(A/N: Due to the request of a reader, Bad will be reffered to by his original Japanese name Baddo from now on. It's easier for them to differentiate that name from from the word Bat in Metal Bat and anywhere else it's used.)
Being a hero isn't always great, even when you're in S-Class. Sometimes, there are situations where an ugly conclusion is unavoidable. One Punch Man, Blast, and the Tornado of Terror have the highest disaster-avoidance rating of any hero within the Association. Metal Knight, Child Emperor, and Drive Knight firmly hold second due to their intellects, vigilance, and preparedness.
Still, no one has a perfect record. If you think I'm lying, let's focus on the world's strongest hero. One Punch Man could defeat any foe with a single blow. For issues where there wasn't an opponent, such as a tidal wave that threatened to wash away a city, he could still do something since his immense strength meant that he could disrupt the wall of water.
However, if the problem at play occurred instantaneously, then there's nothing any hero could do, including One Punch Man. He could be walking down the street; everything's normal, and then suddenly, an underground monster unleashes a devastating attack. Buildings would be destroyed, people would get injured or die, and One Punch Man couldn't stop any of it. In conclusion, there are simply things beyond our control, no matter how powerful we are. When we face such harshness, all we can do is react to the best of our ability.
The heroes of S-Class were not ignorant of this truth. They were well aware of the unpredictable cruelty that life can deliver. Witnessing City Z's transformation from a metropolis to a wasteland was a stark reminder. Yet, they did not question the overwhelming destruction but rather stood resilient in the face of it.
Two major factors combined to ensure the result of indescribable decimation. Firstly, the Tornado of Terror. Her explosion of psychic energy successfully destroyed the asteroid and substantially reduced the size of its components. Unfortunately, that same detonation gave every piece a boost to its descending speed. Simply put, she shot the asteroid's fragments at the Earth like pellets from a shotgun shell.
Of course, no one felt that the Tornado of Terror was at fault. That was literally the ONLY thing she could've done to prevent an apocalyptic scenario. Had Lady Luck been a bit kinder, perhaps SOME of City Z would be standing. Alas, that's where we address the second factor, which comprises multiple things.
Gas pipes. Fuel sources and storage. High voltage electronics. Vehicles. The impacts of the asteroid's remains were already strong enough to create craters and shockwaves. But when combined with the endless supply of reactive elements, the scope of the catastrophe was multiplied exponentially.
At the risk of glamorizing the disaster, the resulting scene was comparable to a fireworks display. Or, perhaps more appropriately, it was like a minefield in which all of the mines were triggered simultaneously. A truly deafening assault on the ears.
Thankfully, the population of City Z was safe. The S-Class heroes who had been sent to help the citizens and usher them into shelters fulfilled their task. Additionally, they took cover in those same bunkers before the asteroid was dealt with. These heroes planned to seek out their comrades when the surface was silent.
But what about those who were outside? With the Tornado of Terror out of commission, how were they protected from the lethal downpour? Well, as it turns out, one of the heroes had thought ahead. When the meteors became an asteroid, moves were made to ensure there would be an area that remained mostly intact.
"Metal Knight," King spoke to a nearby bipedal drone, causing its head to look at him. "I'm impressed you thought to do this. Thanks to you, we'll be able to establish a command center of sorts. A place where all of City Z's citizens can gather so we can take care of them." He told him.
The "command center" King referred to was the area in which the apartment building, Child Emperor's laboratory, Drive Knight's workshop, and Metal Knight's factory were located. When it became clear that only the Tornado of Terror could deal with the threat, Metal Knight positioned his machines on top of these structures and set them into automatic defense mode. All four buildings still took some damage, but with the surplus of munitions that remained, Metal Knight could easily keep them from becoming rubble like everything else.
Because of this decision, the heroes didn't need to worry about rushing their downed Esper to another location to receive medical treatment. Child Emperor's laboratory already possessed a myriad of medical-related supplies since he was an all-purpose hero. That's part of the reason why the trio of himself, Drive Knight, and Metal Knight were so effective. Child Emperor covered every base, Drive Knight was the tactical genius, and Metal Knight was the overwhelming might. Well, when you didn't have One Punch Man around, that is.
"Thank you, King." Metal Knight replied as his drone looked around. "I would've preferred a wider coverage, but between the initial counterattack and what Tornado did in the end, I mostly had bullets and flak left at my disposal." He said.
"Hey, no need to explain yourself. Seriously. Having ANY building at all is important for a crisis like this, and you managed to secure four. Better yet, two of those can provide us with additional supplies, tools, and machines to help us out. At least, if the means of production haven't been totally trashed." King assured him while also offering praise.
"I can't comment on the condition of Child Emperor's facility, but my factory is operational. Naturally, I reinforced it in the event of a disaster or monster attack. However, the speed, size, and number of debris from the asteroid exceeded my defenses. Some fragments eventually pierced the outer plating, but that was near the end of this debacle, so it's as minimal as I could've wanted." Metal Knight informed him.
"That's good. Glad to hear it." King responded with a smile. "Could you tell me how long it's going to be until we have more of your machines out here? There's no rush since the danger's been dealt with, but still, the sooner the bet-"
VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
The men's conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of an engine struggling to hold on for dear life. When the noise was traced to its origin, a black car that was HAULING ass was seen approaching from the horizon.
"Ah, they're finally here," King commented, knowing well who was riding in that vehicle.
"Should I tell the others?" Metal Knight asked.
"Nah. We've all got stuff we're focusing on at the moment. No need to distract anyone from what they're doing." King answered.
A few seconds later, the car halted. When it did, the first person to emerge was an expectedly frantic woman.
"WHERE IS SHE?!" Fubuki cried out with widened eyes. "IS SHE OKAY?!" She carried on.
During the car ride, Metal Knight contacted Zombieman again to update him on the situation. It was then that the Esper was informed about her sister's condition. Although these siblings had their spats, that didn't imply they didn't care about each other. Furthermore, regarding Fubuki specifically, she never thought Tatsumaki could be overwhelmed like this.
"She's in the lab," King calmly told her while pointing at the building.
Before any other words were spoken, Fubuki ran into the facility to search for her sibling. As she did, Zombieman exited the car, revealing himself to be the only other passenger apart from the driver.
"Where are Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity?" Metal Knight inquired, finding their absence strange. He didn't expect the Subterranean King due to him still being in recovery.
"Believe it or not, they were ahead of us," Zombieman began as he came closer. "But when you called and told me that the threat had been dealt with, I relayed that information to them. Since we'd be arriving at the aftermath, I told her to take herself and Kombu Infinity back to the House of Evolution to get Genus and the clones over here. I figured this was an all-hands-on-deck occasion." He explained.
"You were right. Good call." King complimented him.
"Appreciate it," Zombieman said with a small smile. "So, where are we at right now? I can assess the current state of things well enough with just my eyes, but what's everyone's status?" He asked.
"Those who were sent to attend to the populace are coming back with them in tow. Most of us have gone to assist with that process. Only I, King, and Child Emperor having stayed back for obvious reasons. Even Pochi has been enlisted as form of transporation for the civilians." Metal Knight answered.
"You sure that's a good idea? Aren't people going to freak out when they see a giant monster dog?" Zombieman questioned.
"Eh, Pochi left with Metal Bat, who went to the bunker Zenko took shelter in. If anyone on this planet can get a group of people to keep their calm, it's him." King said, earning a dry chuckle.
"Yeah, but I don't think the damage to those poor peoples' hearing is worth it." Zombieman remarked, knowing damn well that Metal Bat's "skill" with people primarily came from the volume that he could achieve. "How about Watchdog Man? Is he going to show up to lend a hand?" He pressed.
"Mhm. I already got a text from him saying-"
Once again, the men's conversation was disrupted. This time, the cause came from the sky. Initially, the men assumed it was Mosquito Girl since the source was a flying object in the distance. But after a few seconds of staring, it was discovered to be something else.
"...Shit..." Zombieman cursed as his eyes became a glare. "Do you think it's him?" He inquired.
"Frankly, I'm impressed you got here first," Metal Knight admitted, which also served as confirmation.
"Alright, guys. Let's just keep our composure and not start anything. We've got far more important stuff that needs our attention." King advised.
"Tell that to the diva..." Zombieman sighed, pre-emptively retrieving his cigarette carton from his coat pocket.
A Short While Ago, A Few Miles Away...
"Hey! Be careful up there!" Baddo exclaimed, pointing his bat at Pochi's back. "If I see ANY of you start to slip, then everyone's getting off!" He warned.
How fortunate for Metal Bat that his sister was taken to a bunker that was used for many of the local schools. The S-Class hero had the pleasure of escorting a fair amount of adults and a LOT of children. There weren't even any teens like himself mixed in with the lot. The schools closest to this bunker were all for grade-schoolers and others within that range.
Better yet, when Metal Bat stopped everyone from freaking out about Pochi, he also made sure to convey that this was One Punch Man's new dog. Instantly, when that was heard, any anxiety disappeared. It made perfect sense for the world's strongest hero to have the world's strongest dog! Honestly, the way "normal" peoples' minds worked concerned Metal Bat immensely.
Anyway, as the adults walked on the ground and talked among themselves, all of the children got to ride Pochi. They were giggling and laughing as they enjoyed the height and the opportunity to pet One Punch Man's dog. Despite doing his best to come across as cool and imposing, the colossal canine's tail showed his true emotions as it wouldn't stop wagging. If Metal Bat were alone, he might've requested another hero to help him out. But that's where the dutiful little sister served her position.
"Aw, come on, Baddo," Zenko interjected with a smile. "They're having fun, and it's keeping their minds off what's happened to the city." She noted.
"Yeah, but it wouldn't be good if any of them fell off and got hurt. If I let that happen, I'll get chewed out..." Baddo sighed, now looking at his sibling. "How're you doing, by the way? About all this, I mean." He asked.
"Eh, I'm used to it," Zenko answered with a shrug. "Having a hero for a brother helps you build a resistance to this stuff. But even if it didn't, I've been through something like this before, so it's not as big of a deal now." She explained.
"Huh, yeah..." Baddo muttered, looking ahead. "Now that you mention it, this is like that time..." He agreed, unable to keep the memories away.
Two & A Half Years Ago...
Ah, the freedom of rebellious youth. When you're young and full of bravado, you feel like you can do everything. Alas, reality quickly catches up to the fiery spirits of the misguided and delusional. Just because you THINK you're hot stuff doesn't mean you are.
But then, you have a young man such as Baddo. Unlike his peers, he could legitimately back up anything that came out of his mouth. If he claimed he could beat some sense into every gang of crooks and creeps in his city, then Baddo would go home that evening with clothes stained in blood. If he asserted that no one could match his fighting spirit, then the hospitals would be getting close to capacity when all the so-called challengers piled in.
As he got older, there seemed to be no proper outlet for Baddo's intensity. Even worse, as his younger sister aged alongside him, the two of them charged each other up more. You wouldn't think a girl so young and petite could be on the same level as him. But if their shouting matches over Baddo's conduct were anything to go by, she could easily hold her ground.
But then, as if the universe decided to lend a hand, an opportunity presented itself. Baddo was walking through his usual stomping grounds without a care in the world. As the stroll progressed, a bunch of noise from a nearby park caught his ear. Upon investigating the commotion, Baddo came face-to-face with a monster that was terrorizing the public.
If there was one thing that REALLY got under Baddo's skin, it was when some jackass thought they had the right to do as they pleased while everyone else just had to deal with it. He might have a mouth on him, and his patience might be as thin as paper, but Baddo didn't believe anyone should be undeservedly harrassed. So, after noticing a shiny bat that had been left behind by one of the parkgoers who fled, Baddo strutted up to that monster and...
SPLAT
The monster was not mostly liquid. The creature had not been a type of slime or sentient mucus. Yet, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking it was, given what Baddo did to it. With a single swing of that bat, the monster was demolished. Had that happened just over a year ago, Baddo would've received a fair amount of praise and a spot on the evening news. But because this incident occurred after the Hero Association was founded, he got WAY more.
Immediately, Baddo was approached by the Association and given the offer to become a hero. The employees responsible for his recruitment barely did anything. Once he learned that being a hero meant he could go around and smash up monsters or scumbags and get paid for the effort, that was it. Finally, Baddo found the outlet he DESPERATELY needed.
Naturally, Zenko was worried about her sibling. She knew her brother could beat the snot out of anyone, but monsters were innately unpredictable. You might get one that was a sentient block of tofu that came to life after being subjected to the constant negative emotions people had towards the tasteless edible. Then, the following day, you could fight a creature of pure electricity who was impervious to all physical attacks. There was just no way to predict what your next encounter would be like.
Alas for poor Zenko, she knew that aspect of being a hero was a benefit rather than a hazard to her brother. It made every day more exciting than the last, even if the monsters were laughably pathetic. The gamble on what could happen got Baddo's blood pumping. He gripped his now signature metallic armament and took to the streets with unending eagerness. However, there was another far more important motivation.
The higher your hero ranking, the more money you receive. Like most heroes, Baddo started in C-Class. If he wanted to provide for himself and his sister, he needed to climb the numbers. The ultimate goal was S-class, so he studied a bit to see just what kind of heroes were-
...
...
...
The...top-ranked hero...number one in the registry...was...a guy. The important detail wasn't his sex but the fact that he was literally JUST a guy. From what Baddo learned while doing his research, this dude wasn't anything special! If he had a stat sheet, it'd be average across the board! What the hell?! Was the registry rigged or something?!
Well, yes, but there wasn't a way for Baddo to learn about that. Although, even if he did, it's not like it mattered. Metal Bat, which quickly became his hero name, was already rushing through the rankings. All he needed was one good showing, a TRUE display of his mettle, and Baddo would be sitting pretty in S-Class. When that happened, neither he nor his sister would ever want for anything ever again!
Yet, as the days came and went, it seemed like Baddo's pickings for problems dried up. I mean, it made sense. If you were a monster, would YOU want to live in a city where there was a lunatic turning any opponent he came across into a paint splatter on the wall? The same applied to organized crime and your run-of-the-mill ruffians. There was no amount of money or power in the world that made incurable brain damage worthwhile, assuming you'd even SURVIVE.
So, if Baddo didn't want to re-register and continue his ascension through the ranks, he needed to start leaving his hometown to find trouble to settle. That worsened Zenko's worries since she wouldn't be able to find him if he got hurt as easily. Of course, like any older sibling, he promised her that he wouldn't do something as "lame" as going down on the job. Heroes were badasses who took names while making one for themselves. Weirdly enough, as time progressed, Baddo became prideful about being a hero and what a true hero was.
Admittedly, Zenko did like that change in her brother. It was the first time she could recall that he showed passion toward anything (excluding her). Even though Baddo was still as thick-headed as ever, possibly more, she reluctantly promised not to make a fuss about him venturing into the unknown. And for that, Baddo was grateful.
But oh, how funny it is that emotions and sentiments can change. The gratitude Baddo felt toward his sister, not worrying so much about him, became immeasurable regret. That unexpected transformation happened one day when he was pretty damn far away. As usual, Baddo was looking for a "big league" baddie to bash. During this search, he received a call from the Association that a rampaging monster was attacking his city.
Every possible fear and anxiety Baddo could've felt struck him simultaneously. The monster's destruction was widespread and indiscriminate. The chaos was so messy that the Association couldn't provide an accurate assessment as the situation went on. That also meant that the Association couldn't provide any confirmation or commentary on the condition of Baddo's home and, most importantly, his sister.
Never before had Baddo run that fast. He didn't waste time with a train or bus. The distance was sizable, but that didn't matter. Even as his shoes started tearing and his feet were getting bruised, he kept on booking it.
A thousand different promises manifested in Baddo's mind. I'll spend more time at home. We'll see that new movie you won't stop talking about. I'll take you on a shopping trip and not complain as I carry the bags. I'll do anything, but you have to be okay first. That's all you need to do. Zenko, please, be okay.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Baddo made it to his city. The place was a wreck. The monster hadn't been giant, but its potential for damage was incredible. Size didn't always dictate the output of something. Heck, Baddo's unrivaled swinging strength was proof of that.
Of course, Baddo wasn't thinking about such details. He hurried through the mess and went straight to his house. There was a chance that Zenko had been somewhere else, but he had to check there first. Even if the house was a pile of crap by now, so long as there wasn't any blood, then that meant-
...
...
...
There was blood, but it was far too much to be Zenko's. The hell? What was going-
"METAL BAT!" A voice yelled, coming from nearby.
A man dressed in a suit ran over to Baddo. Obviously, this guy worked for the Association.
"We've been trying to call you back!" The employee panted. He was bent over as he stood before Baddo. "We got lucky! The top-ranked hero was jogging through the city when the attack started. The fight was brutal, but the monster was defeated in the end." He said.
"Where's my sister?" Baddo asked, not caring about any of that right now.
"Hm? OH! RIGHT! YES, OF COURSE!" The employee shouted in alarm, feeling like an idiot for not addressing that first. "The monster came here looking for you, Metal Bat. But by then, it had already earned the attention of the top-ranked hero. He kept the monster busy while your sister ran to safety. When the fight was over, both he and your sister were taken to the closest hospital." He answered, quickly throwing up his hands. "BUT BEFORE YOU PANIC, PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR SISTER ISN'T INJURED!" He hastily told him.
"If Zenko's okay, then why is she at the hospital?" Baddo questioned.
"She wanted to stay by the top-ranked hero's side. She felt guilty that he got harmed by protecting her. So, when the ambulance arrived, your sister rode with him." The employee explained.
A small span of silence followed. Baddo was filled with mixed emotions. After all, the monster was looking for the hero known as Metal Bat. Had he been here, then he would've dealt with this instead of relying on the good fortune of someone else stepping in.
"Hey, take me there," Baddo ordered with an intense glare.
"...Do...you mean the hospital?..." The employee inquired, wanting to be sure.
"NO, I WANT YOU TO TAKE ME OUT FOR A BITE!" Baddo screamed, instantly infuriated. If this guy didn't pick up on the sarcasm, then his life was in GRAVE danger.
Thankfully, the employee wasn't as dumb as he seemed. Without saying anything else, he guided Baddo to a nearby car so that they could drive to the hospital.
...
...
...
Never before had Zenko experienced a monster attack first-hand. Her brother, even when he wasn't a hero, kept their city fairly safe from such things. It wasn't as though Baddo was actively trying to be a crusader for justice. Whenever he was out and about, he was always targeted by people and creatures looking to stir some trouble. The thought process was that since he was alone, he'd be an easy mark. Whelp, look how that turned out for them.
Anyway, since Zenko didn't have to worry about frequent disturbances to the city, she hadn't built up the same kind of resistance most people, even young children, do in other places. Most notoriously was City Z. Everyone everywhere knew that city, in particular, was a literal disaster magnet. It was honestly baffling anyone still lived there at all.
So, when the monster attack began, Zenko made sure to hide in a safe place within the house. That was the only thing she could think to do in a crisis like that! But when the tremors became more intense, a sinking feeling set in. The monster wasn't just coming this way; it was specifically aiming for the house!
After that, everything was a blur. The house was ripped to pieces. Zenko shut her eyes tightly and cried out for her brother, hoping he'd arrive to save her. She knew it was probably smarter to run, but she couldn't. She curled against the ground and hoped. Please, someone, save her.
BAM
That compelled Zenko to look behind herself. It wasn't the same kind of noise as the monster's rampaging, but it also didn't resemble how her brother's bat sounded when it came into contact with something. When Zenko's eyes finally processed what they were seeing, her mind struggled to believe it.
There was a man, who wore a blue tracksuit, standing where the monster had been. His head was covered in messy black hair, and his brown eyes were filled with fire. The monster had been forced backward by a surprise attack that came in the form of a straight, powerful jab. Sadly, that daze wouldn't last much longer.
In the few seconds that attack granted, the man looked at Zenko and ordered her to run. He didn't want to come across as angry or frightening, but she NEEDED to get out of there! Zenko, allowing her body to react by itself, rushed from the ruins of her house. The sounds of violent combat were heard at her backside, but she didn't turn around.
Once Zenko got to safety, she waited for the air to quiet down. Despite being rattled, she couldn't abandon the man in case he needed help when the monster was dealt with. Although it was unnecessary, that concern was still greatly appreciated. Zenko's face was the first thing the man saw when he defeated the monster, and it made him happy to see she wasn't harmed.
As for the man, it wasn't pretty. The monster had been an anthropomorphic wolf. The best comparison would be the common image of a lycanthrope, albeit larger. As such, the first thing the man had to contend with were razor-sharp nails that sliced through the air like a set of blades. None of the cuts he received went deep enough to spill entrails or anything else so gruesome. However, the man was leaking like a bucket full of bullet holes.
Understandably, Zenko was overtaken with panic. Even worse, upon closer inspection, she saw that the man's ribs might be broken, too! She deduced this based on the NASTY discoloration of his torso. If the man's ribs were intact, he was still beaten to high heaven!
But before Zenko could succumb to more anxiety as she struggled with what to do, a BUNCH of people dressed in suits flooded onto the scene. She had NO idea who these folks were, but they were attending to the injured man, so she knew they could be trusted. One thing led to another, and the pair soon found themselves sharing an ambulance. The mysterious adults might've been a bit more hesitant to allow this little girl to go to the hospital in that manner if they hadn't known who she was. They assumed the little sister of Metal Bat had probably already seen quite a bit.
Thus, we arrive at the present. The man was swiftly treated for his injuries and given some medication that SHOULD have sedated him. Yet, to Zenko's horror, he was up and about, doing stretches, acting as if NOTHING was wrong!
"You need to lie down!" Zenko exclaimed, gripping the man's pants. He was allowed to keep those while the tattered tracksuit jacket and the shirt beneath it were taken for obvious reasons.
"I'm fine, really," The man promised, continuing with his exercises. "This is my...uh...huh..." He stammered off, confusing her.
"Your, what?" Zenko asked, confused by what he was trying to say.
"I was thinking about how many times I've been in a hospital, only to realize I've lost count..." The man answered, still deep in thought.
"YOU NEED TO LIE DOWN!" Zenko repeated at a louder volume as her concern for his condition worsened.
This back-and-forth continued for a few minutes. Zenko wanted her rescuer to relax and let the treatment do its job. The man remained calm and casual about his exercise and his plentiful prior hospitalizations. In his mind, having gone through this process so many times helped to make him stronger, which was INSANE!
"Yo,"
A voice was heard coming from the doorway, interrupting Zenko and the man's banter. When the duo looked to see who it was, she would be the first to react.
"BIG BROTHER!" Zenko cried out, rushing him down with a hug that nearly sent both into the hallway.
Normally, Baddo would have some kind of retort to his sister's anxiety, but this was different. So, instead of inciting a verbal jousting match, he hugged his sibling and enjoyed a nice embra-
"Uh, excuse me," The man spoke, getting their attention. "Should...I go somewhere else while you two have a moment?" He inquired, not wanting to make things weird.
"NO!" Zenko immediately rejected that idea. She was so passionate about it that she ended her hug with Baddo and turned around to face the man. "YOU NEED TO REST! GET BACK IN YOUR BED AND STOP MOVING!" She ordered while pointing at the bed.
"Zenko," Baddo interjected, surprising the both of them. "Could you pop out for a second?" He requested.
"Huh? Why?" Zenko questioned, looking at her brother with bewilderment.
"You know I'm not good at talking about stuff like emotions when there's a crowd, and that's what three people is. So, please, could you just do me a favor here?" Baddo explained with a sigh.
...Oh. Zenko understood. Baddo wasn't just here to check on her but also to thank this nice man for protecting her from the monster!
"Hmm...okay," Zenko agreed after a hum. "But YOU need to promise that you won't let him exert himself! His wounds could open!" She exclaimed.
"Heh, yeah, sure, I'll keep him in check." Baddo promised.
"Good!' Zeko replied with a satisfied smile. "I'll go to the cafeteria and see what's available," She informed them before leaving the room.
Baddo waited for the door to close and for his sister to be a decent distance from the room before saying what he needed to. Thankfully, the man remained silent, which made this easier.
"Like I told my sis, I'm not good with feelings and crap. I'm the kind of guy who prefers actions over words. So, if I sound like I'm not sincere or something, just know that it's nothing more than me tripping over myself," Baddo began, closing his eyes and straightening his posture. "I've been a narrow-minded jackass lately. I've been so focused on climbing the hero ranks that I forgot to keep my turf safe. Because of that, a monster who was looking to fight me nearly got ahold of my baby sister. Had that happened, I...don't know what I'd do..." He said, briefly getting quiet before continuing. "The truth is, I got lucky today. The top-ranked hero was nearby, and he was the one who took the beating that was meant for me to protect Zenko. Plain and simple, that doesn't sit right with me. So, on top of the thanks I owe ya, I'm also in your debt. You can ask for anything or make me do whatever, and I'll get it done without a single complaint. I might not look like it, but I'm capable. Really, don't hold back, alright? Let me have it." He concluded, ending with an offer.
Initially, nothing happened. Baddo wasn't surprised since the man would need to think about what he heard. But then, footsteps approached Baddo. When they stopped, this happened:
thump
An unexpected impact, soft in weight, caused Baddo to open his eyes. The man gently hit him in his chest with a closed fist.
"It sounds like you've learned a lot today," The man remarked with an admittedly cool smile. "You realized that being a hero isn't just about rankings, right?" He asked.
"Definitely," Baddo answered with a nod.
"Good. Then, that's all." The man said, going over to his bed.
"...Come again?" Baddo responded, unsure of what that meant.
"I don't want to have someone indebted to me. That's just weird," The man told him, now sitting on his bed. "Plus, it's not as if you knew there was a chance for something to happen, and yet you deliberately ignored it. From what I hear, you've singlehandedly made your city one of the safest places to live. I can understand why you'd start looking elsewhere for monsters to defeat and problems to solve." He went on.
"...Wait...you've...heard of me?" Baddo questioned with widened eyes.
"Yup. You got your hero name recently, too. Metal Bat, I think," The man confirmed. "One of my many exhausting responsibilities is keeping up to date on notable heroes who are rising through the ranks at an impressive rate. You might still be C-Class, but you've certainly amassed an incredible body count." He shared, followed by a compliment.
"Uh...wow...I...thanks..." Baddo stuttered, surprised by where the conversation had gone.
"However," The man said, now looking at him with a serious stare. "If you don't mind, I'd like to know something." He requested.
"Um, sure. Shoot." Baddo permitted.
"Why'd you become a hero in the first place?" The man inquired.
Baddo took a second to consider his reply. There were a few ways he could phrase it, but he didn't want any that would make him sound like a big dumb brute.
"Before I was a hero, I mainly just dealt with stuff that happened whenever I was around. But after bashing enough monsters and more notable scumbags than the typical loud-mouthed gangs, suddenly, I'm being offered the chance to do that as a job. At first, that was the only motivation I had or needed. I could get a reliable paycheck just for doing the same thing I've always done, which is beating the shit out of any jerk who's causing trouble. Then, when I learned I could get paid MORE depending on how well I did, I was motivated to be better purely for that reason.
Yet, as time went on, I started getting prideful about it. Every time I killed a monster or stopped some psycho, the reactions I got were...inspiring. I know, I know, that's what everyone says. Seeing the looks on people's faces, hearing them cheer, it's why a hero does what they do and all that. But, as corny as it is, it's true. People are always scared and worried if they're going to die today when they're just minding their business like the rest of us. No one should have to put up with that. So, if I can make sure they don't by swinging this bat I got here, then that's something special, I think." Baddo stated.
"Huh, okay," The man responded.
...
...
...
"Is that it?" Baddo questioned.
"Hm?" The man reacted.
"Okay. That's all you're going to say?" Baddo clarified.
"What else would I say?" The man challenged.
"How would I know?! I'm not the one who asked the question!" Baddo exclaimed. "Why'd you want to know why I became a hero?!" He inquired.
"Because I wanted to see if you were like me," The man admitted.
"Like you? How?" Baddo pressed, now intrigued.
"The whole reason I decided to become a hero is that I wanted to. In the beginning, it was just because I hated my boring life, and I wanted to do something fun that made me happy." The man revealed, smiling as he did. "But like you, I've come to appreciate being a hero beyond the thrill and excitement it brings me. As you said, people are scared. You never know when a monster or a random disaster will pop up. In times like that, people need someone to save them. Those who are willing to do so, regardless of the dangers and risks, are heroes." He told him.
For a second, Baddo was awestruck. This guy, the top-ranked hero, it was like he was reading his mind or something! That's exactly how Baddo's been feeling lately! A hero is someone who stands up to all the bullshit out there and doesn't back down!
"Heh, is that why you get your ass kicked so badly?" Baddo asked with a chuckle, wanting to lighten the mood a bit.
"Yup. It doesn't matter how strong my opponent is or what the situation is like. I always go at it with my blood pumping and everything I've got." The man passionately answered.
"Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Baddo cheered with a fist pump. "Heroes are badasses! We'll take on anything and everyone, it doesn't matter!" He exclaimed.
"Yeah! That's right!" The man agreed, jumping up from his bed with a fist pump as well. These two were getting fired up!
"HEY!"
That loud voice extinguished the raging fires in each man's heart. Together, they looked at the room's entrance and saw a very displeased little girl.
"What did I tell you?!" Zenko shouted, stomping toward them. "Baddo, he NEEDS to rest! Don't get him riled up!" She scolded.
"H-Hey! It's not all my fault! It's also..." Baddo started to defend himself, only to trail off as he realized something. When he did, his eyes shot open. "OH, CRAP! I NEVER GOT YOUR NAME!" He yelled.
"..." Zenko's eyes also shot open. Oh. My. God. SHE NEVER GOT THE MAN'S NAME! THE MAN WHO SAVED HER LIFE! "I'M SO SORRY!" She immediately apologized, bowing her head.
"Guys! Calm down!" The man ordered, feeling as though the roles were reversed. "It's no big deal. I can just tell you my name right now." He offered.
"YEAH! DO IT!" The siblings insisted simultaneously.
"Okay, okay, geez..." The man replied, reeling from their intensity. "My name is..."
Present
"Saitama..." Baddo thought, reaching the memory's end.
Although Baddo ran through that entire day in his head, in reality, it had only been a few minutes. Zenko didn't comment on her brother's sudden silence since she suspected what the cause for it was.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Zenko playfully asked when he was back to normal.
"Tsk, wouldn't you like to know," Baddo answered with a scoff, averting his gaze.
"Hey! Don't get snarky with me!" Zenko warned, glaring at her stupid older brother.
"Then don't go around trying to poke into people's business," Baddo remarked at his noisy younger sister.
These siblings might've continued their usual spatting until they reached the apartments. The reason why that wasn't the case is because a very loud noise reached their ears and those belonging to the rest of the group. When everyone stopped to see where it was coming from, they spotted an Association helicopter flying in from beyond what was once City Z's limits.
"...No..." Baddo whispered in horror.
"Huh? Is something wrong?" Zenko inquired. To her, it didn't make sense for an Association-branded vehicle to cause that kind of reaction.
"Zenko, I need you to stick with everyone here, okay?" Baddo instructed before running ahead. "I NEED TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GET THERE! TAKE YOUR TIME! SERIOUSLY!" He shouted backward.
Zenko was left speechless by her brother's departure. What the heck was going on? Why did the helicopter do that to him? Or...was it because of who was riding in it?...
Elsewhere, In Child Emperor's Laboratory...
The prodigy of S-Class was busily working at his main computer station. He had finished treating the Tornado of Terror's injuries a while ago. Even when her sister, Hellish Blizzard, arrived to check on the wounded Esper, he didn't say or do anything. Child Emperor didn't know much about the relationship between these women, but he was aware that it was the very definition of messy.
Hellish Blizzard didn't feel it necessary to speak to Child Emperor, either. She knew his intellect made him a perfect caretaker for her sister. Additionally, there was the devastated City Z that needed attention. Despite being so worried about the Tornado of Terror, she wasn't ignorant about how much damage had been done to everything else.
Still, this had never happened before. The Tornado of Terror was, to everyone's knowledge, the most powerful Esper on Earth. No creature, human or otherwise, came close to her level. Yet, somehow, a rainfall of meteors did. Hellish Blizzard hadn't been given all the details thus far, but she didn't need them right away. It was apparent that something else was responsible for her sister's condition.
"What could've done this?..." Fubuki pondered as she held her sister's hand. Child Emperor had considerately moved his colleague to a normal bed after her examination and treatment. "Maybe...I could get some clues from Tatsumaki. She's completely out of it, and Child Emperor sedated her to numb any lingering pain. I should be able to enter her mind and find what I need without triggering a reaction..." She decided.
Fubuki steadied her breathing and closed her eyes. Immediately, she was able to connect to her sister's mind. That was a great sign. However, before any mental spelunking was conducted, Fubuki was surprised by an unexpected discovery.
"Tatsumaki...she's...dreaming..." Fubuki thought, closely studying the mindscape before her. "...No...wait...it's a memory...she's thinking about something..." She realized.
Unable to resist her curiosity, Fubuki focused on her sister's recollection for now. Admittedly, another compelling incentive to do so revealed itself before long. It was a familiar face, although it looked notably different in the past.
Two Years Ago...
The Hero Association. A new organization dedicated to the prevention of disasters, the elimination of threats to humanity, and the overall protection of peace. This institution promised fame and fortune to anyone who proved themselves worthy of being registered within its ranks. As anyone could've predicted, that led to a massive flood of eager aspiring heroes.
Idiots. Morons. Bafoons. Nimrods. Knuckleheads. DUMBASSES. Huh, that's quite the abrupt shift, isn't it? Well, it's because these "colorful" names for the Hero Association's recruits came from one of its top-ranked heroes. They were among the few individuals who needed no test or tryout to prove themselves and be placed on top of the leaderboard. S-Class, Rank 3, The Tornado of Terror.
Tatsumaki was her real name, but only her sister and a fellow hero named Blast were allowed to address her in that manner. If everyone else valued their bones and internal organs, they better show her the respect she deserves. The Tornado of Terror was referred to as such because of her cataclysmic psychic potential. So far, nothing had forced the Esper to go "all-out", but even without knowing what her full capacity was, no one disagreed that she was the most powerful psychic on the planet. In the hierarchy of humanity's strongest, she was also an easy nomination for the top three.
...Wait a second. So, if the Tornado of Terror was the third-ranked S-Class hero, and was also in the top three most powerful people on the planet, who was above her in the rankings? That's an easy question to answer. The second-ranked hero in S-Class was none other than Blast, a man who treats his hero work as a pastime rather than a dedicated obligation.
Wow. So, if Blast is stronger than the world's most powerful Esper, then that must mean the first-ranked hero of S-Class, the hero who sat at the very top, was a god or something. If not a god, then something god adjacent. How else could they be the top hero?
...Uh...hmm...well...er...how do I say this? The founder of the Association, a man by the name of Agoni, had appointed the top hero to that spot. Logically, the assumption any person would have is that this individual displayed an incredible feat or showcase of their abilities. So, what was it, then? What did the top hero do?
...
...
...
They...saved Agoni's grandson from an anthropomorphic crab in tighty whities...
...
...
...
Is that it? IS THAT IT?! NO! THAT'S STUPID! THAT'S BEYOND STUPID! THAT'S SO IMPOSSIBLY DUMB I CAN FEEL MY IQ BEING LOWERED! THERE'S NO WAY! THERE'S JUST NO WAY! THAT CAN'T JUST BE IT!
That was the Tornado of Terror's reaction to learning this. Believe it or not, she didn't find out about this information right away. When she became a hero, she wasn't clued in about the rankings and where she placed at that time. The reason for that absence of information is because it was apparent to ANYONE with a passing awareness of her that the Esper had a head that was hotter than the sun.
To be more blunt about the topic, the Tornado of Terror made her thoughts, feelings, and general opinions on practically everything public knowledge. She accomplished that by vocalizing all of it to anything with functioning ears that were in her vicinity. So, it was unanimously agreed by all relevant parties that the ranking system and the top-ranked hero's identity should be kept from her for as long as possible. Sadly, the delivery of those details could only be delayed for so long. When she finally received them, in addition to her emotional reaction, the Esper felt compelled to address this personally.
KNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCKNOCK
"ALRIGHT! I'M COMING! CALM DOWN!" A man's voice yelled from within an apartment.
The sounds of shuffling were heard, followed by footsteps. It took only a few seconds for the door to be opened by a man with messy black hair and brown eyes.
"Who is-"
"OH MY GOD!" A voice nearly sent the man flying backward into his home. That's how powerful it was. "SERIOUSLY?! IT'S YOU?! YOU'RE THE TOP HERO?!" It questioned.
The man blinked a few times as he ensured he hadn't gone deaf. When that was finished, he looked before him and saw a little girl with green hair.
"..." The man squatted so he could be at the girl's eye level. "Are you lost, sweetie? It's dangerous around here, so you shouldn't-"
CRASH
The man was sent flying across his apartment, through his glass balcony doors, and out into the open on the other side of the building. Yet, before a descent toward the ground could start, he was enveloped by a bright green energy that held him in the air.
"Let's establish some ground rules, idiot." The same voice from before spoke to the man from inside his head. As it did, the "little girl" levitated through the apartment toward him. "I am the Tornado of Terror. If you haven't heard of me, I'm the newly appointed third-ranked hero of S-Class. I SHOULD be the second-ranked hero, and Blast should be the first, but you have the privilege of nepotism on your side. However, that can only take you so far. It might not be soon, but eventually, you'll perform SO badly that Agoni's favoritism won't be able to help you. You'll likely end up dead or badly injured. When that happens, you'll be tossed away like the fraud you are, and those of us who are ACTUALLY strong will be placed where we should be." It told him. The "little girl" was now above the man, looking down at him with pure disdain. "What do you have to say to that, huh?" It asked.
...
...
...
"You shouldn't wear that dress," The man answered as he looked up. "I can see your underwear clear as-"
BOOM
The man was thrown straight into the street. The Tornado of Terror couldn't care less if he was okay or not. She flew away and went home to take a relaxing bath. She had enough nonsense for today.
Following that interesting interaction, there was a period in which nothing else transpired between these two. The Tornado of Terror was fine putting that worthless trash out of her mind. Unfortunately, the rest of the world wouldn't let her forget about him.
Every day, there was a report on the news. In every paper or informational magazine, there were articles. That lousy good-for-nothing was persistent. He was out there ALL the time training AND performing hero work. Of course, since that man was pathetically average, he always walked away battered and bleeding to some extent.
Inevitably, the Tornado of Terror had enough. She decided to become more involved in understanding how this jerk was performing so well. Funnily enough, she didn't have to do too much digging. The Esper quickly learned that where the man lived, an abandoned area of City Z referred to as "Ghost Town", was a hotspot for activity. Ah-ha! So THAT'S how this guy was doing it! He was cheating!
The Tornado of Terror conveniently didn't acknowledge that all of the reports and news about the man's performance as a hero came from different areas. One day, he'd be in City B, helping the local heroes with rescue efforts following a natural disaster. The next day, the man would be in City M, fist-fighting a monster since the local heroes were too occupied with other encounters. All that mattered to the Esper was that this guy was an S-Class hero when he BARELY qualified for C-Class.
Anyway, the Tornado of Terror concocted a plan. She was going to deal with the infamous Ghost Town herself. After all, as an Esper, she could detect any presence within her vicinity and effortlessly handle whatever she found. The logic being used here is that if the Tornado of Terror depleted this fake hero's pool of mysterious beings to defeat, then everybody would realize how unremarkable he was.
For the most part, it was just small fries. The Tornado of Terror crushed, squashed, compacted, exploded, and tore apart all of the monsters she discovered before anybody even noticed them. Of course, that was all part of her plan. She didn't need credit, especially when the monsters were so laughably weak. No wonder that fraud was able to convince the public he was a big shot!
Important Disclaimer: The Tornado of Terror's ability to assess threats and the power of others is horrible. Truly, it's one of the worst in the Association. The monsters she's been defeating could easily take on heroes ranging from the high-end of B-Class and the majority of A-Class. Do not trust the opinion of someone whose ego is multiple times larger than their bust size.
"Hmm..." Tatsumaki hummed, relaxedly floating in the air. "I wonder what that guy's been up to lately. I haven't seen him around since I started doing this. Maybe he waits for the news to tell him about stuff or for people to start screaming..." She said, pondering out loud. "Pfft, that does fit him. That bum's probably got an inflated sense of self because of his good luck. I'd bet money that he thinks he doesn't need to do anything and can sit around on his ass all day." She carried on. The irony of her commenting on another person's perception of themselves missed her entirely. "Huh, now that I say that, I could check to see if that loser is just lazing-"
BWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
A very loud and very bassy sound filled the air. It spread far and wide across the entirety of City Z. Additionally, it shattered any glass it reached. There was no way to misinterpret what this phenomenon was.
"Well, that's an interesting first catch of the day," Tatsumaki remarked, getting ready to locate the monster. "Does it attack with sound? Or was it weaponizing the air?" She asked herself.
Instantly, the Tornado of Terror pinpointed the source of that odd noise. A few seconds later, she was hovering above the location. As expected, people were running and screaming in every direction. At the center of it all, there was...
...
...
...
"What am I looking at?" Tatsumaki questioned. It was rare for her to be stumped by a monster's appearance. But this one was...unique.
As best as she could discern, the creature that was within the Tornado of Terror's view was a sentient mass of instruments. The easiest way to imagine this thing was to picture the entire inventory of a music shop being combined into an amalgamation of music-playing items. Another way to envision it is the most extreme interpretation of the phrase: "One-Man Band". Come to think of it, that very well could be what this monster called itself.
"Too bad I don't care enough to find out," Tatsumaki commented, having briefly considered the potential name of this being. "I wonder if it'll sound like tinfoil being crumpled or if it'll be the world's worst bagpipe," She carried on while raising her hand. She was referring to the noise that the monster's body would produce when she turned it into a paperweight.
Hubris. More often than not, it's the only thing that's needed to change the outcome of a scenario. Right as the Tornado of Terror prepared to kill another menace to society, she and everyone else in the area were subjected to this:
THWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
An assault on the ears. That's what this was. An incomprehensible amount of high-pitched sounds resulted in many unpleasant reactions to anything that heard them. The emergence and delivery of this noise was far too fast for any person, including an Esper, to react to without preparation.
Instinctively, the Tornado of Terror tried to cover her ears. Why didn't she put barriers around them, you may wonder. Much like the reaction to feeling something so hot that it can burn you or something so sharp that it can hurt you, her body simply did as it was programmed to. If you hear something loud, to the point that it is painful, you try to block it out with whatever is immediately available to you, which is always your hands.
Sadly, that didn't work. Even worse, the damage was already being dealt. Deafness of any severity wasn't the objective. Disorientation, sickness, pain, confusion, possible incapacitation, and symptoms of a headache or migraine were the goals. The quantity and intensity of these sounds achieved all of that and then some.
The Tornado of Terror began to plummet out of the sky. She couldn't help it. The noise was overwhelming; it dominated her mind in every regard. Horrible pain also manifested as her eardrums were assaulted. She needed to compose herself before-
BWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
That bassy sound from before, only this time it was controlled. More specifically, it was aimed in a direction rather than being a radius. The Tornado of Terror felt her body be impacted by the vibrations that came from the soundwaves. Immediately after...
BAM
The Tornado of Terror was forced against a nearby building. The impact hurt, but the continued assault of soundwaves was excruciating. She could feel her bones rattling. Blood was leaking from her ears. If this kept up for much longer, then-
"HEY!"
The Tornado of Terror couldn't hear that voice. Frankly, she couldn't hear anything. She knew something changed when she was granted peace. Alas, remaining conscious was a losing battle.
Having been embedded in the building, the Tornado of Terror still had an advantageous view of the city below. Sure, it was blurry as all hell now, but it was something. She could make out the distorted form of the monster and someone else who was approaching it.
"Ah, an appreciator of my work, perhaps?" The monster guessed in a very posh manner as it turned toward the origin of that exclamation. Standing at the other end of the street was...
...
...
...
"Are...you another monster?..." The creature inquired, trying to understand what they were looking at.
Down the road, there was a semi-humanoid mass of pillows. No, that's not a mistake. In the rough approximation of a human being's shape, there was a pile of pillows...uh...looking (?) at the mess of instruments.
"NO! I'M A HERO!" The voice shouted. There was the tiniest possible gap between the pillows where a mouth MIGHT be located beneath them all. "I'D APOLOGIZE FOR MY YELLING SINCE I CAN'T HEAR MYSELF RIGHT NOW, BUT YOU'RE THE ONE MAKING AN EVEN WORSE RACKET, SO I'M NOT GOING TO." The voice stated.
"...Right..." The monster replied before striking a proud pose. "I am Maestro. For too long have I and my beautiful instruments not been acknowledged for our wonderous talent. As such, we have fused together to form the ultimate-"
"I DON'T CARE!" The voice interrupted the creature. A second later, a pillow arm was raised and aimed at it. "DUDE, I LIVE ON THE EDGE OF THE FREAKING CITY, AND YET I COULD HEAR YOU ALL THE WAY FROM THERE! DO YOU KNOW HOW BAD THAT IS?!" The voice asked.
"Oh? Really? I reached that far?" Maestro questioned, impressed by its capability.
"DON'T TAKE THAT AS A COMPLIMENT!" The voice scolded. "STOP DISTURBING THE WHOLE DAMN CITY, WILL YA? IF YOU WANT TO BE LOUD, GO OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS OR SOMETHING. THERE'S PLENTY OF EMPTY, OPEN SPACES IN EVERY DIRECTION." The voice ordered, followed by some helpful advice.
"Not a chance!" Maestro exclaimed, offended by the notion. "I will make the world pay for ignoring me, starting with this city!" It proclaimed.
"FINE. BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, THEN. I'LL JUST HAVE TO SHUT YOU UP MYSELF." The voice decided.
"Ha! Good luck, pillow man." Maestro scoffed, ready to teach this ignoramus a lesson.
Like before, a powerful and bassy sound was "fired" in the direction of the so-called pillow man. However, while the sheer force of the noise did make it hard to advance, the pillow man was still able to take steps forward.
"W-What?!" Maestro reacted, shocked to its core. "Nothing can withstand my bass blast! Cease your defiance and succumb to my excellence!" It demanded.
The volume and intensity were amplified, but there was no difference. Step by step, the pillow man got closer to Maestro. In a panic, it added more instruments to the assault.
"This...This is impossible!" Maestro exclaimed, refusing to believe this sight before itself. "I...I can sunder the Earth with my beautiful brass instruments. I can bring any creature to their knees with the pitch of my wind section. I command an orchestra that would rival gods. There's no way that my legendary self would be bested by a plebian wearing-"
"SHUT UP!" The voice from before yelled at Maestro. As it did, the pillow man leaped forward with one of its arms pulled backward. Yet, before a punch was thrown, the pillows attached to the limb were released. That allowed for the fist beneath them to deliver a satisfying:
CRUNCH
One of the many tubas Maestro possessed was dented. The shock of having taken damage, combined with the already present stress of the situation at large, caused the musical monster to panic.
"MY TUBA! MY BEAUTIFUL BRASS TUBA!" Maestro cried out. The utter despair in its voice was the same as a parent whose child had been wounded. "YOU HEATHEN! HOW DARE YOU-"
BANG BAM BOP KLANG DING SMASH CRACK SNAP DING
Having created a window of opportunity, the pillow man quickly shed the rest of its pillows. Fists and feet came together to beat the ever-loving shit out of Maestro. This smackdown lasted a good ten minutes, and by the end, the monster resembled a soda can that had been run over by multiple vehicles. Was it alive? Was it dead? Eh, who cares? The important result of this scene was that silence had returned.
"Ah, finally..." A black-haired man in a blue jumpsuit breathed out while throwing back his head. "Geez, what a crappy way to kick off today..." He sighed before checking his pockets. "...CRAP! I left my phone back home! I need to get back there and call the Association!" He exclaimed, running away afterward.
Unbeknownst to the man, a spectator watched from an uncomfortable vantage point. While her hearing was still kaput, she observed the interaction between him and the monster. But thinking about all of it could wait until later, seeing as how the spectator fell from the building and hit the ground with a meaty THUD. The Association staff who'd arrive before long would be flabbergasted when they found her.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Knock...Knock...Knock...Knock...
"Coming!" A voice called out from within a familiar apartment. The sounds of movement were heard a second later.
It had been a few days since the Maestro incident in City Z. As usual; the resident S-Class hero took care of the issue without much trouble. However, there was an oddity found at the scene by Association employees who were tasked with the clean-up. Another S-Class hero was discovered, having been incapacitated by the monster.
The Tornado of Terror passionately insisted that she be kept out of the news and any official reports or documents. Ignoring how intimidating she was, even when injured, the Association gladly respected her want for privacy and exclusion. Not even the S-Class hero responsible for saving the day was told about her presence. So, you can imagine the surprise that the hero had when they opened their door and recognized the Tornado of Terror from when she had thrown them out of their apartment and into the street below.
"Before you do anything!" Tatsumaki swiftly exclaimed after the door was opened. She did that to prevent a reaction. "I'm not here to repeat what happened the first time I came here. I want to talk to you. I don't care how we do it; I just want to have a conversation. An ACTUAL conversation." She stated.
Understandably, the man was skeptical. He looked down at the green-haired Esper, trying to determine how best to proceed.
"...I...brought snacks..." Tatsumaki quietly revealed, holding up a bag of cookies. That was her idea of a peace offering since everybody liked sweets. Well, in her mind, anyway.
As if a switch had been flipped, the man's attitude changed. He looked at his guest with an excited smile that replaced his uncertainty.
"Alright, then. Come on in. I'll make us some tea to go with those." The man told her as he went back inside.
Tatsumaki followed and closed the door once she was across the threshold. She already knew what to expect due to her last visit, but she was still amazed by this guy's living conditions.
"Does the Association not pay you?" Tatsumaki asked, walking over to a small table in the center of the main room. Looking around, the only other room there could be was the bathroom. The kitchen was separated from the main area by a wall with a large gap in it.
"Heh, nah, they do. I'm just a simple guy," The man answered, knowing why that question came to mind.
"There's a line between simplicity and poverty." Tatsumaki remarked as she sat down, earning another chuckle.
"Maybe, but it's what I'm used to and what makes me comfortable," The man replied. "Plus, I don't need that much room to live in, honestly. The idea of having some big mansion or an apartment with the same amount of space is overwhelming. It'd be a pain to clean, and I wouldn't have enough stuff to keep it from feeling empty." He said.
"Hmm, fair points," Tatsumaki acknowledged. "Admittedly, I haven't thought about cleaning in forever. It takes no time at all for me." She shared.
"Because of your cool powers right?" The man assumed, pouring the tea into cups.
"Yup. I can clean my place from top to bottom without lifting a finger. I can also get it all done in less than fifteen minutes." Tatsumaki proudly responded.
"I bet. The way you tossed me around perfectly conveyed how capable your power is." The man mentioned, coming over with the drinks.
Very rarely did the Tornado of Terror feel any amount of regret or guilt. She was steadfast in her belief that she never made mistakes and always had the soundest judgment. But there were moments when reality slapped her as a reminder that no one is flawless. Since this man had saved her from the monster Maestro, a fact that she DETESTED, the Esper couldn't help but feel bad about her initial treatment of him.
"..." Tatsumaki released a sigh as the man sat down with the glasses of tea. Additionally, she closed her eyes and folded her arms. "Before we continue talking or start eating the cookies, there is something that I need-"
"Nope," The man interrupted her, causing her eyes to shoot open. "I know where this is going. I get it." He assured her.
"..." Tatsumaki stared at him in shock. Did he just predict her thoughts? "Tell me what you think I was thinking," She requested.
"You were about to say sorry for making a me-shaped indent in the street behind my apartment building," The man obliged. Damn, he really knew what was on her mind! "I won't pretend like the experience didn't suck or that you weren't pretty crazy for doing it, but I'd be lying if I acted like it was the first time I've been subjected to that kind of treatment." He revealed.
"..." Tatsumaki looked at her lap. She debated on whether or not it was wise to press that topic. "Would...you be bothered if I asked to learn more?..." She inquired.
Without saying a word, the man casually stood and walked away. Tatsumaki watched him exit his apartment, go next door to an empty unit, and then return after a few seconds. In his arms, he was carrying a plastic container filled with something.
"Knock yourself out," The man encouraged, placing it beside her. Afterward, he retook his seat.
Although confused, the Tornado of Terror silently removed the container's lid and examined its contents. Inside was an ocean of folded papers, all of them letters. Upon reading one, she immediately understood what this was.
"Quit playing pretend, poser," Tatsumaki read aloud. "You're setting a bad example! Not everyone can be a hero!" She continued, reading another. "Why do you even bother? Just let the real heroes handle it!" She carried on, reading a third one.
This reading session lasted for a short bit, but the man didn't mind. As the Tornado of Terror vocalized the transcriptions, she used her ESP to eat and drink. He did the same, just with his hands. When five minutes passed, she stopped and returned her focus to her host.
"Why do you keep this junk?" Tatsumaki asked, putting down the last letter she read. "Are you some kind of masochist who enjoys it?" She added. Believe it or not, that wasn't a joke, which the man knew.
"No, it's nothing like that," The man answered, taking a sip of his tea. "Everyone, civilians and heroes alike, say those things about me. I've even had some bold ones get in my face in public or throw trash at me. You aren't the first person who thinks I'm an idiot masquerading as a hero because he's delusional or something," He explained, smiling afterward. "But see, none of that matters. When I defeat a monster, the people who are in danger thank me. When I help other heroes rescue people trapped in burning buildings or some other type of disaster, they tell me how much they appreciate the assistance. At the end of every day, all that matters is that no one dies and everything gets resolved. So long as that's the outcome, then who cares about anything else that happens?" He concluded, finishing with a question.
"Huh, you're one of those noble types, then..." Tatsumaki realized, resting her head on her hand. "But seriously, no insults or sarcasm, don't you think that's reckless? What's the point of getting involved when you objectively can't do a thing to alter the situation? At a minimum, you'll become one of the casualties. At worse, you'll somehow make the scenario more difficult. Wouldn't it be smarter to stay in your league?" She challenged.
"I mean, sure. I could stick to my limitations and never attempt to surpass them. If I did that, I likely wouldn't get injured or even tired from my work as a hero." The man acknowledged. "Yet, looking beyond the satisfaction I get from helping others as a hero, I also do this because it makes me happy. Being a hero is what I want to do. But if I just stayed in my league, as you put it, then it'd be painfully boring. Fighting bad guys, saving the day, the uncertainty of what the outcome will be, and giving it your all to achieve victory. Those are the things that make me love being a hero and what compels me to push my limits each day. No matter what happens, I'm always gaining some amount of progress. A little bit faster, slightly stronger, better at fighting, you get the gist. Those improvements make me a greater hero, which in turn allows me to take on more demanding challenges. The way I see it, the life of a hero is the only one to live. Anything else is just too basic." He told her.
A span of silence came between these two. The Tornado of Terror and her host sipped their tea and munched their cookies. Eventually, with the rhythmic tapping of her fingers, she spoke again.
"I get it. Not all of it, but enough," Tatsumaki said. "I'm not sure I feel the same way you do about what a hero is and whatnot, but I can agree that it's the best way to find fun in life. When you're as powerful as I am, it's tough to be engaged by most things. Everything is just too easy." She shared.
"Oof. Yeah, that must suck," The man replied. "Well, since my goal is to become a hero who's strong enough to defeat any opponent in one punch, maybe I'll become your equal, and we can spar." He suggested, making her giggle.
"Pfft, are you serious? A hero who can defeat anyone in one punch? That's absurd." Tatsumaki questioned.
"Says the lady who can control things with shiny green light," The man remarked.
"Hey! It's ESP! That's VERY scientific, you know! It's not something ridiculous!" Tatsumaki exclaimed, getting defensive.
"Mhm. Whatever you say, magic woman," The man joked with a smirk, hoping to get more of a reaction out of her.
And he did. For the next several hours, this duo relaxed in the man's apartment. Beyond the cookies and tea, they also shared lunch and watched some television. The Tornado of Terror brought up Maestro and how the man had unknowingly helped her, which led him to promise that he wouldn't say a word about it to anyone, per her request. In the end, before the two parted ways, a newfound respect for each other had formed. Oh, and as a nice cap to everything, they exchanged names. That's when Tatsumaki, which she permitted the man to call her, learned that he was-
Present
"LOOK AT THIS TRAVESTY!" A man's voice filled the air, managing to disrupt Fubuki's concentration, which brought her back to reality.
Blinking a few times as the mental link was severed, the Esper tried her best to assess what was going on. But before any thoughts could take shape, more yelling was heard.
"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! WEREN'T ALL OF YOU HERE?! THE ONLY SAVING GRACE IS THAT ONE PUNCH MAN'S HOME WAS IS STILL STANDING, BUT THAT'S IT! I SAW EVERYTHING FROM THE HELICOPTER; IT'S LIKE THE SET OF A POST-APOCALYPTIC FILM! WERE ALL OF YOU SLEEPING?! WHY DIDN'T YOU PROTECT THE CITY?!" The voice roared.
"Ugh..." Isamu groaned as he turned his seat around, now looking at Fubuki. "It would seem that Sweet Mask is here, which isn't good..." He said.
Sweet Mask. Fubuki knew who he was, but she didn't have any personal experience with him. However, everything she's learned from her sister and some of the other S-Class heroes didn't paint the prettiest picture.
Meanwhile, Outside...
"S-Sweet Mask, calm down..." King tried his best to prevent the situation from becoming volatile, but there was only so much he could do.
As the S-Class heroes assumed, the helicopter coming in from the distance carried the top-ranked A-Class hero. Sweet Mask had always been obsessed with justice and its personification. When Saitama transcended human limitations and became One Punch Man, it was as if Sweet Mask had discovered the "God of Justice". For any person to possess such immeasurable power yet not become evil as a result of it was the true definition of heroism. At least, that's one of the many things Sweet Mask believed.
So, imagine how WONDERFUL it was for Sweet Mask when he learned that One Punch Man's city had been WIPED OFF the face of the planet. What's even MORE AMAZING is that this happened on the SAME day that One Punch Man left the mainland to enjoy a two-week vacation. Today was the first time that City Z's native hero wasn't around to protect it, and now, just past noon, THE ENTIRE LOCATION WAS ERASED FROM THE MAP. But hey, it's not as if there was a group of SUPPOSEDLY elite heroes who had been in the city when this catastrophe unfolded, and yet they failed to stop it. THERE'S JUST NO WAY THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN!
"CALM DOWN?! CALM DOWN?!" Sweet Mask repeated while gesturing to the scenery with his arms. "WHERE ARE WE RIGHT NOW?! IS IT CITY Z?! I CAN'T TELL BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING!" He shouted.
"That's not true," Zombieman interjected, casually smoking a cigarette. "We've got a few buildings here, plus there's the ground beneath our feet and the clouds in the sky." He remarked. The first half of that statement was sincere, whereas the second half was nothing but pure spiteful sarcasm.
"Do you...think...that's funny?..." Sweet Mask asked, turning toward the undead hero. The drastic drop in volume was a massive red flag.
"Comedy's subjective, like a lot of things," Zombieman answered, walking closer to the blue-haired man. "For example, I think the idea of someone who believes they're god's gift to humanity is a riot." He said, blowing a puff directly into his face.
SPLASH
Sweet Mask was not above the idea of corporal punishment. However, he always made sure to restrain himself since he could easily kill someone. So, it was very fortunate that the hero who needed reprimanding was an immortal man. There wasn't a need to pull back on a punch, or in this case, a backhanded slap.
Then again, there is room to debate whether or not Sweet Mask's slaps should be described as such. The sheer power and deliverance of force behind a fully open hand was terrifying. You'd expect to see something like that from Silver Fang's martial arts mastery or Superalloy Darkshine's raw physical potential. For Sweet Mask, whose physique was above average and who worked as an all-round celebrity, that level of destruction was practically supernatural.
"ZOMBIEMAN!" King cried out in horror. The upper half of Zombieman, just above the torso's midsection, was sprayed across the ground, painting it red.
Time seemed to stop momentarily. The sole exception to this perceived lack of motion was Zombieman's lower half as it fell. The regeneration process was already underway, but such significant damage would take a fair amount of minutes. During this period, no one said or did anything.
Suddenly, a sound disrupted the stillness. Someone was running toward King, Sweet Mask, and Metal Knight, who hadn't spoken through his drone thus far. None of them turned to face whoever was approaching as they fixated on the fallen undead hero.
"Hey!" It was Baddo. That made sense. He was among those in S-Class who had the biggest bone to pick with the superstar. "Sweet Mask! Are you hassling King about what happened?" He assumed, getting closer. "Listen here, pretty boy! If you're looking to start something with somebody, then I'm-"
That's when it came into view. The wide-reaching wave of red and viscera. Bits and pieces of someone's clothes were scattered in multiple directions. And there, at Sweet Mask's feet, there was half a corpse. Knowing that Sweet Mask wouldn't just randomly kill a person, there could only be one conclusion.
KLANG
Sweet Mask prevented his brains from being forced through his nostrils at a violent speed. He did that by catching Metal Bat's weapon as it was swung at him from a downward angle. A set of stern golden eyes were met by those that were overflowing with murderous intent. To any normal person, they'd describe this scene as a clash of titans.
"What do you think you're doing, Metal Bat?" Sweet Mask inquired, maintaining a low volume.
"Knocking some sense into someone who's got none." Baddo responded, biceps flexing as he applied more pressure to his weapon.
"Hm, interesting. From my perspective, it appeared as though you were trying to do more than give me a lump. One might even say that you just attempted to kill me." Sweet Mask commented.
"Oh, perish the thought. What would we do without our beloved Sweet Mask?" Baddo questioned, now pushing into his weapon with his body alongside his arms.
BANG
A gunshot. All eyes aimed themselves at Metal Knight's drone. Although this model was meant for scouting and civilian interaction, it had low-caliber weaponry installed in the arms should something be encountered. The drone had fired a bullet into the ground from its right hand.
"Gentlemen," Metal Knight spoke with his usual tone of voice. A violent exchange between these two didn't surprise him in the slightest. "I would like to inform you that with this drone alone, I am able to detect and track the movements of any living creature within a radius of several miles. Currently, multiple large groups of people guided by our colleagues are drawing near. Throughout today, many more will be arriving as well. We'll also be busy tending to their needs, treating any injured, and generally getting the relief effort in motion. So, it is my opinion we should save a bloodbath for later." He stated.
Neither of the men wanted to backdown. However, Metal Knight's logical thinking couldn't be ignored. Slowly, Sweet Mask and Metal Bat lowered their arms. Afterward, the A-Class hero walked away.
"I'll go greet the groups as they come in," Sweet Mask decided. "Metal Knight, can you keep me informed of their positions?" He requested.
"That I can. If you have a device provided by the Association, I can give you an active tracker to make it easier." Metal Knight informed him.
"Excellent. Do that." Sweet Mask instructed while removing such a device from the inner pocket of his jacket.
"God, I hate that prick..." Baddo growled, gripping his weapon's handle as he rested it on his shoulder. Yet, he chose to let his anger dissipate as he turned his attention elsewhere. "What do we do about Zombieman? I know he's regrowing, but I think all this blood and stuff will scare people." He mentioned.
"I'll request Child Emperor's assistance. The three of us can distract the groups as they get closer while he cleans it up." Metal Knight proposed.
"Heh, you're not trying to get someone else to do something you can, are ya?" Baddo joked.
"That's not a bad idea, but unfortunately, this drone doesn't have a high-pressure water hose equipped. Child Emperor's stock of machines at this location is far more varied than what I have here right now." Metal Knight explained.
"Hm, fair enough," Baddo replied before walking away. "I'll go rejoin my sis and the group we were with. I promise I'll avoid that douchebag and not cause a scene," He told them with a goodbye wave.
As Baddo departed, Metal Knight looked at King. He noticed how he was staring at the ground with a troubled expression.
"Are you alright, King?" Metal Knight asked.
"Hm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine..." King answered unconvincingly.
"Are you sure?" Metal Knight persisted.
"..." King's hands balled into tightened fists. "I'm...sorry you had to do that, Metal Knight..." He apologized.
"Do what?" Metal Knight inquired.
"I should've intervened. Instead, you did it." King explained.
In reaction, laughter came from the drone, surprising King.
"Please, that was nothing. Cooling down a couple of hotheads isn't worth acknowledgement." Metal Knight said. "Besides, you had the toughest job of all today. You were tasked with directing and organizing S-Class in the midst of a crisis. It's to be expected that you're mentally strained from such an ordeal." He reasoned.
"Heh, not really. It's not as if I did that good of a job..." King chuckled, referring to the ruins of City Z.
"Bah, don't let Sweet Mask's words affect your perception of the outcome." Metal Knight said, coming closer so his drone could pat him on the shoulder. "Any of us, including myself, would tell you that this is the best resolution. As far as we're aware, no one has died, and everything that's been lost can be replaced. One Punch Man would tell us that's the best thing we could hope for." He asserted.
"..." King's face slowly brightened. It didn't become a smile or something that drastically different, but it was in a better condition. "You're right. Saitama would call this a win without hesitation." He agreed.
"And there you have it. If our leader would have no grievances with the result, then why should you or anyone else? Sweet Mask has always had that harsh personality, he just hides it well." Metal Knight carried on. "Truthfully, he reminds me of how I used to be." He confessed, much to King's shock.
"What? You were like that?" King questioned, looking at the drone in disbelief. "For as long as I've known you, you've been one of the politest people I've ever met. I don't have a single bad thing to say about you." He said, causing him to laugh again.
"First of all, thank you for the kind words," Metal Knight responded, removing the drone's hand from King's shoulder. "Secondly, I can guarantee that I used to be unpleasant. It wasn't the same type of rigidness that Sweet Mask is, but that doesn't make it any better." He promised. "If you'd like, I could tell you about it as we head toward the groups." He offered.
"Really? Do we have the time?" King asked as they started walking.
"We do. It's not a very long story." Metal Knight answered. "Unlike most of you, I only came into contact with our leader after he became One Punch Man. Before that transformation, I barely paid him any mind, even though he was the top-ranked hero of the Association." He started.
Little Over A Year Ago...
Doctor Bofoi Hakase. The man who owned that name was mysterious and widely unknown to the larger world. To the few who knew about him and his personality, he'd be described as pragmatism incarnate. Anything Bofoi ever did was in service to his enigmatic motivations and goals.
When the Hero Association came into existence, Bofoi was one of the first people to reach out to the organization. He was hired as a contractor for facilities and a manufacturer of weaponry. In exchange, he'd be allowed to collect and use any data obtained by the Association. However, this led to the proposal of Bofoi deploying his machines as a stand-in for himself to conduct hero work. The man had already considered the idea as it would provide endless opportunities to test and develop his inventions, so it was accepted then and there.
Metal Knight, as Bofoi would be known to the public, quickly became recognized as one of the most formidable forces for justice in the world. To save us all some time, this is essentially how Metal Knight solidified his worth as a hero and an invaluable ally:
1. If a monster could be killed with a few bullets, Metal Knight would shred it to pieces with a high-caliber, fully automatic weapon.
2. If a monster required heavy ordinance to die, Metal Knight would launch several missiles or rockets.
3. If a monster required multiple heroes of notable power and skill to dispatch, Metal Knight would carpet bomb the area. Afterward, he'd handle the repairs alone.
Do you understand? Metal Knight proved that there was no such thing as excessive force. All that mattered was an absolute victory. So long as there wasn't a risk to civilian lives, the Association had no issues with Metal Knight deploying one-man armies in the form of his robots.
Regarding the man behind the machine, his obsession with weapons research and development, as well as technology in general, made him a double-edged sword. None of the Association's higher-ups were ignorant of how dangerous Bofoi would be should he become a traitor. Then there was the concern of his level of access since every facility and piece of equipment the Association had were made and monitored by him. What kept the executives' minds at ease for the first year and a half was the other S-Class heroes.
Naturally, Bofoi looked into the currently registered S-Class heroes and any who might soon join the ranking. Blast was a non-factor since he treated his hero work and any allegiance to the Association as a hobby rather than a dedication. The Tornado of Terror was noteworthy, but she was also an Esper. All Bofoi needed to do was disorient her or give her a head injury, and then she'd be helpless.
Silver Fang, Atomic Samurai, Watchdog Man, Flashy Flash, Superalloy Darkshine, Tanktop Master, Metal Bat, and Purri Puri Prisoner. These individuals were nothing more than physical powerhouses and fighting styles. Flashy Flash's ninja techniques deserved a bit more recognition, but that's it.
Zombieman and Pig God were outliers like the Tornado of Terror. However, at this time, there wasn't much worth noting about either of them. Zombieman seemed capable of recovering from any wounded state, no matter the extent of it, but he wasn't particularly dangerous. Pig God's digestive system went beyond any normal human standard, but if eating was all he had, then he was barely considerable as a potential threat.
Child Emperor and Drive Knight might appear to be the greatest opposition to Bofoi, but it was the similarities between the three that made those two ignorable. Bofoi could easily prepare for what either one of his colleagues would do in the future. Their reliance on technology was also an advantage in his favor. So long as Bofoi stayed ahead of the game, then there was nothing they could do about it.
...
...
...
Hm? What is it? Do you think someone is missing from that list? No, that was all of the heroes in S-Class that were WORTH mentioning. Yet, if what you're wanting is an assessment of EVERY member, then I suppose we can indulge.
S-Class Rank 1: Saitama. He was the first hero. Having saved Agoni's grandson from a crab monster netted him that position. Did Saitama deserve it? Absolutely not. Agoni's eternal gratitude was the only reason such an unremarkable person possessed such prestige.
However, as time passed, it was getting harder to view Saitama as a nobody. If nothing else, his resolve to be a hero, whether primarily for fun or for duty, was admirable. The man never hesitated against any opponent or odds. Be it courage or deliberate recklessness, Saitama would probably charge head-first into a storm if he could do something to stop it.
Then, it happened. You KNOW what I'm referring to. There was a monster; Saitama was in the area. He punched it, and it went flying through the building. That became the norm for a short while, until eventually...
BOOM
Saitama's punches could no longer be classified as such. Yes, what he did was punch things, but the result of that action was...existential. No matter the opponent, no matter the problem, all it took now was one punch. At last, Saitama was given a proper hero name.
One Punch Man. No one believed it. This was a PR stunt, right? Agoni hired the best special effect artists around, created fake monsters, paid an obscene amount of money for large sets, and then had Saitama act as though he had suddenly become a god. Although that was an absurd explanation, it made more sense than the alternative!
Everyone knew about Saitama's "intense training" regiment. Saitama did the most basic-level strength training with nonsensical additions, like turning off the AC in the summer and not using a heater in the winter. The notion that something so simple could transform him into an unstoppable force of nature is the worst joke ever conceived by a human being!
...So...why was that the truth, then? Bofoi did everything he could to expose Saitama as nothing more than a paid actor, but all of his spying and research led to the same conclusion. There weren't any special effects artists. There are no fake monsters. There wasn't a series of elaborate sets. Saitama obtained his power and much more through exercising like a normal person. That's it. That's literally all there is.
...
...
...
"NO!" Bofoi shouted, slamming his fist onto his desk.
It was the middle of the night. Like so many since Saitama's evolution, this one had been sleepless. Bofoi has spent his entire life working to create the most powerful weapons and machines humanity has ever witnessed. He dedicated everything he had to the pursuit of absolute power! So why was it some nobody who received it for free?!
"Genetic modifications? Specialized treatments?" Bofoi muttered, trying to make sense of it all. "No, it can't be that. Unless Saitama's been using his paychecks to construct a secret lab inside his apartment building, then I would've known about any use of Association resources for such things." He said, eliminating that possibility.
Maybe it was Saitama's constant exposure to monsters? Those foul creatures were always mutating, so perhaps their unstable DNA slowly affected his. But, if that were true, then Saitama would show other signs of alteration. The only notable difference in his appearance was that he lost all his hair and became permanently bald!
"It has to be something. There MUST be a secret. It is said that when you eliminate everything else, then what is left must be the truth. But what if that truth defies all logic? If reality has collapsed in on itself, abolishing the rules that defined it, then what are we to do with ourselves? Why engage in any endeavor that isn't the exploration of the ridiculous and insane?" Bofoi rambled on, teetering on the edge of madness.
Bofoi's mentality might seem unhinged to some, but if you can, put yourself in his position. This man's lifework was overcome by another who didn't even put forth a fraction of the same effort. By just jogging and doing push-ups and whatever else was a part of his routine, Saitama achieved Bofoi's goal. He didn't need to design and build upon countless inventions or spend the majority of his life learning all that he could. Saitama, that accursed man, just got it. It was no different than purchasing a lottery ticket and getting lucky!
"..." Bofoi buried his face in his hands. This was true desperation. He needed to find an explanation. Otherwise, the intellectual that he was would be tormented endlessly.
...
...
...
"A test..." Bofoi whispered, slowly lowering his hands. "No, not a test. It's a practical examination. So far, it seems as though Saitama has improved in every area. Strength, durability, stamina, etc. But surely, there IS a limit. Much like Superalloy, he can't be impervious to everything. There's a threshold. Or, maybe more precisely, there's an unseen crack in the armor. All I need to do is expose it. Do so, and I'll be able to begin my understanding of what this man has become." He reasoned. Afterward, he adorned an expression of determination. "After all, the fastest way to know the components of any machine is to break it apart and study each piece." He said with unnerving intent.
The next few days were used to arrange the experiment. At least, that's how Bofoi phrased it so as not to make any of the Association personnel suspicious. The fastest way to accurately gauge Saitama's new self was by utilizing the variety of weapons at Bofoi's disposal. What helped to make the idea more believable was that Saitama had already confronted several monsters before this point. To be more clear, Saitama, after becoming One Punch Man, had been subjected to many hazards and types of attacks while working as a hero. So, it was common knowledge that bullets, claws, blades, fangs, and so much else no longer affected him.
Of course, Bofoi would push each category to its maximum potential. He'd also try things that Saitama hadn't faced, such as chemicals and other highly specific methods of inflicting harm. Through this process of coordinating the experience, it never occurred to Bofoi that he MAY just be going a LITTLE too far here. Yet, whether or not that mattered would only be known when all was said and done.
On the day in which it transpired, Saitama and Bofoi met each other in a vast area comprised of many mountains and canyons. Of course, Bofoi wasn't there physically. Standing opposite Saitama was one of his many drones. Today's match was more appropriately dubbed One Punch Man versus Metal Knight.
"I notice you're not wearing your tracksuit," Bofoi commented, looking at Saitama's attire. He was donning a yellow jumpsuit with a zipper near the neck. Additionally, there were red boots and gloves and a white cape that hung from his shoulders.
"Hm? Oh, yeah," Saitama began, looking at his outfit. "This was given to me by the same person who's always repaired my tracksuits. I wasn't too keen on it at first, but it grew on me. And since I've gotten much stronger, it only seemed right to change my look to something more heroic, you know?" He informed him.
"Does it have any special properties?" Bofoi asked, already trying to learn what he could.
"Not to my knowledge. Agoni and the rest of the Association have been nagging me to let them make a revised version with better materials and other stuff, but I like this one the way it is. Maybe if it's ever completely ruined, I'll consider getting a new version." Saitama answered.
"Wonderful. The suit won't interfere with the data." Bofoi thought. "Alright, then. Should we begin?" He suggested.
"I'm good whenever you are," Saitama replied, returning his focus to the drone. "This is a weapon test, right? That's what it sounded like." He inquired.
"Yes. But it's not a single weapon. I intend to throw everything I have at you. Are you ready for that?" Bofoi clarified, followed by his last question.
"Absolutely. The thought of fighting high-tech robots is why I agreed to this. Dealing with monsters is starting to get boring. No matter how powerful they are, they keep dying from one blow." Saitama told him.
"Oh, yes, that must be dreadful..." Bofoi muttered, feeling annoyed by his attitude. "After my drone leaves, the attack will commence." He stated.
Saitama wasn't able to respond. The drone suddenly flew away, propelled by a built-in rocket engine. As Saitama kept his eyes on the drone, he didn't notice the emergence of several other mechanical marvels. They flew into the sky behind him, and then...
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Each machine wielded two chainguns spinning at top speed. Furthermore, each of them was equipped with a different type of ammunition. Armor piercing, incendiary, explosive, you get the idea. The abundance and variety of projectiles were enough to turn a large chunk of a city to dust. But against Saitama, well...
DINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDING
"Huh, that feels oddly nice," Saitama commented as the bullets impacted and bounced off the back of his skull. "It's like a massager. If I were sitting down, I might fall asleep to this." He admitted, closing his eyes to enjoy it more.
...A...massager. That's what this fool equated the barrage to? It was nothing more than a way to relax the scalp?!
"It's fine; I expected no results from this." Bofoi said, speaking only to himself. "I need to take this slow. Too fast of an escalation will be make him wary," He continued.
A second later, the guns stopped firing. When they did, more machines revealed themselves. They were concealed with an experimental adaptive camouflage. The robots rushed toward Saitama, each of them equipped with a device that possessed a hose and nozzle.
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH
Liquid nitrogen. Corrosive acidic. A type of liquid poison that was meant to affect the skin and muscles. There was even one machine that carried magma in its canister. Bofoi wasn't pulling ANY punches, which was fitting for his target. Alas, while there was a reaction to this assault, it wasn't what he desired.
"Hey! Be careful!" Saitama exclaimed, pulling up his cape and jumping around a little. "I don't want my clothes to get too dirty! It'll be a pain to clean later!" He told him.
...Stains. STAINS. No, obviously, that was the concern. Bofoi was the strange one for not being worried about it.
"We're still within expectation..." Bofoi whispered, tightening his left hand. "Now, let's get more direct." He decided.
CRASH
The next batch of machines came from below. These were meant for ambushes on unsuspecting foes. From the robots, a mass of industrial-strength cables and wires were ejected. The constriction strength was enough to crush refined alloys and hardened monster flesh!
"..." Saitama stood still, looking at everything that covered him. "If you're looking for some feedback, I don't think these ones are any good." He commented before holding up his index and middle fingers. "All someone needs is scissors or a blade, and they'd be able to free themselves." He estimated.
Snip Snap Snip Snap Snip Snap Snip Snap Snip Snap
...Finger...scissors. Hoo, boy. Bofoi had to shut his eyes and breathe in deeply after that one. He anticipated an overall lack of seriousness from Saitama, but this was rough for him and his ego.
"Apologies, Saitama," Bofoi spoke from the machines beneath his adversary. "You're right. Such a basic approach was pointless. Let me try a different option," He said.
A series of distant pops were detected by Saitama's ears. Then, there was a fairly loud whistling noise. Huh, what could that-
BOOM
Artillery. That's what it was. Bofoi's patience was already running out. He wanted some results now, and damn it, he was going to get them! Surely, Saitama's skin was-
" *Cough* *Cough* " Saitama held a fist in front of his mouth as he waved away the cloud of smoke from the explosions. The only difference in his condition was some dirt on the costume.
...Okay. Niceties are over. Bofoi thought he could maintain the charade for a tad longer, but this was insulting. So much work and time was being trivialized by a caped baldy. Enough was enough.
"Metal Knight?" Saitama called once the smoke was gone. "Are you there? Are you going to launch more bombs?" He asked. "Or were those missiles?..." He added, unsure of what had been fired at him.
No reply came. Saitama was curious about the silence, but he didn't want to be annoying, so he didn't say more. Maybe Metal Knight was about to unleash a giant fighting robot. Yeah! That'd be so cool! There were plenty of giant monsters, so having something like that made-
...
...
...
There is no single word that can properly summarize what happened at that moment. It was not one or multiple explosions. It was not one or multiple guns firing. It was not one or multiple kinds of armaments being used in unison. It was everything simultaneously. An all-out attack, if you will.
Every robot and weapon Bofoi had in that area was sent forward. Saitama's location was bombarded with the total combined offensive force that Bofoi had amassed throughout his life. Again, to stress the point, describing this spectacle is nigh impossible. Nothing lasted long enough to be detailed as it was added to and subsequently obliterated by the unyielding destruction unfolding.
This blinding and deafening display lasted not ten, not twenty, but thirty minutes. An entire half-hour of unrestrained violence that would put any of history's greatest conflicts to shame. Had someone from the Association observed this cacophony of carnage, they would feel compelled to say that Metal Knight shouldn't be a hero. Why would ANYONE stockpile this much raw power if not to use it for something nefarious?
When the noises quieted, the barrels became still, and the machines powered down, the environment was unrecognizable. The majority of the mountains were either reduced in stature or completely removed. There was a crater the size of a stadium that went a few miles into the Earth. Every functioning optic was aimed at the climax of Bofoi's efforts as they scanned for signs of Saitama.
"If he's dead, then so be it," Bofoi said as the search went on. "Saitama will be recorded as an unforeseen anomaly, but not much else. I'll need to account for such wild inexplicable entities moving for-"
"Hey!"
That voice caused Bofoi's heart to stop beating. He couldn't bring himself to turn his robots' heads in the direction that it had come from. Unfortunately, the voice wouldn't give him peace.
"Metal Knight!" Saitama called out from the top of a mountain that was outside the zone of devastation. "I'm over here! Sorry, but I had to get out of there! It was just too loud! But that was freaking awesome, man! Seriously! Now I understand why the Association has you build everything for them!" He shouted.
The compliment was sincere. Heck, everything about Saitama was. There was no flaunting. He didn't try to put Bofoi in his place. After becoming an actual god among men, Saitama remained the same person he always had been. Everyone was relieved by that. They also found it inspiring. Bofoi was the only one who was different. He HATED this man.
"Metal Knight?" Saitama called again, noticing none of the machines were reacting to his voice. "Did you use up all of the battery life? Can you even hear me right now? If you can, give me a si-"
BAM
Something struck the side of Saitama's head. Casually, he turned to see what it was. The final Metal Knight. It was Bofoi's trump card that he never revealed under any circumstances. It was meant to remain in a state of indefinite development. The only time it was acceptable to use this machine was if the world was on the verge of ending. Yet, this man forced its creator to abandon that rule.
The True Metal Knight was a gorgeous marvel of mechanical engineering. From the exterior, it seemed unremarkable. It was its inner workings that made it so breathtakingly beautiful. Perhaps Bofoi had been inspired by his peer, Drive Knight. This machine was the apex of instantaneous adaptive technology. Right now, its form prioritized a purely physical offense, which made its arms nearly three times the size of the body.
"Why..." Bofoi seethed through the robot's speaker as he drew the fist back.
"Why what?" Saitama inquired, utterly oblivious to the emotions raging inside his associate.
"Why...are you...LIKE THIS?!" Bofoi yelled, followed by:
BAM
Another punch. Impressively, this one was stronger. It created a shockwave that reached far enough to shake the branches of the trees in the vicinity.
"..." Saitama suddenly adorned a serious expression. As much as he hated to admit it, Bofoi felt a sharp sting of fear hit him when that happened. "Are you talking about my head?" He asked.
...
...
...
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Bofoi roared. Accompanying that outburst was this:
BAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAMBAM
Metal Knight's titanic limbs struck Saitama's head with the same power as pneumatic presses. Obviously, they also had an additional impact due to their increased speed, which was comparable to the rate of fire of the chainguns from earlier.
"Oh, hey, it's like the bullets," Saitama realized, closing his eyes like before. "Actually, this might be better than them," He added. Truly, Saitama did not consider that his comments could easily be interpreted as the most biting taunts anyone could say. There was no intent in him to be spiteful or mean-spirited, which was utterly lost on Bofoi.
"IT'S NOT FAIR!" Bofoi carried on, likely not listening anymore. "ALL MY WORK, EVERY DROP OF SWEAT I'VE PRODUCED, THE INNUMERABLE HOURS AND RESOURCES I'VE USED, NONE OF IT MATTERS!" He ranted, pushing Metal Knight even further. "WHAT'S THE POINT?! WHY BOTHER?! IF SOMEONE LIKE YOU CAN ACHIEVE MY LIFE'S GOAL BY ACCIDENT, THEN WHY DO ANY OF US CARE?! YOU ARE THE VERY EMBODIMENT OF FORTUNE FAVORS THE FOOL! YOU ARE A PARADOX! YOU ARE IMPOSSIBLE! YOU SHOULDN'T EXIST! YOU CAN'T BE REAL!" He rambled.
"Huh? What's all that about?" Saitama questioned, now looking at the robot with a quizzical expression. "Are you okay, Metal Knight? Do you need to take a-"
Instantly, Metal Knight stopped punching Saitama. Yet, he only did that so he could combine his arms to form an intimidatingly large hammer. Before Saitama could react to this development, the hammer was brought down.
Several things happened as a result of that action. The mountain both men were on crumbled. The shockwave and tremors generated by the impact caused more damage to the environment. Most notably, many large, gaping fissures formed on the Earth.
Metal Knight and Saitama landed on their feet. Amazingly, they barely gained any distance between each other. The latter was perfectly fine, with the only difference being his suit was wrinkled now. The former wasn't fine, as indicated by the mangled arms that had wrecked themselves when they made contact with their target.
"..." Metal Knight lowered what was left of its limbs. Alongside them, the head tilted downward. "...I'm...done..." Bofoi said.
"Oh? Is that the last robot?" Saitama inquired, assuming that's what he meant.
"..." A brief pause. Bofoi debated whether it was worth engaging in conversation or if it would be better to disconnect from his machine. "I meant...I'm done with all this..." He clarified.
Surprisingly, that shocked Saitama. Bofoi expected a continued misunderstanding, but it seemed as though it would be avoided.
"Wait...do you mean...you're retiring?" Saitama questioned.
"Yes," Bofoi confirmed. "But not just from my occupation as a hero. I'm walking away from it all. The pursuit of power, the development of weapons, and the progress of technology. It's all pointless." He continued, tilting his drone's head so the optic could see Saitama. "It's because of you. Look at you, standing there. You're so relaxed. Your face couldn't be more casual. You are the greatest thing to ever happen to humanity, and yet you act like it's no big deal." He said.
"I don't know about GREATEST..." Saitama argued, putting his arms behind his head as he looked off to the side. "I think there's a lot of stuff that's cooler than me." He told him.
"HOW?!" Bofoi challenged, unable to keep from yelling. "How do you think like that?! How CAN you think like that?! You're something out of a fairy tale, Saitama! By doing the bare minimum anyone could be expected to, you've reached an apex of humanity that no one would have ever believed possible! But despite that, you're still just...just..." He stammered, struggling to find the words.
"Myself?" Saitama suggested.
"YES!" Bofoi yelled again. "It doesn't make sense! No matter what angle you examine it from, this entire thing is beyond logic and reason! It's like I said earlier, there's no point in being rational anymore! There's no incentive to pursue any venture that makes us push ourselves! When all that's required to become as powerful as you is a daily workout routine, then the rest of us should just buy tracksuits and start exercising! Why bother with anything else?! It's pointless! IT'S ALL POINTLESS!" He explained.
For almost a minute, the men stared at each other. Bofoi was waiting for a reaction, and Saitama was processing everything he heard.
"..." Saitama tilted his head back to look at the sky before he resumed the conversation. "It may sound stupid, Metal Knight, but from my perspective, it wasn't the bare minimum. What I'm about to say to you isn't because of what I've become but because it's the truth. I've always known that, when compared to others, I'm average. Growing up, I never excelled at anything. My grades in school constantly teetered between barely passable and okay. I never got any dates because I was so normal no one noticed me. Like, if I was ugly, then they might've made fun of me or something. But I didn't even get noticed for stuff like that. For as long as I can remember, I've just gone through the motions. As the years went on, I forgot about any dreams I had or things I wanted to accomplish before I died. But then, I met a murderous crab with hairy legs who reminded me of my childhood. Little me would've hated what I was like in the future. He would've told me that he'd never stop trying to become a hero who could defeat his enemies with one punch." He shared, returning his gaze to the robot. "That's what I thought about as I worked hard. If I wanted to make my dream a reality, I had to go beyond my limitations. It just turned out that those limitations were as average as the rest of me. Of course, it didn't feel that way, but that's because they were MY limits." He said, hoping that the meaning behind his words was received.
"...That's it..." Bofoi whispered, feeling as though a grand revelation had been bestowed onto him. "Limits. They're different for each person. That's what you're saying, right?" He questioned.
"Yeah! There you go!" Saitama exclaimed with a smile, happy to see he was understood. "My daily workout legitimately pushed me to the edge. Every day was hard, but I persevered. If someone like you can look at my limits and think they're nothing, then that must mean yours are WAY higher! If that's true, then all you need to do is figure out what they are so you can overcome them like me!" He reasoned.
"You're right..." Bofoi said, slowly sounding livelier. "You're not an exception. No, I've been wrong this entire time. You're proof that anyone can be more than what they're made to be. You're not an unfairly gifted person. You're an example of what can be obtained through knowing one's self and striving to surpass that." He concluded.
"Wow, thanks," Saitama replied, flattered by the sudden praise.
"...However..." Bofoi sighed, a realization striking him. "I can only push myself with what I know. To be clear, I'm saying that I wouldn't be able to replicate your transformation. I've always been more brain than brawn, and I can't just switch the two. Building machines is where I'm most comfortable." He said.
"Hmmm..." Saitama hummed, putting a hand on his chin. "Well, maybe just like limits, the threshold you have to exceed could be different, too." He suggested. "Tell me, Metal Knight, do you ONLY build weapons?" He inquired.
"Yes, they are my focus. The only other thing I'm knowledgeable about is architecture." Bofoi responded.
"Then, maybe you should start there? Branch out into new territories. It may sound ridiculous, like building the best toaster or the fastest train, but if it's something new to you, then they're like stepping stones." Saitama advised.
"Huh, an expansion of my horizons..." Bofoi muttered, giving it some thought. "...Yes, that will do. To assume that my intellect has reached its peak has held me back. Just as you have found the true pinnacle of physical prowess, I will set my sights on the ultimate mental capacity. I shall become the brain to your brawn." He decided.
"Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Saitama cheered, glad to see him in a better mood.
From here, the men continued to chat as they returned to civilization. When they next met, Bofoi addressed Saitama just as the rest of the S-Class did, which was by his hero name. The sole exceptions were Metal Bat, and the eventually added King, who knew their leader personally. But for Bofoi and the others, they felt it was only appropriate to say One Punch Man until the day came when they reached his level or perhaps became as friendly. But for now, it was too soon to say which would happen first.