Saitama stood just outside the glass doors of the news station, staring at his reflection. He adjusted his cape, making sure it sat just right on his shoulders. He didn't particularly care how he looked, but Genos had insisted he try to look "presentable" for his first live television interview.

With a sigh, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The receptionist, a young woman with bright red hair, glanced up from her desk and smiled.

"Hello, you must be Saitama. Yuka will be with you in just a moment," she said, motioning for him to sit in the waiting area.

Saitama nodded and took a seat. He tapped his foot impatiently. He wasn't nervous, just bored. Interviews weren't exactly his thing. He'd much rather be home playing video games or shopping for bargains at the supermarket.

A few minutes later, a tall, elegant woman with short black hair and a sharp, professional outfit approached him. She extended a hand with a bright smile.

"Hello, Saitama. I'm Yuka. Thank you for coming in today."

Saitama stood up and shook her hand. "Yeah, no problem."

"Shall we head to the studio?" she asked, gesturing towards a set of double doors down the hall.

"Sure."

They walked together, Yuka leading the way with confident strides. Saitama followed, his cape swaying slightly with each step. The studio was bustling with activity. Cameramen adjusted their equipment, and producers whispered hurried instructions into their headsets.

Yuka led him to a comfortable-looking chair positioned opposite hers.

"Have a seat. We'll be live in just a few minutes."

Saitama sat down, his eyes wandering around the set. Bright lights shone down on them, and a large camera pointed directly at him. He adjusted his cape again, more out of habit than necessity.

"Do you need anything before we start?" Yuka asked, settling into her own chair.

Saitama shook his head. "No, I'm good."

A producer counted down from behind the camera, and the red light blinked on. Yuka's smile grew even brighter as she faced the camera.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to City A News. Today, we have a special guest with us—Saitama, also known as the Caped Baldy. Thank you for joining us, Saitama."

Saitama gave a small nod.

"Yeah, thanks for having me."

Yuka turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"So, Saitama, can you tell us a bit about how you became a hero?"

Saitama scratched his cheek, thinking.

"Well, I just wanted to be a hero for fun, you know? So, I trained really hard. Then, one day, I just...became really strong."

Yuka raised an eyebrow. "Really strong? Can you elaborate on that?"

Saitama shrugged. "I punch things so hard that they disappear in one punch."

Yuka blinked, momentarily taken aback.

"One punch? That's incredible. But doesn't that make your job as a hero a bit...easy?"

"Yeah, pretty much. There's not much of a challenge anymore." Saitama replied nonchalantly.

"So, what do you do when you're not fighting villains?" Yuka asked, leaning forward with interest.

"I like to watch TV, play video games, and go shopping. There's usually a good sale on Saturdays."

Yuka chuckled.

"That sounds quite...ordinary."

Saitama nodded.

"Yeah, I guess I'm just a normal guy. Except for the whole hero thing."

The producer signaled for a commercial break, and the red light on the camera went off. Yuka leaned back in her chair, still smiling.

"You're quite an interesting person, Saitama. This is going to be a fun interview."

Saitama gave her a small, appreciative smile.

"Thanks. Uh…I'm glad you think so."

As they waited for the next segment to begin, Saitama couldn't help but wonder what other questions she had in store. For now, he was content to go with the flow, just as he always did.

…

The commercial break ended, and the red light on the camera blinked on again. Yuka's smile remained unwavering as she turned back to Saitama.

"Welcome back to City A News. We're here with Saitama, the hero who can defeat any opponent with just one punch. Let's dive a bit deeper into your daily life, Saitama. You mentioned you enjoy shopping for bargains. Can you tell us about your last shopping trip?"

Saitama scratched his head, thinking.

"Uh, let's see... Last week, I went to the supermarket. They had a sale on cabbage, like 70% off. I bought a lot of cabbage."

Yuka tried to suppress a giggle.

"70% off cabbage? That sounds like quite the deal. Do you cook a lot with cabbage?"

"Yeah, sometimes. I mostly make hot pot. It's easy, and you can just throw everything in," Saitama replied, his face lighting up a bit as he talked about food.

"That sounds delicious. Now, let's talk about your training regimen. How did you become so powerful?" Yuka asked, maintaining her composure.

"Oh, I did 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and ran 10 kilometers every day. Also, I didn't use air conditioning, even in the summer," Saitama said, his tone completely serious.

Yuka blinked, momentarily speechless.

"Wait, that's all you did?"

"Yeah. Every day. For three years."

The studio was silent for a moment, then someone behind the camera snorted, trying to hold back laughter. Yuka cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.

"That's...quite an intense regimen…"

"Yep." Saitama replied with a nod.

"Do you ever get tired of being a hero?" Yuka asked, changing the subject.

Saitama shrugged.

"Sometimes. It gets boring when all the fights end in one punch. But, you know, it's my job."

"Have you ever thought about doing something else?" Yuka inquired, leaning forward slightly.

"Not really. Being a hero is what I do now. Plus, it's not like there's a lot of other jobs where you get to punch monsters in the face," Saitama said with a straight face.

Yuka chuckled.

"Fair point. What about your personal life? Do you have any close friends or family?"

"Uh, well, there's Genos. He's my disciple. And I guess the other heroes are kind of like colleagues," Saitama replied, scratching his cheek.

"Genos, the cyborg hero?" Yuka asked, her eyes widening in recognition.

"Yeah, that's him. He's always very serious about training and fighting evil. Sometimes it's a bit much." Saitama said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"That must be quite the dynamic. Do you ever train together?" Yuka asked, clearly fascinated.

Saitama shook his head.

"Not really. My training's too simple for him. He's always doing these high-tech workouts with explosions and stuff."

The image of Genos surrounded by explosions while Saitama did simple push-ups made Yuka giggle.

"That sounds like quite the sight."

"Yeah, it's something," Saitama agreed, his tone as indifferent as ever.

Just then, the producer signaled another commercial break. The red light on the camera went off, and Yuka leaned back in her chair, still chuckling.

"Saitama, you have a way of making the ordinary sound extraordinary," she said, shaking her head in amusement.

Saitama shrugged.

"I guess. I just do what I do."

The crew prepared for the next segment, and Yuka looked over her notes, a mischievous glint in her eye. Saitama wondered what quirky questions she would come up with next. For now, he was content to sit back and enjoy the ride, even if it was a bit awkward.

…

The commercial break ended, and the red light on the camera blinked back on. Yuka adjusted in her seat, her demeanor slightly more serious as she turned to Saitama.

"Welcome back to City A News. We're here with Saitama, the hero known for his unique approach to heroism. Saitama, I'd like to talk about a significant event that happened recently—the monster uprising led by the Monster Association. Can you tell us about your experience during that crisis?"

Saitama's expression turned a bit more thoughtful, though his usual nonchalance remained. "Oh, that. Yeah, it was a pretty big deal. Lots of strong monsters causing trouble."

Yuka nodded.

"It was a terrifying time for many people. How did you get involved in the fight against the Monster Association?"

"Well, I was just kind of...there." Saitama started, scratching his head. "I heard about the trouble they were causing, and I figured I'd check it out. Ended up fighting a bunch of monsters."

"'Just kind of there'? That's quite an understatement, considering the scale of the battles that took place. Can you describe some of the encounters you had with the monsters?" Yuka asked.

Saitama thought for a moment.

"There was this one guy—a big monster, used to be a martial artist I think. He was strong, but...you know, one punch."

Yuka's eyes widened slightly.

"You defeated a martial arts master with one punch?"

"Yeah. It's kind of my thing," Saitama said, shrugging.

Yuka tried to keep a straight face.

"What about the Monster King? Surely, there was a king or queen leading the monsters, right?"

"Oh. Yeah, he was a tough one. Took a bit more effort, but in the end...one punch." Saitama said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

The camera crew stifled laughter again. Yuka managed to keep her composure, her curiosity piqued.

"And how did you find the Monster Association's hideout? It was said to be hidden deep underground."

Saitama frowned slightly, trying to remember.

"I think I got lost on my way to the supermarket. Ended up in their hideout by accident. It was a bit of a mess."

Yuka blinked, stunned.

"You found their hideout by accident?"

"Yeah. I was looking for a new place that had a sale on meat. Got turned around and, well, there they were." Saitama said nonchalantly.

"Your sense of direction must be...interesting," Yuka said, chuckling.

Saitama nodded, his expression serious.

"Yeah, it's not great. I usually rely on maps, but they can be confusing."

Yuka shook her head in disbelief.

"So, you ended up in the middle of one of the biggest crises by accident and managed to resolve it almost single-handedly. That's remarkable."

Saitama shrugged again.

"Just doing my job. The other heroes helped too, though. They were all pretty serious about it."

"Indeed, many heroes fought bravely. What do you think of your fellow heroes? Do you have any favorites or ones you particularly admire?" Yuka asked.

"Hmm. I think they're all good in their own way. Genos is always trying his best, and King...well, he's got a strong presence I think. " Saitama said.

Yuka raised an eyebrow.

"King? The strongest man on earth?"

"He's pretty cool, I haven't seen him fight much though." Saitama said.

"Interesting. Do you ever feel like you don't get the recognition you deserve, given how pivotal your role often is?" Yuka asked, her tone more serious.

Saitama shook his head.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm not in it for fame. I just want to be a hero for fun. Recognition isn't that important to me."

The producer signaled another commercial break, and the red light on the camera went off. Yuka leaned back, clearly impressed.

"Saitama, you're truly one of a kind. Your perspective on heroism is refreshing."

"Thanks." Saitama replied.

As the crew prepared for the next segment, Saitama felt a bit more at ease. Talking about his adventures, even in his straightforward way, was kind of nice. And Yuka's genuine interest made it feel less like an interview and more like a casual chat. He wondered what other topics they would cover next.

…

The commercial break ended, and the red light on the camera blinked back on. Yuka's expression turned more thoughtful as she turned to Saitama.

"Welcome back to City A News. We're here with Saitama, the hero known for his incredible strength and his unique approach to heroism. Saitama, we've talked a lot about your life as a hero, but I'd like to take a step back and talk about your life before you became the Caped Baldy. Can you tell us a bit about what you did before becoming a hero?"

Saitama's usually indifferent face took on a slightly nostalgic look.

"Oh, before I was a hero? Well, I was just a regular guy. I had a job, and did everyday stuff. Nothing too special."

"What kind of job did you have?" Yuka asked, genuinely curious.

"I was a salaryman. You know, one of those office jobs where you sit at a desk all day. It wasn't exactly exciting. " Saitama replied.

Yuka leaned forward, intrigued.

"What made you decide to leave that life behind and pursue becoming a hero?"

Saitama sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"It wasn't really a decision at first. I got laid off from my job. The company was downsizing, and I was one of the unlucky ones. After that, I spent a lot of time looking for new jobs, but it was tough."

Yuka nodded.

"That must have been a difficult time for you."

"Yeah, it was. I went through a lot of job interviews, but nothing seemed to work out. I started feeling pretty down. Then, one day, I was walking home after another failed interview, and I saw this kid being attacked by a crab monster." Saitama continued.

Yuka's eyes widened slightly.

"A crab monster?"

"Yeah, it was weird. The monster was after the kid because he drew nipples on its shell while it was sleeping or something," Saitama said, shaking his head at the memory.

"Anyway, I ended up fighting the crab monster and saving the kid. It felt...good, you know? Like I was doing something that mattered."

"That must have been a pivotal moment for you," Yuka said.

Saitama nodded.

"Yeah, it was. I realized that I wanted to keep helping people. But I also knew that I wasn't strong enough, and that's when I decided to start training."

"Did you have any support during this time? Friends, family?" Yuka asked.

Saitama shook his head.

"Not really. I kind of drifted apart from my old acquaintances after I lost my job. I was pretty much on my own."

"That sounds incredibly lonely." Yuka said.

"It was, sometimes. But the more I trained, the more I felt like I was finding my purpose. It kept me going." Saitama admitted.

Yuka nodded.

"Do you ever think about what your life might have been like if you hadn't become a hero?"

Saitama shrugged.

"Sometimes. I might have found another office job, maybe settled into a routine. But honestly, I don't think I would have been as happy. Being a hero, even with all the challenges, feels right for me."

Yuka smiled warmly.

"It sounds like you found your true calling."

"Yeah, I guess I did." Saitama said.

The producer signaled for another commercial break, and the red light on the camera went off. Yuka leaned back in her chair, her expression one of genuine admiration.

"Saitama, thank you for sharing that with us. It's clear that you've come a long way, and your journey is truly inspiring."

"Thanks," Saitama replied, his smile lingering.

"I don't think about it much, but talking about it...yeah, it's been a ride."

As the crew prepared for the next segment, Saitama felt a sense of relief. Opening up about his past wasn't something he did often, but it felt good to share his story. He hoped that, maybe, it might inspire someone else who was struggling. For now, he was content to sit back and see where the interview would go next.

…

The commercial break ended, and the red light on the camera blinked back on. Yuka turned to the camera with her bright smile.

"Welcome back to City A News. We've had a fascinating conversation with Saitama, the hero known for his extraordinary strength and humble demeanor. As we near the end of our interview, Saitama, I'd like to ask you a few final questions."

Saitama nodded.

"Sure, go ahead."

Yuka leaned in slightly.

"First, what advice would you give to someone who wants to become a hero?"

Saitama thought for a moment, scratching his chin.

"I guess... just be yourself. Train hard, stay true to what you believe in, and don't give up. And remember, it's not about the recognition or fame. It's about helping people."

"That's wonderful advice. Now, looking to the future, do you have any goals or plans, either as a hero or in your personal life?"

Saitama shrugged.

"Not really. I just take things one day at a time. If a monster shows up, I deal with it. If there's a sale at the supermarket, I check it out. Simple stuff."

Yuka chuckled.

"Keeping it simple seems to work well for you. Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say to the people of City A and to your fans watching at home?"

Saitama looked directly into the camera for a moment, his expression serious.

"Just... thanks for the support. I know I don't always look like much, but I'll keep doing my best to protect everyone. And, uh, stay safe out there."

Yuka turned back to the camera.

"Thank you, Saitama, for sharing your story with us. It's been an absolute pleasure. That's all for tonight's special interview. I'm Yuka, and this is City A News. Good night, everyone."

The red light on the camera turned off, and the studio lights dimmed slightly. Yuka turned to Saitama, her expression of genuine appreciation.

"Thank you so much, Saitama. You were wonderful."

Saitama gave a small nod.

"Thanks. It was... different. But not bad."

Yuka laughed softly.

"That's high praise coming from you. I hope this helps people see the real you."

"Yeah." Saitama said.

As the crew began to pack up, Yuka extended her hand to Saitama.

"Take care, Saitama. And good luck with everything."

"You too." Saitama replied, shaking her hand.

With that, Saitama turned and walked out of the studio, his cape swaying slightly with each step. For once, he felt a bit lighter, as if sharing his story had lifted a small weight off his shoulders.

…

Sweet Mask lounged in his luxurious hotel suite, the aftermath of his singing performance still buzzing in his ears. He relished these moments of solitude, away from the adoring fans and the incessant demands of his career. With a glass of red wine in hand, he turned on the television, flipping through channels until he landed on City A News.

Let's see what's happening in the city today, he thought, taking a sip of wine.

The screen displayed a cheerful woman named Yuka, sitting across from none other than Saitama, the so-called Caped Baldy. Sweet Mask's lips curled in distaste.

Of all the people to interview...

He settled back, his critical eyes fixed on the screen. Yuka was wrapping up the segment, asking Saitama about his advice for aspiring heroes.

"Just be yourself. Train hard, stay true to what you believe in, and don't give up. And remember, it's not about the recognition or fame. It's about helping people."

Sweet Mask scoffed.

Is he serious? No wonder he looks like a bum. No sense of style or decorum.

As the interview continued, Sweet Mask's disdain grew. Saitama's answers were simple, almost naive, and his nonchalant demeanor irked him. He prided himself on his appearance and charisma, qualities he believed were essential for a true hero.

Look at him, slouching like that. Has he no respect for his audience?

Yuka asked Saitama about his future goals, and his response was as uninspiring as ever. "Not really. I just take things one day at a time. If a monster shows up, I deal with it. If there's a sale at the supermarket, I check it out. Simple stuff."

Sweet Mask rolled his eyes.

Taking things one day at a time? That's not how a hero should think. Where's the ambition, the drive to be the best?

He remembered his own rise to fame, the endless hours of training, the meticulous care he took in crafting his public image. Every performance, every fight was a calculated step towards his ultimate goal of perfection.

This is the guy people are starting to notice? Pathetic.

The interview moved on to Saitama's message to the people of City A. "Just... thanks for the support. I know I don't always look like much, but I'll keep doing my best to protect everyone. And, uh, stay safe out there."

Sweet Mask nearly choked on his wine.

He doesn't look like much? That's the understatement of the century. And what kind of message is that? So uninspiring. A hero should exude confidence, not... whatever that is.

As the segment ended, Yuka thanked Saitama, and the screen cut back to the news anchors. Sweet Mask turned off the TV, feeling a mix of irritation and disbelief.

How can someone so utterly lacking in charisma and style be taken seriously as a hero? This city deserves better. They deserve heroes who inspire and lead by example, not some aimless guy who stumbled into power.

He stood up, setting his wine glass down with a decisive clink. He walked to the large window overlooking the city, his reflection superimposed against the twinkling lights below.

I've worked too hard to build this image, this reputation. People need to see what a true hero looks like, not that bald, caped... clown.

Sweet Mask knew his influence was substantial. His performances captivated audiences, and his heroics were legendary. He embodied the ideal of a hero in every sense: strong, charismatic, and always impeccably presented.

If the people are starting to notice him, it's time I remind them why I'm the one they should look up to. Why appearance and presence matter just as much as strength.

He turned away from the window, his resolve hardening. He would double down on his efforts, show the people of City A and beyond what a true hero looked like. He would not let someone like Saitama overshadow him, not when he had worked so hard to perfect his image and abilities.

The Caped Baldy might be strong, but strength isn't everything. A hero needs to inspire, to lead. And that's something he'll never understand.

Sweet Mask began planning his next moves. He would ensure that his presence was felt more than ever, both on stage and in the field. The people needed a hero they could admire, someone who set the standard for what it meant to be truly heroic.

They need me. And I won't let them down.