AN: SORRY FOR THE LONG HIATUS! I have been busy lately and was writing this chapter bit by bit, but it's finally ready and I hope you enjoy it! Also, if you haven't been back to check the previous chapters, I did correct the formatting issues since there were enough people who didn't like it. No big deal at all when it comes to things like that. You guys just have to let me know. Anyways, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Punch Man or any of the characters associated with the title. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Tatsumaki couldn't think straight anymore. Her vision was blurry and she could feel every muscle in her body ache. And that throbbing in her mind was far past the point of excruciating. It came in waves of relentless ringing like a tiny bell that brought with it a new rush of agony along with every ding. Everything she could hear went in one ear and out the other. Even after everything that has happened in the past few weeks—namely her knocking on death's door twice—this was the most pain she had ever experienced. Nothing could compare.

It was moments like this that always forced those intrusive thoughts sitting at the back of her mind to the forefront. Old memories that she was never really sure she remembered quite right, and it was always about him. Always.

"Hey... uh... Blast?" She was always a little meek when addressing him. There was just something about his presence that shrunk her down whenever she was standing next to him.

"Hey there, little tornado. Been a while, huh?"

If anyone else had addressed her like that, they'd be through the wall before they got it out, but it was him. That's how he always was with her. "Yeah, I-... I'm not little... anymore..."

"O-hoh, of course not. You've really grown since I've been gone."

"Yeah... yeah, I've..." She remembered losing her words as she often did when he mocked her. All she could do was tuck her hair behind her ear and try to find his gaze again. Every time she remembered one of their little moments, she could never fully picture his face. It was always just a vague image of his silhouette standing in front of a wall of white.

"Did you need something? Not to brush you off, but I am kinda busy."

"I-... yeah, I just... I wanted to ask... wh-.. What does it mean... to be a strong hero?"

"... Hmm... That's a really good question... I... I guess it means..."

"TORNADO!" Genos shouted, snatching a bit of her consciousness back into focus.

Her eyes snapped open and she finally became aware of her predicament. She was being held tightly in the grip of Black Sperm. Many of its bodies morphed into a giant version of itself with faces all around its new behemoth-like form. It was inescapable. All she could do was utilize the sliver of power she had left to avoid getting crushed.

"INCINERATE!" Genos shouted, blasting the creature's arm apart, freeing Tatsumaki.

"Eh-!?" Black Sperm exclaimed. "Who the hell invited this hunk-a-junk!?" Raising both its fists, it drove down, plowing the cyborg into the earth.

Tatsumaki rolled over to avoid the impact before peering into the hole. "Genos!"

FWSHHH!

Suddenly, the cyborg popped out of the hole with help from the thrusters on his back. "I have a burial escape function. A modification added from the data of when we fought."

"... heh," she chuckled, "Nice to know you were able to get a little stronger cause of me."

Genos ignored her and analyzed their situation. They were being surrounded. Completely engulfed by the endless stream of black creatures. Neither of them were in fighting condition, but both of them readied to continue, as a hero always did. "Can you still fight?"

"Tch," she ticked, "like you have to ask."

They stood back to back, ready for the onslaught, but before either side made a move, a fowl odor permeated the air and it's source came trudging over a ridge nearby.

"UUUUURRRRGGHHH! WHERE IS HE!?"

It was President Ugly, only a much more grotesque form. A slick gooey substance that almost looked like vomit covered it's entire form. It looked more like a humanoid blob of sizzling flesh.

"WHERE IS HEEE!? WHERE'S THAT GEEZER!?"

"Ugh," Spring Mustachio heaved at the smell. He and the Council of Swordsmen had shown up not long ago to assist Atomic Samurai and the others in the fight against the remaining monsters. "He's melting and swelling from the inside!"

"UURRRRRGGHHH! SHOW YOURSELF, SILVERFANG!"

Bang and his mastery of martial arts had made quick work of the brute. Swiftly redirecting every attack the monster threw back at himself. His own devastating power was why he found himself looking like a murderous pile of vomit.

"Heh-heh-!" one of Black Sperm's selves chuckled seeing the state of his accomplice. "This whole thing was your idea and now look at you!"

"Ah, shuddup! Pfft!" President Ugly spat a glob of the goop dripping from his lip at the creature talking.

"Urgh! Yuck!" The surrounding doubles gagged trying to avoid the splash.

"You've got no shine, ugly!"

President Ugly spun around just as Black Luster was charging in for the attack.

"SUPER ALLOY DOUBLE BAZOOKA!"

"Hergh-! FOREARM MELTIN' PUNCH!"

The two powerhouses shot their fists off in unison. The sludgy flesh of President Ugly wiggled off with every movement. And when their punches connected against the others knuckles, the shockwave blasted the fleshy gloop in every direction.

Immediately, Black Luster retracted his arms when they started to burn. Whatever that substance was it was acidic in nature, and it was all over him!

"Hurgh!? HAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!" The S-Class powerhouse dropped to his back and began to thrash around, trying to somehow douse the pain as if it were a fire he could put out.

"Hergh-hergh! I got that acidic digestion from gums! Now you can feel inferior... just-like-me!"

Saitama continued down the road headed for the origin of the tremors with the broken teen still resting his head on his shoulder as he carried him. He reflected internally on how much the city he used to call home had changed. Quite literally. He couldn't recognize a single street. Everything was morphed and twisted; completely mangled beyond recognition. It made for an odd visual of seeing stores he recognized across the street from stores he knew were once blocks away. That really was a cool move that girl did. Before then, he was kind of convinced all psychics did was throw rocks and stuff. Turns out, there was a lot more to it. And, since she's the number one hero, does that mean she's the strongest psychic? Maybe she really was holding back when they had that little sparring session.

It wasn't just her that impressed him, though. Everyone in the S-Class was kind of amazing. Not all of them were super unique, of course, but the things they did with their abilities pushed them above the average lower-class heroes by miles. It made him wonder why that girl wanted him to rejoin the association in the first place. They didn't seem to be lacking in power. So, why did it matter if he were there at all?

"Hey..." Metal Bat muttered.

"Hm?"

The teen mulled his question in his head for a beat. It had been bugging him since he heard the news."... you really defeat Elder Centipede in one punch?"

Saitama looked at the kid through the side of his gaze for a moment."... Uh... yeah. I guess so..."

"... heh..." Metal Bat chuckled lightly. "... I thought you were a fraud at first... Guess you really are as strong as that pipsqueak said..."

"Your sister?" He could feel the teen chuckle lightly against his shoulder.

"Tornado... She really went to bat for you to get you in. Couldn't really see why till now."

"Mmm..." Saitama hummed to show he was listening. It wasn't much of a response and it didn't necessarily lead the conversation, so again they found themselves in another beat of silence soon broken by another inquiry from the teen on his back.

"Hey... how'd you get so strong, anyways? Where'd your power come from?"

"Uh... just training, I guess..."

"Training?" Metal Bat glared at the side of his face with suspicion written in his gaze. "What kinda training? I bet it's pretty intense."

Saitama thought it over for a moment. "... um... Not really. It was at first, but after a while, it got pretty easy."

"... think I could handle it?"

"No," Saitama nearly cut him off.

"What? Why? Aren't you trainin' Demon Cyborg?"

"Genos? Yeah, I guess so... but, look I'm really not a good teacher. Why not ask uh... Bang to train you? The number 2?"

"Bang...?" The teen almost seemed to ponder it for just a moment before he gave a response. "Heh... no way. That old geezer only teaches martial arts. It's all about discipline and all that shit. I don't swing that way. I'd rather just get stronger,"—visions of his fight just minutes ago came flashing through his mind. Images of the creature that was far too strong for him—"... and faster... I don't need all those flashy moves and secret techniques. If you're faster and stronger, you'll never lose."

"Uh-..." Saitama wanted to disagree, but he himself was the undeniable answer to that debate. There was no technique behind his fighting style. He was just always stronger and faster than whatever stood before him. "... well, I guess that's true..."

"So, you'll train me, then?"

"No thanks."

"Great!" Metal Bat painfully exclaimed, ignoring him completely. "Heh, can't wait to start."

"It's still a no."

"-but, I ain't callin' you master like that kiss-ass cyborg."

"Saitama!" Fubuki came floating down along with Bomb both looking frantic but relieved.

"Oh..." he muttered. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't remember her name. It had something to do with the weather, much like her sister's, but that was as far as he got. "... hey, what's up?"

"Where the heck were you!?" She demanded, worry still clearly plaguing her visage.

"y-Yeah, sorry about that. I hope I didn't ruin the plan. I ran into this guy fighting some ninja monster back there."

"Metal Bat?" Bomb muttered taking note of his injured form. "Is he alright?"

"Heh," the teen in question chuckled, lifting his head from Saitama's shoulder. "-course I am. Just look at me."

"A ninja monster!?" Fubuki exclaimed.

"That wasn't a ninja. It was that piece-a-shit Hero Hunter."

"Uh-!" Bomb exclaimed. "Garou!? You found him!? Where is he!?"

"Relax," Metal Bat quickly waved him off, "He's done for. Saitama here struck him out in one swing."

"One swing...?" Though he wasn't doubtful of the bald man's antics, Bomb couldn't help but be a little skeptical. He had met Garou only a few times but the one thing that was apparent was the boy's unnatural resilience. "... you sure he was out?"

"Heh, oh yeah," Metal Bat chuckled out. "If not, it wouldn't have taken him long to catch up. Pesky bastard," he added in a low grumble.

"Who cares about that!?" Fubuki belted, still looking frantic. "Saitama! My sister, she... she needs your help!"

Saitama just stared at her with his usual blank expression.

"She's still trying to fight and she's hurt! She's ... she's really hurt and I... I don't know how much longer she can hold out!" Fubuki pleaded with him. She partially wanted him to be a little more panicked or urgent, so his lack of emotion made her all the more worried."Please! She..."

"Heh," Metal Bat chuckled from Saitama's back. "And I thought that little pipsqueak was invincible."

"She's not! And she's in danger!"

"Tch, as if she'd break her back to help any of us." Metal Bat continued. "She's the one that's always saying an S-Class hero shouldn't need help."

"I know!" Fubuki shouted. "She always says that, but... she..."

"She's one of us." Bomb finished for her. "Regardless of her power or her views, she has gone far beyond her limits to not only defeat the main villain, but also to save many of your colleagues from their own perils."

Metal Bat scoffed at the old man's words and looked elsewhere.

Saitama glanced at the teen on his back with a curious gaze before Bomb drew his attention back.

"Though her words are often harsh, I believe there is good reason behind many of Tornado's actions... we cannot abandon her."

Saitama looked to Fubuki to see her brimming with tears that seemed only moments from falling. Of course, he didn't mind helping. It was sort of in his job description after all. What confused him was this burst of emotion from the girl he's only known for a few days now. She's always been pretty animated, but this worry was new to him and... kind of unexpected. After overhearing her sister berating her over the transponder earlier, he had assumed they didn't like each other much. Even fresh off that embarrassing moment, here she is begging him to save her. Between the face time call earlier and this, if there was anything he learned today, it's that... 'Siblings are weird...'

"Hey, old man," Saitama called out, drawing everyone's attention. "This kid needs a doctor. Think you can take over for me?"

The relief on Fubuki's face was palpable. She looked at Saitama as if he were the only hero she had ever seen. Bomb noticed the teary-eyed smile, and couldn't help but grin himself. There was just something about witnessing the struggles of a sibling that always brought him back to his older days protecting his brother. He looked back to Saitama and nodded. Before he stepped toward the two to comply, something in the distance behind them caught his eye, and that smile of his melted away. "... Garou..."

Saitama was oblivious to the change in his demeanor as he and Metal Bat made their way toward the two. "Hm? Uh-.. no. It's Saitama, actually."

"n-... no way..." Metal Bat muttered, peeking back over his shoulder.

Fubuki's shaking hand pointed toward the two, stopping the bald hero in his tracks. "t-... t-that's... the Hero Hunter...?"

"... Hm?" Saitama finally turned around to see the ninja monster they were fighting earlier stalking toward them looking furious. '... he's still...?'

"Fubuki," Bomb called out, grabbing her attention. "... I know it's a lot to ask, but... you must take Metal Bat away from here... do your best to heal him." Even from the great distance between them, Bomb locked eyes with his brother's former student. "I will engage Garou myself, and buy some time until my brother comes..."

Fubuki's gaze snapped up at the elderly man with clear concern. "Huh!? I... I can't leave you to fight alone!"

"You will... the boy is in bad shape, and Saitama is needed elsewhere."

The bald hero in question had his curious gaze plastered on the approaching creature with great interest. He hadn't put his all into that punch earlier, but when did he ever? Usually, whatever he hits doesn't get back up...

"Saitama-boy... We mustn't waste time... Please, go and assist the others, and... if you happen to see my brother, tell him... that Garou is here..."

'... my face hurts,' Tatsumaki mulled within her mind. '... why does my face hurt...?' Of all the questions to be asked, that was the most prevalent to the forefront of her waning consciousness. The last thing she remembered was fighting alongside Demon Cyborg against the hoards of multiplying black creatures. How pathetic... needing help from the likes of him... or needing help at all, really.

This marked the third time in less than a month that she's been here in this humiliating position. Moments away from death, desperately seeking salvation. Not that she'd ever voice that... Of course, she told herself this was only a little break. '... heh... yeah... so what I blacked out for a bit... I'm... I'm just... resting...'

For how long?

...

Could she wake herself up, if she tried?

...

Was she even really out, or... is she just playing possum... hoping someone shows up again to save her?

...

"Heh... you're strong, little Tornado..."

There it was again... That voice that always found its way back to her... mocking her with words of comfort.

"Ya know... I should really watch my back... You may even be stronger than me..."

'... yeah right...'

"People that are strong, like us... we can't expect help from anyone..."

'... I know...'

"... you're strong, little Tornado."

'I know...!'

"... People that are strong like us-.."

'shut up...'

"We can't expect help from-.."

'Shut up...!'

"People that are-.."

'Shut up-shut up-shut up-!' Like a mantra plaguing her thoughts, Blast's voice was overbearing, and it didn't matter what she did to try and ward it away.

"You're strong, little Tornado."

It was always there.

"People that are strong like us..."

'SHUT UP!'

"... ergh... urrrggh..." she groaned, one of her eyes creaking open just a bit. Everything was blurry and spinning, and that pain in her cheek was much more prevalent. Only, now, she knew what it was.

Genos was dragging her, trying for all he was worth to get them away from the hoard of Black creatures still surrounding them. Only, he had no arms or legs. He had her shirt collar clamped down in his teeth. With her cheek scraping along the ground, she watched as a few of the S-Class heroes still standing tried protecting them. Even they were getting overrun. Along the way, she noted the heroes that had fallen. Darkshine was laid out cold both arms burnt to a crisp. Tanktop Master pummeled beyond recognition. Amai Mask, torn in half... Who was left other than Atomic Samurai and his quickly diminishing group of swordsmen? ... Was there no one else?

In the further distance, she watched as a golden behemoth held the injured form of Child Emperor up by his backpack with one hand, and the broken and mangled arm of the naked Puri-puri Prisoner in the other. She couldn't believe it... they were all... losing...

[Golden Spermatozoon / Threat Level: Dragon]

"Keh-!" the golden monster spat, looking down on the nude hero with an arrogant smirk. "So much for teaching me about combos. These heroes are always so arrogant."

"Heh," Homeless Emperor uttered from behind him. "What goods a combo do when you can't even touch me."

Golden Sperm carelessly tossed the unconscious Child Emperor to the ground. "Did you take care of that sword bastard that cut off my hand of 12 trillion?"

"Not yet." The two turned their attention toward Atomic Samurai and his underling who were both huddled down nearby. "Looks like he just ran outta steam."

"Then step aside," Golden Sperm commanded, stepping toward them. "I'm gonna kill em' all, one by one."

Tatsumaki painfully lifted her head up from the ground to get a glimpse at Genos when her shirt collar suddenly went slack. Before she could really see him, he crawled over her, protecting her from the onslaught of attacks from the multiplying monster. Punches and kicks rained down from every possible direction. They were drowning in a sea of darkness, continuously being thrashed by the relentless waves of strikes. Instead of the whoosh and splash of true waves, however, the annoying voice of the creature mocked them from every direction.

"Heh-heh-! These are the S-Class heroes!?"

"How PATHETIC!"

"Yeah! And that idiot Gyoro Gyoro told us to watch out for them!? Pfft!"

"I'm glad he's dead!" The others cackled at the proclamation.

"Good riddance!"

"Now, I'll be on top!"

"You!? Yeah, right! It's gonna be me!"

"He is you, you idiot!"

"Shut up! Just keep poundin' this hunk-a-junk! I'm gonna be the one to kill the girl! She's the number 1 hero after all, heh-hah!"

If she had any fight left in her at all, Tatsumaki would've wiped the floor with these arrogant little bastards... but, she just didn't have anything left. Lying beneath Genos, she could hear every ding of every hit. She could hear him grunt from either the pain or the effort it took to keep his body up.

"... g-... Gen-..os..." she managed to utter.

"...Don't-... worry... I'm certain... he is on his way!"

"Keh-! Who? The real number 1!?"

"Haha! Look at these so-called heroes!"

"Waitin' for someone to come save ya!? Ha-hahaha!"

Genos held firm, taking as much of the damage as he could, trying to ignore their words. "... he's... he's coming...! I know it...! He always shows up... just in time!"

Suddenly, the blows stopped as the creatures howled their laughter into the night air.

"Oh really!? Hah! Well then, I guess we better finish you off quickly, then, huh?"

Genos and Tatsumaki relished in the moment for only a second before their attention was drawn toward the parting sea of black creatures. Golden Sperm came trudging their way.

"Hm-hm-hmmm!" It muttered a laugh. "Please. Enlighten us as to who it is you expect to come and save you, tin can." As it approached, thousands of the smaller black creatures were jumping into its body, regenerating the lost appendage until it was back.

Genos held the creatures mocking gaze with an unwavering conviction behind his eyes. Even completely defenseless, he defied death's attempts to shake him from his course. "My... my master is coming... He is the... greatest hero who's ever li-...! Urgh-!" he groaned when he was suddenly lifted from his defensive position over Tatsumaki by his head.

"Keh-! You don't seem to understand, boy..." With an unreasonably violent flurry of attacks, Golden Sperm sent Genos crashing back down into the ground below. "There's no such thing as a great hero. You all are supposedly the best of the best! And look at how pathetic you are! Heh! Greatness is thrown around far too loosely." The villain paced around with an air of authority. The exceptional crowd of Black Sperm clones all jeered at every word. "I mean... look at their number 1 hero... heh-heh-heh."

The chuckling from the crowd was all Tatsumaki could focus on as she heard the behemoth approaching. Every scuff of its feet drawing near let her know that time was up. Resting wasn't a luxury she had anymore. "hurgh-!" she groaned when the beast gripped her by the head and lifted her from the ground.

Golden Sperm held her up as a fisherman would to display an impressive catch. "Such a tiny thing, right?" Again, the waves of black clones laughed at her defeated form. "And according to that idiot Gyoro Gyoro... the only true threat to our victory." He spun her around so he could see her grimacing face.

Tatsumaki could only claw at the massive hand holding her head, to no avail.

"I was gonna start with that Atomic bastard who cut my hand of 12 trillion, but... I think starting with the best is only fitting for the new world leader, huh? So... scream for me, worm." He began applying pressure little by little and watched her wriggle for her life. "Scream! And let the entire battlefield hear your cries!"

Tatsumaki refused. No matter how bad it hurt, she wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

"Persistent, huh? Well, then... how about this?" With its pointer finger, it began digging into her abdomen simultaneously.

"Hergh-!" she groaned at the additional pain.

"Come on... lemme hear it." The devilish monster chuckled at the way her face contorted. It was taking everything she had to hold it in, but that was all part of the fun. "Heh-heh-heh! Come on!"

Genos could no longer find the strength to move. He could only watch Tatsumaki squirm in the monster's grip from his place on the ground. "... ma-...ster..."

"Hah-hahaha!" Golden Sperm bellowed out along with its sea of other selves. "Look at her thrash about! How pathetic!"

"Such a resilient leader," one of them mocked.

"Just give up already," another said.

"You can't win!"

Golden Sperm pulled her closer to peer into her squinting eyes. "Hmm... Ya know, if I add any more pressure, that little noggin of yours is gonna pop like a melon."

Even with that threat, her anguished visage was deadset in defiance. She wouldn't break... never!

"So... let me hear it..."

She glared at his smirking face in pure hatred, and... maybe it wasn't the best move, considering her predicament, but in the grand scheme of things... did it really matter? "... pfft!" She spat the blood accumulating in her mouth right in his eyes.

Suddenly, the crowd of jeering clones fell deathly silent. Golden Sperm didn't even flinch when the liquid hit his face, but the smirk was gone. "... Disgusting..." Mercilessly, he drove his finger deeper into her gut.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!" She couldn't keep up her facade anymore. The pressure on her head, the pain digging into her abdomen; it was all too much! Her cry ignited a new wave of cheers from the ocean of clones. This was it! He was about to do it! Golden Sperm was going to kill the number 1 hero! Surely it would garnish enough respect to reign supreme when this was all over!

"Yes... Yes!" the villain shouted over her wailing. "Let them hear! Let them all hear! Everyone will witness I, Golden Sperm, killing the number 1 hero!"

Now that her composure was shattered, Tatsumaki was a frantic mess! She couldn't stop screaming, and her legs wouldn't stop kicking! The mocking cackle of this golden douchebag would be the last thing she ever heard...

"You're strong..."

... Huh?

That voice... that voice in her head...

It wasn't Blast that time...

"Nice fight..."

Saitama...? Now, she was hearing that idiot?

"I'm sure if you work harder... you'll get even stronger..."

'... I know...'

"I'm sure if you work harder..."

'... but... what if I can't...?'

"... Then, die..."

Tatsumaki gripped the fingers of the monster from the sides of her head, her eyes flickering with a dull green energy. '... but... I don't wanna die...'

"... Huh?" The motion was so abrupt that it halted Golden Sperms maniacal cackling. "Ah... so, you still have a little fight in you. Heh-heh... Such a shame..."

(BOOM)

With a sudden rumble, everyone and everything on the battlefield halted. The blast was so powerful that the very earth beneath their feet seemed to flex, kicking up a layer of dust, like a drum player smacking a dusty snare drum.

Golden Sperm and his legion of black selves all looked around wondering what the source of the blast was. Their curious gazes turned to shock and horror when a massive wave came soaring over a ridge nearby. It wasn't so much the size of the wave, rather what it was made of. A few drops of the liquid rained down on the crowd forseshadowing the impact of its whole when they tore through whatever they landed on. It was that filthy potent sludge of President Ugly! Only, there was a lot more of it!

The crowd of Black Sperm all began to scramble in vain. A good chunk of the annoying little bastards were caught in the crashing wave. Their shouts of horror and disgust permiated the air. Golden Sperm leapt to a safe distance just in time, unintentionally still gripping the head of Tatsumaki.

Genos used the moment of opportunity as a well needed distraction and escaped the grave he was caught in. He couldn't exactly control his flight path, but the thrusters on his back pushed him through the crowd of Black Sperm and out of range of the acidic waves. He rolled and tumbled before sliding to a halt with his face in the dirt. It was there that he was finally able to catch his breath. 'Heh... I... was starting to get worried, but...'

"Yuck... What was that thing?"

Golden Sperm and his remaining selves tracked the source of the unknown voice to the top of the ridge.

"... Huh? Who's that?" one of the Black Sperm voiced

"Yeah! What the hell kinda hero are you?"

"The Bald Cape Guy? Hahahaha!"

Saitama finished wiping the gunk from his hands, both of which were exposed now. His red gloves nowhere in sight. "... Hm?" His gaze traveled around the sea of white faces all cackling at him for some reason. 'Whats this all about?'

Golden Sperm was locked in place. This bafoonish looking hero... He looked like an absolute idiot, yet every cell in his golden body was screaming danger. 'My... my heart... its racing...?'

"Uh... No, my name's Saitama."

"Pfft-haaa! What kinda idiotic hero name is Saitama!?"

"heh-Yeah! It sounds so bland!"

Saitama did his best to track the speaker, but they all looked and sounded alike. At this point, he was just sweeping his eyes around the crowd. "It's... just my name, actually,"

"Oh man, how lazy!"

"No stupid flashy hero name or anything!?"

"What an idiot!"

Again another round of laughter erupted from the crowd.

Golden Sperm could almost curse his less evolved selves for being so arrogant. But, that was just it. They were less evolved. They couldn't sense this unreasonable dread as he could. 'Heh... may be best to lay low and see what this guy can do... No use wasting this perfect form too soon... Yeah... I'll...' Fear and panic washed over him when the man's lazy gaze just so happened to find his. An involuntary gasp escaped his lips as he stared into Saitama's cold black eyes.

"heh...heh-heh..." Tatsumaki chuckled.

Golden Sperm glanced at the girl in his hand for only a second. 'She's...' It was only a glance. He took his eyes off him for a fraction of a second, so... how...? When he looked back, the man was an arms-length away from him! So fast that his other selves were still looking at the top of the ridge! He couldn't dodge, he couldn't block, and he couldn't counter!

"Hey... let her go, dude..."

(BANG!)

The sea of Black Sperm stumbled from the rumble of the impact. It was a blink and you'd miss it moment, and even the ones that didn't blink were left baffled by the sudden disappearance of the yellow-clad baldy.

"l-... LOOK!" one of them shouted, pointing toward the plume of smoke that rose where Golden Sperm once stood.

Slowly, but surely, the dust fell away, and the first thing it revealed was the partial remains of Golden Sperm. Everything from the hips up was gone. The legs left standing finally fell, pushing the remaining dust away to reveal Saitama holding Tatsumaki in his arms.

"w-... WHAT THE HELL!?"

"WHAT WAS THAT!?"

"DID THAT CAPED BALDY JUST-..!"

"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"

Saitama was oblivious to the chatter of the crowd. It was all muddled together, anyways. He stared at the remains of the gold creature for a moment. 'huh... He looked a lot bigger from far away...'

"e-... ergh..." Tatsumaki grumbled, drawing his attention.

"Oh, hey," he said, just as her eyes began to creek open.

Her vision was as blurry as its ever been, but it was slowly coming back to her. The first thing she saw was his silhouette, and for only a moment, he looked a little like, "... blast...?"

"I'm glad I made it in time, again... Are you okay?"

"... what?"

Saitama blinked a few times, wondering if he had asked something weird. "Hm?"

When her senses flooded back to her completely, there was something about the moment that held her in place. Maybe it was the shock of how fast everything happened or her injuries finally catching up to her, but... her heart was racing, and she couldn't pull her gaze away from that half-lidded stare of his.

"... Uh... it's okay... I can take it from here..."

She was confused. Why was he talking to her like that? That's when she realized it. She was... crying? Not outright balling, but her eyes were watering, and a stray tear found its way down her cheek. With a sharp sniffle, she blinked away her stupor and began to wiggle in his arms. "p-.. Put me down!"

"Huh?" Saitama nearly obliged before he thought about it. "Are you sure you can stand? Your leg is bleeding."

"I'm fine! Jus-.. let me go!"

"... okay." He gently lowered her until her toes touched the ground then slowly leaned her forward.

Immediately, Tatsumaki gripped his forearm with a yelp of pain. Something was definitely broken.

"Whoa," he muttered, holding her steady.

"I'm fine!" she shouted, regaining her balance. With a deep breath, her feet left the ground again, and she let go of his arm.

"Oh, yeah. You can fly... That's useful."

"m-Master..."

Saitama's gaze searched around for a moment until he spotted his protege dragging his broken body toward them with his chin. "Genos?"

Tatsumaki hovered right where she was and watched him leap away. '... Saitama...'

"Oh man," the bald hero muttered, squatting down next to his student. "You really gotta be more careful, Genos. It feels like you're all beat up every time I see you, lately."

"y-Yes, Master! I... apologize for being so weak..."

"w-Whoa-whoa, I didn't mean it like that," Saitama quickly amended. "You're gettin' pretty strong. I just mean... be more careful, ya know?"

"Uh-..." Genos gasped, looking up at him with an odd glimmer flashing through his eyes. Eventually, a small smile crept its way onto his face. He was thankful for the concern for his well-being.

With a bored yawn, Saitama stood back to his feet. "Alright... I should probably get to work on beating these guys. It feels like we've been out here forever..."

(BOOOOOOMMMM!)

Suddenly, there was a new blast of energy that shot up into the sky in a massive beam of light. When it died down, Saitama noticed that the sea of black creatures that were once mocking his bald head was gone. In its place was a creature that looked just like the one he just defeated, only instead of gold, this one was silver. "... huh..."

"Heh... heh-heh-heh... You... you were completely unexpected, caped baldy..."

Saitama stepped away from Genos and Tatsumaki, not wanting them to get caught in the mix. 'Does everyone think that's my name?' He found a comfortable spot across from the creature and stood in wait with his arms folded over his chest.

"To think any of you heroes could stand up against my perfect Golden Spermatozoon form, let alone defeat it... You destroyed many of my selves, but... Luckily, not enough... This technique is a gamble, as it took every last one of my remaining selves to complete, but... now... I am-PERFECTION! 54 trillion have come together in unison, so that you all may witness the glory of my true debut as..." the creature struck a dramatic pose with its hand to its chest. "PLATINUM SPERMATOZOON!"

"...Uh, yeah. That's cool, or whatever, but I really don't care about all that."

Platinum Sperm grit his teeth at the audacious response. "Tch... typical hero. Always so arrogant! That's the reason I plan on changing things around here! Once I kill you and that little number 1 brat, I'll become the king of the monsters, and-.."

"Hold on," Saitama said, stopping his rant early. "Before you get carried away, I'm really not interested. I'm kinda sick of hearing self-introductions. You all wanna be king-this or president-that. I fight a lot of monsters just like you, and you're all the same. You say you're 'perfection' or whatever, but I'll probably end up finishing you in one punch, anyways, right? So, can we just skip to that part? I really don't expect much..."

Platinum Sperm didn't say anything for a moment. He seemed conflicted with himself, shuffling through a range of different emotions before steadying his features. "... Heh... heh-heh... you fool..."

Saitama stared at him curiously before something behind the creature caught his attention. "... Hm?"

"Do you not understand that you are currently witnessing the birth of the strongest creature this planet has ever seen?" Platinum Sperm continued. "I am the absolute pinnacle of all known life forms! I am the byproduct of so many parts coming together for the sake of evolution! I AM PERF-... Where'd he go?"

Atomic Samurai laid back against a boulder, all of the energy in his body depleted far beyond anything he had ever experienced. Not far from him, the still unconscious Child Emperor, and the mangled body of Puri-puri prisoner. He wasn't dead, but he wasn't too far from it. None of them were, it seemed. Atomic Samurai's final view of the world would be the back of his student, standing defiantly against this attack that would surely kill them all.

Iaian held his sword in a shaking grip as he gawked at the massive ball of light forming above the head of Homeless Emperor. He couldn't possibly do anything to defend anyone he was trying to protect right now. Even so, he held true to his beliefs.

"e-... Even if I can't defeat you... I... I won't back down!" He swallowed down the lump in his throat and examined the situation. There had to be a way out. There's always another angle! 'Okay... it's just him now. Those white-faced demons all scurried off, so... maybe if I can buy Master some time to recover...'

Homeless Emperor flashed the swordsman a cheeky grin, inspired by his tenacity. "Heh... You've got guts, kid. Standing up to God's vessel with such pride? I commend it, but... unfortunately for you, I've grown... bored of toying with you all."

"Iaian..." Atomic Samurai muttered, drawing his student's focus. His gaze remained on the enemy, but he had his ear. "... run."

"I won't!"

"... Iaian, there's nothing more you can do for us... I am ordering you to-.."

"I won't leave you... You promised me you would teach me everything you know, and... you haven't!" He readjusted his grip for what felt like the thousandth time. "So... I can't let you die here!"

Atomic Samurai watched Homeless Emperor launch his attack. He was far too close, and the attack was too big to avoid now. "... I wish... I had another chance..."

(BOOOOMMMMM!)

Suddenly, the attack was blocked just before Iaian made his move. The explosion kicked up a cloud of dust.

"Uh-!" the young swordsman gasped. When the dust settled, he was overcome with relief. "t-... Tornado!" That relief soon turned to concern once more when he saw the state she was in.

Tatsumaki stood on shaking legs between Homeless Emperor and her comrades. She barely made it! If she weren't so depleted, it would've been nothing to throw up a barrier from a distance. As it was, she couldn't even stay afloat while exerting her remaining energy. It took all she had left to deflect that attack, and somehow, she knew she was probably gonna have to do it again.

"Tornado... You look terrible," Atomic Samurai muttered.

"s-.. Shut up..." she called back. 'I... I c-can still...'

"Oh... you're still alive," Homeless Emperor noted. "Looks like Golden Sperm couldn't finish the job after all."

She glared at him through her unsteady gaze, doing all she could to build up enough energy for at least another barrier.

Homeless Emperor held his finger up, producing another ball of light that kept growing bigger and bigger until it surpassed the size of his previous attack. "No matter... from the looks of it, you're not much of a threat, anymore. As God's vessel, I shall smite not one, but three of the highly touted S-Class heroes myself. May the heavens witness me in my grand finale! Let their screams of agony be praise to the ear of the creator! HEAR MY SYMPHONY AND REJOICE!"

Tatsumaki glared at the oncoming attack for a split second. With a deep breath, she prepared herself to give her all, but before she could the bald head and white cape of Saitama suddenly leaped in front of her.

He stopped the ball of light with his palm and stared at it curiously. 'Wow... this thing's surprisingly dense...' With a squeeze of his hand, the ball exploded.

Tatsumaki fell back from the force of the blast into the arms of Iaian, who guided her down to her butt to cushion her fall. Again, she watched Saitama's cape fluttering in the wind. It was almost identical to the very first time she saw him. Only this time, he turned around and looked her right in the eyes. He didn't say anything, but that look on his face was irritating. It was somewhere between confused and curious.

"Huh?" Homeless Emperor examined the new arrival when the dust settled. His view of what happened was obscured by his own attack, but surely it should've wiped them all from existence. So, how was it that this bald man was standing without a scratch on him? More importantly, he wasn't even looking his way. "And who the hell are you? Another wannabe hero?"

Saitama's gaze lingered on Tatsumaki for a moment more before he turned around. "Huh? No. I'm Saitama. I am a hero."

"Heh, not very well known I take it. I've never heard of you." The bald man crossed his arms over his chest, completely dropping his guard as if he wasn't currently faced with a divine being. "Is that why you've chosen to interrupt my symphony? Come to take me out and try and make a name for yourself?"

'Symphony...? What's this guy talking about?'

"Of course, I understand. We all seek to elevate our status in the eyes of the world. Unlike you, I've taken a different approach. Giving my mind, body, and soul to a higher being has brought me the tools I need to exceed my own limitations! Before, I was but a lowly man, no better than you pathetic mortals, scavenging for food to survive. Until one day..."

Saitama zoned out almost immediately. He turned back around to see Tatsumaki struggling back to her feet.

"Miss Tornado, a-are you sure you're alright?" Iaian asked, helping her, even as she tried to swat his hands away.

"I'm fine... jus-.. let me go..."

Atomic Samurai watched her as well and noted how subdued her voice was. It was at least a hundred times less annoying than usual. Was she just completely spent or was there another reason? His eyes then slid past her, landing on their newbie. The way he stopped that attack... 'Did he just use his bare hand?'

"Gegh-!" Puri-puri prisoner gasped next to him.

Atomic Samurai looked his way, and he could see it in the gleam of his eye. Prisoner saw the same thing. It wasn't just his imagination then. He followed the naked man's gaze back towards Saitama, who still had his curious look on Tatsumaki, and could only chuckle to himself. 'Heh... I owe that man a drink...'

Saitama peeked back over his shoulder to see the homeless guy still monologuing to himself about something. When he turned around, Tatsumaki seemed like she was readying herself for another round.

She stared at his curious face with a boiling rage building up inside of her. Why did he keep saving her? There are other heroes that need help... so... why?

Saitama noted her scowl and ignored it completely. 'Hm... guess her sister was right. She seems kinda out of it.' His eyes flickered from her exhausted gaze to the gash in her thigh that was drenching her leg in blood. "... uh, hey. I don't think you should-.."

Tatsumaki suddenly gasped, her eyes flickering up above him, cutting his words short!

Saitama turned around to see the infuriated face of Homeless Emperor ready to launch one of his bombs!

"YOU DARE IGNORE MY DIVINE TALE!?"

(Boom!)

Suddenly, Zombie man burst from the ground between them snatching Homeless Emperor by his throat! He drove him into the dirt with enough force to crack the earth! Homeless Emperor's ball of light harmlessly fizzled out into the wind. With half his face still slowly mending, Zombie man grabbed his right hand and snapped it at the wrist!

"AAAARRRGHGHGH!"

"Hergh-! Surprised to see me!?" he growled out in a menacing voice that sizzled with rage.

"You-! How are you alive!? I-.. I killed you!"

"Yeah... thought I was really done for there... urgh-!" he groaned when the last bit of his left eye mended. He winced at the pain for a moment before his expression settled back into it's usual scowl. "Even saw the river to the other side, but... I'm a terrible swimmer." He gave him a good left hook before slamming down on his throat once more. "Unfortunately for you, that means I'm still alive. Can't let off one-a your little light bombs at this range. Go ahead... Try it...! Let's see who survives."

Saitama was locked onto the altercation with great interest. 'Whoa... this guy's kinda cool when he talks... It's like watching an action movie or something...'

Homeless Emperor couldn't hide the terror in his eyes. He was staring at a true monster. "b-BLACK SPERMATOZOON! GET HIM! GET HIM OFF ME SO I CAN SMITE THEM ALL!"

Zombieman caught a glimpse of something in his peripheral. It was quick, but he saw it. By the time he turned around, Platinum Spermatozoon was feet away from an oblivious Saitama ready to take his head off with a right hook. As fast as he was moving, Zombieman knew that it would probably kill anybody that wasn't him! But, he would never make it! Saitama was staring right at him! He wasn't even aware of the situation! 'Damn it! He's not gonna survive that! Move you idiot! MOVE!'

Saitama watched the cool man turn towards him. Why did he look so worried? He turned to his right and saw that the silver guy was right in his face with an attack. '... oh.'

Before he could make a move to defend himself, which he probably wasn't gonna do anyways, he was suddenly shoved from behind. As he fell forward he turned around enough to see the silver guy absolutely clothesline Tatsumaki, sending her skipping down the battlefield for a ways.

'Hey... why'd she...'

"Hergh-! You dare try and flee after witnessing perfection!?" Platinum Sperm launched a flurry of chaotic strikes that tore holes in the ground from the force alone.

Saitama evaded each and every attack as he tried to get a better view of Tatsumaki. With a big leap, he caught sight of her laying face down about a hundred yards away. On his way down, he saw her place her hands in the dirt as if to push herself up again. 'Seriously...?' He evaded a few more strikes before he landed on the ground and saw his opening. '... okay.'

Platinum Sperm watched as the man visibly switched from defensive to offensive. He saw it coming, and yet, when it was right in his face, it was almost like he never had a chance, to begin with. Such speed, and... that pressure that ran down his spine... Was this... "Oh f-.."

(BANG)

With the most direct punch he possibly could've thrown, Saitama connected, and as always, there wasn't much left of the monster he was fighting when the dust settled...

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-!"

Saitama turned around to see Atomic Samurai holding his gut laughing against a boulder as his student tended to his wounds. Before he could even wonder what that was about, another sound caught his ear. It was like running water. Waves, really. He leaped toward the direction he remembered seeing Tatsumaki last. As soon as he got over the ridge, he saw her standing toe to toe with some kind of giant water monster. "Wow... she sure is tough..."

Tatsumaki heaved out painful breaths as she glared into those big disgusting eyeballs floating freely inside the giant wave before her. "Okay... I ca-.. I can do this... Can I do this...?"

Suddenly, the eyeballs darted away from her. She tracked them towards the incoming projectile that was Saitama. With its waves roaring in excitement the creature charged toward him. And... yet again, with nothing more than a single punch, he split the wave in two. Tatsumaki watched him land through the resulting rain. It was kind of gross considering where the water came from, but she used it to wash the blood from her face.

Saitama stood across the barren field and watched the remains of the water monster rain down for a moment. 'Wow... it really was just water... and it still only took one hit...' With a disappointed sigh, his gaze swept around until he saw Tatsumaki. She was using the falling rain to wash her face clean, still awkwardly standing on her injured leg. Saitama tread his way over. Along the way, the water stopped falling, and Tatsumaki glanced his way. He noticed the subtle irritation in her eyes when she did, and the closer he got, he realized that she was slightly holding herself up off her injured leg; not completely flying, and not really standing either.

"I don't need your help..."

Her icy words stopped him in his tracks, a few feet away from her. "Oh... are you sure? You don't look like you'll make it too far on that leg."

"I didn't need your help," she corrected. "I... I would've beat that thing... if you didn't butt in."

"Hm?" Saitama raised a curious brow. After seeing her earlier, he had no doubt she would've destroyed that thing at full strength, but even an idiot like him could tell she was beyond exhausted. He could mainly tell because she wasn't yelling in his face, right now. "Um... okay, but you seem pretty tired now. Maybe we should get you to a doctor."

"Shut up... I said I'm fine..."

"Oh... okay..." Saitama turned around and began walking back in the direction of the others. "So, that was the last monster, huh... Hm... guess that's mission complete... Ya know, you're actually pretty tough for a girl so sm-.."

(pfff)

Saitama turned around at the soft thud to see that she wasn't even following him. In fact, she was laid out on her back, out cold. '...o-kay...?'

"Sai-... Saitama?" Child Emperor questioned as he mindlessly worked on repairing Genos to the best of his abilities. He couldn't do much without any spare parts, but he could fix up his remaining cybernetic pieces.

Atomic Samurai remained leaning against the boulder he was on, clutching the new sword he was given by one of his predecessors. "I saw it for myself, this time... Unnatural strength is an understatement."

Iaian was now working on patching up Puri-puri Prisoner, but even he couldn't hold his water. "It was amazing! Those light balls that Homeless Emperor was shooting? He blocked it with his bare hand!"

Child Emperor was locked in disbelief. More so at the fact that he slept through something so amazing! "... no way...!"

"And that strike on that silver creature was nothing short of amazing," Zombieman cut in. "Such speed... he may even be faster than Flashy Flash."

"Teh-!" Atomic Samurai chuckled. "Don't let him hear you say that. Anyways, what did you do to that Homeless Emperor guy? I've never seen that power before."

Zombieman peeked back over his shoulder at the smoldering spot where he had him pinned. "Wasn't me. I tried to pry some information about his power. He blabbered on about some God and then just went completely manic. Then, he just kinda melted... beats me."

"Huh," Atomic Samurai mulled. "... Anyone got a transponder on hand?" Everyone conscious sounded off with some version of 'no'. One would think those things would be more durable than they are. "Whelp... once we've recovered enough, we should head out and look for survivors."

"No need," a new voice interjected. They all turned their gaze on Flashy Flash who came trudging toward them with Pig God by his side. "We've recovered Tanktop Master, Darkshine, and Amai Mask. The lower-ranked heroes were all evacuated along with the two children. The only ones not accounted for are Bang, Metal Bat, Blizzard, Tornado, and the new guy."

"Tornado and Saitama should be somewhere over that ridge," Zombieman informed him, pointing to where he saw the bald man headed. "As for Bang, I'm not sure."

"He's fighting Garou!" Again, a new voice entered the conversation. It was Fubuki who came jogging over to them with Metal Bat. She apparently healed him enough to work his body on his own. "He and his brother! Now, where's Tatsumaki!?"

"Whoa-whoa-whoa, Garou?" Iaian asked. "As in 'Hero Hunter' Garou?"

"That bastard is still alive, huh?" Atomic Samurai groaned. "If it ain't one thing, it's another... job's never done."

"Hey, did nobody hear me!?" Fubuki shouted. "Where's my sister!?"

"Hold on, you just let Bang run off and fight on his own?" Zombieman asked, his question aimed at Metal Bat.

"Tch, old man wanted to fight him solo. I definitely would've taken another crack at that bastard."

Flashy Flash peeked over his shoulder when he felt something coming. "You may just get your chance..."

Everyone followed his gaze, and they were immediately put on high alert seeing a very different creature than they were expecting, stalking toward them.

Garou looked even less human than he did when he faced Metal Bat. He personified a monster to the truest extent now. His presence alone was enough to put them all on edge. They all stood against him, the ones still mostly operable placed themselves at the front to protect those who were still recovering. Of their group, the only ones truly in fighting shape were Flashy Flash, Zombieman, and Metal Bat.

"Well, well..." Metal Bat muttered, swinging his bat with a flourish. "Guess the old man couldn't kick any sense into him like he said..."

"Iaian," Atomic Samurai called out to his protege.

"Yes, master!"

Atomic Samurai settled his blade on his hip before he spoke again. "You, Fubuki, and Pig God... head for that ridge to the north. Get Demon Cyborg and Prisoner to safety, and... when you see Saitama, send him this way..."

"y-.. Yes Master! Right away!" he shouted. He went to grab Prisoner before Pig God stepped in front of him.

"Leave him to me, it will be easier for you to carry Demon Cyborg."

"Underst-.." Iaian froze for a moment when he saw him suddenly eat the injured hero in the most disgusting way possible. "o-... Oh..."

"w-... Wait!" Fubuki shouted. "I... I can't leave I'm... I'm looking for my-.."

"Your sister is safe," Zombieman quickly informed her. "Well... I'm not sure about safe, but Saitama went after her. Over that ridge."

"Now, get out of the way," Flashy Flash coldly stated, "Unless you wanna get caught up in this..."

Fubuki stared at the approaching monster with her heart ready to race out of her chest. That was warning enough. She, Pig God, and Iaian-who was carrying Genos on his back-took off for the ridge.

"Alright," Zombieman said. They all stood alongside each other, watching him approach. "Got a plan, kid?"

Child Emperor strapped his backpack in, worry very apparent on his young face. "Uh... nothing yet... I... I don't know what he can do yet."

"I have a plan," Flashy Flash cut in. He drew his sword, and with a cool steel-like tone, he finished, "...attack." As soon as that word left his mouth, he was gone in a flash.

Garou stalked toward the group like a mindless beast with only one thing on his mind. 'Where is he... where is that bald bastard!?' He watched as a few of the group broke off and fled the other way. Now, his current targets were clear. 'Guess I'll just draw you out...'

Without a second of hesitation, Garou flipped forward, narrowly dodging the blade of Flashy Flash that would've taken his head off. He made eye contact with the speedy hero as he dodged his attack.

'... when you come to save them...!'

AN: There we go! And, someone pointed out that this story has been more than five years in the making! GOD that's insane! I... have to work faster, lol! Hopefully, the quality of the story at its end will make up for how long it takes. Trust me when I say I have plans for this thing! That being said, I still feel I should reiterate the fact that this is more or less a side project for me. I'm passionate about it, but I can't really make it my main focus in life at the moment. So, please stay patient, and again, if you're here for the lovey-dovey side of the story, just hold on for a little while longer! I want the story to progress naturally to a point where that would make sense. As you could see in this chapter I've more or less planted the seeds. Let's see how it grows from here!