There were few occasions where so many of the Hero Association's staff would gather in one place. However, today's incident required nearly every employee to arrive at HQ. From verifying movements to ensuring there weren't any whistleblowers. The Association confirmed that the leak didn't come from themselves.
While there was still a sizable amount left to clear, at this point, the Association's leaders were confident their staff was innocent. This did direct them to the only other possible explanation, that the security breach came from a hero. Even so, none of them believed it. They busied themselves looking for other alternatives because the mere thought of a hero, regardless of ranking, doing something so underhanded to One Punch Man was blasphemous.
But as the Association's minds explored other possibilities, most of its body prepared for the top hero's arrival. They had received word that Sweet Mask's hunch that One Punch Man and the Tornado of Terror were together was correct. The pair had been spending time in a ravine, undoubtedly testing their powers in a safe environment. Such consideration for the public's well-being wasn't surprising for the best S-Class had to offer.
As for how the employees readied themselves for One Punch Man, they planned to apologize to him. Although, by now, they were confident NO ONE in the organization was responsible, they still felt they were partially at fault. The Association's job was to look after the heroes and the world. If their security were better, One Punch Man wouldn't have had to endure the ordeal of his home being swarmed by more people than normal.
"Thank you," Sitch said before hanging up his phone. "Alright! Listen up!" He exclaimed while turning around. Behind him was a LARGE group of Association members. "The helicopter is less than a minute out. When One Punch Man arrives, we must express our regret when he walks in! Let us show him we are deeply sorry for the trouble caused!" He told them.
"Understood!" Every employee responded.
Turning back around, Sitch and everyone else fixed their eyes on the large door. It was a reinforced several-inch-thick metal square that led to the vehicle bay of HQ. The reason for its size was the unpredictable height and width of monsters. They were brought here for processing whenever one was captured, dead or alive, or surrendered to One Punch Man. Of course, special vehicles were used to transport non-humans who couldn't fit in conventional ones.
Soon, as Sitch stated, the helicopter carrying One Punch Man arrived. A few more seconds passed before anything else happened. This was the travel time of the helicopter's passengers to the entryway. Upon reaching it, the door slowly opened.
"ONE PUNCH MAN!" Every employee shouted before bowing their heads. "WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY FOR THIS SITUATION! WE PROMISE THAT THIS WON'T-"
Everyone stopped there. Initially, their eyes were closed when they lowered their heads. However, right after, the group re-opened them so they could see One Punch Man. When they did, they noticed the only thing he wore was a towel wrapped around his waist.
"O-One Punch Man!" Sitch exclaimed in surprise. The female employees all let out squeals and shrieks as their faces became flushed. The men, including Sitch, quickly covered their eyes out of respect.
"Yeah, sorry." Saitama apologized. There was no confusion to be had regarding their reaction. "Long story short, my clothes got ruined. A towel was the only thing nearby for me to conceal myself." He explained.
"I-I see," Sitch replied. "W-Well, in that case, I'm assuming you'll want to redress before we continue the discussion." He said.
"That I would," Saitama confirmed with a nod. "Same room, right?" He asked.
"Y-Yes, sir! Spare uniforms, hero outfits, equipment, and casual apparel are stored in the same space as they always have been." Sitch answered.
"Cool," Saitama responded before walking past them. The women tried to hide their eyes like the men, but nearly all couldn't stop peaking at the hero as he passed.
"Look at his muscles!" "He's SO toned!" "God, the things I would DO to that man if he let me~" "Please, PLEASE, let that towel fall!"
These were but a few of the thoughts the female employees had as Saitama walked on by.
"DEATH. DEATH. DEATH. DEATH. DEATH. DEATH. DEATH."
A voice, ominous and dreadful, filled each woman's mind. In reaction, they were startled. Each looked around and searched for the source, assuming it was heard with their ears. However, none of the women had noticed during their "appreciation" of One Punch Man's physique nor their current frantic state that two other people had passed them.
One of these individuals was Sweet Mask. He wasn't surprised by the lack of attention; ANYONE would be overshadowed by the mere mention of One Punch Man, let alone his actual presence. The other was another S-Class hero. Rank three, to be precise. I believe said hero was also an Esper, but that surely had no relevance for now.
Ten Minutes Later, S-Class Meeting Room...
"Sorry if I made things awkward." Saitama apologized, speaking to Sweet Mask and Tatsumaki.
It took no time for Saitama to change into a comfortable set of clothes. A simple light blue short-sleeved button-up shirt, beige shorts, and sandals. Saitama would wear outfits like these on the few days he could escape the crowds and relax or go shopping.
"It's not your fault, One Punch Man. There's no need to be sorry." Sweet Mask replied with a smile.
"Then whose fault would it be?" Tatsumaki inquired, shooting the blue-haired man a glare.
"I never implied that there WAS a guilty party. I wasn't present when One Punch Man's clothes were obliterated, so I can't say what happened." Sweet Mask responded. "However, it goes without saying that he didn't imbed himself in that wall of stone." He added.
Again, sparks were struck. Sweet Mask and Tatsumaki locked eyes, and neither would be the first to look away. You could feel heat radiating from the middle point of their gazes. The intensity was palpable.
"So," Saitama spoke, breaking them free of their intense stare-off. "Why are we sitting here, Sweet Mask? Do we need to do something before Genos' hero test?" He asked.
"Doctor Kuseno wants to talk with you. He's very protective of Genos, much like how a father would be. He has concerns about Genos becoming a full-time hero. Specifically, Kuseno is greatly worried about him becoming your disciple. Although YOU can destroy any enemy you encounter in one punch, the same cannot be said for Genos. His destructive capabilities are nothing to sneeze at. However, we have detained or examined the corpses of many monsters with remarkable heat resistance. Should Genos encounter such a creature, he'd need to rely on his speed and the physical output of his body. But, due to being a cyborg, his strength is limited to his parts. So, there IS a real possibility Genos could fight a creature immune to his fire-based attacks and has an innate resilience to physical strikes. In such a scenario, Kuseno worries that Genos will be reckless and not retreat when he should. Already, we can tell he's abundantly passionate about increasing his capabilities. All for one day confronting the rogue cyborg who killed his family." Sweet Mask answered.
"On that note, do we know anything about this rogue cyborg?" Saitama inquired.
"We're looking into it. Surprisingly, Drive Knight was quick to offer his assistance in the matter. He's leading the task force we've assigned to it." Sweet Mask informed.
"That's good. Hopefully, we'll be able to find it before it kills more people." Saitama said before releasing a sigh. "However, regarding Genos' request to be my disciple, do we REALLY have to go through with this?" He asked.
"It is, in my opinion, the best course." Sweet Mask answered.
"That isn't what he asked," Tatsumaki interjected. "To me, this seems like a big PR stunt. Remind me, isn't that your specialty?" She said.
"What are you implying, Tornado?" Sweet Mask questioned.
"Nothing. I'm only observant." Tatsumaki responded, using his earlier words against him. "It seems this whole mess has conveniently worked itself out to get Saitama in front of the cameras. Plus, if everything goes well with the mechanical moron, there'll be some nice pictures to fill newspapers and magazines of them shaking hands and standing beside each other. That sounds like something you'd DESPERATELY want to happen. All for the sake of the Association's image." She stated.
"Hey. You used my name again." Saitama noticed with a smile. "Are you phasing out the nicknames?" He asked.
"Nice try, baldy. But no," Tatsumaki answered.
"Eh, it was worth a shot," Saitama replied with a shrug. "Anyway, about what you've said, I don't think Sweet Mask would do that. Sure, he's persistent about me doing public events and other stuff, but he's not a jerk. He wouldn't go behind my back to stage something like this." He said.
"Wow. Would you look at that? Someone who trusts me." Sweet Mask commented with a prideful smile. "How does it feel, Tornado? To have it be reaffirmed that your suspicions are nothing more than paranoia?" He asked.
Oh. My. God. That's what Saitama thought right now. Every single time there was an out, these two managed to keep the conversation exactly where it was. He tried his best to change the topic or smooth things, but they were hostile. Did something happen in the ravine that Saitama wasn't aware of? Or were they especially aggressive today?
Shick
The trio's attention was drawn to the meeting room's entrance. Standing in the now open doorway were an elderly man and Genos. Regarding the man's appearance, he wore a long white coat. Additionally, his hairstyle was unique. Neither Saitama nor Tatsumaki could recall ever seeing something like it. It was like the final form of a bowl cut.
"One Punch Man!" Genos exclaimed, immediately bowing his head. "I am so sorry, sir! I did not think my request would cause you so much trouble!" He apologized.
"Hey, it's cool, dude," Saitama assured. "You weren't the one who leaked the info to the public. You're not at fault here." He insisted.
"Thank you!" Genos exclaimed again while straightening himself. "You are as kind as you are strong!" He complimented him.
"Calm down, Genos." The man, presumed to be Kuseno, said to the boisterous cyborg. "There's no reason to be so worked up. Right, One Punch Man?" He asked.
"Right. We all just need to be calm and sort things out." Saitama agreed. He briefly looked at the other two heroes in the room when he said that. "Please, come sit down. You wanted to talk to me about Genos becoming a hero, right?" He inquired.
"That I did," Kuseno confirmed with a nod before he and Genos approached.
"From what Sweet Mask has told me, you're worried about Genos' safety." Saitama shared as they sat down.
"I am," Kuseno confirmed again with another nod. "However, that doesn't imply that I think Genos isn't suited for hero work. Ignoring the design and capabilities of his body, I firmly believe that he has the mind and spirit of someone who fights for justice. Even so, he's inexperienced. Furthermore, he's quick to make assumptions and react unwisely. As you saw yourself when he confronted Mosquito Girl." He stated.
"Yeah. But, in Genos' defense, he did have legitimate reasons to think Mosquito Girl was a threat to public safety. He should've tried communication since she isn't mindless. Yet, I don't think his initiative is bad. Genos just needs to be more sensible." Saitama responded.
"I agree," Kuseno said with a smile. "Although, that does bring to attention the other concerns I have. Genos becoming a hero is no issue. If anything, having the support and guidance of the Association could fast-track his development into a proper protector of the peace. Yet, if he starts in S-Class, that's essentially throwing him straight into the pool's deep end. Even with you serving as his mentor and ensuring he doesn't go into any improper situations, you can't protect him all the time. I hope you're not offended by that." He told him.
"Not at all. You're right. I might be powerful, fast, and extremely durable, but I can't be everywhere simultaneously. If Genos accompanied me or any other member of S-Class into a dangerous scenario, things could happen that would put him in harm's way. Depending on how soon that could happen after he joins, his lack of experience would leave him vulnerable and even put another S-Class hero and the public in danger. However, if Genos proves himself to be S-Class with the test, we can't deny him that position. That wouldn't be fair. But, even if he is in S-Class, that doesn't mean he has to start his hero career with S-Class problems." Saitama replied.
"Ah. I see." Kuseno began, immediately understanding the implication. "You would have Genos handle problems more akin to C through A-Class. At least to start with. Genos could gain experience and learn from you while remaining safe." He said.
"Exactly," Saitama confirmed with a snap of his fingers. "The way I see it, Genos can't improve his power through regular training since it's artificial. So, he needs to develop mentally. Interacting with people, other heroes, and a variety of different problems. That's the best way Genos can grow." He stated.
In reaction, Kuseno rose from his seat. He then approached Saitama and held out his hand.
"Once again, I agree with you," Kuseno said with a smile. "I feel much better now about Genos becoming a hero. After speaking to you, One Punch Man, it's clear there are no better hands I could leave him in." He complimented him.
"Wow. Thanks." Saitama replied before taking his hand and shaking it. "I can't say that I won't make mistakes or that bad things won't happen. But I'll do my best not to send him back to you in need of repair." He promised.
"That's all I can ask for," Kuseno told him as their handshake ended. "No matter what, Genos is going to be in danger. He'll always come back with some scuffs, scratches, and damage. All I want is for each time to be less and less. Until one day, anytime Genos comes to me for repairs, it's less than a minute's work. With you guiding him, I'm sure that'll be soon." He said.
"I hope I don't disappoint," Saitama responded before standing up. "Well then, if that's everything you wanted to discuss, we should probably get his test underway." He decided.
"It is," Kuseno said. "Do you have anything you'd like to say, Genos?" He asked while looking at the cyborg.
"Only that I am grateful," Genos answered, quickly getting to his feet. "I'll do everything I can to live up to both of your expectations. I won't make a single mistake!" He vowed.
"I...don't know about that..." Saitama said. "Everyone makes mistakes when they start, including me. Don't let them get to you; you'll be fine." He told him.
"Yes, sir!" Genos replied. "I'll remember those words of wisdom, sir!" He added.
"Words of wisdom?..." Saitama wondered for a moment. "Er, right. You do that." He said.
"One Punch Man." Sweet Mask spoke, getting his attention. "If it's alright, I'd like to remain here for a few minutes. I want to make some calls to ensure everything's ready to go before you arrive." He stated.
"Sure. Sounds good." Saitama approved. "How about you, Tatsumaki? Do you want to hang back here or just head home?" He asked.
"I think I'll take off," Tatsumaki answered while leaving her seat. "I need to do some things." She added. She didn't elaborate further since she assumed he knew what she was referring to.
"Ah. Right." Saitama responded with a nod, getting the message. "Alright then. Let's get moving." He said.
Allowing him to take the lead, everyone but Sweet Mask followed Saitama out of the room. Leaving the A-Class hero to himself.
"That went perfectly." Sweet Mask thought with a smile as he pulled out his phone. "Honestly, I don't think it could've gone any better. The only unexpected part was Tornado. But in the end, she didn't change the plan too much." He continued.
Shick
When that sound was heard, Sweet Mask's body tensed up. His mind immediately guessed as to who had come back. Sitting frozen, Sweet Mask didn't move his eyes to the entrance. He waited and listened for the footsteps that slowly approached the table.
Eventually, across from Sweet Mask, a certain person appeared. She had the proudest smile on her face. It easily surpassed his earlier expression. With that smile, she sat down and looked directly into his eyes.
"A plan, hm? Do tell, Sweet Mask." Tatsumaki spoke to him via telepathy. "What an interesting choice of word. Now, you COULD be referring to when you came and got Saitama, but I think you know I'm not so gullible or stupid to believe that." She said.
"..." Nothing came from Sweet Mask's mind. He wanted to think of what to say, but that would be pointless since she was actively studying his thoughts. "...Listen, Tornado."
"No." Tatsumaki cut him off. "I get it, Sweet Mask. EVERYONE wants a piece of Saitama. Every hero wants to know him on a personal level. All of S-Class is obsessed with monopolizing his time. The world wants to worship and idolize him twenty-four-seven. But you see, I know what that's like. To have your life ruined because of other people. Sure, my experience is different, but I can still empathize. As such, I won't tolerate anyone who makes his life harder because they're an ass." She stated.
"Hm, there's that tone again." Sweet Mask noted, his resolve rapidly returning. "You, more so than I, seem to have a worrying amount of focus on our leader. Some might even say it borderlines stalker behavior. You might want to do some personal examination before you criticize others." He suggested.
"Aw, cute. You're trying to spin this." Tatsumaki replied mockingly. "Sadly, this isn't some conversational faux pas you can brush over with a dumbass smile. YOU went behind Saitama's back and started this whole mess. And now that I know about it, I can hold it over you." She said.
"So, you're going to blackmail me?" Sweet Mask questioned.
"Pfft, no. You're useless." Tatsumaki taunted. "I just want you to leave Saitama alone. As I said before, I understand the whole world wants him. Your position as the Association's PR handler requires him to show some face occasionally. That can't be avoided since he's the top hero and all. But from now on, you have to run EVERYTHING by him. If you EVER try any shit like this again, I'll tell him the truth. I'm sure he'll be ECSTATIC." She stated before getting up from her seat. "Oh, and if you could use your sway with the news stations and such to get them to back off, too. That'd be appreciated." She added as she walked away.
"Is that a suggestion or an order?" Sweet Mask asked before she was out of the room.
"Interpret it how you like. I just better not see a news van or idiots with a notepad and camera anywhere near the ghost town." Tatsumaki answered. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I DO have some shopping I need to do. See you later, Sweet Mask~" She bid farewell while disappearing around the corner.
