Chapter 1: Fish Out of Water
The blinding light dissipated, leaving Saitama blinking in an unfamiliar, gloomy environment.
"What the…?" Saitama muttered, glancing around. He was no longer on Earth; the absence of the Supermarket Entry sign confirmed that. The feeling was akin to being in the void of nothingness, similar to the sensation he experienced in space or on the moon.
An oppressive sense of wrongness filled the air, a feeling that wasn't quite fear but a deep, primal unease. It was a dissonance in the very fabric of reality he used to.
A deep, resonant voice, like a cosmic gong, echoed through the void. "Saitama," it boomed, the name vibrating through him like a physical shock. "You are an annoying bug!"
Saitama frowned, not in the mood for insults from disembodied voices. He just wanted to go home and pick up some discounted groceries, perhaps find a good sale on udon. "Uh, someone is in my ears again…" he started, scratching his chin. "If you're the same alien, please, can you point me in the direction of… well, anywhere that isn't this creepy black void?"
The voice chuckled. "Fuck you, Saitama. I trapped you here in this realm. I made this just for you. You can't get out of this eternal prison; it's inescapable." The voice reasoned meekly, "You keep messing up my plans I had to do this; I'm desperate!"
Saitama sighed, tired of the 'greatest evil' and 'only hope' narratives he often encountered. Every powerful being he'd met had tried to lay that burden on him, and it always ended in disappointment. He had punched aliens and monsters beyond comprehension, and none had even tickled him. But this was different—a prison?
"Hmm… a prison? That's new; I'll give you that," Saitama mused. He thought for a moment and then punched.
The dimension shattered like fragile glass, and a door-sized hole appeared where he punched. "Well, that was easy," Saitama mused.
A loud "Nooooo!" echoed as Saitama entered the mysterious hole.
A blinding white light engulfed Saitama, pulling him down a swirling vortex of colors and sounds. He felt a strange tugging sensation, and then it stopped abruptly.
Saitama landed on his feet, the impact jarring but harmless. He blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden change in scenery. He was in a city, with towering skyscrapers clawing at the sky and their windows reflecting the orange glow of the setting sun. Cars honked in the distance, and the air buzzed with a chaotic energy that was both familiar and strange.
"This isn't City Z anymore," Saitama muttered, taking a deep breath. "At least it isn't that creepy void." He took a step forward, eager to explore this new world and maybe find a decent place to eat. He was starving.
"Hey, mister!" a voice called out.
Saitama turned to see a young boy, no older than ten, running towards him with a worried face. "Are you a caper?" the boy asked breathlessly.
Saitama blinked. "Caper? Uh, yeah, you could say that," he replied, scratching his head and looking at his cape absent-mindedly. "Why?"
"Please, you have to help!" the boy exclaimed, grabbing his hand. "There's a monster attacking downtown A giant… thing The capers are fighting it, but they're losing!"
Saitama felt a flicker of interest. A monster, huh? Maybe this new world wouldn't be so boring after all. "Lead the way," Saitama said, a small smile spreading across his face. "It's time for a hero to save the day."
The boy, his face pale and his voice trembling, pointed towards the heart of the city. "It's… it's downtown! A giant monster! I saw it on the news, it's destroying everything!".
He clung to Saitama's arm for a moment, seeking reassurance from the imposing figure before him, then backed away, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe. "Be careful, mister! It's really dangerous!"
Saitama offered a reassuring nod, though the boy was likely too far away to see it. "Don't worry, kid. I'll take care of it." He turned and began to walk towards the city center, each step echoing with a confidence born of unparalleled strength.
As Saitama walked through the streets of Brockton Bay, he heard the sound of a commotion. Changing his course, he headed towards the noise.
Upon turning a corner, he found himself in a narrow alleyway where a tense scene was unfolding. A strange-looking man with a blade, Jack, was poised to deliver a deadly blow to a young girl known as Mouse Protector. Saitama's arrival was almost silent, but Jack's instincts were sharp.
"Ah, perfect timing," Jack said, a grin spreading across his face. "Another caper to add to my collection." Turning his attention back to his prey, resuming his previous action.
Saitama's expression remained bland as he moved swiftly to intercept the blade. "Too slow," he said flatly, grasping Jack's wrist and halting the attack.
Jack's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "You think you can stop me?" he sneered, trying to wrench his wrist free.
Saitama didn't flinch. With a gentle but firm grip, he held Jack in place. "I don't want to fight, but I won't let you hurt her."
Mouse Protector broke free and ran into the crowded streets. Jack snarled, his frustration growing, and tried to attack Saitama again. With a simple twist of his wrist, Saitama sent Jack's blade flying out of his hand.
"You're not very good at this," Saitama observed, his voice devoid of emotion.
Jack's face reddened with anger, and before he could react further, Saitama delivered a swift punch to his jaw. The sound of shattering bones echoed through the alleyway as Jack's body was launched backward.
Jack, thanks to his regeneration, started moving again. He snarled, his frustration growing, and attacked again with a flurry of blows. Each strike was aimed to kill, but Saitama blocked them effortlessly.
Saitama watched Jack's attacks with bored indifference. "Are you done yet?" he asked, yawning slightly.
Jack's attacks faltered, his chest heaving with exertion. He was getting nowhere. This man, Saitama, was like a brick wall, unyielding and unbreakable.
"What are you?" Jack asked, his voice laced with a mix of fear and calculation for the first time.
"Saitama's the name, I'm just a guy who's a hero for fu-, i mean, i'm a pro hero," Saitama replied, his voice still devoid of any real emotion. He was telling the truth, but it sounded hollow, almost mocking in the face of Jack's despair.
"A hero?" Jack scoffed, a sly smirk forming on his face. "You mean a cape, I never heard of you before. You're new to the scene, aren't you?" He mumbled quietly, his eyes scanning Saitama as if assessing a new variable.
"Look, 'Mister Saitama'," Jack began, his tone shifting to a manipulative drawl, "this is just a misunderstanding. We're all just trying to survive in this crazy world. There's no need to get involved, especially when you don't even know the real story." He attempted to subtly twist the situation, his eyes glinting with false sincerity. "Why get yourself in the middle of something that doesn't concern you? She's not worth it."
"I don't like bullies." Saitama responded simply, raising a fist, his expression hardening slightly. "And you're definitely a bully."
Jack's eyes widened, but not in pure fear. He recognized the hardened gaze as his plans failing. He tried to dodge, to raise his blade in defense, but it was too late. He knew what was coming, and he knew he couldn't stop it.
Saitama's fist connected with Jack's jaw, a simple, unassuming punch that carried the force of a freight train. The sound of shattering bones was deafening, echoing through the ruined streets. Jack's body was launched backward, flying through the air like a rag doll before crashing into a pile of rubble.
Silence descended upon the alleyway. The only sound was the faint crackling of embers from the nearby fires.
Jack Slash groaned, pushing himself out of the debris. His body ached from the impact, his jaw throbbing in pain. He'd survived, but barely. He could feel the bones in his face realigning themselves, a sensation that made him want to vomit. He'd never been hit like that before, not even by the strongest members of the Nine.
Slowly, he stumbled to his feet, his vision swimming. "You…you can't be real," he managed to croak out.
Saitama, who had been searching his pockets for his shopping list, looked up with a sigh. "Oh, you're still here," he said, his voice filled with the same boredom it had held earlier. "I thought I'd knocked you out for good."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "You…you're going to regret that punch," he hissed through his teeth, clutching his jaw. His power was regeneration; it was his trump card, the one thing that had kept him alive against all odds. But even his power had its limits, and Saitama's punch had pushed it to the brink.
Saitama glanced at Jack, his gaze unchanged. There wasn't a hint of surprise, fear, or even acknowledgment on his face. It was as if Jack's existence was nothing more than a mild inconvenience, a bug that needed to be squished to get back to his day.
Jack's threat hung in the air, but Saitama was already looking away, his eyes lighting up as he pulled out a crumpled piece of paper on the groundc he must've dropped it. "Ah, here it is!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. It was his shopping list.
Jack's confusion grew. This was not the reaction of a man who'd just faced a legendary killer. He watched as Saitama casually strolled over to him, his fist still poised in the air. "Listen, I don't have time for this," Saitama said, his voice still that same monotone. "If you want to keep playing the villain, go do it somewhere else. I've got a sale to catch before it ends. I need to find this Kaiju"
With a grunt of annoyance, Saitama bent his knees and leaped into the air. He soared, his body ascending so high that he was soon a mere speck against the night sky, the moon the only witness to his ascent. His cape fluttered behind him like a banner of pure white, stark against the backdrop of the ruined city.
Jack stared up at him, his jaw still hanging slack from the impact. What kind of monster was this man? How could he just jump like that, as if gravity was a mere suggestion? He waited, his heart racing, for Saitama to come back down, for the fight to continue.
But instead of raining down from above, Saitama simply dropped back into the alleyway. He landed with a thud, the ground shaking slightly under the impact. He looked at Jack, who was still standing there, dumbfounded, and shrugged. turning to leave.
Jack's pride was bruised, his body in agony, but he couldn't let this stand. He gathered his strength and lunged again, his blade flashing in the dim light. Saitama barely spared him a glance, his hand moving in a blur as he blocked the attack.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," Saitama said, his voice filled with a hint of something that might have been amusement.
As Jack struggled to get back on his feet, another figure emerged from the shadows—Bonesaw, with a twisted smile and eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You let the rat escape, Jack…" she said disappointedly. "Oh well, looks like you've found yourself a little new playmate at least."
Bonesaw charged at Saitama with a flurry of metal limbs, each one ending in a different weapon. Yet Saitama remained unfazed, his eyes never leaving his shopping list.
Jack watched in horror as Bonesaw's attacks hit nothing but air. Each blade, each saw, each spike bounced off Saitama as if he were made of rubber.
Saitama looked up from his list, his expression unchanged. "What's the matter? Is there something on my face?"
Bonesaw stumbled back, her laughter turning to a crazed cackle. "Impossible You can't be this strong!"
Saitama shrugged. "I guess I just got lucky with the genetics lottery." He folded the shopping list and put it back into his pocket. "But enough of this. I've got udon to buy and a city to save."
Jack took a step back, his mind racing. He'd never seen anyone take on Bonesaw so casually. She was the Nine's secret weapon, the one who could make monsters out of men. Yet this…this caper, or whatever he was, treated her like a child playing with toys.
Bonesaw's eyes gleamed with madness as she pulled out her final trick, a serum that could enhance her strength a hundredfold. She injected it into her neck, her body convulsing with power as her limbs grew longer, her skin toughened. "You'll regret underestimating me, you Bald Fuck!" she shrieked, charging again.
But Saitama didn't even bother to look at her. He simply extended his hand and fired a punch into her incoming form, his fist moving with unbelievable speed. Bonesaw was sent hurtling into the distance, her body contorting and snapping as she flew through the air. The impact was so powerful it sent a shockwave through the alley, knocking Jack off his feet.
Jack stared at the spot where Bonesaw had been standing, his mouth agape. He knew she was strong, he knew she was insane, but he'd never seen her defeated like that. This man, this Saitama, was something else entirely. He was a force of nature, unstoppable and uncaring.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," Saitama said, brushing off his cape. "I've really got to get going. That sale isn't going to last forever."
Jack watched as Saitama casually strolled away, leaving him and Bonesaw broken and helpless like it's nothing. He didn't know what to feel. Fear, anger, amazement? Perhaps all three. He knew one thing for certain, though: the game had just changed in Brockton Bay, and not in the way he'd expected.
As he struggled to get back on his feet, he heard the telltale sound of more footsteps approaching. Another member of the Slaughterhouse Nine had arrived, Crawler. His eight arms skittered across the ground, his eyes glowing with a sickly light. The sight of Jack's condition was all the invitation he needed.
"Jackie boy!" Crawler cackled, his voice a mix of glee and malice. "Looks like you found yourself in a bit of a pickle!"
Jack pushed himself up, his jaw still throbbing from the punch that had sent him flying. He glared at the newcomer, his teeth gritted in pain. "Crawler," he spat out. "What took you so long?"
"This guy took you down and Bonesaw?" Crawler said in disbelief, looking at Bonesaw unmoving body. his eight arms twitching in anticipation.
He lunged at Saitama's unturned back.
The same scene played out again, with Crawler attacking Saitama with a fervor that was almost comical. His arms moved like lightning, each one tipped with a deadly weapon that had claimed countless lives. Yet, Saitama remained unfazed, with a bit of an annoyed look in his face.
Jack watched as Crawler's attacks bounced off Saitama's body, each one leaving a trail of sparks in the air. It was like watching someone try to swat at a fly with a sledgehammer. The power difference was so vast it was almost absurd.
"What the hell are you?" Crawler screamed, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and fury.
Saitama sighed, his expression mildly irritated. "I'm just a guy who's really good at punching things," he said, as if that explained everything.
Jack's mind raced as he took in the sight of Crawler's ineffective assault. He'd seen his fellow member of the Nine take on tanks and come out unscathed, but against this…this nothing, he was powerless.
Then, without warning, Saitama snapped into action. He moved with a blur of speed that made Crawler look sluggish by comparison, his fist connecting with the center of Crawler's mass. The villain was sent spiraling through the air, his arms flailing wildly as he disappeared into the distance with a sickening crunch.
The alley was silent once more, the only sound the fading echo of Crawler's screams. Jack stared in awe, his eyes wide with disbelief. He'd never seen anything like it, not even in his wildest nightmares. Who was this man? What kind of power did he possess?
Saitama dusted off his hands and turned to Jack. "Look pal, I really do have to get to the supermarket before they run out of instant noodles. You wouldn't happen to know where the nearest one is, would you?"
Jack nodded, his voice a hoarse whisper. "I…I know where it is, that way."
Saitama shrugged. "I was told there's a big monster in town. Figured I'd check it out. Maybe get some exercise while I'm at it then go back home. But it seems like you're the only one causing trouble around here."
Jack's mind was racing, trying to piece together what was happening. "Just go," he said, his voice trembling. "Leave me alone. I'm not worth your time." a geniune plea.
Saitama nodded and took off, his cape fluttering in the breeze. Jack watched him go, feeling a strange mix of relief and dread. Relief that he'd survived, dread at what this meant for the balance of power in Brockton Bay. The Slaughterhouse Nine weren't the unstoppable force they'd once been. And Jack had the sinking feeling that their days of terror might be numbered.
As if on cue, the other members of the Nine began to emerge from the shadows, drawn by the commotion. Shadow Stalker, Siberian, and the others stumbled into the alleyway, their eyes wide with shock at the sight of their two fallen comrades. They looked at Jack, who still lay on the ground, and then to the retreating figure of Saitama.
"What happened?" Shadow Stalker demanded, her voice tight with anger.
Jack could only shake his head, unable to form the words to explain.
The remaining members of the Slaughterhouse Nine looked at each other, confusion and fear etched on their faces. , Jack's mind is running amok, all their plans and reputation has vanished in seconds thanks to a hairless dude in a yellow spandex, who could end them all with a single punch.
"We have to get out of here," Jack managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.
"We should monitor this… person" Stalker suggested. "Lets's follow him. nice and at a safe distance of course" she bitterly whispered.
The others nodded in agreement, their earlier bravado gone. They knew when they were outmatched, and this man was something else entirely.
Together, they limped away from the alley, following the bald's trail, their thoughts racing. How had they let this happen? How could they have missed someone so powerful? And what were they going to do now?
Saitama continued his casual stroll toward the supermarket, the distant sounds of the city's chaos fading behind him. He hadn't come to this strange town looking for a fight, but if the fights came to him, well, he wasn't going to say no.
As he walked, the ground trembled beneath his feet. He looked up to see the towering figure of a huge monster approaching. It was one of those big monsters he'd heard about. This could be interesting.
He took a deep breath, cracked his knuckles, and grinned. "Looks like I'll be getting my workout after all," he murmured to himself. He took off in a sprint, his legs pumping as he raced to meet the beast head-on.
The few concious members of the Slaughterhouse Nine watched from the rooftops, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding below. They'd never seen anything like it. This man, Saitama, was a new kind of threat, one that could topple them all with a single blow.
"What do we do?" one of them whispered, their voice trembling.
Jack looked at them, his jaw still sore but his resolve firm. "We regroup. We rebuild. And we learn from this." He paused for a moment and continued. "Because if we don't, we won't survive the next time he decides to go grocery shopping." he added jokingly. The others looks at Jack in confusion. Their eyes glued to the fast moving yellow figure in the air.
As Saitama approached the monstrous creature, his fist glowed with a power that none of them could fathom. The battle was about to begin, a battle that would shake the very foundations of Brockton Bay.
His cape trailing behind him like a banner. His fist connected with the Endbringer with a sound that could be heard for miles around. The creature roared in pain, its massive form staggering backward from the impact. The air crackled with energy, and the ground shuddered as if in protest.
From every corner of the city, parahumans and civilians alike watched in awe and horror. Heroes and villains, all of them frozen in place, stared up at the sky.
The fight was anticlimactic; it took only one punch, and it was over. The Endbringer lay still, the silence deafening.
The city held its breath, waiting for the creature to get up. But it never came.
Instead, they saw a strange bald man standing tall amidst the destruction, his cape fluttering in the breeze. He looked down at the creature, a frown on his face. "That wasn't as fun as I thought it would be," he murmured, his voice barely carrying over the ringing in their ears.
The civilian, even the heroes and villains slowly descended from their hiding places, their eyes on the unassuming figure in the white cape. Some looks in admiration, others in fear. They knew that the tides had turned, that the balance of power had shifted.
As the crowd started to approach their champion, Saitama simply turned and began to walk away. "I've got to get to that supermarket before it closes," he called over his shoulder, his voice echoing through the wreckage.
Saitama, indifferent to the awestruck gazes and hushed whispers that followed him, continued his trek towards the supermarket. His encounter with the Endbringer, while momentarily entertaining, had done little to alleviate his pervasive boredom. The creature, for all its size and destructive power, had simply lacked the strength and speed to pose any real challenge. It was a fleeting distraction, a mosquito swatted away on a hot summer day.
As he navigated the debris-strewn streets, Saitama reflected on his peculiar predicament. Trapped in a strange dimension, surrounded by individuals with extraordinary abilities, yet none capable of pushing him to even a fraction of his true potential. Well not strange, in fact. It's awfully similar to his home.
Still, Saitama was not one to dwell on disappointment. He had instant noodles to buy, a sale to catch. Hold on a sec, is the sale offer Multi-universal. He thought for a moment. Of course it does. he coped to himself.
Such were the simple pleasures that occupied the mind of the world's strongest man, a man whose power had rendered the very concept of a "challenge" obsolete.
Saitama reached the supermarket, its brightly lit facade a beacon of normalcy in the ravaged cityscape. He paused at the entrance, taking a moment to savor the familiar scent of instant ramen and cleaning supplies.
"Finally," Saitama murmured, a hint of genuine satisfaction in his voice. "Time to stock up on some groceries."
He pushed open the doors and stepped inside, the automatic chimes announcing his arrival. Inside, the supermarket was a scene of organized chaos. Shelves were overturned, aisles were blocked by fallen debris, and panicked shoppers scurried about, their faces etched with a mixture of relief and lingering fear.
Saitama, unfazed by the disarray, grabbed a shopping basket and began to methodically make his way through the store. He carefully selected his favorite brand of instant noodles at least a close proximate of it, comparing prices and checking expiration dates with a meticulousness that belied his overwhelming power.
"Excuse me," a voice called out, interrupting Saitama's shopping reverie.
Saitama turned to see a young woman, her eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and hope. "Are you… are you the one who defeated the monster?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Saitama blinked, momentarily confused. "Monster?" he echoed. "Oh, you mean that big thing? Yeah, I guess I did".
"It was… incredible," the woman stammered. "I saw the clip in the news" She pointed at the tv display connected to the wall. "You… you just punched it, and it was gone. Just like that".
Saitama shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "It wasn't that strong," he replied, picking up a package of discounted seaweed snacks. "I've faced worse."
The woman stared at him, her mouth agape. "Worse?" she echoed, her voice barely a whisper. "What could possibly be worse than that?"
Saitama paused for a moment, considering the woman's question. "Worse?" he echoed thoughtfully. It was true that he had faced some bizarre and powerful beings in his own dimension. He had punched a giant mosquito, a skyscraper-sized crab, and even a being that claimed to be the embodiment of the Earth's will. But none of them had truly challenged him, none had pushed him to exert even a fraction of his full strength.
"I've fought some pretty strange things," Saitama replied vaguely, deciding to steer the conversation back to safer territory. He pointed to the package of seaweed snacks in his hand. "Have you tried these? Are they good?" He look at the price tag. "They're on sale this week. Hell Yeah!" He grab a couple pack and throw it in the basket.
The woman continued to stare at him, her mind struggling to comprehend the casual demeanor of a man who had effortlessly defeated a creature that had brought entire cities to their knees.
Saitama, oblivious to her astonishment, continued to fill his basket, his thoughts consumed by the mundane yet satisfying task of grocery shopping. He had saved the city, defeated a monster, and now he was going to have a delicious bowl of instant noodles. It was a good day, all things considered.
So the sale offers do transfer. What about my money? Same currency? i hope they do.
Saitama, oblivious to the stares of other shoppers, reaches the cashier, his shopping basket filled to the brim with instant noodles, snacks, and other grocery items. He places his items on the conveyor belt, watching as the cashier, a middle-aged woman with wary eyes, scans each item with tense efficiency. The cashier's eyes flick towards Saitama, lingering on his bald head and plain yellow jumpsuit. She, like many others in the store, recognizes him from the news, a blurry figure delivering a city-saving punch to the Endbringer. Now, here he was, buying groceries.
"That'll be 12.48 dollars, sir," the cashier says, her voice tight.
Saitama reaches into his pocket, pulling out a wad of colorful bills with unfamiliar faces printed on them. The cashier eyes the foreign currency with suspicion.
"I'm sorry, sir," the cashier says, pushing the bills back towards Saitama, "we only accept US dollars."
Saitama's shoulders slump. "Uh, I don't have any US dollars," he admits sheepishly, the prospect of a delicious bowl of instant noodles slipping away.
Murmurs ripple through the queue behind him.
"Did you see that? He tried to pay with… what was that, Monopoly money?" a shopper whispers.
"Must be some kinda scam," another mutters.
Saitama feels his cheeks burn. He hadn't meant to cause a scene. He just wanted his noodles.
Suddenly, a voice rings out from behind him. "Don't worry, I got it." Saitama turns to see the young woman from earlier, the one who had witnessed his encounter with the Endbringer in the news, Casey Rose. She steps forward, a warm smile on her face, and hands the cashier a crisp twenty-dollar bill.
"Keep the change," Casey says, her eyes twinkling. "For saving our city."
Saitama stares at her, speechless for a moment. "Uh… thanks," Saitama finally manages to say, his cheeks flushing even redder. He gathers his bags, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. Maybe this new world wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Hey, no problem," Casey replies, her smile widening. "Consider it a thank you from everyone." She gestures to the line of shoppers, many of whom are now nodding and murmuring their agreement.
"Yeah, thanks, mister," a burly man grunts, giving Saitama a thumbs-up. "You saved our bacon back there."
Saitama nods awkwardly, feeling the tension in the store dissipate.
"I'm Casey Rose, by the way," the woman says, extending a hand.
"Saitama," he replies, shaking her hand.
As they walk out of the supermarket together, Saitama glances at Casey. "So, what brings a strong hero like you to this city?" he asks curiously, trying to break the ice.
Casey laughs, a melodious sound. "Strong hero? You're the one who punched that monster into next Tuesday!" she retorts playfully. "I'm just a normal person trying to survive in this crazy town."
"I'm just a guy who's a hero for fun," Saitama replies instinctively, the familiar words feeling a bit hollow in this new context.
They walk in comfortable silence for a moment, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple.
Casey turns to Saitama, her expression a mix of curiosity and genuine interest. "So, Saitama," she begins, her voice warm, "if you're not from around here, what brings you to our city?"
"It's a long story," Saitama finally says, scratching his head, wondering how to explain his interdimensional predicament.
Casey smiles. "I've got time," she replies. "And besides, after you saved our city, I think I owe you at least that much."
As they walk through the streets of Brockton Bay, Saitama tells Casey his story, about his life in another dimension, his overwhelming power, and his never-ending quest for a worthy opponent. Casey listens intently, her expression shifting from amusement to awe to concern as Saitama recounts his experiences.
By the time they reach Casey's apartment building, the sky is awash with stars.
"Well," Casey says, turning to Saitama. "This is me."
"Thanks for the groceries," Saitama replies, holding up his bags. "And for listening."
"Anytime," Casey says with a smile. "And hey, if you ever need anything, just let me know. You saved my city, after all."
Saitama hesitates for a moment, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Actually," he begins, scratching his head, "didn't I tell you I'm not from this world? I kind of… lost my home. Do you happen to know where I can stay?" He delivers the last part with a playful grin, as if sharing a lighthearted joke.
Casey chuckles, taking his words as playful banter. Lost your home, huh? Maybe you should try retracing your steps. I hear interdimensional travel can be tricky."
Realization dawns on Casey, and her eyes widen with sympathy. "Oh my gosh, Saitama, I'm so sorry," she blurts out. "Of course you need a place to stay. Come on in, you can stay with me."
Relief washes over Saitama's face. "Really? You'd do that?"
"Don't be silly," Casey says, ushering him towards the building entrance. "It's the least I can do after you, you know, saved the entire city. Besides," she adds with a playful wink, "it'll be an interesting story to tell – having the world's strongest man as a roommate."
The apartment was small but cozy, filled with the smell of something delicious cooking. "I hope you don't mind," Casey called over her shoulder, leading Saitama through the cluttered living room to a tiny kitchenette. "I figured after everything you've been through, you'd want something more than instant noodles."
Saitama looked around, his eyes lingering on a photo of a smiling family. "Do you live here alone?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual despite the sudden pang of curiosity.
Casey looked up from the stove, a hint of sadness flitting across her features. "Yeah, I've been on my own for a while now," she replied, her voice a little softer. "My parents passed away when I was young, and I've been making my way through life ever since."
"Ah, sorry to hear that," Saitama said sincerely, feeling a twinge of regret for prying. "It's tough without family."
Casey shrugged, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "You get used to it," she said, her voice carrying a note of forced cheeriness. "But enough about me. You're the one who just punched an Endbringer"
Saitama leaned against the counter, watching Casey as she cooked.
"You're pretty good at this," he commented, his mouth watering at the aroma of the simmering stew.
Casey chuckled. "It's just a simple beef stew," she said, her cheeks coloring slightly. "But thanks."
Saitama couldn't help but smile as he watched her, the warmth of the apartment and the smell of cooking food bringing him a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in a long time. It reminded him of his mother, who had always greeted him with a hot meal after his long days of after school.
Casey caught his smile and raised an eyebrow. "What?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
Saitama looked down at his hands. "It's nothing," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "You just reminded me of my mother, that's all."
Casey paused, a plate of steaming beef stew in her hand. "Oh," she said softly, understanding in her eyes.
"It's been a while since I've had a home-cooked meal. This smells amazing."
As Casey was about to bring the food to the table, Saitama suddenly rushed over, his eyes widening with excitement at the prospect of being useful. "Let me help," he said, gently taking the plate of beef stew from her hand.
She couldn't help but laugh at his eager demeanor, a light blush creeping up her cheeks as she realized he was standing closer than she'd anticipated. They playfully bumped into each other, their hands brushing together as they maneuvered the dishes to the table.
"Thank you," she murmured, looking up at him with a smile.
Saitama, caught off guard by her closeness and the sweetness in her voice, felt his own cheeks warm. "Don't mention it," he said, trying to sound casual. He quickly set the plate down and stepped back.
They sat down at the small, round table in the corner of the living room, the TV playing the news report of the battle in the background. Casey sat opposite Saitama, curiosity burning in her eyes. "So, tell me more about your world," she said, her voice gentle.
Saitama took a bite of the stew, savoring the flavor. It had been too long since he'd tasted something other than instant noodles. "My world is pretty normal," he began, swallowing. "Well, aside from the monsters, aliens, and all the other stuff that keeps trying to wipe out humanity."
Casey's eyes lit up. "So, it's like our world, but with more punching?" she asked, her tone playful.
Saitama chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." He took another bite, watching Casey from the corner of his eye. She was beautiful, with her wavy chestnut hair and bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with every question she asked.
Casey leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper, "So, what's it like, being so powerful?"
Saitama swallowed his stew and took a sip of water. "It's… lonely," he admitted. "There's no one strong enough to challenge me, so every victory feels hollow."
Her gaze softened, and she placed a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry."
Saitama felt his heart skip a beat. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially not from someone as charming as Casey. Her flirtatious tone was light, but the warmth in her eyes was undeniable. He couldn't help but feel a little flustered, his cheeks warming up.
"Thanks," he mumbled, looking away to hide his blush.
Casey giggled, taking her hand back to slice another piece of bread. "Don't be so shy," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You're the hero of the city now. You should get used to the attention."
Saitama's heart was racing, and he felt a strange, unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "So, uh, Casey," he started, his voice a little shakier than he'd like. "What's it like… being a hero here?"
Casey leaned back in her chair, her smile fading slightly, though her eyes remained warm. "Oh, wow," she said, taking a moment to gather her thoughts, "being a hero… Well, it's not really like that, for me, anyway. It's hard sometimes, you know? This city is always in chaos, it feels like," she gestured around the room as if to encompass the chaos of Brockton Bay, "like things are constantly falling apart. But it's good when people come together to help each other." She paused, looking at Saitama with genuine gratitude."I'm glad I could help you out with the groceries, and that you could help us all with… well," she chuckled softly, "with everything."
Saitama nodded slowly, taking in her words. "Yeah," he said, his voice a little softer than usual. "It's not easy when things are crazy, even back home. It's good when people look out for each other." He paused, thinking about the young boy who had asked him for help, and the woman at the grocery store with the wary eyes. "I guess, that's what I'm trying to do too. Just do what I can, where I am."
Casey smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Exactly," she agreed. "It's about doing what you can, where you are. Even little things. Like helping someone with groceries or… you know, saving a city. It all matters, right?" She tapped her fingers on the table, thinking for a moment. "Honestly, after today, I'm just happy that I could help you a little, and that I saw you help everyone. We all need to be there for one another, or we'll never get through it" She blushed slightly, and looked away. "So, uh… what about your world?" she asked, eager to change the topic. "Is it the same kind of crazy?"
Saitama nodded, feeling a kinship with her. "Yeah," he murmured, his thoughts drifting to the countless battles he'd fought back home. "That's all I ever wanted too."
The conversation lulled for a moment, and the air grew thick with something unspoken. Casey leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You know, for someone so powerful, you're surprisingly… human," she said softly.
Saitama looked at her, his heart racing. Was this flirting? He'd read about it in manga but never quite understood the subtleties. He took a deep breath, trying to play it cool. "Well, I've always tried to be," he replied, hoping he didn't sound too awkward.
Casey's smile grew, and she reached over to touch his hand gently. "I like that about you," she whispered, her voice a sweet caress.
Saitama felt his face go red. He tried to reciprocate the gesture, his hand moving to cover hers. But his grip was too strong, and she gasped in surprise, her hand caught in his vice-like grip. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, his face growing even redder. "I'm not used to… you know, this."
Her eyes searched his, and she gently pulled her hand away, her smile never faltering. "What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
"The whole… flirting thing," Saitama admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not… I don't get it."
Casey's eyes widened, and she leaned back in her chair, a hand over her mouth. "Oh my god," she said, her voice muffled. "You're serious."
Saitama nodded, his cheeks burning. "I had dates before, but lately… I don't get out much," he mumbled.
Her laughter filled the room, light and bubbly. "You're adorable," she said, her eyes shining with mirth. "A caper with the strength of a god, and you're worried about flirting."
Saitama felt his heart swell at her words. He wasn't used to being called adorable. Usually, it was 'monster' or 'freak'.
"Why do you say it like it's strange?" he asked, his voice tentative. "Isn't it normal to be awkward?"
Casey's expression grew thoughtful. "I guess it is," she said. "But for you, it's kind of… refreshing." She took a sip of her water, her gaze never leaving Saitama's. "Most of the capes around here have egos the size of planets. It's nice to see someone who's, well, humble."
Encouraged, Saitama took a deep breath. "So, if I'm not getting it right, just tell me," he said, his voice earnest. "I want to make sure I'm not making you uncomfortable."
Her laughter died down, and she studied him for a moment, her gaze gentle. "You're not making me uncomfortable," she assured him. "Just a little surprised."
Leaning forward, Casey reached out and kissed Saitama on the cheek. It was a soft, lingering touch, filled with warmth and gratitude. "This one's for saving us," she whispered.
Saitama's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and his eyes widened. He had no idea how to respond to such affection, especially from someone as kind and beautiful as Casey.
Standing up, Casey gathered the empty plates and bowls. "You've had a long day," she said, her voice soft. "Why don't you rest? I'll take care of the dishes."
Saitama's hand shot out, almost knocking over his chair in his haste to help. "Let me do it," he protested, his voice gruff with embarrassment.
Casey just smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've done enough," she said firmly. "You saved my city. The least I can do is a little clean-up."
Her words were like a balm to his bruised ego. He had never been treated so kindly after a battle before. Usually, he was met with fear or awe, not… this.
Not friendship, not warmth, not… attraction?