"Everyone is fine." Dr. Genus stated as he stared at a clipboard.
After the association and the House of Evolution had made their initial agreement to work side by side beyond sharing all data between them other privileges were given to both sides from the other as well. For Doctor Genus and his research he would have every bit of access to the association's records, data, and so on just like Metal Knight AKA Doctor Bofoi among a few other restricted goodies. As for the association Doctor Genus agreed to offer his technology and medicine which was more advanced than any other medicinal treatment and equipment in the entire world to both employees AND heroes. This of course included his cloning technology which, while not as simple and lacking of science as it is commonly depicted within the media was still a means to ensure should anyone affiliated with the association suffer horrific wounds they could be patched up like it were nothing.
Such is the case for Saitama and friends (though he of course had not a scuff mark on him) for once The Deep Sea King had been dealt with the association sent out helicopters to lift all who were injured to the House of Evolution for treatment.
"But what about Kaemon? and Mutsuko? and the others who were killed?" Saitama asked.
"Disregarding the fact I am the ONLY person with cloning technology you do realize I made them right? every bit of their genetic material is stored, so should any of them suffer mass injury like they have today me and my clones can fix them within a few minutes." Dr. Genus explained "As for the other one, Kaemon was it? they actually weren't dead to begin with." He revealed.
"Wait what?!" Saitama asked.
"You see unlike the other creatures who came from the ocean Kaemon wasn't an evolved organic creature." Dr. Genus began as he turned his clipboard around to show Saitama a chart graphing the process of evolution "All of the other Sea Folk started off as regular animals who over time continued to evolve both physically and mentally." He continued before pulling up the page to reveal another chart though this one was a detailed summary of Kaemon "Your friend after taking a sample from their head revealed to be entirely plant based, with the substance that was previously thought to be blood actually being a naturally produced source of food." He revealed as he let go of the pages and turned the clipboard back around "All in all what I'm saying is your friend while very much so still able to die is not reliant on a heart, a brain, or any kind of internal organs, if they are to ever TRULY be killed then someone would have to ensure every last bit of them was destroyed for if anything remained they could grow back with enough water and sunlight." He concluded.
"So they're going to be okay then?" Saitama asked receiving a nod in confirmation.
"They don't have too much back yet mainly just their upper torso and arms, but the hands have yet to fully develop." Dr. Genus answered "And while I know this has been a very tiring day for all of us One Punch Man I would like to ask of you a favor." He admitted.
"Oh?" Saitama sounded.
"While I do not feel there is a need to do so for you as you have proven to be near impossible to injure, let alone kill, I would like to have your consent in taking and storing some of your friends genetic material as well." Dr. Genus explained.
"You mean you want to clone them?" Saitama asked receiving a rapid shake of the head in response.
"No no no no! of course not! But should something like this or even something worse ever happen if we had their exact genetic material recorded and stored we could clone any parts they might need, such as a set of lungs, a heart, or even a brain with no strange after effects that are commonly seen in movies and TV shows." Dr. genus elaborated.
"So they wouldn't wake up and question their existence as the original right?" Saitama asked just to be certain.
"No, this is science, not fiction." Dr. Genus assured him.
Taking a moment to think about his proposition as it was a VERY huge one Saitama soon came to the conclusion that even if he were to agree to such a thing even it was for the right reasons, this was something that they each had the right to decide on their own and NOT have someone decide for them.
"I can't speak for them." He replied "This is the kinda thing they should decide and not me." He added.
"I understand." Dr. Genus said "But what about Kaemon? they from our analysis are only seven years old, looking past their clear heightened intelligence to that of a human child of the same age they still are not able to make the decision themselves, so it falls onto their guardian or parental figure." He explained.
"Hmm...well...I've not really considered myself their parent or guardian...but if they can't make it themselves...then yeah you can." Saitama replied giving his approval.
"Excellent, I'll inform the clones treating him." Dr. Genus said as he wrote something down "Oh one more thing, the man responsible for making Genos a cyborg arrived not too long ago, he says he wants to speak with you." He added.
"Wait seriously?" Saitama asked.
"Yes, it seems as though once Genos became a hero he listed him as his emergency contact, so when he was brought here for treatment they contacted him and he told us to not even touch him until he arrived." Dr. Genus explained as he pointed down the hall "Keep walking until you reach the fourth door to your right that's where he's working on Genos." He directed.
Simply replying with a nod to end their conversation Saitama turned and walked down the hall, all the while being relieved that his friends were going to be okay. Soon enough after but a minute or so of walking he reached the fourth door on the right where before he even opened it a slight bit he could hear the sounds of machinery at work. Obviously curious as to what was going on he proceeded to open the door without knocking and while the sight that met him was a tad bit shocking at the same time it was actually pretty cool. The room itself was filled with all kinds of machines and devices along with several trays that had multiple tools scattered across them.
As for the most astounding detail to this sight it consisted of both Genos, who laid on a surgical table in a sort of Frankenstein esque way, and an elderly man dressed in a lab coat, though admittedly the most interesting thing about him was his haircut which resembled a bowl cut only ten times bigger.
"Um excuse me?" He spoke causing the man to stop what he was doing "You want to talk to me?" He added.
Turning around to face him the man had a small smile come to his face as he realized who his visitor was.
"Ah One Punch Man." He greeted "Please come in, forgive the mess." He apologized as he dusted himself off.
With confirmation that he was welcome into the space Saitama entered the room closing the door behind him as he did.
"I am Doctor Kuseno, but you can just call me Kuseno." The man introduced as he held out his hand.
"Well if that's the case just call me Saitama then, my hero name's kinda just for publicity and stuff." Saitama replied as he shook the other's hand.
"Oh really? but I could've sworn Doctor Genus called you One Punch Man?" Kuseno asked.
"Yeah well every time I meet him I forget to correct him, but by the time I remember he's already said a bunch of stuff about his research and genetics and I just kinda hold off till next time." Saitama admitted causing the other to laugh.
"I see, you're every bit as Genos described you." Kuseno admitted as he ended their handshake before walking back over to Genos.
"He talks about me?" Saitama asked as he followed the other to the table.
"Oh yes, in great detail too, why I'd go so far as to say he praises and brags about you." Kuseno answered as he returned to his work.
"Huh, he never acts that way around me." Saitama admitted.
"Well that's because he doesn't want to annoy you." Kuseno replied "He knows how hard your life is, dealing with fans and reporters already giving you more praise than any one person knows what to do with, so he doesn't want to burden you with even so much as a compliment." He explained.
Looking to his unconscious friend Saitama couldn't help but feel immense gratitude towards Genos for trying to act normal around him. Speaking of Genos as Saitama now was right next to him he noticed how there didn't seem to be any trace of damage, in fact he looked the exact same as he did a few hours ago!
"Surprised by how quick I work eh?" Kuseno asked "I might be old, but make no mistake I'm quite nimble." He joked as he continued to work.
Typing but a few more things into a keyboard Kuseno then pressed enter which resulted in a glow to start emanating from Genos's chest.
"He'll still be out for a while, his core has to charge after all." He explained before turning to look at Saitama "Now about the reason behind why I wished to speak with you." He said getting to the reason for Saitama being there at all "You see, the moment I gave Genos this new body of his I knew he'd want to seek out the rogue cyborg that destroyed his town and changed his life forever, and while I also knew this would lead to him getting in over his head I always feared he might one day get into a mess that he wouldn't be able to get out of." He explained as he put his hands behind his back "But then he met you Saitama, and ever since then he's changed for the better, far less hot headed and gun ho and more thoughtful and careful, all in all what I'm saying is you've been more than just a friend to him, you've been one hell of a mentor." He praised with a smile "So thank you Saitama, for keeping him safe and alive." He finished with a slight bow of his head.
A bit taken aback at the immense amount of gratitude the other had given him Saitama found himself smiling as well at how genuine and nice the good doctor was.
"Hey it's nothing, Genos is a good guy and as long as he doesn't become some kind of crazed stalker fan then he's always welcome at my place." He replied which brought out another bit of laughter from the other.
"Don't worry, Genos might be a lot of things but a crazed stalker isn't one of them." Kuseno assured as he turned back to the console "I still have a bit of work left to do here, but thank you for coming by and allowing me to say what I had to say." He said.
"Don't mention it." Saitama said with a small wave before he proceeded to take his leave.
Walking out of the workshop and back into the hallway once the door closed behind him Saitama considered what he should do next.
"Hmm...guess I'll go home, not like I can do much here anyways." He decided as he started walking "Besides everyone needs their rest, I mean how're they gonna come visit me all the time if they don't?" He asked himself as he continued on his way.