Nature is a curious thing, it can create something miraculous and beautiful such as a caterpillar entering the stage from which it will become a beautiful butterfly, yet at the same time it can create something horrifying such as a cobra so deadly it kills thousands of people on average every year. But sometimes nature manages to create something that is both miraculous and terrifying, a perfect example of this would be the sudden power increase King seemed to receive after his near death experience. Somehow still unknown to doctor Genus and his clones, King went from an above average man with impressive strength and stamina, to someone who truly was on par with some of the strongest heroes around. Given of course he was nowhere near Saitama's level of strength as that was still thought to be impossible, but it could not be denied that he seemed to be better in nearly every physical feat.
First there was the mandatory hundred laps he had to run to check his stamina, which he managed to do in just ten minutes. Then he was required to lift weights in order to see if there was any lingering issues with his muscles, and not only were there no issues but he by accident crushed the smaller weights when he picked them up, catching both him and the others by surprise. After that a small break was taken as to readjust the equipment to ensure no further damages would happen, once this was done his next test was for endurance and it required him to do a hundred push ups. And while nothing absurd happened such as if he were to create craters when he started, he did actually manage to leave a very light imprint of his hands in the floor once he was finished, which could easily just be buffed out or filled in to fix.
From there forward the rest of the tests were very simple, they had him run a treadmill though unlike the laps he was just meant to go at a leisurely pace so they could monitor his heart rate and vitals more effectively, they had him do some more basic exercises like jumping jacks and sit ups to further verify their information was accurate, and finally he was asked to do things that simply checked his lung capacity and ability to maintain balance, which he passed with flying colors.
All in all the tests themselves as well as the results for each one only took around forty minutes to be complete, and once he was done he was shown by one of the clones to a nearby shower to clean himself off before he left the facility, leaving the others who had observed his performance to talk among themselves.
"Man he really did get stronger!" Mutsuko exclaimed in amazement, as she could hardly believe that was the same King.
"You didn't clone him did you?" Saitama asked accusingly as he pointed towards the doctor.
"Of course I didn't, and to be honest I'm a bit offended you would assume that so easily." Dr. Genus replied as he pushed up his glasses "All we did was accelerate his body's natural healing capabilities via a gene therapy bath, everything else we just witnessed was purely of his own capability." He assured.
"Still, it's wild to think that a person got stronger after having a near death experience." Bunji admitted.
"Yeah, it's almost like instead of One Punch Man's Limiter thing or whatever, King can only get stronger when he nearly dies." Chikara suggested.
Upon hearing that everyone cast him a glare that read "Are you serious?", making him realize how that came off.
"I-It wasn't a joke!" He quickly said in defense "I-I just mean that he's been training for a while right? yet this is the first time he's gotten significantly more powerful." He explained.
"Actually, Chikara has a point." Atomu said as he looked towards his creator "Doctor, is there any way your Limiter theory could also apply to near death experiences?" He asked.
"That...is something to consider." Dr. Genus admitted as he put a hand to his chin "There have been documented cases where people who have strokes or wake up from comas suddenly can do something they've never done before, so the notion that a body in response to surviving a near fatal encounter would automatically better itself is an interesting notion."
"Well whatever the reason why King is stronger, the fact is now he's actually able to hold his own against really big threats!" Mutsuko pointed out.
"That's true, he's already pretty good at fighting and moving around, so now that he's faster and stronger he'll actually be able to fight back." Saitama agreed.
"Perhaps you should discuss this with him One Punch Man, he won't be in the shower for much longer and I have to examine the data we collected, so you can wait for him in the recreation area." Dr. Genus suggested.
"Sounds good." Saitama simply replied as he turned to leave.
Walking out of the room with Mutsuko and the other members following behind, doctor Genus was left with his clones.
"Should we contact Metal Knight and inform him of this?" One of his clones asked once they were alone.
"Not yet, let's be certain we have something worth showing to him first, then if we do we'll share it with him." Dr. Genus decided, receiving nods from all of his clones.
It's always strange when the entire mood of a room is made completely different from what it was prior, such was the case with the recreation area as before it was filled with a somewhat sorrowful feeling, but now as everyone awaited for King to join them it was near bursting with excited chatter and banter. None more so than Mutsuko, as she was currently bombarding Saitama with countless possibilities that King's newfound power could allow.
"Now we can start pulling off combo moves!" She exclaimed excitedly as she put a finger to her chin in thought "I'm thinking we do something like where I fly King up into the air, then we come back down super fast and I let him go so he can deliver an ultra powerful punch or something!" She suggested.
"Wouldn't that work better with me though? and what about the others?" He asked.
"Well there aren't really a lot of options available for combo moves in our group, Tatsumaki's usually just doing her own thing, same goes for Genos too, and while it'd be AMAZING to do a combo move with you, you'd probably end up accidentally destroying something even if you were careful." She explained.
"Yeah probably." He agreed with a shrug.
"So that just leaves me, Fubuki, and King to try and figure out some awesome power moves we could maybe do." She listed.
"What about Kaemon and Mumen?" He inquired.
"Who?...OH you mean bicycle guy right?" She asked, receiving a nod in response "Well the bicycle guy just like joined the group and I'm pretty sure all he can do is ride a bicycle, also Kaemon doesn't count cause they're not a hero." She explained.
"Well what if they became a hero?" He suggested.
"I mean...they could I guess...but then they'd be in danger a lot and stuff..." She lazily replied as she looked off to the side.
In truth Tatsumaki wasn't the only one who held concern for Kaemon especially after the Sea King inciddent, and while the green haired esper would deny it to her grave that she looked after them like she did with Fubuki, everyone excluding Mumen Rider as he hadn't be around them too much yet could easily see past that. And while Saitama as well did feel a little protective over the young sea folk, he wasn't worried about them becoming a hero as Sea King was just too strong for them, if they became a hero they'd be taking on threats more suited to them and the class they'd be put in. But that was another topic for another time.
"Anyways, getting back to topic." She quickly said as to avoid that subject "With King being faster, stronger, and more durable, there's a whole range of cool stuff we can try to pull off, especially if he's up for it."
"What about Fubuki, does she know?" He asked.
"Yeah we've talked about it a little when we meet for-" She began to say, only to stop herself as she was about to reveal their club "...lunch." She finished, hoping he wouldn't question it.
Thankfully as if the universe was looking aid in covering up her slip of the tongue, the sound of the door opening caught everyone's attention as the man of the hours stepped into the room.
"Hey guys." King greeted with a small smile as he gave them a light wave.
"King!" Mutsuko exclaimed as she flew over and pulled him into a hug "You were so amazing in there!" She praised causing his eyes to widen.
"Wait you guys saw that?" He asked as Saitama and the others walked over.
"Mhm! the doctor has an observational room setup so he can monitor the recovering heroes!" She answered as she released him from the embrace.
"Gotta say, for a human other than One Punch Man you did pretty good." Chikara complimented with a lightly fist bump to his shoulder.
"Perhaps one day you'll even be as strong as him!" Genjiro exclaimed with excitement, causing King to look off to the side bashfully.
"Nah, I probably got stronger from the gene bath is all." He reasoned as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Afraid not, the gene bath is only designed to restore a person's body back to normal, in no way does it alter your genes." Atomu corrected.
"Which means you have become more powerful on your own! so you could be like One Punch Man someday!" Fujio exclaimed, receiving a collective "Yeah!" from his fellow members.
"You really think so?" He asked, as the thought hadn't crossed his mind.
"Definitely! but before you become insanely powerful like Saitama, we need to talk about combo moves!" Mutsuko replied, before she grabbed onto his arm.
Pulling away from the others so they could begin talking, Saitama simply followed beside King as they seemed to be leaving the room.
"Where're we going?" Saitama asked, unsure as to why they weren't staying.
"If we're gonna talk about combo moves I want to do it somewhere we won't be interrupted, so we're going back to your place!" She answered.
"We could actually go by my place if you want, it's a lot closer." King suggested "Plus I'll be able to get my game from the bathroom, if it's even still there." He thought.
"That sounds like it'd be better, plus me and Genos were already heading there when we found you fighting that robot." Saitama replied.
"Alright then we'll go to King's!" She declared, as they made their way out of the facility.
With a new and improved King in tow the trio would go on to make their way back to City M as to hang out in King apartment. As for what became of Genos during all of this and his battle with G4, that had an ironically similar outcome.
"Doctor Kuseno." Genos spoke as he entered the aforementioned scientist's workshop, before dropping the severed head of G4 on the ground between them "These are the parts from a robot calling itself machine god G4, it was equipped with tremendous power and advanced artificial intelligence, most of it has been scrapped but if there is anything I can use please do so, I want to become stronger." He explained as he looked to the other.
Though he had already been given a great deal of upgrades and improvements from the good doctor as time has passed, this still didn't keep him from receiving a great deal of damage from his battle with the now deceased G4, as most of his body was seared and broken.
"This...these parts...Genos where in the world did you..." Dr. Kuseno stuttered, before he looked up from the head to Genos "I understand! I will try! you still have room for improvements!" He exclaimed as he put his hands behind his back "But Genos...even if you are the cyborg fighting for justice, you better not push yourself too hard." He warned worriedly.
"No, this is still within the span of my ability." Genos assured.
"What does Saitama have to say about this?" Dr. Kuseno questioned.
"He hasn't said anything." Genos answered.
"Hmm...perhaps then you should bring him next time you come, so that way I might be able to speak with him again." Dr. Kuseno suggested.
"Inside this facility, are you sure?" Genos asked.
"Yes, and by the way Genos." Dr. Kuseno responded, as his expression became serious "The cyborg, the one that took your hometown from you, have you found any clues about it?" He inquireded, managing to surprise the other "I know you've been busy with hero duty lately..."
"About that, I haven't found out anything yet." Genos quickly answered.
"I see." Dr. Kuseno said while closing his eyes, seeming to be a little disappointed.
"But I will definitely seek him out and destroy him with my hands, until there is nothing left." Genos told him, with an intense look of anger and determination present on his face.
"Even his hero duty and Saitama cannot make his hatred fade..." Dr. Kuseno thought as a sigh escaped him "Genos, I am concerned." He spoke as he reopened his eyes "I've been chasing the cyborg longer than you have, I know better than anyone how dangerous he is, even if you do find him please do not do anything rash and inform me immediately, you are calm and smart but your young mind might lead you to your doom, you are not alone in this fight." He told him.
"Doctor Kuseno, I understand this is our battle, the mad cyborg that has destroyed so many cities and taken so many lives will not prevail." Genos promised.
Though it had only been a short while since the second attack on City J took place, Geryuganshoop was nearly back to his normal self as the only injuries he sustained this time around were severed limbs. And while for most beings having their limbs severed would be a devastating thing to happen, thanks to his powers and unique biology he was able to easily begin healing them back to their former selves. Though you best believe that Tatsumaki wasn't going to let him forget it anytime soon, as every chance she got she either mocked him for letting himself be injured again so soon, as well as berating him for how stupid he acted. That was just the kind of personality everyone who knew her had to get used to, as she just managed to find the perfect balance between showing she cared and not seeming to care at all.
Luckily though with Fubuki now knowing about his existence she stopped by more often to check up on him, as well as make sure her sister didn't go overboard with her usual act of superiority over everyone. This led to them unintentionally forming their own little group outside of the one they usually formed with the rest of their friends, and while Kaemon and Saitama also knew he existed, they still chose to keep him a secret from the others for a little while just to be on the safe side. But other than Tatsumaki's occasional joke or mean comment about his intelligence, the three of them actually managed to get along perfectly, which could easily be attributed to them all being espers.
"So what's new?" Geryuganshoop asked as he, Tatsumaki, and Fubuki were all sitting on her couch, watching television with snacks and beverage "Anything exciting in the world of heroes?"
"Not really." Fubuki admitted with a bored sigh as she rested her head on her fist "Besides the attack on City J that happened during our vacation, the world's been pretty peaceful."
"Makes life suck for all the C class losers." Tatsumaki joked as she picked a chip up with her powers and put it in her mouth.
"How come?" Geryuganshoop asked.
"Because unlike the rest of us C classes have to meet a weekly quota to stay registered, if they don't meet it then they're booted from the registry." Fubuki explained.
"Yeah, cause they're too weak to move up in the rankings." Tatsumaki chimed in as she popped another chip into her mouth "It's honestly amusing to watch them run around actually looking for trouble."
"I wouldn't go that far, if anything I feel bad that they have to work so hard just to stay registered." Fubuki admitted, causing her sister to sigh.
"Ugh, you really have gotten softer Fubuki." She groaned as she rested her head in her palm "What happened to the importance of strength hm?" She inquired.
"You're one to talk Tatsumaki, considering you hang out with a walking heap of seaweed." Geryuganshoop joked, as he lifted his drink from the table with his powers.
However, the moment he finished his sentence his soda can suddenly exploded, but before any of the carbonated beverage could land anywhere it was all caught by Tatsumaki's esp.
"Say. that. again." She challenged coldly, as she readied to send all of the soda flying towards him.
"Okay...I see I've found a rather sensitive topic with you..." He realized as Fubuki gave her sibling a disapproving look.
"Come now Tatsumaki, he was only joking." She told her.
"Don't care." Tatsumaki replied as she moved the soda over to the sink and let it fall, while the remains of the now busted soda can were moved to the trash.
"You seem awfully protective over them, any particular reason?" He asked as she turned the faucet on to wash the soda down the drain.
"Nope, and if you know what's good for you you'll shut it." She warned.
Knowing well that it was in his best interest to simply leave it alone, before any of them could change the topic to hopefully lighten the mood again, Tatsumaki's cellphone rang.
"Hello?" She answered, as she picked it up from the table that was beside the couch.
"Um...hey Tatsumaki..." The voice of Kaemon greeted.
"Huh, speak of the devil." Fubuki said once she and Geryuganshoop heard who it was.
"What's up Kaemon?" Tatsumaki asked, ignoring her sister's comment.
"Well...uh...you see...that's why I'm calling you..." They replied, seeming to be nervous about something.
"Kaemon, is something wrong?" She asked, which in turn made Fubuki and Geryuganshoop more interested in the conversation.
"I...think you need to come see for yourself...it's really hard to explain it right now..." They told her before the call suddenly ended.
Unsure as to what was going on, the moment the call ended Tatsumaki put her cellphone into her pocket and got up from the couch, heading straight for the door.
"Wait! I'll come with you!" Fubuki said as she got up and followed her.
"I'll stay here and hold the fort down." Geryuganshoop told them, as they headed out the door.
Not wanting to waste any time Tatsumaki simply took to the sky and brought Fubuki along with her. And even though she had experienced it quite a few times, Fubuki still found being up so high with no control over herself a little nerve wracking, even if it was her sister at the wheel.
"You know it's probably nothing too serious right?" Fubuki asked, assuming Kaemon had called them about something human related.
"We'll see when we get there." Her sister simply replied, seeming to focus on flying.
Even though there was the possibility this was something serious, it still made Fubuki smile at how her sister was truly beginning to care for others beyond just the two of them. However, once the duo reached City Z and began approaching the apartment building, their eyes went wide with shock and horror at what they saw. Pressed into the font of the building was the body of a massive bird, a crow or raven judging by the feathers. And while this in of itself was alarming it was where the bird's head was that truly worried them, as it's head was shoved into the building right where Saitama and Kaemon's apartments were. Without any hesitation whatsoever the green haired esper shoved the bird out of the building and into the street, where yet another shocking discovery was made.
Somehow the bird's head had been separated from it's body, how this was possible neither sister knew as Tatsumaki hadn't been the one to do it. But as they looked back to the apartment to see if they could find the answer, they saw Kaemon emerging from the massive hole it had made, with their seaweed hair covered in it's blood.
"H-Hey Tatsumaki, Fubuki..." They greeted with an awkward wave and smile "G-Glad you could make it here so quickly..."