Disappointment. Immeasurable sadness. Indescribable emptiness. Groribas felt these emotions as he watched Saitama enjoy their prepared meal.
From the finest meats to the richest vegetables. The perfectly balanced stews to the properly proportioned dishes. Saitama sampled everything, but not in a gluttonous fashion. All the while, a content, and satisfied smile was on his face.
Oh, how Groribas wish it turned out differently. His tongue salivated at the aroma of the buffet. All three of his mouths twitched with a yearning for its yumminess. He longed to-
SMACK
"OW!" Groribas yelped, a sharp stinging pain appearing on his head.
That sudden exclamation interrupted Saitama and Boros's meal. The Dominator of the Universe and Earth's champion sat at a large round table opposite each other. Her elites stood nearby, but not so close that it was awkward. The swift slap that had struck Groribas came from Geryuganshoop.
"I swear, you're like a mutt." Geryuganshoop sighed, lowering his tendril. "Forgive him, Saitama. Groribas here is normally more composed, but his insatiable appetite gets the better of him." He apologized.
"Hey, I don't blame him. This food's great!" Saitama replied with a bit of a mouthful. None saw this as disrespectful since Groribas had interrupted him mid-chew.
"Please, control yourself, Groribas." Boros requested, also sighing due to his behavior.
"I'm sorry, m'lady. I'll do better." Groribas promised. Her disappointment stung worse than the slap.
"Where were we, Saitama?" Boros asked, having lost her train of thought.
"We were trying to decide the best location for the fight," Saitama answered, now free of food in his mouth.
"Ah, yes. Right." Boros recalled before looking at Geryuganshoop. "Have you come across any suitable locations in your surveys?" She inquired.
"Many, Miss." Geryuganshoop started as he came closer. "This world possesses several large empty plains similar to the one outside. Multiple islands and other land masses are at sea with no Earthlings and little wildlife. There are a few deserts, an arctic wasteland, and other areas that would suit your skirmish. All you and Saitama must do is choose one." He stated.
"Do you have a preference, Saitama?" Boros inquired, turning back to him.
"Hmm...I've never fought anywhere as cold as the Arctic...it could be fun..." Saitama hummed while pondering. "I'd prefer to avoid a desert; there's WAY too much sand. It'd get everywhere and be aggravating..." He went on.
thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump
Before Saitama could decide, everyone was directed toward the room's entrance. This meal/meeting took place in the throne room, with the table brought in by Boros's elites for their comfort. However, the doors were massive. So, whoever was running would be forced to stop upon reaching them.
"LADY *HUFF* BOROS!" The breathless voice of Busho shouted from the other side. "PLEASE *HUFF* IF YOU'RE IN THERE *HUFF* LET US IN! *HUFF*" He requested.
In reaction, Geryuganshoop looked at his mistress. With a slightly annoyed expression, Boros permitted the request via her hand. With the go-ahead, Geryuganshoop used his abilities to open the doors.
"Thank... *HUFF* you... *HUFF*" Busho said while bent over and wheezing. The poor man's clothes were clinging to his body due to sweat. Partly because of the earlier shock, the rest from having run here.
"It's impressive you found the throne room." "The ship's interior is meant to misdirect intruders." Two of Melzargard's heads complimented the exhausted man.
"My...partner...chose...the other...direction..." Busho explained, trying his best not to fall on his face as he regained his breath.
"Ugh, this is pitiful..." Boros remarked, displeased by this interruption. "Why are you here? You got your demonstration. What reason could be so compelling that you'd disrupt our meal?" She asked.
"I'm...sorry...Lady Boros...but...you...two...can't...fight..." Busho answered as he straightened himself.
The atmosphere of the room turned cold. Normally, Geryuganshoop, Groribas, and Melzargard would've berated and scolded this man for impudence. However, they remained motionless and silent. The sudden shift in temperature came from their lady. As the saying goes: "Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned".
"Sir, I'd advise you to consider what you've just said." Boros began. Her hands, which lay on the table, slowly balled into fists. "I have spent centuries inflicted with a tortuous absence of a desire to live. My life has devolved into a limbo that I'd sacrifice the universe I own to be free from. At last, I have found my salvation. Saitama, the man across from me, is burdened by this same curse. For the first time in so long, we will experience the joy of life again. Yet here you've come, spouting the greatest insult to myself that anyone could. You're to tell me who I can and cannot fight? To prevent me from feeling the emotions I've lost? Tell me, are you suicidal?" She ranted, ending with a question. Her eye stared at Busho with an intensity like no other. If Boros could, she'd have him feel the crushing weight of her power from her gaze alone.
Busho said nothing. Boros's tone and stare petrified the man. It wasn't just through sheer strength and power that she conquered the cosmos, although those factors were significant. Boros's presence and resolve were indomitable. There wasn't anyone or anything that could stop her.
"Hold on, Boros," Saitama interjected on Busho's behalf. "I get that you're desperate to fight. So am I. But he's probably concerned about the effects our fight will have. You could cut him some slack." He said.
"...I...suppose so. We are the strongest beings in the universe. Even the simplest exchange will yield astounding results." Boros acknowledged with a sigh. Her posture relaxed, and she leaned into her seat.
Neither Boros, Saitama, nor Busho understood the amazingness of what just transpired. Yet, Geryuganshoop, Groribas, and Melzargard did. Their mistress's wrath was quelled for the first time they'd ever seen, and Saitama was responsible.
"Right? So, let's hear him out. If he starts to get annoying, we'll just ignore him." Saitama suggested.
"Hm, true. And if he persists as a pest, I'll have him removed." Boros agreed. "Fine, go ahead. Waste our time." She told Busho, still irritated by his presence.
"Uh, thank you," Busho said, addressing her and Saitama. "I'll keep this short. What we witnessed outside was unprecedented. No, even more than that, it was biblical. Saitama's strength should only exist in fiction, yet here he is. I don't doubt you're equally strong, Lady Boros. This is why I'm GREATLY worried that if you two go all out, you'll accidentally, ACCIDENTALLY, destroy the Earth." He stated, stressing that it wouldn't be intentional to avoid angering her further.
"Well, if you hadn't come running in here as if you owned the place, you'd realize how stupid your anxiety is," Boros responded, maintaining her cold and harsh demeanor toward him. "Did you think myself and Saitama so ignorant that we wouldn't consider that? Before reaching my throne room, we briefly discussed having a point system dictate our fight. We hadn't gotten to it yet since we needed first to choose a battlefield. But then, you arrived and inconsiderately forced yourself into the conversation." She explained.
"Oh. Um. I'm sorry, Lady Boros." Busho apologized.
"I don't accept it," Boros said, refusing the apology. "Geryuganshoop, I hate to task you with this, but could you remove this man and his partner from our vessel?" She requested.
"Of course, m'lady. It's no issue." Geryuganshoop accepted with a bow.
Before Busho could object or do anything, he was lifted into the air with ESP. Geryuganshoop also prevented him from speaking by forcing his mouth shut. The blue octopus then left the throne room to find and remove Jinzuren.
"I'm so sorry, Saitama." Boros began as she looked at her actual guest. "I wanted this to be pleasant for you. And yet, that man had to go and ruin it." She sighed.
"It's no big deal, Boros. Really." Saitama assured, making her feel better. "But before we continue discussing the fight, can I ask you a question?" He requested.
"Of course. Ask away." Boros permitted.
"You said something that stuck out to me. You've been miserable for centuries. Do your people live forever?" Saitama asked.
"I...genuinely don't know..." Boros confessed. "You see, most didn't get to live long lives on my planet. There was always a stronger opponent or beast waiting to kill you. I was the first of my kind to be recognized as undefeatable. Fast forward to my conquest of the universe, and we came across countless pieces of technology that could easily make someone immortal. My crew uses these methods, which Geryuganshoop's genius has perfected. However, my elites and I haven't felt the need. I could reach old age; I have nothing to say that I won't. But I can tell you with confidence that I haven't felt myself actively getting older. It could be that the aging process takes forever with my species or that our unrivaled evolutionary adaptation has removed the worry of dying due to time altogether. I'm afraid that's all I can offer as an explanation." She answered.
"It's more than enough. Plus, it's super interesting. I'd love to learn more about you and your people sometime." Saitama replied.
"I...would like that as well," Boros said with a widened eye. She was taken aback by his unexpected enthusiasm to learn more about her. It was...flattering. And not in the pathetic fake way that many had previously attempted.
"So, about the fight." Saitama started, getting the conversation back on track. "I think the best place would be an island. We'd have the whole ocean to help take the blows and shockwaves way better than the land could. Plus, bonus points could be given to whoever knocks the other off the island. Assuming we will have a point system." He proposed.
"Hm, yes. I think that'll work splendidly." Boros agreed with a smile. "The island will serve as the arena. If your opponent leaves it as a direct result of your action, that's a point. This would mean our system will be based on contact." She stated.
"Yeah, that works for me," Saitama responded. "As for the date, I say we do it tomorrow. Unless that'd be inconvenient for you?" He proposed.
"Not at all. Tomorrow will be perfect." Boros replied.
After that, not much else was said. Boros and Saitama finished their meal and eventually parted ways for the day. As for Busho and Jinzuren, they were forced to leave by Geryuganshoop, who warned that if they loitered or attempted to re-enter the ship, he'd make them explode. In the end, all they'd be able to do was hope that this impending clash of powerhouses didn't destroy the world.
A Day Later, In The Middle Of The Ocean...
Eleven A.M. At least, that was the time on Saitama's clock when Geryuganshoop came to his apartment. Depending on what time zone this part of the ocean fell into; it could be noon, earlier, or later. But it's not like that was what anyone was focused on.
Geryuganshoop had found the perfect island for the fight via the survey drones. It was a recently surfaced landmass, meaning it was one big rock. No fauna. No flora. It was a pristine arena.
The island's overall size was comparable to a stadium. This provided Saitama and Boros plenty of room to fight on land and a perfect distance for her elites to spectate from. Both combatants were dressed for the occasion, too. Saitama was adorning his hero costume, which the elites had complimented as a suitable outfit for someone of his strength.
Regarding Boros's attire, as she said yesterday, the armor she usually wore to restrain SOME of her power wouldn't be equipped. However, this only changed how her torso looked. Boros's legs were still clad in baggy white pants, giving them plenty of breathing room. Her abdomen was covered in a surprisingly normal tanktop. A detail so unexpected that Saitama couldn't help but stare.
"Is something wrong, Saitama?" Boros asked from her side of the island, having noticed him staring. She was currently doing stretches to ensure she was limber.
"Oh, uh, sorry." Saitama apologized, embarrassed by his unintended behavior. "I just figured that aliens would have crazier clothes than ours." He answered.
To the amazement of Boros's elites, she did something they hadn't seen in centuries. Whether due to her building excitement for the fight ahead, or another of Saitama's astounding effects on her, they didn't know which was responsible.
"Ah, I see!" Boros exclaimed with a grin and a small bout of laughter. "Forgive me. Had I known your expectations, I would've dressed in something flashy!" She apologized, maintaining her joyous expression.
"Don't worry about it!" Saitama replied, not wanting to make things awkward between them by asking her to show off her wardrobe. "So, you ready to get started?" He inquired.
"I am!" Boros responded as she finished her stretches. "Groribas! Please state the list of rules and conditions for the battle!" She requested.
"Yes, mam!" Groribas replied while stepping forward. "Ahem. Both fighters in this duel are in a league of their own. Each one is not only durable beyond measure but also has limitless stamina. As such, the win conditions for this fight are as follows: In addition to a scoring system, there IS a time limit of ten minutes. For some, that might be short, but with each fighter's speed, that's more than enough. ANY contact, no matter HOW small, is one point. You'll receive a bonus point alongside the normal one if your opponent sends you beyond the island's boundary. Regarding Lady Boros, she is allowed to fly with no penalty so long as she remains within the established area. Energy attacks, however, will NOT be eligible for points as even when blocked, a portion of the attacks will still make contact with Saitama. Makeshift weapons, like boulders ripped from the ground, are allowed. But like energy attacks, they won't earn points. There is no limit to your score, so go for as much as possible. The fight ends if either fighter surrenders or the time limit is reached." He stated. "Are there any comments or questions from the fighters?" He asked.
A few seconds of silence passed. Neither Saitama nor Boros had anything else to offer.
"Alright. When I snap all three jaws shut, that is your cue to begin." Groribas informed them as he stepped back to rejoin his fellow elites.
SNAP...SNAP...SNAP
The moment that final jaw was closed, Saitama and Boros clashed at the island's center. A massive shockwave and burst of wind were sent outward from the impact. However, Boros's elites were unmoved. The intense breeze refreshed them, whereas NORMAL people would've been obliterated.
Saitama and Boros had thrown a punch. Yet, in reaction to the other's attack, they used their free hands to grab the wrist of the advancing fists. This is what caused the impact.
"Groribas!" Boros grunted while staring intensely into Saitama's eyes. As for him, his face remained unchanged. "What is your ruling on this situation?" She asked.
"Both fighters prevented contact with a grab! Grabs are defensive and offensive actions! The determining factor is the intended use when executed! In this instance, you each used a grab defensively! No points!" Groribas answered.
With that settled, the fighting resumed. Boros attempted to strike at Saitama with a kick. Unsurprisingly, he dodged it with ease. However, this provided her an opening to go on the offensive.
What ensued was a flurry of punches and kicks issued by Boros. Despite looking bored, which he didn't mean to, Saitama had to put in effort to evade. She wasn't a rampaging monster with no skill or sense. From this alone, he could see how she became the Dominator of the Universe.
Soon, Saitama was nearing the edge of his side of the island. Even if Boros didn't make him exit its boundary with an attack, stepping out would still be a point in her favor. So, he needed to either get past her or counterattack. Saitama chose the latter.
BAM
Like an artillery cannon firing at point-blank range, Saitama's fist went forward and came into contact with Boros's. The entire right side of this woman's torso was gone. There wasn't even a spray of blood and pieces of her body. It just...evaporated.
"Oh, crap!" Saitama exclaimed in alarm. "Boros! Are you okay?!" He inquired.
"Hm?" Boros sounded, confused by his reaction. "...Oh! Forgive me, Saitama. I completely forgot to tell you!" She exclaimed, realizing why he was surprised.
Before Saitama could question what she meant, Boros regrew her missing chunk. In less than a second, her torso and right arm were restored.
"Oh, oh, thank God..." Saitama breathed a sigh of relief while closing his eyes, his hand on his chest.
"Again, I am SO sorry, Saitama." Boros apologized with a blush, feeling like a fool. "The ONE thing I forgot to mention was my healing factor. No matter how much punishment my body takes, it'll always recover. You needn't be concerned about injuring or killing me. I will be fine, I promise." She told him.
"That's good to hear," Saitama said with a smile as he opened his eyes. "Seriously, Boros, I was-"
Immediately, Saitama slapped his hand over his eyes while shutting his mouth.
"Saitama? What's wrong? Do you have a sudden headache?" Boros asked, once again confused by his behavior.
"Um...Boros...your...top..." Saitama hesitantly answered.
Looking down at herself, Boros discovered that the right side of her tanktop was gone. That made sense since it was in the area of Saitama's punch. However, this also meant that a certain part of herself was now hanging out for the world to see.
"GERYUGANSHOOP!" Boros shouted as she jerked toward her elites. The poor woman's face was bright purple. "WHAT THE HELL?! I THOUGHT ALL OF MY CLOTHES COULD WITHSTAND MY STRENGTH?!" She inquired.
"T-They can, m'lady!" Geryuganshoop stuttered out. "But...it would appear...that Saitama's strength is...greater..." He said.
For the next few seconds, neither Saitama nor Boros did anything. Saitama didn't dare lower his hand until he was told to. Boros was frozen in horror as she covered her exposed "part". As for her elites, they weren't sure what to do. Yes, they had seen Saitama's immense power yesterday, but they honestly didn't think it could break clothes SPECIFICALLY tailored for Boros's might.
"Should...we postpone the fight?..." Groribas suggested.
"It...might be the only option..." "If this continues, our mistress will be...you know..." "It would be wise to avoid that outcome..." Three of Melzargard's heads replied.
"NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Boros yelled in defiance. "I'VE WAITED TOO LONG FOR THIS FIGHT! I WON'T HAVE IT RUINED BY NUDITY!" She declared.
"Just saying..." Saitama chimed in. "I...don't know how comfortable I'd be fighting you naked..." He confessed.
Something that wasn't occurring to either Boros or her elites at the moment was the unprecedented nature of this situation. There were a few instances before now where Boros had been less than decent. Taking the full brunt of an army's military might is bound to damage any clothing, no matter how durable. So, why now was Boros reacting so strongly? Why did it bother her to have Saitama see her in this state?
Unfortunately, such questions weren't being contemplated by Boros. All she focused on was the fight, and damn it, they would fight!
"SAITAMA!" Boros yelled, now pointing at him and letting her "asset" fly free. "WOULD YOU LET SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A NAKED BODY PREVENT YOU FROM THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE?!" She asked.
"Uh...probably..." Saitama answered.
"COME ON, MAN!" Boros continued yelling. Despite her energy, she was still blushing like crazy. She hoped her want to fight would outweigh her embarrassment. "IT'S JUST A BOOB! THERE'S NOTHING AWKWARD ABOUT IT!" She argued before turning to her elites. "RIGHT? TELL HIM!" She ordered.
Boros's elites averted their gaze for the first time in their service. Additionally, they started whistling, trying to act as if they didn't hear her.
"OH, DON'T EVEN!" Boros shouted at them. She couldn't believe this! Her moment of glory! The happiest day of her life! Ruined by the accursed breast on her chest!
"Here's an idea..." Saitama began, hoping to calm her down. "We'll take a few days, have Geryuganshoop strengthen your clothes, then fight again." He proposed.
"Yes! A great idea!" Geryuganshoop agreed.
"Fantastic work, Saitama! The perfect solution!" Groribas enthusiastically approved.
"No objections from any of us! Let's do that!" Only one of Melzargard's heads responded; the other four nodded.
No. Boros wouldn't let this happen. She wanted to fight. She. Was. Going. To. Fight.
In an instant, Boros was on top of Saitama. Both of her arms were thrown back, ready to hit him. He didn't want to fight? Too bad. She'd force it!
Sadly, Boros was dealing with a man who'd spent the last few years of his life fighting for justice. Such a noble dedication led to the improvement of certain things. Such as Saitama's reflexes and instinctive reactions when he felt he was about to be attacked.
BAM
Saitama sent Boros flying into the air with a sharp blow to her chin. With startled expressions, her elites threw back their heads and followed her rocketing ascension.
"...Uh...Boros?..." Saitama questioned, finally removing his hand from his eyes. "Um...where'd she go?..." He inquired, now looking at the trio.
"Our lady...decided to fly away..." Geryuganshoop said as they kept their eyes on the sky.
"Wait, really?" Saitama questioned. "I could've sworn I hit her just now." He added while looking down at himself.
"Uh...you did! Sort of..." Groribas started, trying to think of a lie. "You...deflected an energy attack from her! Yes, that's it! She was frustrated and threw a sphere of her power in your direction! But don't take it personally; she doesn't do well with frustration!" He explained.
"Oh. I didn't mean to make her angry." Saitama said, now crossing his arms. "Maybe we should've gone ahead with the fight?..." He suggested.
"No!" "Your decision to end it was the best course!" "Our lady will understand after she's calmed down!" "Don't burden yourself!" Four of Melzargard's heads exclaimed, helping to maintain Groribas's story.
"Well, if you say so. You guys do know her best, after all." Saitama replied. "So, should I just head out?" He asked.
"...Can...you make it back on your own?..." Geryuganshoop questioned, all three of the elites now looking at him in bewilderment.
"Sure. While you flew me out here, I made sure to take note of where the mainland is." Saitama told him as if that answered anything.
Waiting to see what would happen, Saitama's next action left the trio of aliens speechless. All the man did was turn around, bend his knees, and jump. When he did, Saitama destroyed the edge of the island he leaped from. As for himself, he disappeared into the horizon faster than a speeding bullet.
"I...think our mistress will need to do some training..." Groribas commented, receiving nods from Geryuganshoop and Melzargard in agreement.
BOOM
Speaking of Boros, she came crashing down in the same spot she had been when Saitama struck her. As her elites slowly approached to see her condition, they found their mistress unconscious. This outcome was good for two reasons. 1. Boros wouldn't know about Saitama's departure until later. 2. The shockwave from Saitama's strike had destroyed what was left of her tanktop.
Perhaps, just maybe, Saitama was TOO strong.