As the group started gathering around the wooden table getting ready for dinner, they all sat in unison like they either have eaten together or they've been with one another since childhood. Bang sat next to King while Genos sat on the opposite side followed by Saitama. The entire table was filled with luxurious arrangements of food, consisting of ramen, rice, beef, pork, dumplings, and much much more; followed by a small rectangular box that is wrapped in red and white wrapping paper which is placed beside Bang. The expensive but delicious food which was displayed beautifully by the chandelier that was installed above allowed the food to emit a luxurious scent that made all the members seated on the table drool as the scent entered their nostrils. Tatsumaki's stomach began to growl as she quickly shut it up by hugging her waist tight. Tatsumaki was hungry as she hadn't eaten since yesterday, except the delicious candy apple that Bang gave her. She wanted food more than answers right now and nothing will stop her rampage over the dinner table as she begins gliding towards it only to suddenly stop.
"Oh goddammit, is that really the only seat left?" Tatsumaki silently cursed.
"Yo T-Tatsuaki? Tatsum? T-Tats!" Saitama called, waving his hand at the silent enraged doll, "Why are you floating over there? I saved you a spot." Patting his hand on the empty seat next to him.
"T-Tats? Who gave you the righ-'' Tatsumaki retorted before Saitama turned his head around to talk to Genos, "Cocky egghead, I swear I'll throw you to the moon if it wasn't for the fact that the food will be collateral damage." Tatsumaki scoffed as she floated towards the chair, plopping herself down, arms crossed and annoyed. Tatsumaki slowly looked up to see the display of food before cursing at her genes as she wasn't tall enough to even look over the dinner table. Her petite form has a lot of disadvantages, especially being mistakenly treated like a child, but she always got the last laugh as they would regret their entire existence when they knew it was her.
"Hey Tats, lift up your butt," Saitama asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
"W-What?! You pervert!" Tatsumaki confused, screamed, covering parts of her body with her arms and hands while staring at Saitama's expressionless face.
"Calm down," Saitama assured, pulling a book out from behind him, "You can't even look over the table and your feet are dangling off the chair, so I just want to put this coupon book underneath you so it'll be easier for you to eat."
"W-What?! I'm fine I can d-" Tatsumaki hissed before Bang cut her off seemingly out of nowhere.
"Tatsumaki, I can only see your hair from here, It'll be best if you just take it so we can quickly eat," Bang proposed while pulling out his arm to block King from eating before everyone else.
"Yeah just take it, I'm really hungry right now," King chimed in, holding his chopstick on standby ready to grab the best piece out of the dozens of dishes.
"Ms. Tornado, It'll be best to take Saitama-Sensei's proposal before the food gets cold due to it being a high risk of affecting everyone's mo-" Genos added before an enraged Tatsumaki was fed up.
"Fine! Just give me it!" Tatsumaki snapped, swiping the book off Saitama and placing it underneath her and sitting on it, now being at the height that she always wished she had.
Saitama relieved nodded as he faced back at the dinner table, grabbing his chopsticks ready to eat. Before he was able to grab a piece, Bang began hitting his empty rock glass with his chopstick signaling everyone around him that he was ready to make an announcement.
"This meal is a gift to everyone who participated in the fight against the Monster Association," Bang announced, "And a personal gift to you Saitama for finally stopping Garou."
"Garou? You mean that person who has that weird obsession over being a hero monster or something?" Saitama questioned, rubbing his head confused.
"Hmph! He didn't even fully stop it since he got away right?" Tatsumaki scoffed, still with her arms crossed.
"That begs the question Saitama-bro, why did you let him go anyways?" King wondered.
"Why do I need to kill him anyway?" Saitama replied, still rubbing his head confused, "He's human and a civilian and heroes have no right killing other humans; plus, if he's really that bad, the police should take care of it, not the Hero Association."
"H-How are you this carefree?!" Tatsumaki interrogated, staring at him stunned that someone is this clueless over its surroundings, "What would happen if he returns and fights us again?"
"He won't, he knew his mistakes and won't do it again," Saitama shrugged, crossing his arms back as he stared at the lovely chandelier, admiring it, "Plus, he's not that bad. He always wanted to be a hero but he just took the easy way instead of the correct way."
Genos started taking notes as Saitama continued on.
"Not to mention, if he comes back then I'll just defeat him again," Saitama explained as he then stared at Tatsumaki's confused face, "But that begs the question, why did you become a hero anyways? You left without answering, you know."
Tatsumaki stunned by Saitama's sudden memory over their encounter, was now speechless. For some reason, she now has a soft side for Saitama, it might be the fact that he doesn't treat her like a crazy monster that will eliminate everything around her when she gets mad or it's the fact that he's strong and he knows that it won't affect him. Or maybe, he's just himself.
"I...I-I, It's none of your business!" Tatsumaki expressed, annoyed as she continued crossing her arms as she stared at the ground. Bang seeing the entire encounter unfold in front of him quickly raised his hand.
"Ooh I can tell you Saitama," Bang announced, happily.
"Don't you dare say a word or I will send you to space!" Tatsumaki retorted, threatening Bang as she stared in his eyes with her fiery ones, even backing her statement up by glowing.
"Alright, calm down, I don't need to know that much," Saitama explained, gesturing to everyone to calm down.
Tatsumaki dimmed down as she stared at Saitama who still held his expressionless face, confused or what, Tatsumaki wants to know more of this person who apparently can go toe to toe with her even though she's still recovering.
"Since you asked me why I became a hero so much, why did you become a hero Baldy?" Tatsumaki questioned, staring deep into Saitama's blank eyes.
"Oh for fun!" Saitama confidently replied.
"F-For fun?" Tatsumaki replied, stunned and confused.
"Y-Yeah why? Do you think I have an epic backstory on why I became a hero?"
"I-I don't get it?" Tatsumaki revealed, "Why do so many people, especially strong people connect with you, it just doesn't make sense."
For the first time in a while, Tatsumaki is speechless, confused, and not in control. She hasn't gotten a hint over who this person is. He is always with Bang, King, Genos, and other S-class heroes while single-handedly defeating Garou, but no one has a clue on how he does it or who he is. He treats everyone equally and the same no matter their character or who they are. He has questionable ideals and morals but he has no aim. It's as if he exists purely to observe the world and has no real intentions in the universe, or maybe not anymore.
"Tin-Can! I keep hearing you call him Sensei, why is he your Sensei?" Tatsumaki interrogated, standing up on her chair and pointing at Genos, "It's not because he's strong and that's it, there must be something else!"
Bang and King sighed but were curious over how the mysterious cyborg was able to be a disciple with the strongest person they ever met and how Saitama was willing to be his teacher. They all stared at Genos as Genos begins to clear his throat.
"Saitama-Sensei saved my life after I was badly defeated by a monster, I had no other option but to self-destruct but Sensei stopped the monster and saved me before doing so," Genos explained, expressionless, "I pledge total loyalty to him as he saved my life and he is willing to teach me with his infinite knowledge to allow me to take revenge on the Mad Cyborg that destroyed my village 4 years ago."
"You know I just ran into you guys and just slapped that mosquito monster since the mosquito was annoying me right?" Saitama revealed, playing with his chopsticks waiting to eat, "No need to give me much credit."
"Enough!" Tatsumaki snapped, redirecting her finger now to King, "King! You're definitely stronger than Saitama over here, why are you even with him? You're always so introverted?"
King stunned over Tatsumaki's sudden interrogation over him instantly gave him heart problems as the King Engine started rumbling, shaking its entire surrounding. Bang sensing a personal attack that Tatsumaki is placing on King decided to make a move before King pulls his arm out to stop Bang from interfering. King placed his chopsticks down on the table as he stared directly at Tatsumaki's emerald green eyes with his most intimidating stare possible before relaxing to his carefree one.
"I shouldn't say more, but I wish to tell Saitama-bro how much he means to me," King wondered as he recalls the past few years of his life, "Saitama-bro helped me out so much that I would've been dead without him."
"I wasn't always this strong. A few years ago I was attacked by a high tig-dragon purple octopus monster which attacked me. He was so powerful in his attack that he caused the three scars you see now on my face," King explained, pointing at his scars with his fingers, "This was before the Hero Association. But before I was finally struck down, Saitama-bro saved me and defeated the monster and I was able to continue living."
King was so emotional during the whole explanation that he was almost about to shed tears before wiping it off before continuing with his serious face.
"I was so inspired by Saitama-bro that I gave myself a goal which was to be as strong as well," King declared, "Although at that time, he left without a trace as a vigilante, I never got to know who he was, until now."
"Wow! That was you? I remember now, wow, I used to have hair back then," Saitama exclaimed, showing a bright smile on his face remembering how it feels to fight monsters who can harm him.
"Incredible! Even when Saitama-Sensei began training he was able to defeat high-dragon level threats." Genos replied, amazed as everyone could swear they could see stars in his eyes as he started to admire his sensei.
"Do you honestly think I believe in your story King?!" Tatsumaki retorted, crossing her arms with furrowed eyebrows, "There's no conceivable way you trained for a few years and became as strong as you are now."
"Oh it is possible Tatsumaki," Bang chimed in as he began pointing directly at Saitama, "Because he also trained a few years and became that strong, or that's what Genos told me."
"H-How?!" Tatsumaki questioned before recalling back how Garou was only 18 to 19 and was able to defeat all the S class heroes but he was a monster. Tatsumaki could argue back but she can't bring herself to think that, as she could see that what Bang said was the truth and that Saitama really did get strong in a few years. But if that's the case then King isn't lying as well. "W-Whatever! You! How did you meet this Baldy?" Tatsumaki ordered as she pointed at Bang.
"Oh little old me?" Bang chuckled, "Well I was amazed at his strength when he destroyed that meteor which would've destroyed my dojo so I asked him if he wanted to be my disciple but he sadly declined. I even offered him beef."
Tatsumaki was again lost for words. Even with everyone explaining how they got to know Saitama she was still confused and lost. Yeah, he was strong but that doesn't mean they automatically have to be friends, Tatsumaki thought. Tatsumaki works with S class members all the time and she doesn't hang out with them at all or anyone, even her own sister.
"B-But that doesn't make sense?!" Tatsumaki snapped, confused, and seemingly lost her mind as she started to rub her head furiously.
Bang then decided to stand up before clearing his throat signaling Tatsumaki to stop and pay attention. He paused for a while as he stared at each member sitting down seeing if they are paying attention to what he has to say.
"Saitama is not your ordinary hero. Although I spent the least time with him personally, I could see through his motivation through my experience on this Earth. Saitama doesn't care about praises, fame, money, or any recognition. If fighting for someone who he at least knows has a chance to live on then he'll fight even if the person forgets his existence. He fights for those who are weak and stands up for those who are down. He has great wisdom and morals towards others and sees through their intentions and aim, even giving them a second chance. For example, Garou; although he did terrible actions towards my fellow heroes, I would not even kill him myself. It doesn't matter if he was weak, he'll fight if he can, as he sees that the courage to fight when you're weak is much more powerful than fighting when you know you can win. He inspired multiple people throughout his life, especially those two there," Bang explained pointing at Genos and King before continuing, "But I'm sure he inspired much much more than he knows even if the person who was inspired by him didn't know who that person is. Saitama stood up and helped those who were in need, and thus, they repaid him by being by his side. Finally, because of this, he is the ideal hero which the world needs, and for this reason, I formally retired from being a hero."
Everyone was shocked by the news that Bang gave a huge homage towards Saitama even more than his retirement announcement, all except Saitama.
"That's a nice speech and all but you could've just summarized it to 20 words," Saitama exclaimed, yawning as he stares at the food with his leg up on his chair.
"That was an incredible speech that definitely painted an honest picture of Saitama-Sensei's work in our world," Genos announced, clapping furiously at high speeds, while King nodded in agreement.
Tatsumaki was now stunned in the air, mouth wide open in a comedic fashion as she had no clue how to respond. She listened to every single word that left Bang's mouth and was even more amazed that he would pay this much respect towards Saitama more so than Blast himself.
"B-But why did you keep being a hero when there's him?" Tatsumaki questioned, pointing at the sky.
"Oh him? honestly he's unreliable, I don't have faith in someone who can deal with all the monsters no matter their strength but doesn't show up to face all of them," Bang replied, confidently, "Besides, my philosophy is the same as Saitama and with his strength, I am willing to place my entire trust and faith into him to keep this world safe for the next generation."
"W-What? You don't believe me that I'm capable of destroying all the monsters?" Tatsumaki questioned, crossing her arms as if she got offended over Bang's explanation.
"Indeed you are strong, and you do assert your strength by pushing people down," Bang explained, "But what happens when you are down and in need of help? Who will stand up for you? This I hope Saitama can explain to you."
Tatsumaki was stunned as the only person who stood up to her need was Blast, but even she admitted that he was pretty unreliable if she ever is in trouble. She hates being vulnerable but it seems like a common occurrence when she's around Saitama. "I felt so useless against Garou that I will never let myself down and even though I would've destroyed him in an instant if I'm at 100%, there is no doubt that someone has to take my place and defeat him for me, and obviously it was him." Tatsumaki is annoyed but he can see that Bang has a clear point in his argument. Every person who is with Saitama right now was helped or saved by Saitama. Genos and King with the monster, Bang with his dojo, and obviously Fubuki. Tatsumaki could see it as she now understood why Saitama said he was an acquaintance to Fubuki rather than a friend. He saved her because she was down not because he was friends with her. He senses that Fubuki was endangered even if he has no right to interfere with family relationship problems. He stood up for her not as a friend but as a hero. Tatsumaki sighed as she slowly plopped back down on her chair as she stared at the ground defeated. Bang happy that his point got through to Tatsumaki's head for once begins to sit back down as well before pulling out the box that was wrapped in wrapping paper. He tears it open before showing everyone what it was.
"Saitama here's a personal gift to you," Bang declared, showing a large champagne-like bottle, "It's very expensive but for you, it's worth it."
"Woah! Is that God Killer sake?" Saitama exclaimed, eyes shot wide as his expression finally showed signs of life.
"Yes it is, much more expensive than the Dragon Killer sake we drank at the resort," Bang replied, happy that his gift made Saitama smile.
"Alright! Let's drink and eat!" Saitama announced, pumping his fist in the air, surprising everyone over his energetic side.
Bang then passed along the bottle to King who popped it open before pouring everyone a shot including Tatsumaki. Tatsumaki knew she was a light-drinker and did not want to get drunk like last time at the resort. She knew that if she got drunk again, she'd destroy everything around her if something annoyed her and she'll get punished by Bang and the Hero Association again. Before everyone pulled a shot and raised their glass, Tatsumaki slowly raised her shot glass unwilling to even participate in this before something swiped the shot glass out of her hand.
"Children should not be drinking alcohol, I'll get you some milk or something from the fridge," Saitama explained, holding her shot glass while holding his own, "I remember telling you this before, it'll strengthen your bones and let you grow, you know?"
Tatsumaki was now embarrassed and annoyed, she leaped out of her chair and jumped on Saitama's shoulders before hitting her hand on his head. She knew it won't do anything but even though she knew her powers are useless right now, all she needs to do is to annoy him until he gives in.
"Hey get off me," Saitama replied, unfazed over her constant punching on his head.
King and Bang could only chuckle over Tatsumaki's way of dealing with someone who was stronger than her as if she was a preschooler trying to get her dad to bring her to an amusement park.
"Ms. Tornado, please dismount Saitama's shoulder before I use lethal force," Genos demanded, as he starts to pull up one of his arms.
"No! Not until this Blady returns my drink!" Tatsumaki retorted, stretching Saitama's face as far as she could with an unusual smiling-pouting face on her.
"No! I don't want to get arrested for giving alcohol to a minor, especially a God Killer sake," Saitama explained, now with a worrying expression over the petite hero.
With that, Tatsumaki jumped off Saitama's shoulder and flew right in front of him and swiped both drinks off his hand and in one chug, drank both shots as she slowly gave everyone an evil smirk before collapsing face-first on the table.
"Well luckily she sat on her seat before taking both the shots," Saitama laughed, picking back one of the shot glasses, gesturing King to pour another one for him.
"That was an unusual encounter, but at least we can eat in peace," King explained, pouring Saitama's cup as Saitama held it out for him.
Bang and Genos nodded before digging in the food. As they all continue eating, Genos could not help but think about a question that he wanted the answer for. Thus, he placed his chopsticks down before getting up and bowing before Bang.
"Bang! Sorry for interrupting your meal but a question is itching me to have it answered!" Genos exclaimed still with his head bowed.
"Yes Genos, sit back down and ask away," Bang replied while scarfing down his rice.
"Ms. Tornado questioned each of us on why we connected to Saitama as if she's wondering why we think of him as a role model or an ideal hero," Genos explained, now looking directly at Bang, "Thus, my question is that who's Tatsumaki's role model and why did she become a hero?"
"It's fine Genos, you shouldn't ask questions, especially someone who doesn't want it answered," Saitama revealed, gesturing Genos to sit back down.
"It is truly fascinating, what really gave Tatsumaki the motivation to be a hero anyway?" King chimed in, curious as well.
"Well if you want it all answered, it's because of Bla-" Bang explained before being cut off as the surroundings immediately turned green.
Tatsumaki's eyes shot wide when she heard the question being answered hoping Bang would not say a word to reveal the truth. But how foolish she must be to think that Bang would keep his mouth shut with everyone at this table, especially after what Bang said about Saitama.
Tatsumaki glowed exponentially as she flew right at the center of the room, the strong aura encased everyone inside as everyone began to prepare their battle stance, all except Saitama who was still eating. The roaring wind and rage exiting Tatsumaki are moving the chandelier violently as multiple parts of it drop but were quickly caught by Bang.
"Tatsumaki! End this now!" Bang ordered, holding all the chandeliers with both arms as he slowly places them back down on the ground.
"Bang! It's no use, I scanned her and she's completely drunk and unaware of her surroundings!" Genos explained while parts of the apartment walls are beginning to crack, "I should've not said anything as I believed her instincts took over her after she heard what you said!"
"Saitama-bro, do something already before another house of yours gets destroyed; not to mention, all of our houses!" King pleaded as Saitama is still scarfing down food.
Saitama placed down his bowl and turned his head around to see the small Esper floating in the air as the glow surrounded her with a giant green sphere. Saitama sighed as he slowly got up, walked up to her, and grabbed her by the arm. Tatsumaki, still drunk, instantly stared at him as a sudden loud bomb was heard as Saitama was then thrown into the ground, still holding onto Tatsumaki with only his head visible. Saitama slowly but surely got out of the hole with his only hand and seemed unfazed as he stared at everyone else on the table still holding their battle stance.
"So what do I do guys?" Saitama called, staring at the group confused.
"Knock her out!" Genos pleaded.
"That's too cruel, I got a better idea!" Saitama expressed.
In a swift flash, Saitama pulled Tatsumaki into him hugging Tatsumaki tight. Tatsumaki, still drunk and unresponsive, didn't move until her powers started leaking out uncontrollably, wanting to exit his grasp. Saitama sighed over this unnecessary occurrence and began to run his finger through her emerald green curls, caressing the back of her head while slowly patting her in the back like a small child throwing a fit. Tatsumaki feeling the sudden comfortable pleasure throughout her body suddenly dimmed down. Although her brain wasn't functioning properly, her body was responding on her behalf. After a while of Saitama's constant patting, Tatsumaki finally fully dimmed down and fell asleep with little tiny snores exiting her confirming her slumber. Saitama then slowly carried her in a bridal hold and placed her gently on the sofa before returning back to the dinner table much to the group's amazement.
"Incredible work Saitama!" Bang congratulated, "I knew you are the kind of person to get through Tatsumaki."
"You showed unparalleled skill Sensei," Genos exclaimed, clapping his hand at incredible speeds, "It seems like the so-called strongest hero in the Hero Association is no match to you, even without strength you are still superior."
"Saitama-bro, you need to teach me that," King pleaded, "I didn't even see that move in Doki Doki Sister."
Saitama sighed, plopped himself back down on his chair before looking at everyone, still in their shock and amazed state.
"I didn't even do anything special," Saitama explained, confused, "That's what I usually do to make Rover fall asleep, like just a feel rubs and a pat in the back and boom! Sleep! It just happened to work with her too."
Everyone still shocked didn't even take Saitama's explanation quite seriously before they all sat back down to finish their meal. As everyone starts to finish their meal, they all begin to pack it all up as Genos is already in the kitchen washing the dishes while Bang and King start putting their shoes back on.
"Thanks for the meal Saitama-bro!" King exclaimed, happy as he finished putting on his shoes.
"Quite a skill that you were able to use on Tatsumaki, I wonder if I could learn that too," Bang chuckled.
"It's really nothing but hey?!" Saitama pondered, looking back at Tatsumaki still sleeping on Saitama's sofa, "I don't see any pockets on her, so who's going to take her back to her apartment?"
"Not it!" Bang and King said in unison.
"I'm still moving to my new apartment and I don't have any space for Tatsumaki," King explained.
"My dojo is in City-Z so you all know how it won't work out," Bang chimed in, before staring at King, "Oh also, can I sleep in your place for the night since City-Z is too far out?"
"Oh sure, I got a spare air mattress," King replied, happy that he doesn't need to take care of Tatsumaki.
Saitama sighed as he was about to get a word in to make them rethink their choices, but they all waved and left in an instant. Saitama sat at the front door speechless before turning around to still see the small Esper child lying comfortably on the sofa. "Now I got to babysit? God this is getting annoying, I heard she's strong, I wonder if she's so strong that she got bored and that's why she joined the Hero Association," Saitama wondered, "But even so, everyone has a role model on why they became a hero, so who's hers?"
As Saitama walked into the kitchen to get a bag of chips and a drink, he patted Genos on the shoulder before informing him, "Genos, prepare a full breakfast for Tatsumaki in the morning since she hasn't eaten yet as I will be going out tomorrow morning to get that 90% beef."
"Yes Sensei!" Genos accepted, going back to washing the dishes before questioning, "Sensei! Do you want me to give up my room in favor of Tatsumaki?"
"No, that is not needed, I'll deal with it myself," Saitama explained, exiting the kitchen with his hands full of snacks and drinks.
"Oh before I forget, we're sparing tomorrow as I promised," Saitama explained, only to receive a firm nod in response.
As Saitama went back to the living room, he plopped down all the food and drinks on the coffee table before staring at Tatsumaki's sleepy state. "Sigh, she's drooling, I wondered how long she's been awake?" Saitama wondered, before picking Tatsumaki back into his arms in a bridal hold, "Well I guess she had a hard day today so it'll be wrong to throw her out into the hallway now."
Saitama then carried the sleepy Esper back into his room. He slowly placed Tatsumaki in bed, covering the blanket over her before she instinctively in her sleep pulled it all the way up and covered her head. "Sigh, how is she not dead from suffocation over the stuff she does without her knowledge." Saitama wondered before pulling it back down to let her breathe. He then saw blood dripping down her forehead as he sighed once again before going to his cabinet and pulling out a pair of tissue paper. "Overusing your powers again?" Saitama quietly muttered as he carefully wiped the blood off Tatsumaki's forehead. Saitama now satisfied, crunched up the tissue paper and got out a spare blanket from the closet before turning off the lights and exiting the room. He then sat right down on his sofa, covering himself with blankets as he munched down on snacks while continuing to watch the war movie he was watching earlier that day. As the kitchen lights started turning off, Genos exited the kitchen before giving his bow as he entered his room to finish the day.
"Bang told me something about understanding her but I still don't know what it is," Saitama wondered, stuffing himself with chips, "Does he want me to be her dad or something?"
As the bright moon shines across A-City, all the heroes eventually fall asleep, especially Saitama who didn't get a single chance to finish the movie before he dozed off with chips still in his mouth.
Author Notes:
That was another chapter done. I'm sure I overdid it a little bit as I checked the word count and it's doubled the word count for the chapter I usually do. This chapter is filled with dialogue as this is just the foundation that I'm building up upon. The next few chapters will usually just be my adaptation of the webcomic and how it connects to Tatsumaki and Saitama. Quick question if you're all interested in answering: How's my writing? Do you think it has improved or not?
Anyways that's all I gotta say so see you all in the next chapter.
Goosey
