There weren't many things Saitama would say he considered valuable. He had stuff, sure. But if someone broke into his apartment one day and took his television, although he'd be mad, he'd get over it quickly. Yet, as simple as it may sound, the company of this prickly plant on Saitama's small balcony was likely his most treasured possession.

It was always here waiting for him after a rough day of easy fights. It didn't need much water to survive. And, when Saitama felt like ranting to himself about his frustrations late at night, the cactus was the perfect listener. If anything, it was also the best roommate he could hope to have.

Admittedly, Saitama occasionally wondered if his fondness of the flora was a bit concerning. Maybe it was a sign he needed to interact with people more. But then, today, someone would assure the hairless man that it wasn't weird. They'd accomplish this by praising him for his plant-caring abilities.

"Incredible, Saitama! Your prowess goes beyond fighting!" Groribas exclaimed with a grin as he examined the cactus. Currently, he was crouched to be as close to it as possible. "Yes, this fellow is as healthy as he could be! You've positioned him perfectly on the balcony for the best sunlight throughout the day. Its water reserves are exactly as they should be. Its black bristles shine with happiness!" He carried on.

"Coming from a talking plant, that's pretty high praise," Saitama replied as he looked down at him. He was genuinely flattered by his words. "But before we continue talking about my cactus, can I ask you something?" He requested.

"Sure!" Groribas permitted, now looking at him.

"Why are you here?" Saitama asked.

After having breakfast, when Saitama was doing his dishes, he heard a knock at his door. Upon opening it, he discovered a MUCH shorter Groribas. He was now the same height as Saitama! Furthermore, Groribas asked if he could enter the apartment and speak to him.

Saitama, having no issues, allowed the plant-man entry. However, their attention quickly went to the cactus on the balcony once Groribas saw it. Thus, here we are; the present.

"Oh, right. Sorry." Groribas apologized as he got to his feet. "Not to waste your time, I'll keep this brief. Our mistress is...temporarily unavailable. So, there won't be a rematch anytime soon." He answered.

"Damn. I pissed her off big time, huh?" Saitama assumed.

"No! Not at all!" Groribas was quick to deny that belief. "Again, to be brief. Lady Boros is...well...rabid at the moment. I don't think we've ever seen her so lustful for battle. It's honestly quite terrifying." He told him.

"If that's true, then how is she not breaking down my door and demanding a rematch right now?" Saitama inquired.

"Oh, trust me. It is NOT easy..." Groribas started. "Your counterattack yesterday left our lady unconscious until this morning. Before then, we, her elites, knew we'd have to keep her from going feral while updating you on her condition. The tasks were assigned via an intense three-man tournament fought with rock, paper, and scissors. I was ultimately victorious, so I got out of there before Lady Boros awoke." He explained.

"...You managed to win rock, paper, and scissors?..." Saitama questioned, as that detail was the most bizarre.

"Mouths closed means rock. Slightly open are scissors. Fully open is paper." Groribas clarified while doing the actions with his hands.

"Huh, good to know," Saitama said, making a mental note. "So, how are the other two handling Boros?" He asked.

"Geryuganshoop, the sore loser overall, is the one who must be confined with her inside her room. Melzargard, after separating his five identities, is standing outside the room in case she attempts to escape. He won't be able to prevent her from leaving, but he'll be able to hold onto her and not let go. Our mistress will find it difficult to do anything with all five of Melzargard's identities clinging to her." Groribas answered.

"Well, it seems you guys have it under control as best you can," Saitama responded. "One last question, how is your height different?" He inquired.

"Oh! That's simple. I'm a plant. As such, I am not bound to a body formation dictated by a skeleton and muscles. I can alter myself to a certain extent. It's nowhere near as impressive and limitless as Melzargard. But it's still handy for times like this." Groribas said.

"Man, you guys get cooler the more I learn about you." Saitama complimented him. He was truly amazed by each new fact.

"Aw, thank you." Groribas gratefully replied. "Anyway. If that is all your questions, Saitama, my business is complete. I can return to the ship." He stated before heading for the door.

Saitama watched Groribas approach the entrance. However, when he reached it, he stopped dead in his tracks. Saitama initially believed it was due to the complications of his mouth being able to grip the knob. But he quickly realized the truth.

"You don't want to go back, do you?" Saitama guessed.

"...No. I really don't." Groribas confirmed, swiftly turning around. "Could I PLEASE impose on you to stay here for a bit? Maybe even the day?" He pleaded.

"Sure, man. Come have a seat." Saitama invited as he sat down near his television. "We can play games to pass the time." He suggested.

Appreciative and honored to be so welcome in Saitama's home, Groribas wasted no time sitting beside him. From there, the duo would play Saitama's digital delights. How the bipedal plant could even hold a controller is an explanation for later. Right now, it's all about the games.

Meanwhile, Inside The Black Matter Thieves Ship...

Geryuganshoop has had many experiences with Lady Boros across the centuries. They'd often have lengthy intellectual conversations before her boredom set in. Sometimes about strategy, others about random topics they could think of. So, it's not as if being alone with his mistress was awkward or difficult for him.

However, Geryuganshoop could safely say he never expected this situation. He stood in front of Boros's door. She stood before him. His glowing yellow eyes stared into her mono-vision. Geryuganshoop and Boros were engaged in the most intense staring contest ever.

Before now, there had been an abundance of colorful words, phrases, and threats spoken by Boros. She did her best to come across as intimidating and commanding. On the one hand, this was refreshing for Geryuganshoop to see his lady filled with renewed life. On the other hand, he wished she practiced better volume control.

But this is how the pair had been for the past thirty minutes. Silently staring at each other. Perhaps, like the day prior, Boros hoped her gaze would be enough to force Geryuganshoop to do something as it did with Busho. Even with her blood boiling, she wouldn't dare be forceful with ANY of her elites.

"...Move." Boros finally spoke again, still not blinking.

"No," Geryuganshoop replied, also not blinking.

"Geryuganshoop. I am your leader. Your mistress. The Dominator of the Universe. The stars bend to my will. Entire solar systems worship me as a goddess. My power goes beyond strength. As such, I command you to step aside." Boros firmly stated.

"No," Geryuganshoop repeated, not budging.

"GERYUGANSHOOP." Boros raised her voice. They were back to square one. "LET. ME. PASS." She demanded.

"No," Geryuganshoop repeated a third time. Still unmoving.

"THIS IS INSUBORDINATION!" Boros exclaimed.

"No," Geryuganshoop repeated a fourth time. The man was either stuck or impressively steadfast.

Another few seconds of silence came between them. Geryuganshoop wondered what his mistress's next approach would be. To his surprise, Boros quietly stormed away from him. She went to her bed on the opposite side of the room and flopped onto it face down.

"M'lady, are you okay?" Geryuganshoop inquired. He maintained his post as he did.

"YOU DON'T CARE!" Boros yelled. It was incredibly muffled since her face was buried in a pillow.

"If I didn't, why would I ask?" Geryuganshoop challenged.

"...SHUT UP!" Boros retorted. She was too angry to think of a better comeback.

"Come now, mistress. This isn't the end of the universe." Geryuganshoop began, hoping to comfort her. "Shouldn't you be excited? Saitama isn't your equal; he's a new goal to be reached! You finally have something to work toward again." He said.

"...I...guess that's true..." Boros hesitantly agreed. At last. Progress.

"Plus, I'm still busying myself with improving your wardrobe. You wouldn't want a repeat of the incident, would you?" Geryuganshoop asked.

"...No...Saitama seeing my boob was dreadful..." Boros answered. The mere thought was enough to make her hidden face blush again.

"Then, there's no reason to continue moping. We'll figure out the best regimen to start you on. We'll curate a perfect diet. We'll make some exercise equipment. This will be the first step to getting the actual fight you wanted, not yesterday's awkward outcome." Geryuganshoop told her.

"...I...wonder if Saitama would mind helping me?..." Boros pondered aloud. "Surely, he could share what he did to become so strong." She continued.

"I don't doubt he will. He wants this fight as badly as you. He'll be more than happy to help." Geryuganshoop said, making promises on Saitama's behalf

"...Could...he return to the ship?..." Lady Boros inquired, slowly raising her face from her pillow. "I know only our crew is meant to be near or on board it. But I'd like to have him around more. It'd also be more convenient for us." She explained.

"Mam, you're our leader. We will welcome Saitama with open arms. We'll issue corporal punishment if any of the crew objects." Geryuganshoop said.

Hearing this brought a smile to Boros's face. Additionally, she sprang from her bed with newfound excitement.

"Then, I'd like to take a walk through the ship. I want to make this place more homely and inviting. We'll be here on Earth for the foreseeable future. We need to adjust." Boros decided.

"I fully agree. And, as always, I offer my assistance in whatever way I can." Geryuganshoop responded.

"Thank you, Geryuganshoop," Boros said before surprisingly hugging her elite. He didn't fight against the embrace. Rather, he gladly returned it.

"It's nothing, Miss. I am one of your elites. I live to serve you the best I can." Geryuganshoop stated.

"I know. But still, I appreciate it." Boros told him as she ended the hug. "Now then, I'll begin my inspection of our vessel. I'll have Melzargard accompany me so you can focus on my clothes." She said.

"Understood," Geryuganshoop replied.

With that, Boros was allowed out of her room. She'd go on to explain everything to the awaiting Melzargard. After they departed, Geryuganshoop was left alone with his duties and thoughts. He couldn't help but contemplate the astounding rate at which his mistress was regaining her emotions and returning to herself. And it was thanks to that astounding man.

...

...

ACHOO!

All of a sudden, Saitama sneezed. It was so unexpected and loud that it made Groribas jump slightly.

"Are you alright? Allergies? A cold?" Groribas asked as he rubbed his nose.

"No. I don't know what that was..." Saitama answered, confused like his guest. "Sorry about that." He apologized.

"No worries! Everyone sneezes!" Groribas assured. "Well, MOST people do." He quickly corrected before he was questioned. "If you'd like, I could give you some remedies of my design. They're the best cure-alls in the universe!" He proudly proclaimed.

"Whoa, seriously?" Saitama inquired with widened eyes.

"Mhm! With my mixtures, you'll be healthier and better than ever!" Groribas continued to boast. "But we can save that for later. Right now, the boss awaits us!" He exclaimed, focusing back on their game.

"Hell yeah!" Saitama cheered in agreement as he looked back to the TV. Man, Groribas sure knew how to motivate people. Maybe he was Boros's hype man?