The scent of salt on the wind. A warm and comfortable day provided by a cloudless sky. The shimmer of a watery horizon. The comfortable feeling of standing on sand.

Saitama, One Punch Man, The Strongest Hero. He stood alone on the beach of City J. He wore his iconic attire. One yellow jumpsuit. A white cape. Red gloves and boots. Normally, whenever Saitama adorned this costume, he'd be surrounded by his adoring masses.

However, today was different. All of the reporters and fans watched on in silence from the mainland. They kept their gaze on the hero through camera lenses, telescopes, and binoculars. But not a word or sound was spoken or made. Everyone was civil.

During this past week, the news had been ceaseless. The Association, with One Punch Man as the spokesperson, revealed the existence of the Seafolk. He also shared the invitation issued by their ruler, the Deep Sea King. The week had been noisy and raucous, with questions and comments from the public. But now, as the day had arrived, everyone everywhere kept their mouths shut.

Admittedly, Saitama was surprised and pleased by how well the week had gone. Sure, there was an uproar. And yes, sadly, certain things like the "Hero-only News Network" were delayed so as not to overwhelm the public. Yet, overall, the Association and those close to Saitama handled the situation perfectly. He expressed his praise and appreciation, and they were happy to receive it.

Unfortunately, Saitama needed to be alone to avoid potentially angering the Deep Sea King. Granted, the message DID only invite One Punch Man. Furthermore, they were confident that the Deep Sea King's intentions were unchangeably hostile. Even so, if there was a chance for peace, no matter how small, Saitama would take it.

Sure, the Deep Sea King was a bastard, like Bad said. Anyone who'd carve a message into someone's back and then send that person MILES on FOOT to deliver it was unquestionably an ass. But there was a time and place for everything. Saitama wouldn't be the first to throw a punch and be blamed as the instigator.

Speaking of the bald hero, he continued to stand on the beach. There wasn't a designated time for the meeting, only a date. So, Saitama needed to wait patiently until the Seafolk reached out to him. Many, including those close to him, saw this as the Deep Sea King deliberately insulting One Punch Man since HE was the one who demanded this in the first place!

"I wonder if they're planning to ambush me?" Saitama contemplated, trying to pass the time with idle thinking. "Maybe there are Seafolk who can burrow through the sand? I think I've heard of crabs doing that." He continued.

"Wow. Your thoughts are just as weird as I figured they'd be." A familiar voice spoke to him in his mind.

"Oh. Hey, Tatsumaki." Saitama mentally greeted. He was so used to her doing this that it didn't surprise him. Yet, even if it did, they had talked earlier that the best way for him to remain in contact discretely was through the Esper. "Sorry that you're essentially a walkie-talkie for today." He apologized, feeling bad about making her use her powers for something so simple.

"Pfft. Wow. What a GREAT way of putting it, Baldy." Tatsumaki replied. She isolated herself on a rooftop nearby. She was laying in a comfortable chair befitting the locale. Additionally, she wore a pair of sunglasses and a stylish hat that went with her dress to block the sun from her face. She even went the extra distance of getting a parasol to protect her skin so she wouldn't need to hassle herself with sunscreen. "But in all seriousness, I am glad to help you with this. Even I'm uncomfortable with you being alone with these guys." She confessed.

"Whoa. Tatsumaki, are you...worried about me?" Saitama asked.

"Gee, I show a LITTLE bit of consideration, and YOU let it go to your ego," Tatsumaki answered in a more expected fashion. "I wouldn't say I'm WORRIED about you. After all, you're invulnerable to EVERYTHING. It's just...this whole thing reeks. And no, that is NOT a fish joke. We've been trying all week to understand why the Deep Sea King would antagonize you with the threat of war when he CLEARLY knows who you are and WHAT you're capable of. Only to come up with squat." She said with a hand on her chin. "Out of curiosity, do you think it's only to ensure you'd arrive and not ignore him?" She inquired.

"Sending Kombu to us in that state was enough of a message. He didn't need to go the extra distance by carving an invitation into their backside. So, I do think the threat of war IS real." Saitama replied. Unknowingly, he mimicked the Esper by putting a hand to his chin. "But that leads us back to the how. What could the Deep Sea King have that would make him feel confident to challenge not just me but the ENTIRETY of humanity? Do you think he has a weapon of mass destruction? Maybe the Seafolk groups he's dispatched have it as well?" He suggested.

"Doubtful. Metal Knight's been monitoring those squads since Kombu tipped us off to them. He's run every scan he's got in his fancy toys. If they've got weapons, they're biological." Tatsumaki responded.

"Right, as Kombu said," Saitama recalled before he sighed. "It just doesn't make sense from any angle. If he challenged humanity's champion, then yeah, he'd unknowingly make a HUGE mistake. But to specifically refer to me by name just makes this whole thing bizarre..." He went on, struggling to find the logic.

"This is eating at you, huh?" Tatsumaki asked with a softer tone.

"I mean, everything that's happened lately is. It's been a never-ending series of surprises and radical life-changing stuff." Saitama answered, letting loose another sigh. "I just want things to settle for TWO weeks. A month if I could be greedy. We'll still be busy, sure. But if I could get a stretch of time where no new organizations approach us or monsters do something unexpected, that'd be swell." He ranted.

"...Was...me moving in a part of that?..." Tatsumaki inquired with a rare essence of trepidation.

"What? No." Saitama replied, causing her to sigh in relief. Of course, he was unaware. "I mean, yeah, the whole deal with the apartment building and other renovations and additions was a LOT. I, like everyone else, am still getting used to it. Again, SO much has happened in less than a month. Then there's all the stuff we're planning for the future and with non-humans. But while I haven't had the right time to express it to any of you, it is nice having everyone so close to each other now. Physically, that is." He said, ensuring to clarify his intent at the end.

"You...mean that?" Tatsumaki pressed. The nervous tone in her voice slowly changed to hopeful.

"Yeah, I do. Although this week's been stressful and hectic, having you guys there every day has made it FAR better than it would've been before. Plus, it saves us the hassle of traveling to City A and the awkwardness of Silver Fang trying to figure out video calls." Saitama assured, managing to make her laugh.

"I don't know; I think that's a downside," Tatsumaki responded. "I respect the geezer, but watching him try to understand modern-day tech is HILARIOUS." She told him.

"Heh, yeah." Saitama agreed with a chuckle before he focused back on the ocean. "Geez, they're making me wait..." He mentally mumbled.

"Maybe they've had a moment of clarity and realized they're committing suicide?" Tatsumaki proposed. Although sounding sarcastic and in jest, she was being serious.

"You know, that is a real possibility," Saitama admitted. "I've had plenty of monsters who thought they could withstand my punch or kill me before I could hit them. They either died or realized how insane that was and surrendered immediately." He told her.

"I believe it," Tatsumaki responded. "Regarding the ones who surrendered, should we consider using them as the first candidates for the rehab program? They're just sitting in cells within Association facilities. We could put them to use." She proposed.

"...Holy crap, that's GENIUS!" Saitama exclaimed with widened eyes.

"Really? You hadn't thought of that by now?" Tatsumaki questioned with an amused smirk.

"No! I've been focused on like FIFTY things!" Saitama replied. "Tatsumaki, that's a BRILLIANT idea!" He complimented her.

"Thanks. I'm full of them." Tatsumaki smugly responded. "If you want, I could share more with you after this mess is settled." She offered.

"Sure! That sounds great!" Saitama accepted.

"...We...could maybe do other things while we talk...to keep it from boredom..." Tatsumaki cautiously pushed, wanting to see his reaction.

"Such as?" Saitama asked. Yes! He took the bait!

"Our time at the canyon was rudely interrupted by that blue-haired jackass. If possible...I'd...like to start from the beginning. Only this time, we'd do normal things. Like walk around, get a bite to eat at a restaurant, maybe catch a movie..." Tatsumaki listed. She was being a bit bold, especially with that last suggestion. But she needed to start making moves. She was WELL aware of a certain cold front trying to get ahead of her.

"Sure. That sounds like a fun day, which I DESPERATELY need after all this." Saitama said, causing the Esper's face to brighten with a smile. Again, he was blissfully none the wiser.

"Great! I'll make a schedule for us." Tatsumaki replied.

FWOOSH

A massive wave of mist erupted from offshore. The emergence of a creature disrupted the natural movement of the tide. It bore the resemblance of a brown octopus. However, it also wore a Grecian toga.

The onlookers and spectators outside the beach reacted to the creature's appearance with gasps and camera flashes. Saitama, apart from getting mildly moist, was unaffected. He looked at the emerging Seafolk with his always-present neutrality.

"Showtime," Saitama told Tatsumaki as the octopus approached.

"I can see it from here," Tatsumaki said, but not in a rude way. "Do you think that's the Deep Sea King?" She asked.

"If it's not, then it's one of his inner circle," Saitama answered while the octopus walked onto the shore.

"ARE YOU ONE PUNCH MAN?" The octopus inquired as loudly as it could.

"Wow. Impressive volume control." Tatsumaki commented. Ah, there was her familiar sarcasm.

"Yup. That's me." Saitama responded. Vocally, of course. "I am One Punch Man. The number one overall hero and the top-ranked S-Class leader." He stated.

"VERY GOOD. OUR KING EXPECTED AN EARLY RESPONSE." The octopus said as it turned around. "COME. HE IS WAITING FOR YOU." It beckoned.

"...Wait, what?" Saitama questioned, making the Seafolk stop. "You...want me...to go into the water?..." He added.

"OF COURSE! IT IS THE DEEP SEA KING WHO INVITED YOU TO MEET! AS SUCH, YOU MUST MEET HIM IN HIS TERRITORY." The octopus explained. "WHAT'S WRONG? CAN YOU NOT SWIM?" It asked.

"I can't tell if he's stupid or trying to be an ass." Tatsumaki chimed in, offering commentary for Saitama.

"No, I can swim just fine," Saitama answered before he held up his cape while gesturing to himself. "But this isn't water-friendly attire. It's going to be a little uncomfortable." He said.

"WOULD YOU HAVE ME TELL THE DEEP SEA KING THAT YOU CANNOT MEET HIM BECAUSE OF YOUR CLOTHES?" The octopus questioned.

"Would it be that much of a problem for him to come onto land? You guys have already come so far." Saitama asked in return.

"AS I'VE SAID, THE DEEP SEA KING INVITED YOU. IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT YOU MEET HIM IN HIS DWELLING." The octopus repeated. "SO. WILL YOU FOLLOW ME, OR WILL YOU ALLOW SOMETHING SO PATHETIC CAUSE AN ISSUE?" It asked.

"Ah. Okay. He IS an ass." Tatsumaki commented.

"No. I won't." Saitama answered. "Lead the way." He said.

After that, the octopus returned to the water with Saitama in tow. Everyone watched as their hero followed the Seafolk into the ocean to meet the Deep Sea King. Now, only a green-haired woman lying on a comfy chair beneath an umbrella could know what was happening.


Elsewhere, In A Small Riverside Town...


In the past week, Kombu Infinity had been exposed to a lot that was amazing, fascinating, and surprising. All of it was thanks to the House of Evolution. Mosquito Girl, Doctor Genus, his clones, and the others had been so nice to them. Mosquito Girl was a wonderful guide and teacher for the surface world. Although, there were many times when Doctor Genus or the others needed to step in because she got a bit "opinionated" on specific things.

Even so, Kombu Infinity was grateful for their guidance and companionship. The House of Evolution felt like a...

...

...No. Let's not go there. That'd be WAY too awkward. Kombu Infinity had only known them for a week. Slow down. Don't make it weird.

Anyway. On top of the learning, the others spent some time training with Kombu Infinity. After all, the House of Evolution DID have combat rooms. So, why not put them to good use to ensure the Seafolk could handle themselves when subduing their potential attackers? Like with their lessons, Kombu Infinity learned a lot in such a short span.

Yet, despite all this knowledge about the world and combat, Kombu Infinity wasn't prepared for one thing. No one, not even Doctor Genus, had clarified that the hero who'd be at the ready to offer assistance, Metal Knight, wasn't human. Or, if he was, it was in a way that the Seafolk didn't understand. From their point of view, the hero was a man of metal! It took all of their willpower not to be disruptive or annoying by asking questions at a time like this!

Although, it was also made easier by the presence of Mosquito Girl. Everyone, including Saitama, believed that Kombu Infinity could hold their own. But it never hurt to have someone they'd come to trust so much by their side. Plus, as Mosquito Girl would say herself, they were besties now! And besties have each other's backs!

"They're still sitting there." Metal Knight informed the non-humans in his company. He relayed that message to everyone, not just Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity.

As part of their plan, all of the locations the Seafolk were present had been evacuated. Thus, Kombu Infinity and the House of Evolution's members didn't need to hide as they waited.

"Seriously? They haven't moved at all? Not even an inch?" Mosquito Girl asked, finding it hard to believe they'd be perfectly still.

"It's not too surprising, honestly." Kombu Infinity began as they put their arms behind their head. "Most Seafolk are ambush predators. It's natural for them to not move until the right moment. Sure, they're also waiting for permission from our ruler. But my point still makes sense." They explained.

"One Punch Man only just now entered the ocean. It'll be a bit longer before any action occurs." Metal Knight informed them. Again, relaying that message to everyone.

"So, what's the plan?" Mosquito Girl inquired as she looked at the drone. "Are you going to stand here and watch while we do the fighting?" She added for clarity.

"Yes. Unless needed, my presence is purely for recording purposes. If you get overwhelmed, I have several machines around the immediate area. They'll bombard and assault the Seafolk from all directions. Survival will be impossible." Metal Knight stated.

"That's...a lot of power..." Kombu Infinity muttered with widened eyes.

"Yes. It is." Metal Knight agreed.

"What about the town? If that happens, won't it become a smoldering crater?" Mosquito Girl questioned.

"One Punch Man has generously set aside all the funds needed for repairs in the worst-case scenario that all locations are decimated. He wouldn't permit my weapons in residential areas or zones without ensuring the aftermath wouldn't burden the people." Metal Knight explained.

"Wow...Saitama's amazing..." Kombu Infinity said with eyes sparkling in awe.

"Right? He's the greatest!" Mosquito Girl exclaimed with a grin.

"Indeed. I'm grateful to have a leader such as him." Metal Knight chimed in.


Meanwhile, A Fair Distance Away From The Shore of City J...


Saitama...was not having a good time. The octopus, meant to guide him, swam so far ahead that he was left to chase a bubble trail. Furthermore, like with his punches, Saitama couldn't go all out when swimming. If he did, there was a non-zero chance that he'd cause a tsunami with his kicks and flood City J.

So, with puffy cheeks and careful technique, Saitama went deeper into the ocean's depths. If Tatsumaki weren't talking with him, he'd be completely miserable.

"You could come back," Tatsumaki suggested. "Seriously, you don't have to put up with this, Saitama. They're the ones who are being unreasonable. Screw them." She continued. You know it's serious when the Tornado of Terror busts out his actual name.

"We knew they'd be jerks. I can't risk being the one who starts a war." Saitama casually replied as he swam. "However, I'm not ashamed to admit that if they start the fight, I will enjoy punching them." He confessed.

"As you should. They're assholes." Tatsumaki said, supporting him. "You'll probably get jumped before you even reach the barge. They think they can drown or crush you with the ocean's pressure. Something like that." She hypothesized.

"Not a bad strategy." Saitama acknowledged. "But I think I'm getting close to it. If they're going to gang up on me, they need to do it now." He mentioned.

There was a brief pause in the conversation. Saitama and Tatsumaki waited to see if he'd be attacked. To their surprise, he arrived at the barge with no issue. Yet, there was something strange about it.

"...No one's here..." Saitama informed Tatsumaki as he swam around the ship.

"Could they be inside?" Tatsumaki proposed.

"Hmm...maybe..." Saitama pondered. "I...see a giant hole in the top deck. I think that's the entrance they made for themselves. There could be a part of the ship that's sealed off, meaning it's dry." He said.

"Or they could all be right below deck waiting for you to swim into their ambush. Be ready, Saitama." Tatsumaki advised.

After a few more minutes circling the ship, Saitama entered through the hole he mentioned. From there, he'd venture deeper into the vessel through water-filled hallways and rooms. Eventually, he reached the bottom of the barge. There is where Saitama discovered a most interesting sight.

There was only one room waiting for him down there. It was sealed with a bulkhead door, so it could be dry inside, as he assumed. With his strength, it took no effort for Saitama to open the entrance. When he did, he and the water poured into the space.

Impressively, Saitama managed to land on his feet rather than his face. Once inside, he quickly shut the door so the room wouldn't flood. Now, he found himself in total darkness. He couldn't even see in front of his face.

"Alright. Here I go." Saitama told Tatsumaki before speaking verbally. "Hello? One Punch Man is here, as you requested. Are we going to talk in the dark? Is it more comfortable for you that way?" He called out to the blackness.

A few seconds went by. Nothing. But then, in a flash, the room was illuminated. Albeit wasn't much. Still, it was better than nothing.

At the room's center were two long metal candelabras. In between them was a throne. Sitting within this regal chair was a regal-looking Seafolk. Complete with a crown and long red cape.

...There was also a speedo. A bright red speedo. Also, heart nipples. No, that wasn't Saitama's eyes playing tricks on him. This fish man had heart nipples. It also looked like he wore makeup, which could be facial markings.

The only other detail worth noting, at least for now, was the size of the Seafolk. While surprisingly close to human size, he was still quite large. To the point that Saitama wondered how he managed to get into this room. But that was a detail best left for later IF they got that far in the conversation.

"Ah, One Punch Man." The Seafolk spoke. His voice had an obvious poshness to it. Appropriate for the royal appearance he was going for. "I'm so pleased that you accepted my invitation and arrived two days early. That sort of behavior is befitting someone of your status." He praised before placing a hand on his chest. "I am the Deep Sea King. The proud ruler of the Seafolk." He introduced.

"Nice to meet you," Saitama said, maintaining his laid-back nature. "So, where's everyone else?" He asked as he approached.

"My people are preparing themselves for a performance. It's customary for Seafolk to put on a show during special occasions." The Deep Sea King answered.

"What kind of show?" Saitama inquired, stopping once he was a few feet away. "From how it seems, Seafolk are pretty brutal. Will it be a fight? Like gladiators or something?" He guessed.

"Yes. You're spot on. The Seafolk love a good skirmish, especially when blood is spilled." The Deep Sea King confirmed his assumption.

"...So...does that mean this whole thing is pointless?..." Saitama questioned while folding his arms.

"Why, whatever do you mean, One Punch Man?" The Deep Sea King responded.

"Look, I want this to end with no one getting hurt or killed. But there are a few things that need to be addressed." Saitama started. "First off, Kombu Infinity. You tortured them for not wanting to go to the surface. You also carved your so-called invitation for me into their back. Then, after we treated them, they told us what they knew about you and the other Seafolk, including those sent inland." He explained before adorning a serious expression. "If this is turning out like I think, then I'm left with one question. Why go through this? What's the point? Is it a trick? Or do you just like the theatrics?" He asked.

A few seconds went by. The only sound that came was the Deep Sea King's clawed fingers tapping against the arm of his throne. The very same ones he used on Kombu Infinity's backside.

"...Why couldn't they have just died?" The Deep Sea King wondered aloud with a sigh and a disappointed expression. Wow. He wouldn't even try to mask his feelings about Kombu Infinity. "I hoped they'd die on the beach or a little deeper into the surface. To think that troublesome kelp farm managed to make it to you AND that you were able to save them. No matter how well I planned this out, it seems lady luck was working against me." He said.

"Or Kombu's stronger than you thought," Saitama suggested, receiving an immediate scoff.

"Oh, please. Strong? Even for a plant, they're nothing to get excited about." The Deep Sea King told him. "The only reason they survived was due to chance. That bottomless seaweed server was only useful for the food they could produce. Even as a letter, they failed miserably. Their one chance to properly aid their king, and they messed it up. Shameful. Truly shameful." He carried on. "But enough about them. Let's get back to business. I had hoped we could continue the civilities a bit longer, but there's no point since that sentient shiteater spoiled everything." He said.

"Shiteater? Really?" Saitama replied. Even for someone like this guy, that was pretty basic.

"What? They're a plant. They eat shit. That's the point." The Deep Sea King reasoned. He didn't intend it as an insult but a statement of fact. "But again, enough about them. Let's talk about why you and I are inside a sunken ship. That's what's most important, yes?" He proposed.

"Yeah. It is." Saitama agreed. "So, are you planning an invasion? If so, you realize my name isn't for show, right?" He inquired.

"Of course. Your power is known throughout the entire world. There's no doubting it." The Deep Sea King assured. "Even so, you're not special, One Punch Man. Well, for humans, you are. But for us? Those who've existed LONG before humanity and WILL exist longer after you're gone? You're just an exception among your breed. A problematic irregular. That's all." He told him.

"...I'm...not the only hero..." Saitama said as he started to question this dude's intelligence. "Yes, I'm the strongest. But I'm part of an organization filled with talented, skilled, and powerful people. Sure, no one's the same as me. But that doesn't mean they aren't great in their ways. No matter how many Seafolk you throw at us, you will lose. Even if you removed me from the equation." He stated.

"Hmm...that's a bit arrogant, don't you think?" The Deep Sea King asked. Seriously? Saitama was the arrogant one in this room? Okay. "Before recently, humans only had cute little toys to defend themselves with. You all suddenly get SLIGHTLY stronger, and you let it go to your head. Again, YOU are the exception. I know I couldn't fight you as I am now. I concede to your superiority. But the keyword is now. The same applies to the rest of the Seafolk. In their current state, you'd kill them without issue. But that won't be a problem anymore." He boldly claimed.

"Oh? Are you going to transform? Kombu did mention you could do that. So can the others you brought along with you do the same?" Saitama asked.

"No. I'm a rarity among my species as well. The form you see now is due to dehydration. It isn't my natural beautiful self." The Deep Sea King answered. "However, recently, we discovered a most peculiar thing. With its help, we can accelerate the evolutionary process. We can, as we always have, outpace your developments." He said.

"My, how convenient for you," Saitama responded, unimpressed. "So, what is this thing, then? A magic lamp? Radioactive waste? Maybe a shooting star from space?" He guessed. His patience for this guy was spent. He didn't care about being polite anymore. And he was one good insult or extra nudge away from punching his lights out.

In reply, the Deep Sea King took off his crown. From within it, he pulled out something. It was large from Saitama's perspective. His best estimate was the size of a basketball or bowling ball. It was covered in lumps and seemed to twitch or pulsate. It possessed a sickly color that matched its grotesque appearance.

"This is the gift of power. The key to ultimate life. Mother nature's bounty to us, the deserving of her world. You worthless monkeys wouldn't know a thing about them." The Deep Sea King stated with a tooth-filled grin and soulless eyes.

When the Deep Sea King finished speaking, Saitama was already near him. In a fraction of a second, he leaped toward the Seafolk. His right arm was pulled back, and his expression was serious. Enough of this guy's nonsense. Peace was never an option. It was time for him to feel a worse fear and pain than Kombu Infinity.

...

...

Unfortunately, during his leap, Saitama would be interrupted. Every wall of the room was destroyed from the outside. The cause? A horde of indescribable horrors. They accompanied the rushing water that instantly flooded the space. Yet, amidst this chaos, Saitama managed to make one observation before being plunged into darkness again as the candles' flames were extinguished.

These grotesque abominations, these gargantuan terrors, these unfathomable creatures, resembled Seafolk.