGER IS HERE!"
"A hero?" Saitama whispered before grinning at Sonic. "Bad news, Sonic. They think you're some sort of criminal! Maybe getting tossed in a cell will cool off that hot he-" His taunting was cut short when Tank Top Tiger placed his hand atop Saitama's head, gaining his attention.
"She means you, cueball." TTT corrected.
"HUH?!" Saitama gasped out.
"He's been running all around town with this scary look on his face since yesterday morning!" the woman stated to the crowd.
"Hey, wait a minute! I'm a hero too!" claimed Saitama.
"That's right! I was there to see him get into Class-C! He's a Pro Hero like you and me!" stated Mizuki.
"He is, huh?" Tank Top Tiger replied in a disbelieving tone before finally noticing who it was he was talking to. "Captain Mizuki? What are you doing here?"
"Training under my master here." Mizuki answered with a smile as she gestured towards Saitama before turning back to Tank Top Tiger. "Which means I'll be rejecting the Tank Top Army's invitation."
Tank Top Tiger jaw dropped at her blunt rejection before a few things clicked in his head.
"Wait a second! You, a well known Class-B Hero, are the student to a Class-C Hero that nobody's heard about?!" he asked in surprise.
"Yep! And I'm not the only one! The new Class-S Hero, Genos, is my fellow student training under Master Saitama here!" Mizuki added with a grin.
"Oi." Saitama grumbled as people around them suddenly became more interested in their conversation.
"That bald guy is training a Class-S hero?"
"But if what Captain Mizuki just said is true, he's only Class-C."
"Why would higher class heroes train under someone lower than them?"
More questions joined in as everyone were now looking at the three heroes.
"What's going on here?" TTT rumbled menacingly as he glared down at Saitama. "No way would an unknown Class-C rookie have heroes like that under them." He leaned down so that he was eye level, a vein bulging on his forehead as he flashed a not-so-friendly smile. "You must be blackmailing them so you can steal their credit for yourself. Right?" Mizuki looked ready to explode at Tank Top Tiger-
"Exploding Shuriken!"
BO-BO-BOOM!
"ARRRGH/GAAAAH!"
Sadly, something else exploded on both him and her, sending them both to the ground and sending the crowd into a panic.
"TANK TOP TIGER!"
"CAPTAIN MIZUKI!"
"Hey, you alright?!" Saitama asked in concern as he knelt down above Mizuki's singed form. She struggled for a moment but sat up, cuts and burns littering her body as she smirked up at him.
"Burned, but I'll live." she rasped out before looking down at the breathing but unconscious form of Tank Top Tiger. "Him, I don't know."
"Well, I'm glad you're alive." Saitama smiled before looking up at Sonic. "What was that for, Sonic?"
"One was interfering. The other was to make sure I had your attention." Sonic replied with a smirk while the crowd began to run, yelling to call for heroes or to just run for their lives. "Interesting though. So you too have become one of these worthless 'heroes?' Well then all I have to do...IS TO CREATE A SITUATION WHERE YOU'RE FORCED TO FIGHT, SAITAMA, THE HERO!" And with that, Sonic jumped high into the air and launched multiple exploding shurikens from his belt. "HAIL OF CARNAGE!" Saitama awaited for them to strike, but was shocked when they veered off course, striking at practically everything but him.
"HEY, STOP IT!" Saitama yelled up at Sonic after the first wave destroyed building walls, streets, and cars.
"SAITAMA! COME FORTH AND FIGHT ME!" Sonic roared as he continued to throw exploding shurikens everywhere. "YOUR A HERO! CAN YOU PREVENT THEIR DEATHS?!"
'All this just to get Saitama to fight him?!' Mizuki mentally growled as she watched destruction taking place. She struggled to stand, but found it to be futile. She looked at a child that was walking and crying before seeing the car being launched towards him. "L-LOOK OUT KID!" she cried out as she reached for him, hoping to save him from the car.
SMASH!
She released a heavy sigh of relief when she saw Saitama step in the car's way, blocking it with a raised arm.
"Thank God." she wheezed out before scowling up at Sonic. 'Shit! He's really aiming to kill these people just to goad Saitama into a fight. This is bad! The Hero Association made it clear to do everything you can to subdue human criminals! Which means Saitama can't punch this guy into pieces!'
BOP! CRASH!
He can, however, chop them on the head with the right amount of force to knock him out while keeping them alive.
'Or he could hold back enough to not kill.' Mizuki thought, a smile crossing her lips from where she lay on the ground.
-Some time passes. Hero Association HQ-
"The man apprehended in City-Z by the the Class-C Hero is suspected of being involved in several heinous crimes, including assassination." stated a grunt worker as he and his superior looked at the file they had on Sonic.
"City-Z again, huh?" the Bearded Worker said as he looked over a few other bits of data. "What's the status of the investigation I requested?"
"You mean the one for the Ghost Town?" asked the City-Z Branch Operator.
"Yes." BW confirmed.
"Let me see." she said as she brought up the right file, showing the pictures of two heroes. "We've submitted a formal request." The Bearded Worker simply let out a 'hmm' before another voice caught his attention.
"Well, doesn't that sound ever so interesting. Want me to check it out?" Floating before him was none other than the second highest ranking hero of Class-S, Tornado of Terror.
"T-Tornado?! How'd you get in here?" asked the startled man.
"Why? Aren't I allowed in here?" she asked, her smile gone.
"Of course. For City-Z, the investigation's just a formality. It's not worth your time!" he stated. That seemed to be the wrong thing to say if the way she was glaring at him was anything to go by.
"What?" she said as her whole body glowed with a green aura. "You mean you don't think I'm good enough?" The whole room seemed to shake as objects began levitating into the air.
"That's not it." said the City-Z Branch Operator, a smile on her face as she calmly explained the situation. "The Assocation decided that this was not a Class-S matter."
"E-Exactly!" the Bearded Worker agreed. Tornado glared again before letting her power subside, letting the objects crash back to the ground.
"You'd better tell me if you find anything that looks like it can fight." she demanded as she flew towards the door. She glared back at them as she hovered out the doorway. "It'd be much faster if I went myself. You guys are idiots." she finished just as the door closed, leaving the workers be.
-Outside City-Z Abandoned Zone Gate-
A figure walked up to the gate, their feet squelching with each step they took until finally stopping. Long strands of seaweed covered their whole body, hiding any details of who or what it was. All that was shown was a single, bloodshot eye looking at the gate.
