There isn't much that can phase an S class hero, as nearly every S class hero has either dealt with a situation that was naturally harrowing or was resolved with fairly grim results, or perhaps what made them become a hero in the first place was an unfortunate past that compelled them to turn their tragedy into something more. But then there were few heroes in S class who were simply heroes for the reason that they wanted to be, whether it was for the social status, the feeling of being superior to others, or because they enjoyed being a hero and helping others whenever they could, either way these select few while just as powerful and respected as the others didn't have some tragic inciddent to null them to seeing something horrible. So when these certain heroes finally found themselves in a situation where their stomachs were in their throats or perhaps they were simply horrified by what they were witnessing, all they could do to process what had happened is to tell themselves that there was nothing they could do, and that this whole thing was inevitable.
This is exactly what was going through the mind of S class hero Silver Fang as he looked over a massive pile of bodies that covered a fair stretch of road, all of which he knew were left in such a state by the hands of but one person.
"It seems we are too late." Another man dressed in a blue Karategi that had sea foam green accents present, and a long white beard with matching long white hair said as he walked up beside him "To think that something other than a monster could be so merciless." He added as he looked towards Silver Fang "Do you know where he might appear next?" He asked "...Bang?" He questioned as he turned to look at him.
Unsure as to why the other was silent the man looked over to see what he was staring at, only to realize what had his attention. Lying there off to the side of the road was someone who he recognized, the last of Bang's students who if he recalled had been expelled from the dojo not too long before they set out to find Garou. However, it wasn't just the fact that his student was lying there that him so intently focused, it was also because the poor boy's face was swelled up all over due to having been viciously attacked.
"Charanko..." Bang whispered to himself, both saddened and angered that he wasn't able to spare his only student from having to go through what the others did.
"I'll contact the local authorities." The other man told him as he placed a hand on his shoulder "We will find him, don't worry." He assured him.
Though words could do nothing to comfort the old hero at this moment, for as he continued to look down at his disciple, relieved that he was still alive, he couldn't help but think about how many more people were going to get hurt before they caught up to Garou. And how many more might get hurt when they do.
"I wonder where he is?" Saitama wondered aloud as he stared up at the ceiling.
After having spent the entire previous day searching for Bang, King and Saitama eventually decided to call it quits for the day and came back home to the apartment, both admittedly surprised that their fellow S class hero had disappeared without a trace.
"I mean, he couldn't have gotten far right? he is pretty old." He added as he twiddled his thumbs.
"You do realize this is Bang we're talking about right?" King asked as he looked at him with a quizzical gaze "Despite his age Bang is probably even more active and physically impressive than I am." He admitted.
"Then maybe you should take up martial arts King." Saitama suggested as he looked back at him.
"Let's focus on finding out where Bang is first, then I'll consider it." He replied as he took out his phone "I still haven't got any response from the association about this either, apparently they're still unable to find him too." He mentioned.
"Maybe he just wanted to get away for a few days and this whole rogue student thing is just a misunderstanding?" Saitama suggested.
"Hey guys!" Kaemon called from the living room, gaining their attention "I think you're gonna want to see this!"
Seeing as how they weren't doing anything other than sitting around just shooting the breeze with each other, King and Saitama both got up from their seats and went to the living room, only to be met with a shocking scene on the television.
"As you can see behind me police as well as the Heroes Association are still investigating what both agencies are calling a blatant attack against all heroes everywhere." A female reporter who was on the screen said as several pictures then appeared beside her, all of them heroes "However this is not the first attack like this that has occurred in recent time, just a few days ago another group of class C heroes were also viciously attacked, though it was believed at the time that it had happened at the hands of a monster." She went on as all of the pictures disappeared and were replaced by two big ones, both of which caused all three's eyes to widen "Among the casualties in this attack however are S class hero Tank Top Master and top ranking C class hero Mumen Rider, along with several other heroes belonging to the Tank Top Army and a civilian who was passing by." She explained as the pictures disappeared "As of the moment the Heroes Association besides commenting on the nature of the attack have not given any information as to who or what could be responsible, but as it stands seeing as how an S class hero was defeated this will more the likely attract the attention of the rest of S class, as well as that of One Punch Man himself." She concluded before it went back to the studio.
None of them really knew what to say in response to this, on one hand there was Saitama who while surprised by the news still wasn't too surprised as none of them had been killed, which to him meant that whoever was responsible probably wasn't a monster. Then there was King, and while just like Saitama he was surprised he was also slightly freaking out on the inside, as he was arguably the weakest member of S class and so if someone like Tank Top Master was beaten, that didn't really mean anything good for him. And as for Kaemon, while yes they were shocked they were more so surprised to learn that this had already happened before, yet only until an S class got hurt did anyone actually seem to care or notice.
"So, what now?" They asked, being the first one to speak.
"Well...I should probably go check on Mumen." Saitama said as he put his hands into his pockets "Make sure he's okay and see if can tell us anything about what happened." He added.
"Y-Yeah, and I'll try and get in contact with the association, see what they might be able to tell us and how we might be able to help." King said, doing his best to keep his composure.
"Can I come?" Kaemon asked as they looked towards Saitama "It's been a while since I've seen Mumen, and I wanna make sure he's okay too." They explained.
"Yeah sure, he'll probably be happy that you wanted to check on him." Saitama said.
And with that they all had a plan of action, Saitama and Kaemon were to check on Mumen and see what he knew, while King checked with the association and did the same, all the while all three of them were completely unaware that this new problem had everything to do with their already existing one.
"Hey kid." Garou spoke as he sat atop of a bench "Whatcha got there? looks interesting." He asked with a smile.
Most people after having just spent a night beating the ever living crap out of a group of men would be exhausted, perhaps wounded, or even just afraid that the police would catch them, and then there was Garou. For instead of trying to find some place to hideout for a while or even just a spot he could sleep for a bit he merely continued in his "hunt" of heroes as to make himself stronger and get ever closer to becoming a true human monster. Yet as he walked through the streets which even in a residential area were fairly vacant he happened to spot a lone boy sitting by himself on a playground bench, reading a very peculiar book.
"Oh this? it's a hero guide, it has all the heroes in it and stuff about them too." The boy answered, which only piqued his interest further.
"Really? ALL of the heroes?" Garou question, wanting to know everything the kid had to say.
"Mhm, from C class all the way to S, every hero that's active is in here." He replied as he looked back at his book "Look here's King! he's One Punch Man's sidekick!" He exclaimed as he showed him the picture.
"Huh, so it is." Garou said as the kid turned the page.
"And this right here is Lightning Genji, he's an A class hero and he patrols my neighborhood a lot, I even got his autograph!" He told him excitedly.
"Wow that's cool, say could you maybe introduce me to him sometime? I'd LOVE to get his autograph too." Garou asked.
"Yeah sure, like I said he patrols here a lot, so does this guy!" The kid answered pointing to another picture.
The picture in question was that of what appeared to be a humanoid lion, which admittedly caught Garou by surprise.
"Hey wait, that looks like a monster." Garou said causing the kid to shake his head.
"Nu uh, that's Beast King and he's the best! he always comes here after he's done on patrol." He replied.
"Wait, here, as in the playground?" Garou asked.
"Yeah, he's really popular especially with little kids, they always want to play with him." He answered.
"I see, and he's ALWAYS here, like never misses a day?" Garou asked.
"Well, he might not show up one day or two cause he's patrolling somewhere else, but pretty much the rest of the week he'll come here after patrol cause the other kids want to see him." He explained.
"Huh, then I might get his autograph too, think he'll mind?" Garou asked.
"Nah, he may look scary like a monster but he's actually really nice." He answered.
Speaking of monsters, as the boy flipped through the pages of the book something caught Garou's eye, which made him take the book from him.
"Whoa! they have monsters in here too?" He asked as he now actually wanted to read it.
"You like the monster pages?" The boy asked.
"What? you don't?" Garou asked in return.
"No way, they're way too scary." He answered.
"But don't you think that makes them cooler? that they're so scary and awesome looking?" Garou asked.
"...You got some weird taste old dude." He answered.
"This is exciting! I'd love to be in this book." Garou told him as he flipped through the monster pages.
"You want to be a hero too?" The boy asked as he looked towards the ground "So do I, but I'm not really fast or strong, so I don't think I could be one." He admitted.
"Good for you." Garou replied as he closed the book and handed it back to the kid "Say, mind if I borrow this for a week?" He asked.
"You really are weird old dude." He said as he took the book back "And no." He added.
"Aw, you're stingy" Garou joked as he rose from his seat "Well this has been nice but I gotta get back on patrol." He told the kid as he then walked away "See ya around."
"See ya old dude, be careful on your patrol." He replied.
"Quit calling me old dude." Garou said as he stopped and looked back at him "You really should learn how to talk to people." He told him.
"Huh? did you say something old dude?" The boy asked, as he had already reopened the book and started reading it again.
Rolling his eyes at the other's response Garou simply dismissed it with a wave and continued on his way, eager to reach his next target.
"That book said that Golden Ball likes to drink every night at his favorite bar, which is only like a mile or two from here." He thought as a smile came to his face "Can't wait to get his autograph." He said with a chuckle as he stuck his hands into his pockets.
When visiting someone who is either injured or ill typically you bring a gift with you to show how much you care about them. Normally it's something simple and not too expensive like flowers, candy, a get well soon card, all typical stuff that you see in a pharmacy. But then you had people like Saitama, who didn't really believe getting flowers or candy or cards was really all that special, those were gifts SPECIFICALLY designed for such occasions and so getting them, at least to him, felt rather impersonal. So what else could you give someone who is recovering from some debilitating condition that will not only cheer them up but also show them that you care? The answer is bananas, and if you have a problem with it then you clearly aren't capable of buying gifts for people, like the savage you are.
"Here you go." Saitama said as he took a bundle of bananas out of his shopping bag and placed them on a bedside table.
Before going to the hospital that Mumen Rider and the others were at, which they learned thanks to a quick phone call to the local association branch, they stopped by a supermarket on the way to get something for Mumen that they figured he'd enjoy, and since everyone likes bananas those were the safest bet.
"Thanks." Mumen Rider replied, though unable to look at them as after what Garou did to him he had to have a cast be put around his neck.
"You just can't seem to catch a break can you?" Kaemon asked bluntly as they rested their head on his bed "It seems like every time we see you you're worse for wear." They noted.
"But you've only seen me twice?" Mumen argued.
"Yeah well, try not to make it three in a row alright?" Kaemon suggested, which actually made Mumen to smile.
"I'll try my best." He replied "So Saitama, I'm guessing you heard about the attack right? and not just about how I got hurt." He asked.
"Mhm, saw it on the news." Saitama replied as he took a banana from the bunch "You did well though, so have a banana." He offered as he set it down on top of him.
"I don't think he can move Saitama." Kaemon told him.
"No it's fine, I just need to rest for a while, thanks." Mumen replied "I'm surprised though, you'd think the association would've told you first before you heard it on the news." He admitted.
"They wouldn't call him for something like this." A familiar voice spoke, catching them off guard.
Turning around to face the curtain that separated the hospital beds for privacy, Saitama pulled it back to reveal Tank Top Master sitting upright in his bed with a similar neck cast to Mumen's as well as a sling for his right arm.
"Oh hey Tank Top." He greeted with a slight wave "Didn't know you were there." He admitted.
"Hello One Punch Man, good to see you." He replied.
"So what were you saying? about how they wouldn't call him for this?" Kaemon asked, admittedly curious as to what he meant by that.
"One Punch Man is the strongest of all of us, he did after all save the world from the alien invasion, so for them to call him to deal with a self proclaimed hero hunter would be the very definition of overkill." He explained.
"Hero hunter?" Saitama questioned.
"That's what the association has decided to call him, and to be honest after having fought against him I can understand why." Tank Top Master explained as he looked down at his lap "At first when I was fighting him he seemed like an arrogant idiot, thinking he was strong enough to pick a fight with a hero and come out on top, but then just when it seemed like it was going to be over he defeated me in under a minute, I never stood a chance." He recounted.
"Whoa, seriously?" Kaemon asked.
"Seriously, he wasn't just some punk looking to prove something, he was a skilled fighter who knew how to fight against his opponent, the whole first half of our fight was just him learning the way I fought so he could turn my own strengths against me, in the end the fight was decided the moment I threw my first punch." He answered.
"Dude sounds pretty tough." Saitama commented.
"Indeed, what's even worse is I think I recognize one of his techniques, and if I'm right then we have an even greater problem on our hands." Tank Top Master said.
"Why? what was the technique?" Saitama asked.
"It was master Bang's technique, flowing water crushing rock." Another familiar voice spoke up, once again catching them all off guard.
Looking across the room Saitama walked over and pulled open another curtain revealing a man with spiky orange hair.
"Hey, it's Churro." Saitama said.
"SERIOUSLY?!" Charanko shouted in question, honestly starting to get annoyed at how One Punch Man couldn't remember his name.
"What're you doing here Charanko?" Kaemon asked as they also walked over, the mere fact that they got his name right making him feel a lot better.
"I was...on my way home when I heard what sounded like a fight happening, by the time I checked it out it was already over." He answered.
"Ah, so you tried to help and got beaten up?" Saitama asked.
"Er...well...yeah..." Charanko answered, still ashamed of how quickly he went down "Anyways though, the technique like I said is master Bang's, flowing water crushing rock." He repeated.
"How would the hero hunter know Bang's technique though?" Kaemon asked.
"Because, the hero hunter is Garou." He answered, catching them both by surprise.
"Whoa, small world." Saitama said "But wait, why would Bang's old student be a hero hunter? does he have a grudge against them or?..." He questioned.
"It's more than that, from what he said to me back when he was still at the dojo, it seemed like he wanted to become a monster." Charanko explained.
"Seriously? can humans even become monsters?" Kaemon asked, as even though they had been on land for quite awhile they had still never heard of such a thing.
"Oh yeah happens all the time." Saitama said in such a causal tone as if it were no big deal "But why would he want to become a monster? from how strong he sounds he could easily be a hero." He pointed out.
"I have no idea, all I know is that is why master Bang expelled him from the dojo, because he wanted to be the strongest monster ever and didn't care who he had to hurt to make it happen." Charanko told him.
"He sounds crazy to me." Kaemon admitted as they crossed their arms "Doesn't he know that if he keeps this up, monster or no monster he'll have to deal with Saitama?" They asked.
"That's probably want he wants to be honest." Charanko said.
"Hmph, then he really is crazy." Tank Top Master chimed in as he looked towards Saitama "What do you think One Punch Man?" He asked.
"...Eh, if he wants to fight me he knows where I live, everyone does." Saitama answered with a shrug of his shoulders "And since he's now got the association's attention, they'll probably catch him soon, so we don't need to worry, he is only going after heroes after all." He reasoned.
"True, and no doubt someone else from S class will be assigned to deal with him." Tank Top Master said.
"Hey, this is probably why Bang's been missing! he's out there looking for Garou!" Kaemon suggested.
"Then we definitely don't need to worry about it." Saitama said as he crossed his arms "That old man's tough, if he's hunting Garou then this whole thing will be over by tomorrow, or maybe the day after." He reasoned "Anyway, we better get back home and check in with King, see what the association's told him." He said as he and Kaemon turned to leave.
"Wait!" Charanko exclaimed causing them to stop "Can I ask you two to do something for me?" He asked.
"Oh? what is it?" Saitama responded.
Reaching into his pocket Charanko pulled out what looked to be a ticket of some kind, though it was pretty crumpled up.
"Could you use this for me? I already spent the money on it so it'd be a shame if it were to go to waste." He asked as Saitama took it to look it over.
"A martial arts tournament?" Saitama asked.
"You were planning on fighting in a martial arts tournament?" Kaemon asked with widened eyes.
"Um, yeah?" Charanko answered "Why is that so shocking?" He asked.
"Because you're so weak." They simply replied, proving that even in the hospital Charanko's pride was not safe.
"So wait." Saitama spoke as he looked the ticket over "This is like, an ACTUAL tournament right? not just some weird thing in a shopping mall correct?" He asked.
"Of course it is! the best martial artists from all over go to that every year to compete!" Charanko exclaimed, a little offended he would have thought so little of his abilities.
"Man you really are just a glutton for punishment huh?" Kaemon asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Charanko asked.
As those two began to bicker back and forth the cogs in Saitama's head started to slowly turn, forming a plan in his mind.
"Alright, let's go Kaemon." He told them as he headed for the door.
A bit surprised by the sudden announcement of departure, Kaemon simply followed him out the door and into the hallway.
"Is something wrong Saitama?" They asked.
"I think I know how we can track down Garou." He told them as he continued to look at the ticket "But first we've got to go shopping." He said.
"You must be the A class hero Golden Ball." Garou said, as he came to a stop at a window side table.
As he had guessed it didn't take Garou long to find the bar listed in the hero guide that was supposedly Golden Ball's favorite, and sure enough after walking in he immediately spotted the renowned A class hero drinking alone by the window.
"Eh? who are you?" He asked, as he looked up from his drink, a light blush present on his face indicating he already had one or perhaps a few.
"I've got some business I want to discuss with you outside." Garou told him.
"Can't it wait till I've finished my drink?" Golden Ball asked as he raised his glass for a sip.
Sadly for the hero before it could even so much as touch his lips the glass was sliced in half, causing all of the beer to spill out onto the table.
"Alright, you've got my attention." He told the other, causing him to smile "There's an empty parking lot nearby, we'll go there." He suggested.
Getting up from his seat Golden Ball led the way and took them outside, after that he led them to an alleyway that was next to the building.
"After you." Golden Ball said with a slight hiccup, gesturing to the alley.
Seeing as how he was both drunk and seeming to be unaware of the danger present, Garou took his invitation and went into the alley with him trailing behind.
"You know, if you want we can turn back right now." He offered as they walked, seeming to have a hard time keeping his balance "I get plenty of people trying to make a name for themselves by going after a pro hero." He said.
"Oh? is that so?" Garou replied.
"Yeah, thing is they all have something in common, something that makes them the same." Golden Ball told him.
"Really? what's that?' Garou asked.
However, just as he said those words a sound caught his attention, but before he could react in time to fully dodge it one of Golden Ball's patented shots whizzed past him, grazing his cheek as he just barely missed it.
"They're all idiots, like you hero hunter." Golden Ball told him with his slingshot drawn, the whole drunken stupor having been an act "Everyone thinks they're the next big hotshot who's gonna take down a hero and be famous, you're just like the rest." He told him as he fired another shot.
This time though Garou was fully aware of what was happening, and so before the shot was even fired he already knew how to dodge it, which didn't go unnoticed by Golden Ball.
"He read my hand movements, figured out where I was going to shoot." He thought as he readied another shot "Let's see you dodge this one!" He challenged as he pulled it back and fired.
Expecting this one to also come straight for him Garou was surprised to find it miss him entirely, only to realize too late what was happening.
"A ricochet!" He thought, just as the projectile thanks to it's incredible speed had managed to hit it's mark, it being his lower right calf.
"Heh, lucky for you I missed your joint, otherwise your entire knee would've exploded." Golden Ball told him.
"Lucky for me? or lucky for you?" He asked as a smile came to his face "You're going to regret having not finished me off with that shot." He warned.
"Yeah sure I am." Golden Ball replied as he lightly tossed his ammunition in his hand "Let's see how you handle this one then, KILLER MOVE GOLDEN BREAKOUT!" He shouted, as he then took all of the shots that were in his hand and loaded them into his slingshot, then proceeded to fire.
Within an instant the alleyway lit up like a christmas tree, as every single shot began to ricochet off the walls in a chaotic golden storm, completely surrounding Garou. Yet as they continued to bounce around he showed no fear or worry, instead he began to move ever so slightly and by doing so was miraculously dodging each and every one of them.
"What the hell?" Golden Ball wondered as he watched him "This guy's an insane! no one should be able to dodge all of those..." He thought as he readied his next shot "Gonna have to end it with this then, got no other options!" He decided as he pulled it back and fired.
Hoping that as he was focused on dodging so he wouldn't notice that shot, Golden Ball's hopes were immediately crushed as with but a simple flick of his hand Garou deflected it into the wall. To make matters worse, once he did this he began to do the same with each of the ricocheting shots, until each and every last one was embedded into the walls of the alley.
"Tsk tsk tsk, looks like you're out of ammo." He taunted as he stared him down "Guess it's my turn now huh?" He asked.
But before Garou could even take a step towards him a handkerchief gently began to fall down in front of Golden Ball, before it was then suddenly transformed into a traditional dueling saber. Obviously surprised by this both men were shocked even further as a third man suddenly appeared lunging from behind Golden Ball, and as he did he grabbed onto the saber's handle and swung it several times at Garou, who immediately jumped back to dodge it, though like before just barely as the front of his shirt received a few slashes.
"You weren't at the bar." The new man spoke as he landed in front of Golden Ball "When I asked if the bartender had seen you, he said you had left with a rather strange looking man." He explained.
"Spring Mustachio?" Garou asked with a grin "How perfect, two heroes in one go, I'm getting really lucky lately." He said.
"I'm flattered you've heard of me, though I should expect nothing less from the self proclaimed Hero Hunter." He responded.
"Ding Ding, we have a winner." Garou taunted as he pointed towards them "So how about for your prize I kill both of you where you stand?" He offered.
"His right leg's been injured, so he won't be able to hold his ground well." Golden Ball told him, hoping to be of some help.
"I see, thank you for the advice." Spring Mustachio replied.
"You sure that will help you though? seeing as how you plan to use that sword despite there isn't much room." Garou pointed out as he gestured to the alleyway.
However, instead of replying with words Spring Mustachio chose action, unleashing a torrent of deadly swings with his blade all around him, creating a perfect sphere of destruction. Unable to fully retreat backwards due to his injury Garou instead chose to dodge vertically by jumping high into the air out of his blade's reach.
"Got you." Spring Mustachio said as his blade suddenly curled up like a spring towards the handle "Tomboy Thrust!" He shouted as he sent the blade forward at an incredible speed.
Yet instead of trying to dodge it like anyone else would have, Garou did the unthinkable and actually allowed himself to get hit, having the blade go straight through his left hand. But this action actually was advantageous for him, as it allowed him to close the distance between them and deliver a powerful punch to the other's face, ending it all together. With Spring Mustachio now defeated and his blade returning to it's normal length, Garou without hesitation or any sign of pain pulled the sword from his hand and dropped it onto the ground.
"Did you know your trump cards are listed in the hero guide?" Garou asked as he balled his left hand into a fist, to make sure he could still use it "Makes it kinda hard to fight when someone can just pick up a book and learn everything about you." He said.
"You...you can't keep this up." Golden Ball told him, knowing well what was going to happen next "If you do, you're gonna attract the attention of a hero who you can't beat, like One Punch Man!" He warned.
"I know." He replied as a smile came to his face "Why do you think I'm doing this to begin with?" He asked before he delivered a second punch to Golden Ball.
Satisfied with his victory Garou then took his leave of the alley, leaving the two heroes who now lay injured and unconscious on the alley floor, to wait for help.