Hey y'all, sorry it's been so long since I've updated. I meant to complete this chapter over spring break but just...didn't. School's a bitch, life's a bitch, but here I am once again. Hopefully I won't take as long to update again but in the meantime enjoy.

Chapter Ten:

Tatsumaki groaned as she curled up in bed. Light streamed in through the window, shining through the thin curtains. Tatsumaki grabbed a fistful of blanket and draped it over her head, blocking out the light. She sighed in contentment.

A minute later she rolled over, out of the blankets. Immediately the sun assaulted her eyes again and she squinted, moaning in annoyance. She really didn't want to get out of bed, but her stomach moaned in protest. Glaring in annoyance at her midsection, Tatsumaki rolled out of bed. Tatsumaki's slippers flew onto her feet and a bathrobe flew to her outstretched arms, the belt tying itself in a knot. After a long shower, Tatsumaki returned to her room and dressed, peering at the clock as she slipped on her dress. 10:47. Fuck. She hadn't meant to sleep in so late.

Tatsumaki flew down to the dining hall, tossing open the slim wooden doors. To her surprise, Saitama, his metal maid, Bang, Atomic Samurai and Flashy Flash still sat at one of the tables. Saitama was occasionally picking at the scraps of his breakfast.

"Look, I get swords and all. Pointy bit go stabby. But I just don't get your whole karate thing. Sure it looks cool, but no karate guy I've ever gone up against lasted longer than anyone else," Saitama said.

"To be fair, your strength and speed far surpass the mind's ability to see or react. And my technique is the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, not karate," Bang gently corrected. "The idea behind martial arts is to control your opponent and end the fight as quickly as possible, while using as little effort as you can. Different techniques focus on different aspects of this overarching theme. My form, for example, focuses on defense and redirection, creating openings to destroy an opponent. My brother Bomb's technique is used to strike at the weak spots on an opponents body, intending to finish the fight with a single blow. His mastery over the form allows him to create a whirlwind of pressured air that can cut cleanly through an opponent."

"Okay, but, I can already do that," Saitama said, leaning back in his chair. Atomic Samurai grit his teeth, but remained quiet. Tatsumaki was almost impressed; he showed an ounce of restraint. Usually if someone insulted Silverfang in his presence it did not end well for the offender. Bang probably had a talk with him beforehand.

"True, but you lack the control of a martial artist. Your strength is enough to decimate an opponent, but it also tends to decimate everything around you. I think you would've known that after you destroyed that meteor," Bang said.

"Wait, you destroyed the meteor over City Z? I thought that was Genos and Metal Knight," Atomic Samurai exclaimed.

"No. Mine and Metal Knight's attacks were insufficient to even scratch the meteor. If it had not been for Saitama-Sensei, we would have perished along with City Z and thousands of others," Genos said.

"Although I do not think you could have handled the situation better, the fact remains that considerable collateral damage occurred. I truly do think you could benefit by learning martial arts," Bang affirmed. "You as well, Tatsumaki. Martial arts does not simply just train the body, but the mind as well. You might just learn a thing or two."

The five at the table turned to face her, leaving her no choice but to stop lingering in the doorway. "Tch, yeah right old man. Like there's anything you could teach me, especially about my powers."

"About your powers, no. How to aim them, just maybe," Bang said with an odd twinkle in his eye.

"I know how to aim my powers just fine thank you," Tatsumaki harrumphed dismissively.

"Tch, younglings these days," Atomic Samurai grumbled, shaking his head.

"What was that? Huh?" Tatsumaki demanded, whirling on the aged swordmaster.

"I said you have no respect for martial arts," Atomic Samurai growled.

"And why should I when I could just drop a building on you? Or drop you from a thousand feet in the air? What good would your martial arts or swords be in that situation?" Tatsumaki demanded.

"And therein lies your error," Bang stated.

"What did you say you old fart!?" Tatsumaki shouted.

"You assume you have to totally overwhelm your opponent, when you could use a lot less energy to achieve victory. The constriction of a single artery in the body can kill a fully grown man in seconds. Why waste such a tremendous amount of energy when it isn't necessary?" Bang asked.

"Tch, just because you cowards have your excuses doesn't mean you can try and call me weak," Tatsumaki deflected. "I'm going to eat food, talking to idiots always gets me hungry."

Before anyone could get in another word, Tatsumaki flew off to get food, she really was hungry. Maybe she should've eaten Saitama's natto.

She spotted Zombieman at one of the tables on the other side of the hall, tucked in a corner. Tatsumaki sat down across from him with a heavy sigh. He raised an eyebrow at her but didn't comment. It's not like they were friends, really. They never hung out, hell she didn't even have his phone number. They just happened to be at the HA HQ the most often and ran into each other frequently. And he was one of the few people she found bearable. He had a dry wit that she found amusing, and when she got to ranting, he never interrupted, just listened patiently. He seemed to understand that she wasn't really looking for consolation from him, she just needed to vent, and Tatsumaki appreciated that. They never made small talk, but they had a way of communicating that was unlike anything she shared with anyone else. And although she would never admit it out loud, his fighting style was kinda cool. He had a ruthless determination about him, a cold efficiency. He was one of the few she could trust to finish a job.

"So now that you've found him, what're you gonna do?" Zombieman asked suddenly.

"Huh? What?" Tatsumaki mumbled, dragged out of her thoughts.

"Well, you've been looking for him for a while, right? Now that you've found him, what's phase two?" Zombieman wondered.

"Phase two was to get him to the S1 position, but I guess that's fucked," Tatsumaki growled.

"Why does his rank matter? He'll be treated by the Association as well as any S Class now," Zombieman told her.

"He should be at the number one spot! He needs to be. No one deserves it more than him! He's the strongest hero, for fuck's sake he was the inspiration for the whole damn Association! Without him the whole damn planet would've been fucked a hundred times over! And people are criticizing him! For saving them! I've read the forums and seen the talk shows, and no one treats him with the respect he deserves! They should be groveling at his feet, thanking him! But instead everywhere he goes he's dismissed and bullied! It's not fair! He shouldn't have to deal with all those idiots and their bullshit," Tatsumaki shouted.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Zombieman asked, his red eyes boring into her.

"I'm gonna shove respect down their throats," Tatsumaki growled. "I'm gonna to prove he's worth their respect. I want to show the world why he needs to be the number one hero."

"Oh yeah, that'll work out well," Zombieman snarked.

"Shut up, what do you know anyway? People listen to me, I'm strong," Tatsumaki dismissed with a hmph.

"He's stronger and people don't listen to him," Zombieman argued.

"Yeah, because they don't know he's strong! Idiot! Were you not listening!? I'm going to show people he's strong so they'll listen to him! You really are brain dead sometimes!" Tatsumaki spat, turning to leave.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Zombieman asked before she could fly off.

"Huh?" Tatsumaki wondered. Zombieman just grinned and gestured to her still full plate. Before a blush of embarrassment could form, she screeched out "You take it! I'm not hungry. It's not even good food anyway!"

Zombieman's grin widened at the ESPer's antics as she flew away. She was going to regret that later.


Tatsumaki was regretting not eating breakfast. Stupid ego, always getting the better of her. She was the Tornado of Terror, nothing got the better of her!

Completely missing the irony of that thought, Tatsumaki levitated in circles around her room. What could she do to make people notice Saitama?

She could make a rockslide that would destroy a portion of the city and Saitama could stop it. But Sitch probably wouldn't approve of that. She'd get the whole "collateral damage" spheal, blah, blah. Or maybe she could fight a monster and pretend to lose, only to have Saitama step in and save her at the last second. Unfortunately, her acting wasn't very good and she tended to go overboard with her fights, so people would probably notice she was faking it. Shit. Why did everyone have to constantly be watching her like the creepy stalker perverts they were!? Perhaps she was just too perfect. Maybe she could fight Saitama herself and when they saw that she couldn't beat him, they'd have to know he's the strongest! But then again, having some random, but admittedly awesome, guy show up out of nowhere and beat the number 2 hero they've been worshiping for years probably wouldn't help his reputation.

"Gah!" Tatsumaki screeched and threw herself onto the silk bed. Why did everything have to be so damn complicated! Couldn't people just accept that Saitama is super strong and cool!? But she spent so much time being in the limelight, stealing praise that was rightfully his, people would be skeptical of him. She never knew being too good could be so annoying.

Suddenly there was a knock at her door. It was Bang. Of course it'd be the old man.

"What do you want Bang?" Tatsumaki yelled, not bothering to get up from the bed.

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a massage," Bang called back. When she didn't respond, he continued. "You know, this resort offers a lot of activities that you're missing out on, staying up in your room like this. Maybe you'd want to take this chance and get to know your colleagues outside of the Hero life. Some of the other S Class are going golfing later this afternoon."

"Go away. I'm busy," Tatsumaki called.

"It's a vacation, you shouldn't be busy," Bang countered.

"I don't do vacations," Tatsumaki dismissed.

"Well maybe you should," Bang grumbled.

"What was that you wrinkly old prune!?" Tatsumaki yelled.

Bang was silent for a moment. "Saitama was interested in a massage earlier."

Tatsumaki perked up. A moment later, she unlocked the door and peered out at the wizened martial artist. "Fine. But you're up to something, and I intend to find out what."

Tatsumaki started off down the hall before Bang called out. "You know the massage parlor's this way, right?"

"Duh, obviously the massage parlor's that way! I just needed to stretch my legs!" Tatsumaki shrieked in an obviously not embarrassed way.

"You don't walk," Bang deadpanned.

"It was a metaphor!" Tatsumaki screeched. "Stupid geezer, stupid massage, stupid directions. I know where things are."

Bang watched the ESPer mutter to herself as she floated down the hall with a quiet chuckle. The antics of the girl never ceased to amuse him.


When Saitama heard the wooden door slam open, he knew his relaxing afternoon was done. The masseuse stopped whatever she was doing and looked up. Saitama didn't bother, he could hear the kid's shallow breaths from his cozy headrest. He was tempted to just ignore her, but when he heard Genos fire up his cannons he should probably do something.

"Tatsumaki-san, you are disturbing my Master's massage. Leave," Genos threatened.

"Why are you just sitting there watching him, you pervert! Most people come to these places for a massage, not to stare at naked dudes you queer!" Tatsumaki slurred.

"My sexual orientation is of no concern of yours. I will not ask you again. Leave," Genos warned, incineration cannons beginning to fire up.

Before either of them could do anything, Saitama lifted his head from the pillow. "Oi, both of you, knock it off. Tats, if you want a massage, take one of the beds, somebody will be over in a minute. Genos, stop yelling at people. Makes you come off as antisocial."

Both had the nerve to look embarrassed. Saitama shot a look with the terrified masseuse cowering beneath the massage table. "Kids, am I right?"

Bang walked in a moment later. "Saitama you scoundrel, I thought you were going to wait for me."

"Yeah well I wasn't sure how long your super secret 'business' was gonna take," Saitama replied, burying his face in the pillows once more, missing the old man shaking his head in disapproval. "Besides, you're here now, no harm no foul."

As Saitama was once again getting immersed in the massage, thanks to the skilled hands of the very anxious masseuse, Tatsumaki was regretting coming down here. She hadn't experienced any kind of physical contact with another person in years, much less the kind of intimate touching that massages involved. The last time had probably been Fubuki hugging her after Saitama had finally found Tatsumaki's parents' house. Suddenly she was very self conscious about her small, delicate frame. Coming here was a bad idea. She didn't want a massage. She didn't want to be touched. Why had Bang dragged her here? Stupid Bang, always meddling, always scheming. Tatsumaki glared at the old man, walking to the changing room. He should know how to mind his own damn business. Who was he to try and judge her? What right did he have to try and help her? She didn't need him, she was strong on her own. She was strong, she was strong, she was strong.

"Tatsumaki-san, are you going to get changed?" Bang asked, exiting the changing room with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

"No, I don't think I will, thank you very much," Tatsumaki said coldly. "You should mind your own fucking business."

Bang gaped at her harsh retort and Tatsumaki sneered at him. Tatsumaki turned to storm out of the parlor, but stopped when Saitama called out to her.

"Hey Tats, after this we're gonna go for a swim in the pool, if you wanna join us," Saitama said.

"I don't have a bathing suit," Tatsumaki replied lamely.

"There's a gift shop around the corner," Saitama informed her.

"Okay," Tatsumaki said. With that, Tatsumaki glided out the door. Tatsumaki saw the gift shop Saitama had mentioned. She paused, looking into the windows. All kinds of colorful things were arranged inside. Pristine white bathrobes, an array of vibrant bathing suits, sunscreen in glaringly bright orange tubes. Looking at the display and all the clashing colors almost hurt her eyes. Tatsumaki turned her head to stare down the long hallway. At the end was a dull gray door that led to a stairwell. She could take it and go back up to her room and be safe from Bang's meddling and the cyborg's distrustful glares. She wouldn't have to deal with anybody's judgements or pathetic attempts at conversation. She wouldn't have to worry about the bright, glaring colors in front of her.

Tatsumaki turned back to the gift shop. With a heavy sigh, Tatsumaki floated into the gift shop. She ignored the cheery young girl at the checkout and headed to the bathing suit racks. Most of them were way too vibrant for her taste. Too yellow, too blue, ugh tie dye, no thanks. Ah! A black bikini that seemed to be about her size. Not looking at the tag to confirm it was kid sized, Tatsumaki flew over to the checkout and dropped some yen on the desk, barely giving the girl a chance to stutter in surprise before she rocketed out the door.

Tatsumaki found the pool easily enough. It was no olympic sized pool but it was large, something like 40x75 feet. A series of thick steps lead into the shallow end of the pool, which was only about five or so feet. It stayed shallow for a while before gradually growing deeper, the far end being fifteen feet deep. The blue tiles that lined the bottom of the pool glittered in the bright, warm sun. A little waterfall slid lazily down a series of rocks, emptying into a corner in the shallow edge of the pool. Tall palm trees with large, thick leaves shaded half of the stone courtyard. Lounge chairs surrounded the pool, allowing for relaxation in the sun or shade.

…She should probably find somewhere to change.

Cursing herself for being so forgetful, Tatsumaki flew up to her room and opened the window with her mind. A few minutes later she was back out, slamming the window shut and descending to the pool once more.

Now what? No one else was here. It was eerily quiet, only a slight breeze disrupting the calm. She had no idea how long his massage would take, so was she just going to wait here for him? It's not like she had anything else to do. She left her phone at home, and even if she had it, it's not like she had anyone to talk to. Her only contacts were Fubuki and the Hero Association. Wow. That's kinda sad. Tch, whatever, she didn't need friends. They're weak anyways. What else did people do at pools? She didn't read, and she didn't want to grab her laptop. Tan? Just lay in the sun? That sounded stupid and an absurd waste of time.

…But she had literally nothing else to do. Sighing, Tatsumaki laid down on one of the lounge chairs to wait. The sun bore down at her, annoyingly bright even when her eyes were closed. Tatsumaki levitated a towel over her eyes to block out the light. She sighed in contentment. Finally.

After a moment, Tatsumaki squirmed in discomfort. She tried to relax, but she couldn't. Suddenly, Tatsumaki bolted upright, tearing the towel off her face with a gasp. Eyes wide, she scanned her surroundings. Gentle waterfall, swaying trees, lazy lounge chairs. Gingerly, Tatsumaki touched the back of her neck. She winced at a phantom pain, then laid back down. This time she did not close her eyes.

When Saitama, Bang and Genos came outside to the pool, they found Tatsumaki staring at the sky, shaping clouds with her psychic power. Tatsumaki practically leaped up when she saw him. "Took you all long enough! How long do massages take anyway?"

"Not long enough," Bang sighed in complacency. "My back hasn't felt this nice in ages."

"Right?" Saitama agreed. "I've never felt so loose."

Saitama stretched his arm over his head, bending his whole body in one direction. Tatsumaki marveled at his powerful physique, how his muscles bulged as a result of the strain. A reminder of how strong this man was. Far stronger than she'll ever be.

Tatsumaki caught the robot glaring at her out of the corner of her eye. Tatsumaki hmphed and turned her head away in dismissal. Creepy cyborg and his weird eyes. All dumb and orange.

"Shall we?" Bang inquired, stepping into the pool. Bang entered the pool lazily, followed soon by Genos who walked straight in. Saitama jumped into the pool, shouting "Cannonball!" and splashing the other three. Bang frowned, annoyed by the bald man's antics.

Tatsumaki touched her toes in the water. It was cold, especially after having been in the sun for so long. Slowly, she submerged one foot in the water and then the other, entering the pool with care. Since the pool depth was exactly her height, she levitated in the water, keeping her head above the surface. It was annoying that she couldn't even stand here. Maybe she should remove a foot of water. That'd show them.

Bang rested on the edge of the pool, allowing his scarred body to float on the surface of the water. The metallic hero wannabe stood stoically in the center of the pool, glaring into space. Jeez, did that stupid hunk of scraps do anything besides glare all the time? Saitama was doing lazy laps around the deep end, eyes closed and a small smile on his face. He was so strong, living without worry or fear. To be able to relax so easily.

Tatsumaki almost didn't notice when he swam past her. A golden beam of sunlight bounced off his head and blinded her for a second. Tatsumaki squealed in a very dignified and heroic manner, definitely not sounding like a four year old at all. Saitama stopped his swimming and looked at her.

"Yeesh, sorry, didn't realize you were so jumpy," Saitama said, scratching his head.

"Nono I should've realized you were there sorry I'm sorry," Tatsumaki apologized quickly, bowing several times, which was awkward in the water.

"It's fine. It's a public pool," Saitama noted. "Are you going to swim? Or do you not want to get your hair wet? Might take the green hair dye from your hair."

"My hair's not dyed," Tatsumaki said. "Why? Do you not like it?"

Of course he wouldn't like it. It was just another sign of her freakishness. She stood out like a viper in a dead bush. If her psychic powers and the fact she had hardly been able to control them hadn't been enough, her obnoxiously green hair had drawn unwanted attention. She was always teased and mocked for it. It wasn't like Fubuki's where it was only green if you looked pretty hard. Maybe she should dye it. Maybe then they wouldn't stare at her and call her a freak. Maybe she could even pretend to be normal.

"Nah, it suits you," Saitama replied. "Besides, it's not like I could give out hair tips. But yours is cool. It kinda reminds me of seaweed. Oi, Genos, do we still have that kombu stock I got?"

Of course he would like it. Her hair made her stand out. She wasn't like the rest of those morons, she was strong. Like him. She didn't need to be like the rest, she was strong and she deserved to stand out. Only idiots would want to fit in. Her hair was iconic, a symbol of power for many.

When Saitama resumed his swimming, Tatsumaki quickly became bored, and after a few minutes returned to her chair. She watched Saitama continue his laps, casually wading through the water. The water gleamed around him, light forming a halo around his peaceful face. Bang floated around the pool, occasionally pushing off a wall with his feet. The metal minuteman just stood there, arms crossed in the water. He repeatedly scanned the area, swiveling his head side to side. What was he looking for anyway? Monsters? As if any monster would be dumb enough to attack this place, and even if one did, did this mechanical malware really think it could be of any assistance, especially considering who was already here. What did Saitama see in this freak anyway?

"I'm bored, anyone wanna play some volleyball?" Saitama asked suddenly.

"In the water?" Bang asked.

"Nah, I don't think they've got a net for the water. They've got a court, but the net's not set up," Saitama said, suddenly holding a volleyball.

"Whatever you desire, Sensei!" the stupid machine shouted.

"Can't you think for yourself so stupid shitbucket!" Tatsumaki yelled.

"I can think of 42 ways to murder you," the thing growled.

"Wow you're so creative, for a robot," Tatsumaki snarked.

"Enough! Both of you!" Bang shouted. "Genos, go set up the net. Tatsumaki, come here."

"Hmph!" Tatsumaki declared, but complied, but not before sticking her tongue out at the iron idiot. Bang led her out of the pool and wrapped a towel around his waist before turning to her.

"What is your problem?" Bang demanded.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Tatsumaki declared, glaring at the old man. A towel floated over to her and draped itself around her shoulders.

"Ever since we've arrived, you've been nothing but hostile to Genos. You've assaulted him, have been constantly screaming at and belittling him, you threw him out a window," Bang listed off, "and for what? You're not even this bad with Metal Bat. Is it because of his relationship with Saitama? Is it because he'll stand up to you? Are you threatened by him? Whatever it is, this behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop."

"Tch, I don't need to explain anything to you," Tatsumaki retorted.

"Fine. Don't. But you need to stop this nonsense," Bang declared.

"Whatever," Tatsumaki mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared into the water.

"Good. Now, let's play," Bang announced, walking towards the newly erected net. Tatsumaki followed sullenly. Genos and Saitama were already on one side, Saitama casually tossing the ball in the air with a hand.

"Kay, here are the rules. No using any weird powers on others, the court or the ball. Genos, that means you can't measure the velocity and angle of the ball with your tech. You're gonna have to eyeball it. Tats, you can fly if you want, just don't go stupidly high. And please try not to pop this ball, I think they've only got like four more," Saitama pleaded. "That make sense?"

"Sensei, will I still be allowed to use my incineration cannons?"

"No! Why would you even want to use those? No attacking anyone!"

"I meant for boosting my jumps."

"Oh. Uh, if you really need to jump that high then sure. But don't destroy anything."

"Hai Sensei!"

"Anything else?" Saitama asked. "No? Then here comes the first serve!"

Saitama whacked the ball over the net towards the back right corner of the court. Tatsumaki was on the left side of the court and Bang was on the right. Tatsumaki lunged up, intending to intercept the ball as it crossed the net, but it slipped by her hands. She whirled around to go after it again, but Bang was already there, bouncing the ball back to Saitama. The bald hero set it up for Genos, who spiked it over the net. Tatsumaki flew under the ball and pushed it with her hands. It hopped up pathetically, but luckily Bang was there to slap it back to the other side. Genos bopped it up, allowing Saitama to spike it straight down into the sand.

"Whoo! First point! Up top Genos!" Saitama cheered. Genos responded by robotically smacking Saitama's palm.

"Dude," Saitama deadpanned. "That was the worst high five ever. You know what? We'll work on it."

Meanwhile, Tatsumaki was furious. "Bang! What was that! You were supposed to be there!"

"It's only one point. Worry not young Tatsumaki, we will overtake them once again," Bang assured her.

"Hmph, we better," Tatsumaki said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Yo Gramps! Toss the ball over!" Saitama called. Bang threw Saitama the ball, who served it quickly. Tatsumaki slapped it as soon as it crossed the net, hitting it down. Genos hit it over the net to Bang's awaiting hands. Bang set it up to Tatsumaki, who sent it spiraling down to the sand.

"HAAA! Suck on that robocop!" Tatsumaki whooped.

"I will suck on nothing!" Genos fumed, stamping his foot.

"Don't worry about it Genos, we'll get 'em this time," Saitama said. "Let's get serious."

And so they played, Saitama and Genos working synchronously to defend and attack. They switched positions on a dime, always prepared to catch or return the ball. One would set the ball for the other, allowing them to score point after point. They were a well oiled volleyball machine, and always seemed to know what the other was planning.

Bang and Tatsumaki were not such a good pairing. Tatsumaki would try to hit the ball as soon as it crossed the net, but most times she would miss or hit it poorly. She wasn't used to using her limbs all too much, especially to hit things. Most everything she used her psychic powers for and never exercised her muscles, leaving her body frail. Not that she would admit that to anyone, much less herself. Bang made up for her flaws with his powerful defense, but he couldn't be everywhere. They occasionally scored a few points, but for the most part, the dynamic duo dominated the game.

"24-11. Match point," Saitama called. "Here it comes!"

Saitama served the ball, gravity bringing it down just on the other side of the net. Tatsumaki lunged for it, stopping the ball from hitting the sand. Bang whacked it back over the net, only for Genos to send it right back. Bang set it for her, and Tatsumaki spiked it over the net. But Saitama was there, bumping it towards Genos who set it up for him, and Saitama sent the ball rocketing into the sand.

"Whoo! And that's game! That's how we do Genos!" Saitama cheered pumping his fists in the air.

"Yes! We have defeated you for all time! You will never rise from the ashes of your shame and humiliation!" Genos cackled. Saitama stopped cheering and gave him a look. Which Genos ignored. "Ah! That was fun."

Tatsumaki was fuming. How could she lose to a bucket of bolts like that!? She was the Tornado of Terror, the most powerful ESPer in the world! Ah, but she hadn't been allowed to use her psychic powers. If she had, she would've destroyed the tin man.

"Hey, good game you guys," Saitama said, ducking under the net to commend them.

"Indeed young Saitama. Your volleyball skills are most impressive. As is your teamwork," Bang noted, shaking the bald hero's hand.

"You live together for a bit and you start to get how the other thinks," Saitama dismissed.

"WHAT!?" Tatsumaki shrieked, a psychic burst erupting out of her. "You LIVE together!?"

"Yeesh, that was loud. Yeah, he came by one day and slapped down a bunch of cash and asked to stay. And who could say no to all that dough? Think of the sales," Saitama said dreamily. "He helps out around the house and cooks so I don't mind too much, but if you could STOP. BLOWING UP MY STREET that'd be great."

"Apologies, Sensei! I have been researching more resilient asphalt to fix your street with so they won't get burned, melted, charred or broken as easily!" Genos replied.

"One, burned, melted and charred are pretty much the same thing, two, you could just not fight OUTSIDE MY HOUSE!" Saitama shouted.

"Sorry Sensei! Next time I will attempt to lure the monster away from your house before eradicating it!" Genos promised.

"Thank you," Saitama said.

Tatsumaki barely registered that conversation. Saitama was LIVING with this braindead tinkertoy bullshit bot? How could he stand it? The robot was so…so gross! And annoying! Disturbing! Creepy! Stupid! Idiotic! He was just an overhyped weedkiller on wheels! A robomaid! A stupid fucking dishwasher! How could Saitama live with that? He was so…so—

"Hey Tats," Saitama said.

"Huh?" Saitama was standing over her, hand outstretched, dressed only in his swim trunks. The sun glared off his arms, while his face and chest were shrouded in shadow. Even in darkness, his powerful form exuded a presence of pure, undiluted power. His presence loomed over her, like an ancient mountain.

"Good game," he said.

"Wah-?" She asked, still awestruck by the sight of him.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Don't you know how a handshake works?"

"O-oh yeah," she said. She grabbed his larger hand with hers. He smiled at her, and butterflies exploded in her stomach, and she couldn't help but beam back at him.

"Does anyone want to go again?" Saitama asked, turning his head towards Genos and Bang. Reluctantly she let her hand fall from his.

"Go again at what?" Someone asked. The four turned to see Atomic Samurai, Flashy Flash, Metal Bat and Zombieman walking towards them. Metal Bat was beaming pridefully to himself while Atomic Samurai was sulking a bit.

"We were just playing a game of volleyball," Bang answered. "You're back from golf so soon?"

"It isn't much of a sport when the guys you're playing with get all holes in one," Zombieman noted.

"Tch," Kamikaze growled, looking away.

"Oh shut up, you got every hole with one stroke you shouldn't be complaining," Zombieman said. "I only got a hole in one three times."

"Yeah, come on old man, 18 isn't so bad," Metal Bat mocked.

"You little punk!" Atomic Samurai growled, taking a step towards the delinquent hero. Metal Bat just stuck his tongue out at him with an amused smirk.

"Yeesh, what's got the middle aged hero all riled up?" Saitama asked Flashy Flash.

"I'm not middle aged! You're older than me!" Atomic Samurai threw his hands up in exasperation.

"He's upset that Metal Bat finished with one stroke," Flashy Flash answered.

"Got a hole in one? Not bad," Bang congratulated the youngest hero.

"No. You misunderstand. He completed all 18 holes with a single stroke. He teed off from the first course and sent the ball directly into the hole at the 18nth course without touching the ground," Flashy Flash explained.

"Damn bro, nice shot," Saitama said, offering a high five. Metal Bat slapped Saitama's hand that sent a shockwave through the air.

"See Genos? Now that's a high five. You should take notes," Saitama said.

"Of course Sensei!" Genos said, whipping out a notebook and started scribbling intensely.

"Wait-no Genos!" Saitama cried. But to no avail. The cyborg hero was already detailing the exact angles and velocities of each hand, the posture of the two high-fivers, wind speed, angle of the sun and moisture in the air. The overzealous student would let no information escape him. If his Sensei believed this was important to attaining overwhelming strength, he would

"Would you guys want to join us for a game?" Bang asked.

"Yeah why not," Metal Bat replied.

"With no superior alternative, I will join you as well," Flashy Flash said.

"What she said," Atomic Samurai said, earning a glare from the effeminate ninja.

"Fuck it, why not," Zombieman said.

Before teams could be decided, a pressure fell over the court. It was as if a shadow had fallen over the earth, an eclipse befalling all the heroes. Each warrior tensed, minds sharpening for battle as a loud thumping sound could be heard. It stifled all conversation, the sound too overbearing to allow for any other noise.

A tall, blonde hero, with three scars over his left eye stood before them. A frown shadowed his face, accompanied by a piercing glare. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest, feet shoulder width apart that could almost be mistaken for a battle stance.

"Saitama," King spoke. "We should talk."