When Charanko woke up two days prior, he had no idea his life was about to change so.

Indeed, how could he have?

Even so, seeing his Master trot back into their home…with a terrifying grinning monster in tow had been a bit past his expectations for the day.

Learning that the bug-man and apparent hero was to join them? That came as even more of a surprise, and a most unwelcome one at that.

He'd promptly voiced his objections and squared up to the mutants face, his Master, a step behind the newcomer, remaining silent.

For a moment the newcomer's power flared and a smirk most arrogant graced his face, and Charanko's heart trembled.

And yet, the moment passed, the smirk replaced by an almost goofy smile showing off a full set of perfect teeth, the man's eyes seeming to become veiled before—

The man bowed.

"I'll be in your care, Senpai!"

That surprised Charanko somewhat fierce, enough that he almost missed Bang's happy smile.

The words and the weight of the conviction behind them, felt…felt good. It was good to be acknowledged as the senior, after all.

And yet…and yet, the sting of shame lurked in the back of his mind.

For after the man had settled in, and Charanko had exchanged a few private words with his Master…

Well, suffice to say, his heart fluttered a bit again, and he felt foolish for not wearing brown pants.

For the man he mouthed off to? Hearing that he'd taken part and played an instrumental role in the defeat of the invaders? And realizing the strength the man no doubt wielded?

This was Garou all over again! Only this time, it was he who'd almost started a fight.

And yet, even so.

All that had been surprising, yes.

But what'd truly turned Charanko's world upside down? Was Yuha's offer to share his own power, by teaching him how to access it mostly. Cause everything else?

Well, in the man's own words, "After that, it's up to you and how much you're willing to train and shed blood for it."

Touching the ball of 'ki' had been an experience in itself, as had what followed, with Yuha placing an arm on Charanko's chest and, through his index finger, sending forth a tiny pulse.

He'd cried then, he was pretty sure, for the pain was indescribable and Charanko was pretty sure that for a few moments there? He hovered on the brink. But he persevered, and now…

Well, flexing his arm, feeling the newfound energy and watching the world rise and fall, he was still not quite sure how he got here or if this was a dream. Still, he had a job to do as Yuha's Senpai, and even if it would take time to catch up to his Kouhai he would still do his best!

"Up! Up! Give me fifty more!" he urged as his 'seat' slowed down. "Come on! I know you can do it! Don't bring shame to our Master's Dojo!" he shouted and even slapped his palm down on the plates of metal, ignoring the tiny sting as Yuha, under said plates, huffed and struggled to rise.

Hmm. It seemed his kouhai needed extra motivation today.

"If you finish up quick, I have a new site full of treasures to show you."

"Oraaaaaa!"

Heh, watching the world 'fall again', Charanko smirked. That did the trick. His new friend was peculiar, yes, but even if, in Charanko's cultured opinion, he chose the lesser of the two sisters, Yuha was still a man of culture and a brother in arms.

"Mmh, on second thought, may I have a rain-check on that? I really need to talk with Silver-fang, you see?"

Charanko blinked. "Sure—" before huffing. "That's Master Bang to you, Yuha."

"Sure, sure…" Chuckling still, Yuha dropped the last of the plates to the side and waved an arm as he turned and strode towards one of the Dojo's side rooms.

And as he made his way through the rooms and towards Bang's office, and with his body feeling the pleasant burn of exertion, he still couldn't help but wonder if he'd made the right choice in taking this 'contract'.

After all, for the duration of this mission, he couldn't gain any more points to spend on 'upgrades' nor could he buy any waifus to help…even if he somehow got said points. Hell, not even the stamp worked 'right'. What with it being nerfed for this mission.

Now yes, he could capture a girl with it, but, at least till the end of the mission the woman would 'merely' be in love with him. Undying love, yes, but Yuha would still get no points, and the girl would still be unaware of the wider multiverse and their place in it so to speak.

No mental connection or anything of the sort, but yeah, if he stamped someone or somehow got a confession, then he could share his nonexistent talents with them, namely the removed limiter, but…

Yeah, girls gonna be lining up for this bug booty. Yes, sir! He snorted.

So, his mind once again circled the thought.

Was it worth it?

A pair of thicc thighs belonging to a certain golden-haired woman flashed through his mind, as well as the fact that once he was out of here not only would he get the points for the world of One-punch-man but he'd also get the points for whichever world he choose next as agreed in his contract.

So, if he was feeling suicidal and picked, say, 40k? Well, all the waifus and the upgrades he could wish with points left over.

He snorted and a smile split his face as he raised a powerful arm, knocking on the door to Bang's room.

But all that was irrelevant, for the power coursing through him now, and the opportunity, nay, the joy in cultivating it bit by bit amidst worthy allies and enemies? That alone made it worth it.

For an instant, a quiver of terror wracked his mind and his smile slipped as his head was filled with thoughts of what could go wrong, before he hastily suppressed them.

"Come in!"

"Excuse me." Pushing open the door and stepping into the small square room, Yuha paid little attention to the brown carpet partially covering the wooden floor, or the walls decorated with various banners and paintings.

No, his complete focus was upon the elder radiating with power, sitting in a seiza pose behind his low wooden desk.

For around Bang, a small aura of red could be seen.

"Hmm…"

Taking the grunt as an invitation, Yuha approached the man and emulated him, sliding into a seiza of his own and watching as rivulets of sweat dripped down Bang's swollen form, the man's dark shirt soaked.

For a few seconds longer, neither moved nor spoke a word.

"Hah…" before at last, Bang opened his eyes and the aura of red around him evaporated alongside his excessive bulk. "It is as you've said," Band murmured, taking a couple of deep breaths and waiting till his pulse settled. "This technique is quite taxing."

The elder fixed his gaze on him.

"And this was what you utilized in your fight?" at Yuha's nod, a snort of incredulity escaped past Silver Fang's lips. "Truly? And you pushed it all the way to ten?" he shook his head. "Remarkable, and I can only just about activate it, maybe if I was younger or in a couple of months after some more experimenting with this new way of circulating my body's energies…"

Bang shook his head and flashed a smile at Yuha.

"You, my lad, hold remarkable promise."

Yuha could only smile in turn, even if inside his head he couldn't help but cackle, for with even those few seconds spent sitting opposite of Bang, his blood-lust and training high had already all but evaporated.

"If you say so, sir."

Joy at crossing fists with strong opponents? The hell? No! Just no! Well, ok, the idea held some appeal, but that was for after he was out of this hellhole and a lot stronger.

"I do, lad, and I have to say it pleases this old man to see the younger generation so eager and willing to share their secrets with other heroes."

"It is merely what a hero should do, sir," he answered instead, ignoring Bang's roundabout way of asking just where the hell Yuha had learned about Ki and all his bullshit techniques.

"Hmm…if you say so, lad, but I dare say you'd be surprised…"

He barely held back a snort, managing to keep his innocent smile plastered on his face.

Yeah, no shit! Who would desire to just part with the fruits of their labor if they didn't have anything to gain in return? As for me…

Well, aside from starting to learn Bang's 'Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist'—and wasn't that a mouthful—he'd already gained something of immense value.

First two meat-shields that would grow stronger and stronger and could at least buy him an extra second or two if push came to shove and Yuha had to get the hell out of dodge.

And second, the knowledge that he could, in fact, awaken the Ki of others in this hellhole and create even more meat-shields!

…Even if it came with a few risks. For who knew that the limiter inherent in all humans, and no doubt imposed by the faceless slenderman cosplayer, was actively restricting humans' ability to use ki. Or that by forcibly activating someone's Ki, for lack of a better term, Yuha chipped said limiter.

Yuha certainly hadn't.

But that's why he started with Charanko, for the little shit was both an expendable resource and deserved payback for daring to sass the, in time, perfect being!

Charanko nearly bit it. Bang, on the other hand? Aside from a pained grunt, which in the man's own words felt like a sucker punch, he'd been fine.

More than fine, actually, if the elder's movements and newfound wellspring of energy afterwards were any sign.

And wasn't that another thing that had him scratching his head, or rather his regrown hat—the fact that he still couldn't utilize magic materialization worth a damn, but regrowing the damn thing was easy as pie still smarted. What the hell had the good Doctor been smoking cause he wanted some!

But that aside, what'd been perplexing him was the curious resilience of this world's people. For despite their frankly pathetic powerlevels, exceptions like Bang and some other people aside. This world's residents could shrug off hits way higher than what their ki levels indicated they should.

Like say, Metal Bat shrugging off hits from the Subterranean King that would have turned Yuha into a fine paste even when the man's powerlevel had felt little higher than Yuha's own boosted one.

So, Bang with Ki now at his disposal?

Inside his mind, Yuha cackled and rubbed his hands with glee.

The perfect meat shield!

"But be that as it may, I called you here for another reason, lad, one having little to do with an old man's musings."

Yuha blinked.

"Sir?"

Bang's mustache twitched. "You might have forgotten, what with your admirable zeal for training, but today we're expected in the Association."

Yuha groaned as it clicked.

"I hate speeches."

Bang reached over the table and gave a few conciliatory pats on his shoulder.

"I know the feeling, lad, but it is a necessity. Seeing their Heroes standing tall and proud, well, it helps calm the people and give them hope."

Yuha sighed and, shoulders slumping, offered a tiny nod of acceptance.

"Then, if that's all…"

But Bang shook his head.

"Oh, no, I'm afraid not."

"Sir?"

"Well, much as I don't like it either, at times like this, a man needs to look his best and…"

The elder's eyes fell on Yuha, causing a horrible feeling to well up in his gut.

"Sir, you don't mean…"

"Mmh. I'm afraid so," Bang said with a apologetic shrug.

"No…"

The distant ringing of the Dojo's doorbell reached them and Yuha sat frozen on the spot, not moving even as the clacking of heels drew closer, followed by the room's door being thrust open.

"There you are!"

Blinking, he turned his head backwards a tad.

"Fubuki?"

"That's right!" the smiling woman said, standing tall, smirking and with her arms crossed under her breasts, drawing attention to her bust. "Master Bang has informed me of everything already, so no need to fret, Yuha. Simply let go and entrust yourself to my capable hands!"

"Wha—"

A green psychic aura enveloped him before he could finish his word and as Fubuki dragged him outside, Bang merely waved his arm, eyes closed and smiling.

"Have fun~!"

A short one today. Not that happy with it, but eh, it moves stuff along...