"Water stream rock crushing fist!"
Ayano watched as the Class S hero Silver Fang moved his hands around, a translucent trail of blue following them. It was the move Budo had shown her back at the Martial Arts Club. Naturally, Saitama didn't look interested at all. And if Saitama wasn't interested, then neither was Genos.
While Ayano still didn't want to become Bang's disciple (Saitama was more than enough), Budo had said that Silver Fang could teach her the infamous Water Stream move far better than he could. Budo was a good teacher, so Ayano heeded his wisdom. And besides, she wanted to come off as a good student. So here she was, along with Saitama and Genos, as well as Budo and another one of Silver Fang's disciples, sitting in Silver Fang's dojo, watching the man in question showing the disinterested men martial arts.
According to Genos, he and Saitama had encountered Silver Fang during the meteor incident, and the senior hero had invited them over to his dojo to 'show them something cool'.
"It goes something like that," Silver Fang said, lowering his hands. "Want to give it a try? You're all strong, and look like quick learners. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time."
"Is this really the cool thing you said you wanted to show us?" Saitama asked. "A sales pitch for your dojo? Thanks, but I'll pass. What about you guys?"
"I will pass as well," Genos said. "What I seek to learn is not the art of self defence, but total destructive power."
"I'll learn it," Ayano said, standing up. She could use self-defense moves. After all, she'd almost lost against Shiromi the other day, if not for her powers. She needed to be able to defend herself.
"Ah, glad to hear so," Silver Fang smiled at her. "Budo told me all about you. You're Miss Ayano Aishi, right? Also known as Yan-chan. You recently joined the Martial Arts Club at his school."
Ayano bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you too, Silver Fang."
Silver Fang chuckled. "Call me Bang."
"What about these two punks?" the other disciple asked, pointing to Saitama and Genos. He had messy, ginger hair, and wore the traditional gi. He seemed less respectable than Budo. "They're mocking our fighting style! Let's challenge them, Budo!"
Budo shook his head. "While it's a shame they don't want to learn, we should respect their decision, Charanko. As the top disciples, it's important to know when and where to start a fight!"
"Top disciples?" Genos asked. "Hmm. You seem to be the only strong one here, Budo."
"Hey!" Charanko yelled.
"I have heard that this dojo is supposed to be brimming with skilled fighters," Genos continued, ignoring Charanko. "Why is there only one?"
Bang grimaced. "Hmm. Well, one of my top disciples went wild. He bet my best students so badly they're out of commission. The rest got scared and quit. Understandable, but unfortunate."
"Wow, is he really that strong?" Saitama asked. "What's his name?"
"Garou." Bang answered, grimly.
"What about Raibaru Fumetsu?" Ayano found herself asking.
There was a tense silence.
"Raibaru was my top student," Bang answered, his scowl deepening. "She was even above Garou. She and Garou were the best of friends. Those two were inseparable." He smiled sadly. "She used to teach him personally, as well as various other students, like Budo and Charanko here. She was almost as good of a teacher as myself. She was exceptionally strong, too. The only person who could beat her in a fight was me. She was so strong she became known as the 'Indestructible Rival'. However, when Garou went on his rampage, she couldn't find it in herself to stop him. For the first time, he defeated her in a fight. She was heartbroken, and quit shortly afterwards."
Ayano nodded, while Budo had a shadow over his face. Raibaru wasn't faring well at the moment, either. She had recently found out about Osana's demise. Luckily, Ayano was there to comfort her. They were quickly becoming close friends. Just what she wanted.
"So, what happened to that Garou guy?" Saitama asked.
"I gave him a good beating and expelled him," Bang answered.
"Wow," Saitama chortled. "You must pack a mean punch, old man."
Charanko scowled. "Hey, watch it! This is the famed hero Silver Fang! Class S rank 4! He toys with opponents, flowing like water, then delivers a blow-"
"Enough, Charanko," Budo intervened. "Do not put our dojo to shame! Bang-sensei informed me that this man over here is very powerful."
"Indeed," Bang agreed. "Our guest Saitama is many times stronger than I am."
"You can't be serious!" Charanko exclaimed. "Right, Budo?"
Budo kept his arms folded. Charanko's lips trembled.
"Young Saitama here, in fact, reminds me of Traveller herself," Bang said.
"Who's Traveller?" Saitama asked.
Suddenly, the door to the dojo burst open. A man drenched in sweat fell in.
"Mr Silver Fang!" he panted. "I was sent by the Association! An emergency summons has been issued to all Class S heroes. Please come to Association headquarters now!" He turned to Genos. "Hey, wait, you're out here as well Mr. Genos? Thank goodness! Since all Class S heroes have been summoned, please come too!"
"Has it reached threat level Dragon?" Genos asked.
Bang scowled. "Here we go. Budo, keep an eye on the dojo… and Charanko."
Charanko made a sound similar to choking.
"If all Class S are being summoned, they may need your assistance as well, Master," Genos told Saitama. "Will you come with us?"
Saitama hardened his stare. "I will. Nothing better to do."
Ayano stared at her hands. "What about me?"
"You should go home," Genos told her. "You are powerful, but not S Class level. It is probably for the best."
Oh boy did that make her mad. She felt the blood rush to her head. But she kept it under control.
"I am Master Saitama's disciple," she said, calmly. "Wherever he goes, I'll follow. Perhaps I'm not Class S, but I can promise you, it will be worth letting me come along."
Bang nodded. "She certainly is quite powerful. It might be worth it."
"Besides," Saitama put his arms around his disciples. "We're a team, right?"
"Yes." Ayano agreed, a small smirk surfacing on her face. "We are."
Hero Association headquarters, City A. Ayano had never been to the place, but she'd heard it was quite impressive. While she'd never cared enough to feel impressed, per say, she could still admire the large building from an aesthetic perspective.
She followed the S Class heroes and her master as they walked into a large hallway, lights planted in the ceiling. Ahead of them was a tall man with dark eyes and long black hair tied in a topknot. He sported a small goatee and was chewing on a blade of grass. His attire consisted of a hooded red cloak with an atom symbol on the back that was draped over his open black haori. Beneath the haori was a traditional, loose-fitting white robe tied with a white sash and two haori himos. He also sported a pair of swords on his left hip.
"Ah, hey there Silver Fang," the man greeted.
"Atomic Samurai," Bang replied. "It's been too long."
Ayano briefly looked on her phone. Atomic Samurai, Class S rank 5. A master swordsman, and a dangerous opposition to her. She hid her grimace.
"I figured you'd be here today," Atomic Samurai said. He turned to Genos. "So this is the cyborg Genos, and… hold on, I don't recognise these two."
"These are the Class B heroes Saitama and Yan-chan," Bang introduced. "Their great talents will surely place them at the top of Class S someday so we asked them to come."
Ayano smiled politely at Atomic Samurai. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Atomic Samurai."
"Hey middle-aged hero dude," Saitama greeted, holding out a hand. "Nice to meet you."
Atomic Samurai slapped his hand away. "No handshake for you. I only acknowledge the strong. But someday, when you've climbed up to Class S, I'll greet you properly. Besides, I'm not middle-aged yet. I'm only 37 years old." He glanced at Ayano. "By the way, school girl, are you affiliated with Goddess?"
Ayano shook her head. "I only attend the same school as her."
"Eh," Atomic Samurai shrugged. "Never mind." He walked off.
"Who's Goddess?" Saitama asked.
"Hey!" an irate voice snapped. "Who brought some Class B nobodies along?"
The voice belonged to the Class S rank 3 hero, Tornado of Terror. She was glowering at Saitama and Ayano.
"Don't you think mingling with the less-than is beneath us?" she asked. "And even if you were invited along… hey, wait a second!" Her scowl intensified as she turned her anger on Ayano. "You're that girl my sister fought the other day!"
Ayano didn't say anything.
"What are you doing here?" Tornado demanded. "Trying to get close to us Class S heroes? How dare you even think you can be in the same room as us! Get lost, dead eyes!"
"What's she talking about?" Saitama asked Ayano.
"It doesn't matter," Ayano replied, curtly. "We should go."
Ayano kept walking, Saitama following her, sparing Tornado a few odd stares.
"Don't ignore me!" Tornado shouted. "Where are you going, you little-"
"It appears everyone else has arrived," Genos informed Saitama and Ayano. "We should join them."
"You brat!" Tornado raged. "Stop ignoring me!"
A few minutes later, Ayano was seated alongside Saitama and Genos at a large, glowing table. As well as them were the Class S heroes. They each had an intense expression on their face. Ayano pulled out her phone under the table, examining every hero.
Class S rank 18, Puri-Puri Prisoner. Ayano recognised him from the Deep Sea King incident - he'd been in the papers. He was a well-known homosexual hero who had a tendency to 'steal' men, and the weakest member of his class. Still a threat, however.
Maybe this will be my chance to get closer to Genos, Puri-Puri Prisoner thought.
Class S rank 17, Genos. Ayano's fellow disciple and 'friend'. She had yet to figure out how to eliminate him.
It must be serious, Genos thought. Almost all of Class S is here.
Class S rank 16, Metal Bat. Ayano's fellow teenanger, who appeared to be a stereotypical delinquent with a metal bat, naturally. Perhaps she could use that to get close to him…
Demon or dragon, whatever, Metal Bat thought. Bring it on!
Class S rank 15, Tanktop Master. Leader of the Tank Topper army. He seemed to be the most mature of his group. Ayano scowled. Heroes that hung around in groups were so much harder to get rid of.
Saitama? Tanktop Master thought. That name rings a bell. And that Yan-chan girl looks familiar too…
Class S rank 14, Flashy Flash. A ninja that reminded Ayano of Sonic. And if he was anything like Sonic, Ayano knew she'd have a tough fight on her hands.
Class S rank 13, Watchdog Man. While possibly one of the stranger-looking heroes, Ayano knew how powerful he really was. After all, he could handle multiple monsters by himself.
Pretty sure somebody farted, Watchdog Man thought.
Class S rank 12, Superalloy Darkshine. Now he was a real threat. Ayano would have to get even stronger to stand a chance against him.
They're all checking out my guns, Superalloy Darkshine thought. Boom!
Class S rank 11, Pig God. The hero in question was chowing away on a burger. Ayano really had no idea how to defeat him. She'd have to consult Info-chan on that one…
Class S rank 10, Drive Knight. He looked around suspiciously. Another robot, which meant his parts could be replaced. At least he wouldn't spill any blood.
Class S rank 9, Zombieman. He was outright immortal. Another hero Ayano was going to have a hard time fighting. She wasn't even sure if Info-chan would have any tips.
No one looks particularly enthusiastic, Zombieman thought. Goddess isn't here either. And does that pig ever stop eating?
Class S rank 8, King. Apparently, he was the strongest man on Earth. Ayano had scanned him with her Yan-vision, and weirdly enough, there was no glow on him at all. Was he that powerful? Wow. Ayano had to admit, she was kind of impressed.
Class S rank 7, Metal Knight, who was absent. Ayano knew Metal Knight was hiding behind his robots, somewhere. But she'd worry about him some other time.
Class S rank 6, Child Emperor. He was only a child, but Ayano knew how smart he was. She'd have to really plan out how to take him down.
Rank 1's a no-show again? Child Emperor thought. And Goddess isn't here either… that's unlike her.
Class S rank 5, Atomic Samurai. Truly, a master swordsman.
I still don't get it, he thought. Is Silver Fang gonna take those youngsters on as students?
Class S rank 4, Silver Fang. Ayano was learning martial arts through Raibaru and Budo, but she knew it would take a while to match his strength.
"So," Silver Fang asked, "why have we all been gathered here?"
Class S rank 3, Tornado of Terror. A powerful esper who hated Ayano's guts. Ayano wondered if it was possible to acquire psychic powers. Or defeat her through other means...
"Who really cares anyway?" Tornado snapped. "I had to drop everything I was doing and was kept waiting here for over two hours."
Class S rank 2, Goddess, who was absent. She was Student Council President of Akademi. She'd been absent from school as well for unspecified reasons. Ayano had heard rumours about her strength. She could potentially be one of her greatest rivals.
Class S rank 1, Blast. Ayano knew almost nothing about Blast, and neither did Info-chan. He was a hero shrouded in mystery, which was surprising, considering his rank.
Class B rank 63, Saitama. Was there anything else needed to be said?
"Can I have some tea?" Saitama asked.
All the S Class heroes stared at him.
Class B rank 2, Yan-chan. Ayano put her phone away, hiding her grimace. Oh how being in a room with the most powerful heroes made her mad. She felt like she could snap at any moment. She forced herself to keep it under control.
Three executives walked into the room. One had silver hair, one had black hair, and the third had brown hair. They stopped in front of the table.
"My apologies," said the silver-haired man, "I was delayed. We do not know the whereabouts of Metal Knight or Blast, and Goddess has stated that she cannot attend due to 'important family business'."
Many of the heroes looked surprised to hear that.
"'Important family business'?" Child Emperor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"There's no sense in waiting any longer, so let's begin this emergency meeting," said the man, ignoring his question. "As for introductions, you can call me Sitch. I represent the Association and will be briefing you. So let's get right down to brass tacks, shall we? You heroes are here because you're the best of the best. Top of your class. And now…" he slammed his hands on the table, "we're asking you to rise to the occasion and save the Earth! However… I must warn you, that even with your Class S skills, there is no guarantee of survival. Walking away also takes courage. Anybody choosing to do so now will still retain Class S status. Those who stay and hear me out will not be allowed to walk away from this briefing. You will be confined here until we are certain the incident is over, in order to avoid a general panic.
No one moved.
"Alright then," Sitch declared, "are all of you ready to hear this?"
"Look, buddy," Metal Bat spoke up, glaring at Sitch. "Whatever's goin' on around here, it better be worth callin' all of us. I skipped out on my little sister's piano recital for this, she'll be crushed! If it's a total load of crap, then I'm gonna tear this whole building apart."
"Hmph," Tornado scoffed, "like you could do that with that skinny stick anyway."
"Yeah?" Metal Bat growled. "How about I bust yer head open instead?"
Tornado glared at him. "If you think you can do it, bring it on, stupid pilgrim head!"
Metal Bat stood up, while Flashy Flash sighed in annoyance. "What'd you say to-"
"The Great Seer known as Madame Shibabawa is dead!" Sitch exclaimed.
"Wait, Madame Shibabawa?" Zombieman asked. "Was she murdered?"
"No," the brown-haired executive responded. "While looking into the future for the next six months, she became agitated and had a bad coughing fit. She popped a cough drop into her mouth to ease her discomfort, but unfortunately ended up choking on it."
"I get it," Darkshine declared, "so we have to figure out some way to prevent disasters without the help of magicians. That's the reason we were all called to this meeting."
Sitch grimaced. "Incorrect. Madame Shibabawa has only been able to predict a handful of disasters over the years."
Ayano had heard rumours of Madame Shibabawa. Apparently, she'd been a great seer who had correctly predicted disasters, such as monster attacks, or earthquakes.
"We've gotten through many crises without Madame Shibabawa's predictions," the black-haired worker said. "Still, in exchange for her services, we provided her with a bodyguard and gave her special treatment."
"Indeed," Sitch agreed. "Her few predictions were 100% accurate. The crux of the problem, though, is this…" He pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket. "I hold in my hand her last and perhaps greatest prophecy. As she took her last breaths choking on that cough drop, she managed to write on a piece of paper and leave this note." He put it on the table, where it was scanned. "It is a grave prediction that will absolutely come to pass! Here it is."
The note was displayed on a screen. The heroes gasped as they read it.
The Earth is in trouble.
Ayano felt an urge. She turned on her Yan-vision, and almost gasped herself. There was something huge coming. Something far bigger than anything she'd ever seen before.
"Master," she grabbed Saitama's arm, "the prophecy is correct. We are in big trouble."
When it came to taking over the Earth, the Sky King thought it would be easy. The Deep Sea King was just a weakling! He was much more powerful compared to him. Those so-called heroes would have nothing on him.
Of course, he just had to plan his invasion on the same day as an enormous alien ship.
The remains of the Sky King plummeted towards the Earth. A mysterious beast stood behind him. Its goopy, brown body twitched, its multiple red eyes blinking.
"We killed it." "That is good." "Duty to protect the ship."
Behind the creature was a huge, alien ship that easily over-sized City A. The denizens screamed out in terror. The ship released a purple light, blowing up the entire city.
"Emergency power has been activated."
"What in the blazes was that?" Sitch exclaimed, the ground tremorring. "What the Hell is going on out there?!"
"I don't know, sir," the black-haired man said, "All communications have been cut off. We're in the dark!"
Sitch pressed a button on his screen. He gasped in horror.
"Impossible…" he breathed. "Destruction level is at 99.8%! City A has been totally levelled! Destroyed! How could we have known her prediction would come true so soon?!"
"There are survivors." "The ship failed to kill them all." "Erase them." "That is good."
A father hugged his son to his chest as the creature towered above them, extending a deadly, goopy hand. Its multiple heads watched their every move. As the fingers approached father and son, they were suddenly cut off.
"Get away from here, right now!" a man told the father and son. The man was dressed in a knight's armour, including a silver helmet, and was wielding a sword. The alien creature glared down at him, raising its large, goopy appendages.
"Iaian!" a voice yelled. A young woman wielding a large, black shield shaped like a turtle's shell appeared before the hero. She jumped in front of Iaian, saving him from the blow.
"Thank you, Black Turtle," Iaian told her. "It seems this beast is the one responsible for the destruction of City A!"
Black Turtle, also known as Kuroko, nodded in agreement. She swept her long, black hair over her shoulder, and held up her shield.
"You parry the monster," she told Iaian. "I will act as your shield!"
"Hold on," Bang stood up, "why was this building spared then?"
"Metal Knight was given the assignment to construct this building," the brown-haired executive answered. "His cutting-edge specs are why it's stronger than the average building."
"Ah," Metal Bat commented. "So that's why there are no windows."
"We should go outside and see what's going on for ourselves," Child Emperor said. "Just to see if the prophecy's actually happening."
"Master," Genos turned to Saitama's chair, "will you…"
But Saitama was gone.
"Ayano," Genos faced his fellow disciple. "Master…"
"Up there," Ayano said, pointing to a hole in the ceiling. "We should join him."
Iaian panted, glaring at the beast in front of him. Kuroko stood beside him, taking a deep breath. The creature hadn't been affected by his sword at all.
"These are some militant creatures." "Let us hurry and kill." "That is good."
"Iaian!" Kuroko exclaimed. "Step back!"
Iaian heeded her words, but was too late. The creature formed a hammer out of its flesh, bringing it down. It easily sliced off Iaian's arm.
"Such a frail species." "So weak."
"Dammit," Iaian held his wound, teeth gritted, "what is this?"
"Stand back," Kuroko ordered, her voice calm and steady. "You are injured. If you continue to fight, you will only get more injured."
Suddenly, the creature split into multiple humanoid beings. Kuroko clenched her fists.
"I will handle this one." "You kill the others." "Kill the ones that ran away from us." "That is good."
Drat, Kuroko thought. I can't take on this many! No… I have to try. She would. And I-
Her thoughts were interrupted by a silver streak slicing the creature across the middle. It exploded into bits.
"Master!" Iaian exclaimed.
"Iaian?" Atomic Samurai asked, lowering his sword. "And… one of Goddess' girls? What are you doing here?"
Kuroko adjusted her glasses. "Miss Goddess asked me to attend this meeting to keep an eye on S Class Hero events in her absence."
"Master!" Iaian shouted. "Swords have no effect on this strange creature! Forget about me, get out of here!"
Just as he said that, the creature began reforming. Atomic Samurai yelled a curse and sliced it with his sword.
"Iaian!" Atomic Samurai yelled. "The path of the sword does not end for you yet! Stop bleeding!"
Iaian held his wound. "Yes, Master!"
Once again, the creature began reforming. It gave Atomic Samurai a dark grin.
"Good," it commented. "It seems a lifeform on this planet can fight! Excellent! I challenge you to withstand our invasion!"
"Planet, huh?" Atomic Samurai asked. "So you're from outer space then? And you've got friends in that floating toy ship thing, right?" He put a hand on his scabbard. "Yeah, that's it. I doubt you this much power to do all this by yourself."
"You can count us in," Bang said, appearing beside Atomic Samurai.
"Yer the ugly bastard that smashed this town?" Metal Bat asked, appearing on Atomic Samurai's other side.
"What happens if I say yes?" the creature asked, mockingly.
"For all the beautiful men you've killed," Puri-Puri Prisoner growled, appearing behind it, "I claim vengeance!"
He jumped into the sky, a pair of angel wings appearing on his back. "Dark angel smash!"
"4 Class S heroes can take care of the enemy on the ground," Child Emperor commented, looking at the ship, "but the real enemy is up there. The problem is reaching it. Any aircraft would be shot down in a matter of seconds."
"You're one of our strongest fighters," Darkshine faced King, "so I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, King."
"There's nothing I can do here," King admitted, with a grimace on his face. "It's too high in the sky. There's no way to attack it. But the mysterious craft is currently stationary. We should use this opportunity to call in Metal Knight."
"Are you kidding?" Tornado snapped. "How completely pathetic! As if Metal Knight will help us! Aren't you supposed to be the strongest man on Earth?"
"Calm down there, Tornado," Darkshine waved his hands. "If you piss him off, he will kill you!"
Genos faced Ayano. "Do you have any thoughts on this, Yan-chan?"
Ayano looked at the ground. "I will go down there to assist the Class S heroes. You should stay up here."
Genos frowned. "Are you sure? It could be lethal for you."
Ayano nodded.
"Ugh, you're still here?" Tornado asked, glaring at Ayano. "Go home, dead eyes."
"You will not disrespect my fellow disciple, you immature child," Genos glared at Tornado. "She is much more powerful than you realise."
"What did you call me, you overgrown bucket of bolts?" Tornado snapped.
"Careful there, Genos," Darkshine grabbed Genos' shoulder. "I know how you feel, but if you piss her off she will kill you!"
"Keep an eye out for Master Saitama for me," Ayano told Genos, before disappearing. Genos grimaced as she disappeared. He couldn't help but feel worried about her. But he knew that at least, Saitama would take care of the aliens. No evil had been able to take care of him before, and he didn't think it would start now.