"Ah, look!" Saitama pointed to a stall. "Is that fried seahorse? On a stick?!"
"Indeed, sensei," Genos said. "Seahorses are believed to cure infertility, asthma, and most interestingly, baldness. Would you like to buy some?"
"There's no way a seahorse can cure baldness," the cyborg's master said, peering at the oddly-shaped animal. Were those hairs on its back? "T-that's just a rumor."
"Indeed," Genos said, breaking the bald man's train of thought. "Let us continue on, then."
Saitama adjusted the beddings on his shoulders before heading off once more.
The two were currently strolling down a decently-crowded street lined with stores and markets made mostly of wood and glass. Every so often, they would pass by people selling items that would bring them good fortune, wealth, and sometimes even ladies. Annoying as they were, it made the environment quite lively.
It seemed that the web of streets was endless; every corner brought something new to catch the duo's eyes. From books to trinkets, it seemed everything there was made with good quality — and had decent prices as well. The only thing the two had yet to find was a good fruits-and-vegetables stall. The ones they'd been to had either already been emptied of their best products (Genos could tell since he was equipped with a newly-upgraded analysis tool), or simply didn't have low enough prices (Saitama could tell since he was a cheapskate).
"Hmm," the baldy said. "I don't think that there are any good stalls for fruits here."
"Indeed," Genos nodded. "It seems that all of the best items have been taken already. Maybe because they haven't yet restocked since the disaster in A-City? "
"Ah, maybe," Saitama said. "That makes sense."
The cyborg brought out a small brochure he'd taken near the street-market's entrance. They'd visited most of the stores on this side of the district, but hadn't crossed the bridge to the next half of the area.
"Sensei," Genos pointed to the distance. "Apparently across a river, there is a small group of stores that sell local yields. It is around 500 meters away."
"Oh?" Saitama said. "Just straight ahead? Let's go, then."
The two began to walk, this time with a sense of direction.
"Young Saitama!"
A warm old voice made them turn their heads. They were met with a martial artist raising a hand in greeting.
"Ah," Saitama said. "Hey, Bang. You here to do some shopping as well?"
"Yes," the old man nodded. "I'm looking for some radishes. You?"
"Oh, just walking around," the baldy said, shrugging. "We haven't really found anything interest— wait, actually. Got any idea where to find some good tomatoes?"
The S-Class martial artist shook his head.
"Ah," Saitama shrugged. "Well I guess I'll see you around."
The baldy turned to leave.
"Wait!" Bang called, noticing something off. "Has Tatsumaki left already? Is she not with you?"
Saitama turned back around.
"Nope," he said, placing his hands on his waist. "Took a bus to City A a half-hour ago. Looked kinda set on leaving, honestly."
"I see…" the S-Class said, rubbing his beard. A tinge of disappointment seeped into his voice. "That's a shame. Well, good luck finding your fruits, you two. Feel free to stop by my dojo one of these days."
"Sure," Saitama said, starting to trudge off.
Bang frowned as he walked away from the pair of heroes. So Tatsumaki had left, huh? It seemed that the bald man and the esper had not gotten along as well as he thought.
.
.
Tatsumaki was one of the strongest people Bang knew. Ever since he joined the Association, he'd only heard praise for the woman who stood atop the hero world. She was the fearsome final weapon of the Association that roared against any and all forms of villainy. Her very presence brought order to the lower ranks of heroes, inspiring and striking awe into those who witnessed her strength.
That image broke as soon as the older man met the girl in person — during the very first S-Class meeting ever held.
The S-Class had been formed both out of necessity and proactiveness. As monsters increased, threat levels were beginning to adjust, trending towards more and more dangerous creatures. Eventually, there appeared more and more monsters that only the A-Class could handle. Soon, the Association knew, there would appear more that the A-Class couldn't.
At the same time there was a lot of infighting between ranks. The system was a mess of powerful braggarts and rank-climbers that abused the fact that power and quantity of monsters defeated were the only requirements to be A-Class. Soon enough, more dangerous people would end up at the top than the Association would be comfortable with.
Thus, the decision of making the S-Class was made. Heroes that the higher-ups saw that could defeat a threat level of demon with ease slowly appeared, as well as those that could set a good example to those below.
Metal Bat. A soul-searching delinquent boy that, despite his hot temper, had proven to be a hero time and time again. His ability to get stronger through sheer willpower would be a great asset in motivating the lower ranks.
Watchdog Man. A strange, quiet man in a mascot. He had a charismatic air about him that both charmed and calmed citizens he met. His claim over Q-City was powerful and absolute.
Superalloy Darkshine. A behemoth of a man that exemplified strength through training. His power combined with his fame in the bodybuilding world would be suitable in encouraging both heroes and civilians to reach further heights.
Silverfang. A world-renowned martial artist that seemed to have joined the Association at a curiously old age. The respect and support he garnered among his peers, as well as the students of his dojo, were all more than enough to prove his status as a role model.
These, along with two other heroes Sitch had personally contacted, were to be some of the first S-Class in the Association. There were too few to have a meaningful ranking yet, so they decided to simply dub them 'S-Class' for now.
A small meeting room was prepared for the heroes: a pure white-walled affair with a heavy black table placed commandingly in the center. A wide touch-screen had been embedded into the table as well, running lengthwise in the middle of the black slab.
Six gray chairs lay politely beside the dark centerpiece, three on either side.
A door to the room was pushed open by a bearded man in a suit.
"Please take a seat," he said. "And wait for further instructions."
The four heroes nodded, splitting into two and taking their seats.
Metal Bat immediately placed his feet atop the table.
"We're quite the weird-looking bunch," he said, bringing out a pack of gum. "But I guess we're strong, huh?"
"I've heard about you all," Darkshine said. He leaned over the table and held out a hand. "And I'm pleased to meet you."
The delinquent boy shook it. "'Sup, muscle dude. It's my pleasure."
Bang chuckled, happy that the heroes were getting along.
"Seems the Association hit the mark, making this new class of heroes," he said. "I wouldn't say I'm as strong as you all, but I'm glad to make your acquaintance, nonetheless."
"Psh," Metal Bat said. "You're the famous martial artist Bang, right? You might be old, but I know you're tough. Everyone says so."
"Ha ha!" Silverfang said. "I am quite capable in combat, but I'm sure the rumors about my strength have not gone out of hand."
Metal Bat smirked. He hadn't been expecting much before he'd been invited. His experience in C-Class was more stressful than anything he'd ever experienced before. Heroes fighting among each other for fame and glory. Blackmail and beatings within the ranks. The only reason he kept going was so he could beat the living hell out of monsters.
But the S-Class seemed different, somehow. There was a sense of respect in the air that felt genuine.
"I don't doubt them," he said eventually. "Old people in this business are here for a reason." He leaned back, then turned his head to the white… dog beside him. "Anyway, how's it going, mascot dude?"
"Good," Watchdog Man said, sniffing the air. "There are more people coming."
.
"These are who I'm dealing with?! These… these muscleheads are gonna be S-Class, too?!" The shrill voice of an esper cut through the respectful air without a second thought.
"Who are you calling musclehead, midget?!" Metal Bat stood up, head tilted menacingly.
"MIDGET?!"
Sitch quickly appeared behind the esper, raising his hands in an attempt to placate the two.
"Now, now," he said. "We mustn't disrespect our peers. Metal Bat, meet Tatsumaki. The Tornado of Terror."
The group raised their heads at that name.
"You're that Tornado of Terror?!" Metal Bat said incredulously. "The one that the Association sends to beat those new Dragon-level whatsits?"
"The very same," Sitch replied. "Please take a seat while I wait for our last guest. He might not come, to be completely honest."
The small esper took a seat beside Silverfang as the Association's Minister of Justice left the room.
"Tch," she said. "I told Sitch having a meeting was useless."
"Um," Darkshine began. "How so?"
"It's a waste of our time," the girl huffed. "This is stupid. We could be beating monsters right now."
"I'm sure that it's to get acquainted with each other," Bang said respectfully. He'd heard a lot about the girl and hoped that she would be open-minded with an explanation from her new peer. "And learn about the Association's expectations for us as S-Class heroes."
The girl looked at him.
"We're all strong," she said. "And they want us to defend weaklings from monsters they can't win against. That's why we're here."
"Er, of course," Bang said. "But I'm sure assigning us to a special rank means we have certain leadership responsibilities as well, no?"
"I don't care about all that," Tatsumaki scoffed. "Inspiring small fry is useless."
.
The meeting eventually started with Sitch apologizing for the delay. It seemed that he couldn't contact the last S-Class hero and would just relay the information to the ones present.
Bang listened as Sitch listed the reasons for their choices in who to make S-Class, as well as the general expected behavior for them as a whole. It seemed that they were picked not only for their combat capabilities, but their ability to sway others as well.
That is, except for Tatsumaki. As the Association's final weapon, it seemed that her only responsibility was to defeat monsters. That explained her little tirade before the meeting.
Silverfang frowned.
Of course, it wasn't as if the martial artist couldn't tell that she was strong. Her very presence and attitude was reason enough to believe that she was someone who had never lost a battle in her life. No. He knew she was powerful. The problem was that he'd seen that same type of person before.
It was like looking into a mirror of his past self.
Tatsumaki was a hero obsessed with strength and blessed with the skills to be at the top. If she was left to continue on her path alone, she would be lost. Another proud warrior claimed by the cycle of violence.
"Anyway," Sitch continued. "As of today, your only objective is to train. As you get stronger, so will your fame and respect grow. That will be a—"
Bang thought he was the first to react. The moment he saw the wall across him twist and form into a mass of hands, writhing like shrivelled clay, he was already kicking it down into pieces.
BANG! BANG!
But it was a diversion. Gunshots rang out behind him.
"Argh!" Sitch yelled out of the old man's field of view. His stomach lurched. Another attacker? Had Sitch been hit?
The martial artist turned his head to find a surprising scene.
Two bullets floated midair, surrounded by green energy. A monster with guns for hands had been demolished in an instant; a mere pool of blood on the floor.
"GRAHH! YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!"
Bang's head shot back to the wall he thought he'd destroyed. Pieces of it began to pool together in the corner of the room like glue, slowly turning into a humongous cre—
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"
It was ripped into glowing green shreds. When those shreds tried to reform, they were torn into even smaller ones.
The trouble had been dealt with in mere moments.
Darkshine and Metal Bat stood in the center of the room, not quite sure what had just transpired.
"S-Class, tch!" Tatsumaki scoffed, floating in midair. "You two are useless."
"What just happened?" the delinquent said, agitated. "Was that an attack?!"
"Gh!" Darkshine said, slowly dropping his arms from their defensive stance.
"Where's Sitch?" Bang said. "I heard him get hit…"
"No," said a voice from above. "He screamed because I brought him to safety."
The heroes turned their heads upwards. Watchdog Man gripped the ceiling, the high-ranking Association member dangling from his mouth like a stuffed toy.
"A-ah, ye-yes!" Sitch squeaked. "Thank you, Watchdog Man."
As the hero let the man down, he brushed himself off.
"W-well," the big-nosed man continued. "As I was saying… please get stronger. I'll report this immediately, and, um, can one of you please guard me while I go? Please contain the… uhm… remnants of those intruders until the cleaners arrive."
The man left, legs shaking. Watchdog Man followed behind him.
Bang sighed. It seemed that his reaction time had slowed in his old age.
"YOU TWO IDIOTS WERE JUST STANDING THERE!" Tatsumaki shouted at Darkshine and Metal Bat. She quickly turned to Bang "And you!" she pointed at him. "You were facing the wrong way!"
Bang hung his head.
"Hey, listen here!" Metal Bat said. "I was up as soon as I saw that monster pop from the door—"
"So why did I have to stop its bullets?" Tatsumaki spat. "Because you shot them? The enemy that you saw seemed pretty alive to me."
"Grh!" the delinquent clenched the cheap steel bat that lay at his side. But before he could act, he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. Darkshine shook his head.
"If you bother her," he said. "She'll kill you. Besides, everything was taken care of, right?"
"Damn straight, musclehead," Tatsumaki said, shutting off her powers and dropping to the floor. "Know your place."
The girl walked off, leaving the other heroes with the two messed-up monsters on the ground. Bang couldn't help but wince as he looked at the pair of mangled remains. Monsters or not, they were brothers.
It seemed that the martial artist's instincts weren't the only things that time had softened.
The three heroes sat in the ruined meeting hall in silence, waiting for a few janitors and Association members to investigate the scene.
.
Their first meeting had not been quite the one Bang had envisioned. Instead of being greeted by a shining star — the embodiment of the future generation's heroism — he was met with a troubled youth cursed with power.
Unlike Bang who had a reliable older brother to help bring him back to his senses, Tatsumaki was completely alone and at the very peak.
As the two heroes interacted here and there, Bang respectfully gave advice to her, reminding her that she was a hero with the power to influence others. It didn't often work.
Eventually, he knew she would tire of his meddling.
The hero watched helplessly as Tatsumaki slowly shut herself off. As reports of her fights circulated around the Association, Bang found that she had absolutely no care for the destruction her battles caused — nor for the fellow heroes she fought with. She was turning into a double-edged blade that the Association wouldn't be able to break ties with. It pained him to be incapable of saving her, of showing her the proper path.
And when Garou rampaged, he knew he could no longer continue trying.
.
Bang sighed as he walked through the lively marketplace, hearing Saitama's voice slowly fading away. To think that not even he was able to change her.
There was probably a good reason why. While the man might have been strong, he was much too carefree to be truly capable of helping someone like the esper. And from the looks of it, that attitude wouldn't change anytime soon either.
It was time for everyone to move on.
"Silverfang," Tatsumaki's voice echoed in his head.
Oftentimes his regrets surfaced in the form of memories. This time didn't seem to be an exception.
"Oi, Silverfang," it spoke again, reminding him of all the times he could have tried harder — of all the times he could have taught her how to truly live. If only he'd been able to reach her—!
"Hey, old man!" the voice said aggressively. "Are you going deaf or something?!"
"Hunh?!" Bang turned around.
He was greeted by the sight of the esper — still in the hot spring's pink yukata — breathing heavily.
"Tatsumaki!" he exclaimed. "I thought you were leaving for City A!"
The girl held out her tattered black dress.
"I remembered that I kind of forgot to give back the baldy's manga," she said breathlessly. She unfolded the outfit to reveal, indeed, a few books that certainly looked out of place in the esper's hands. "I've been looking everywhere for him."
How interesting.
"Mmm… you could have had a few Association drones send them to his address," the old hero raised an eyebrow. "Right?"
The esper flinched.
"I hadn't thought of that," she said quickly. "Anyway, have you seen him?"
"Hmm," Bang smiled under his moustache. "Say, why don't you give them to me? I can take them to him and you can be on your way."
The esper clicked her tongue. It looked like she'd been found out.
"Ugh, I owe him this, okay?!" Tatsumaki puffed her cheeks. "After all he's done for m— I mean, after letting me stay somewhere, this is the least I could do! So, uhm, just tell me where he is, okay?!"
For the first time in a while, Bang laughed. A wholehearted, joyful laugh that didn't seem like it would stop anytime soon — much to the esper's embarrassment. To think the girl in front of him was the very same one he met all those years ago.
.
Leave it to Saitama to do the impossible yet again.
.
"This isn't funny!" Tatsumaki said. Her face was touched with a hint of pink. "I'm being serious here!"
"Ahh… yes, yes, I've seen him," Bang smiled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Just keep walking straight ahead. You should find him quite easily."
"Tch," she said. "And here I was, flying through every alley in this market like an idiot. I should've known that the baldy would just walk forward. Ugh!"
The girl nodded her head towards the old man and left, still muttering to herself.
The man smiled. It seemed that the two youngsters had changed after all.
The sky was blazing blue.
.
.
"I think it's better if we split up, Genos," Saitama said, checking an orange for any black spots. Finding none, he placed them into a plastic bag.
The cyborg took it out and inspected it, found a few minute imperfections, then placed it back in the basket the baldy had gotten it from.
"Why so, sensei?" Genos asked.
Really?
"Well… uhh…" the baldy didn't want to tell the young man that he was being a nitpicky little annoyance, but what else was there to say? "Uhh, so you can check out more stores while I go to the one you were talking about! You have the map, after all."
"But sensei, how will you know if a product is adequate for your consumption?"
"Trust me. I'll know," Saitama said, face completely serious. "Now you go ahead and get me the best tomatoes you've ever seen."
Genos gasped and saluted in perfect form.
"Yes, sensei!"
In a rush of fire, his disciple was gone.
Saitama quickly picked up the orange Genos dropped and placed it into a plastic bag. As he moved, the set of beddings he had been carrying began to slip down from his shoulder.
A green aura caught them mid-fall, freezing them in place.
"Got your hands full, baldy?"
Saitama turned around.
"Yeah, a little. Thanks, Tats," he said.
Wait.
"Tats?!"
"Yep," she said, smirking. With a flick of her finger, the blanket Saitama carried wrapped around his face. A pillow landed neatly atop his head like a cherry on a cake. "You looked like you needed my help."
"M dgthdhr mbd drbr ghbtj gm Y-bgyh," the baldy said through the cloth.
"Spewing nonsense as usual," Tatsumaki said.
Saitama pulled the blanket away from his face.
"I thought you were going to A-City," he repeated.
"Well I was, but…" the girl brought out her ripped-up dress. Quickly, however, she paused. "I… didn't feel like it."
"I see," the baldy said. He looked thoughtful.
After Saitama paid for his orange, the two began to walk along the path.
"Where are we going, anyway?" Tatsumaki asked.
"Genos said there were a few stalls way up ahead across a river. Think you can walk that far?"
"Who do you think I am?" the girl said, stepping in pace with the taller man.
"You don't need to act all tough," Saitama said. "Just a few days ago, after your little outburst, you fell asleep."
"That was because I used up too much energy," she said. "I'm fine now."
The man shrugged and they continued on.
As the two got further along the main street, the path grew narrower. The well-kempt road grew rougher, and stores lining them began to look more worn. Leaves clumped together at the edges of the road, having fallen from the tall trees that had been planted here and there along it. Faint classic songs played in the distance.
"Looks like we're in an older part of town," Tatsumaki said, frowning. "Smells like seafood."
"Yeah," Saitama said. "Did Genos get the place right?"
"If it's across the bridge, probably," the girl said, eyes set to the distance where a wide river flowed lazily. Across it was a group of more colorful buildings than the muffled browns and grays of the fish market. Tatsumaki turned to the baldy. "Let's go. I don't like this pla— hey!"
Saitama had walked over to a nearby pottery shop. There were faces on the pots that seemed to intrigue him.
"This would be awesome for my cactus," he said, showing her a pot molded with an ape's face on it. "It'll look like the monkey has a long brain, heheh."
"I'll be by the bridge," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Hey…! Ah, fine," Saitama put the sculpture down and started to follow her.
The two made their way slowly towards the wide wood and stone structure that spanned the river, feeling the breeze as they emerged into the boardwalk. It smelled of the mountains. Wild, old.
"So," Saitama said, snapping the girl out of her thoughts. "What's up?"
"… What do you mean?" Tatsumaki tilted her head at him.
"Just wanted to talk," the baldy said. "I didn't really get to chat with you much in the hot spring."
"We did. On the hill," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Hmm? Oh yeah, right," Saitama said, rubbing his head. "About all that stuff with your sister. Guess that sorta counts. You didn't end up telling her, did you? Apologizing, I mean."
"… No," she said simply.
"Well," the baldy shrugged. "It's not always easy to talk to other people." The man turned to her. "But hey, I'm glad you told her you'd talk eventually."
She turned to him, a little surprised.
"Ah… yeah," she said, looking down at the floor. "Thanks."
The two stepped onto the bridge.
Their steps sounded in unison.
.
.
"That took a while," Saitama said. "But we're here. I think."
"Smells like grass," Tatsumaki replied, nose in the air.
The two had finally arrived at a small set of shops near the other side of the river. It was like a miniature market, complete with a gate, small borders, and most importantly, a set of small shops selling exactly what they wanted: fruits and leafy greens.
"Ah!" Saitama pointed to a bunch of red fruits in a nearby set of baskets. "Check it out!"
"Tomatoes," Tatsumaki said, unimpressed. "This is what we walked all this way for?"
"Uh, no," the baldy said. "We're here for all of this!"
He gestured at the colorful area around them.
"Huh," the girl didn't look excited at all. "So… what else, exactly, are we looking for?"
"Umm… I dunno."
'Oh my god.'
"Let's check out the tomatoes first, I guess," he said.
The two walked over, the esper shaking her head.
"Welcome!" a mature woman greeted them in the stall, bowing low. "You must have come from the hot spring, am I right?"
The shopkeep gestured to their kimonos, a matching pair of blue and pink.
"And a couple's trip too," she winked. "How fun."
"Wh…! It— this—!" Tatsumaki raised her hands in denial. "Who do you think you are, lady?!"
"We came here for tomatoes," Saitama explained. "Can we take a look?"
"Of course," the woman said. She handed them a basket. "Feel free to inspect the produce."
"Thanks," the baldy took a fruit, turning it around in the afternoon light. "These look pretty nice."
"Came from the other market?" she asked, shaking her head. "The East Side has the best fish, but the West has the better fruits!"
"I see," Saitama said, looking at another tomato. "You know, I think these are good. How much for six?"
"Three hundred yen," she smiled. "But for the lovely couple, I'll sell it for two-fifty."
"Are you listening to me, lady?!" Tatsumaki leaned forward, trying to get over the fruits. "I told you, we're—"
Saitama pulled her back down quickly.
"Two hundred and fifty it is!" he said, grabbing some cash from inside his yukata. The woman took it gracefully.
"Many thanks," she said, packing the fruits into a plastic bag. "Happy shopping, you two!"
"Yeah," Saitama said, bowing his head slightly. "Let's go look around some more, darling."
The baldy took the esper's hand and walked away from the lady, tomatoes in tow.
"Sorry about that," he said, letting go and putting his money back into a small pocket inside his yukata. "Hope you don't mind."
"No," she said, turning away from him. "Anything for a discount, right?"
Saitama's eyes widened. He grabbed the girl's shoulders excitedly.
"You get it…!" he said, smiling. "Exactly!"
"A-ah!?" she said, shaking back and forth in the baldy's grip, desperately trying to hide her face. "Ha-a-ands o-off!"
"Oh, sorry." He released her.
"So," she said huffily. "Where are we going next?"
"So we have some greens at home," Saitama rubbed his chin. "But not enough fruits. Let's look for some bananas."
"Bananas?" the esper raised an eyebrow. Sometimes the baldy was in the mood for the weirdest things. She shook her head. Really, what else could she expect at this point? "Lead the way, I guess."
The two went off.
.
"There!" Saitama said, pointing to their left. "A few bunches right around the corner."
Indeed there were. The two veered off the main path and headed towards the small shop where the baldy had spotted the fruit. It looked more like the ones across the bridge — all wooden and such. Perhaps it had been remodeled?
"Welcome," a man said eagerly. "To my humble shop!"
"Sup. Can I check out those bananas?" the baldy replied, pointing at the fruits near the side.
"Er, of course!" he handed the basket to him, noting the matching outfits the pair wore. "You two from out of town?"
"Yep," Saitama replied, inspecting a bunch. "Just came to stop by. Checked out of a hot spring just a while ago, actually."
"Ah! You mean Mister Ona's spring? How lovely," the man smiled wistfully. "The East Side is a wonderful area. Perfect for dates."
"Uh huh," the baldy said, grabbing another absentmindedly.
"Your little shop's East-styled, isn't it?" Tatsumaki butted in, a little heated. She'd had enough of people making assumptions of her relationship with the baldy. "Why're you here, then?"
"Ah," the man looked a little troubled. "My dear wife lives here — And… well, she doesn't like it on the East side."
"Huh?" Saitama's ears perked up. "Why?"
"Ah," the man said. "Well, it's… nothing, really. I profit from living here with her, is all."
"Hm…" Saitama scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well, how much for these?"
The bald hero paid for the fruits and left. He tucked them in with the tomatoes.
"That was kind of weird," Saitama said, heading back to the main road. "You noticed too, right?"
"Dunno," Tatsumaki huffed. "But at least he was selling for cheap."
"Something about his wife?" the baldy continued. "And money?"
"Mm," the girl turned her head at him. "You worried or something?"
"Just wondering," Saitama said, smiling. "If he was bride-b'd."
Tatsumaki looked at him blankly.
"Get it?" he said to the esper. "Bribed? Brid— Nevermind."
The man shook his head and adjusted his belongings.
Noticing a weird sound coming from a plastic bag, he pulled out the second bunch of fruit he bought. "Ah. These… don't look too good."
The fruits looked mismatched, to say the least. Some were small, some were large. Most of the bigger ones seemed to be turning brown; splotches dotted the fruit here and there. They squished as the baldy poked them.
"Man," he said. "What a waste."
"You should've checked, dummy," Tatsumaki said.
"Think I could get a refund?" he asked.
"Probably not," the girl replied. "He looked kind of relieved to be rid of it."
"Hmm." The baldy looked forlornly at the fruit in his hand.
"Hey," the girl said. "Give them to me."
"Are you gonna make him give us a refund?" Saitama asked, thinking back to his zealous disciple. "You really don't need to."
The girl held out a hand for the bananas.
"Fine," the baldy said. "Just don't do anyth— whoa!"
The fruit glowed with psychic energy. The smaller of the bunch started to grow, turning quickly into full-sized yellow crescents. She handed them back to Saitama.
"I can't remove the brown spots," she said.
"That was cool as hell!" the baldy's eyes were wide. "How'd you do that?!"
"Plants grow when an esper forces energy into them," she said. "That's all."
"That's all?!" Saitama said, holding the bananas like a newborn baby. "I've never seen an esper do that! You're amazing!"
"I-it was nothing!" Tatsumaki stuttered. She didn't know how to take compliments. "Plant growth is basic, don't make it a big deal…"
"Thanks anyways," Saitama said. "You're being surprisingly helpful today."
"Mm," the girl nodded.
"So," the baldy said, eyes glittering. "Do you mind doing that again a few times…?"
Tatsumaki looked at him.
She hated using her powers for other people. Ever since she was a little girl, people gathered around her because she was strong. Because they thought they could gain power or fame by taking advantage of her.
"I don't mind," the esper said. "Let's go."
.
.
The water sloshed lazily underneath the bridge, gently lapping around the pillars holding it up.
Saitama's arms were full of plastic bags and fruit. The blanket he carried from the hot spring was now wrapped around his head haphazardly like a snowman's scarf. Tatsumaki was holding the pillow under her arm.
After around forty minutes of shopping, the two were crossing the bridge to go back to the East side. The two had gotten a few snacks along the way and were now stepping across the wooden boards in a satisfied silence.
Looking along the river, the girl noticed a small meadow in the distance. It was nestled between the hills, filled with lovely little specks of color here and there.
"The view's really nice," Tatsumaki said to the baldy.
Saitama looked at her in surprise.
He started to laugh.
The girl's face turned pink. "S-stop! Why're you laughing?!"
"That's the first time you've tried to make small talk," he said, holding his sides. "And it didn't end up being some weird question."
"I…!"
"But you're right," he said, looking out at the water. "It is nice."
Their yukatas waved gently in the breeze.
"Sensei!" Genos' voice echoed through from the old area ahead of them. He eagerly held out a plastic bag. "I've found the best tomatoes on this side of the market!"
The cyborg jogged towards them, showing Saitama his absolutely amazing haul.
"Wow," Saitama's voice was monotone. "Two tomatoes."
"Yessir!" Genos nodded, completely oblivious to his sensei's lack of enthusiasm. "These two are absolutely perfect. Ripeness, shape, size, weight— all have been accounted for, and have proven themselves worthy for consumption!"
"I see," the baldy said. "Well, I guess those will be the first eaten then."
"Yes, sensei," the cyborg said. He handed the two perfect tomatoes to Saitama, exchanging it for all of the other bags the bald man was carrying.
Hands now free, Saitama turned to his two companions.
"Hey you two," he said. "I'm gonna go buy that monkey pot now. Gimme two minutes."
It was only after Genos properly arranged his master's groceries that he decided to comment on the pink and green girl beside him.
"You're back," he said, looking at his master trying to haggle with a hairy old potter. "What do you want from sensei?"
Tatsumaki could still hear the animosity in the cyborg's voice. No matter how many times she argued with him, it wouldn't change what he thought of her. To the kid, she was someone who had basically stolen his master's praise and replaced it with hate from the heroes he'd saved just a week prior.
The esper wasn't the one who brought down the ship. She wasn't the one that killed the Dominator of the Universe. The one who stopped him was Saitama. The being honored by the heavens, snuffed out by a baldy in a cape.
There was no cheering, no fanfare, no celebration. Just silence.
"That's the kind of person he is," Tatsumaki said.
Genos turned his head to face her.
"The baldy…" she said to him. "Is an idiot."
"What?" the cyborg frowned.
"Even though he's supposed to be a hero, he's an idiot," she repeated. "He's unpopular. B-Class. A loner. He's someone who you'd glance over in a room full of people." She turned her head to the cyborg. "Why would I want anything from him? Who would want anything from him?"
Genos grabbed her by the collar.
"How dare you…!" he spat. "After all he's done for you, this is how—"
"But he still gives," she said. "Even to those who don't deserve it. Even to the people that say he won't succeed."
The esper's green eyes were misty, but her head was held high.
"If you think I'd ever do anything to hurt him after all this," she said, looking at him. Her voice was ice. "You're an even bigger idiot than he is."
The cyborg stood there, a shadow over his face, as Saitama came back with his newly bought pot. Before he could blabber on about his haggling skills and the cool design of his cactus' new home, he noticed a dry air around the two.
"Uhh… did you scold Genos or something, Tats?" the baldy asked.
"Mhmm," she nodded. "You two are stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid."
"Why am I a part of this…" Saitama narrowed his eyes in confusion.
Tatsumaki refused to elaborate.
"Anyway," the baldy shook his head. "I think it's about time for us to go. I don't think Genos and I can really carry anything more. It's kinda sudden, but buying the pot just made me realize how much we were actually lugging around."
Also, he'd run out of cash.
"Oh, yeah," she said, realizing the time. "I should probably get going, too. The buses are probably gonna stop coming around this time."
"Well, I guess that's that," Saitama said. His disciple didn't seem like he would be moving anytime soon. "I'll be seeing you around, I guess. I'll wait 'till Genos is done with… whatever he's doing."
"Sure. Bye," Tatsumaki said, passing by the baldy and walking off. The quicker she could get this over with, the better.
"Ah, hold on!" Saitama called, jogging towards her. "Your new house doesn't have any furniture yet, right? Here."
He handed her the beddings.
"Uhhhh," she wrapped the blanket around her face like a scarf. Maybe that way he wouldn't see her turning red. "Thanks…"
"No problem," he said, smiling. "It's about a week late, but you did end up helping me shop like I asked. That's why you put up with using your powers to help me, right? Thanks for that."
She'd been figured out.
It was almost too much for the small psychic to bear. She felt herself overheating under the fabric.
"You doing alright over there?" Saitama noticed the girl acting strange. "Did walking around tire you or something?"
"No!" she said, raising her hands. "I-I'm fine!"
"Like I'd believe that after the hundredth time you say it," he said, patting her head like he would a misbehaving cat. "The esper who cried wolf."
Realizing she was leaning into his hand, the esper slapped it away.
"Gh!" she said. "I'll let you know if I don't feel good, okay?! I'm perfectly capable of riding a bus by myself!"
Saitama laughed. "Fine, fine. You can go on, then. Took longer than you thought, but we can finally have nothing to do with each other."
"Yeah," the girl said, remembering what they said atop the alien ship. Did she really say that? It seemed so long ago. "About that… I… I think…"
"Hmm?" the baldy raised an eyebrow. "You know that was a joke, right?"
"Ah…!" the esper said. "Yeah, of course!"
"I mean, not the 'I won't be seeing you around much' part. You've got a whole house to set up. Probably be a bit before you're free." he said. "But nothing to do with each other? That's kinda impossible."
"Yeah, right…" Tatsumaki sighed in relief. "So… I guess I'll see you around then."
"Yup," the baldy raised his hand in farewell. "Bye, Tats."
"Uhm, bye… Saitama," she said. "…Wait."
The girl walked over to him, frowning.
"You got something on your face," she said. "Lean down."
"Oh," he said. "Sure."
The esper embraced him.
"Nevermind. I don't see it." Her voice was honey.
In a moment, she was off. Her footsteps pittered softly atop the road.
Saitama walked back to Genos who, surprisingly, had placed some items down on the floor. The cyborg was currently writing on his notebook. For some reason he looked angry while doing it.
"You okay?" the baldy called.
"Grh," he muttered to himself, not noticing the man walking towards him. "Of all the people I could learn from… tch!"
"Genos?"
"Master!" he said suddenly. "I will not lose to Tornado!"
"Uhh, sure…" the baldy pretended to understand. "C'mon. Let's go."
.
The two had eventually gotten into a taxi, their items placed on the seat between them.
"We're making omelettes tonight," Saitama said, smiling in anticipation. "Omelette salad."
"Yes, sensei." Genos said dully. He still seemed to be deep in thought.
"Say," the baldy tapped his disciple's shoulder. "What did you two talk about while I was buying that pot?"
"Nothing important, sensei," the cyborg said. "It would not interest you."
"Oh," Saitama said. "So, like, ice hockey or something?"
"More like the state of heroism, sensei," Genos said. "On the meaning of giving and wanting a hero, to be specific."
"Ah," the man said, already getting bored. "Is that so…?"
"Yes," the cyborg nodded. "Tornado made quite an insight about you."
"Really?" Saitama asked. "What'd she say?"
The cyborg touched his chin. It would be hard to explain in twenty words or less.
"Basically," Genos said after a while. "The esper said that you did not choose who you helped out, regardless if they were worth saving or not."
"Worth it, huh…" Saitama said thoughtfully. "Well… yeah. If a monster attacks, then of course I'd fight. It kinda sucks that some people are annoying afterwards, but that's just part of the job."
"But in smaller matters like vouching for someone in court," the cyborg said. "Would that still hold true?"
"Hmm… probably not," he said. "Unless I trusted them."
"I see," Genos said. "So do you think of the esper as someone to trust?"
"Huh?" the man looked at him funny. "Wait, wait, wait. Did she commit a crime or something while I was gone?!"
"No," the cyborg said. "Just a theoretical."
"Ah," the man said. "Well… then yeah. She's got problems, but I can tell she's a good person, you know? Just like you!"
"Ah…!" the cyborg's eyes widened. "Thank you, sensei!"
"You and Tats should really get along better," he laughed, shaking his head.
"I… will try," the cyborg replied.
"Good," Saitama said, lying back in his seat.
'She's worth it, huh?' the man said. 'I kind of get it now.'
The rest of the ride home was relatively quiet.
Genos, who was in an unusually good mood, happily paid the fare.
.
.
Six Days Later
.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Hey, Genos," a sleepy voice said from inside. "Can you get that?"
"Yes, sensei." Footsteps drew closer to the entrance.
"Just shoo them away if they're trying to sell, 'kay?"
"Yes, sensei." The voice was now right behind the door.
It creaked open slightly.
The young cyborg's gaze was met with bright emerald eyes.
"Hey," she said, raising a hand in greeting.
The door slammed shut.
"Who was it?" the sleepy voice asked.
"A salesman."
BANG! BANG!
The door almost blew off its hinges, glowing a bright green.
"HEY!" a girl outside shouted.
"Genos?" the sleepy voice said. "I don't think that's a salesman."
There was no response.
"Are you shy or something? Fine. I'll get it."
.
Tatsumaki was dressed in her usual outfit: an elegant black dress with four slits jutting from the middle.
"Been a while since I've seen you in that," Saitama said, dressed in his own usual outfit — pajamas. "You got hero work today or something?"
The girl shook her head.
"I've got some furniture to buy," she said, then shouted loud enough for the cyborg to hear her. "THAT'S WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BE WASTING MY TIME, YOU BUCKET OF BOLTS!"
Saitama laughed. It seemed that Genos wouldn't be opening up so easily after all.
The girl cleared her throat. "I came here to drop this by."
She held out a neat-looking paper bag. Saitama took it, opening it up expectantly.
"Ah!" he brought out a few colorfully-illustrated books. "My manga!"
"I forgot to return them when we went shopping," she said.
"Thanks," he said, putting them back in his bag.
"Yeah," the girl said. "No problem."
.
It had been quite a while since they last spoke. Tatsumaki was completely swamped between media interviews, Association business and settling into her new home. She didn't even have the time to do hero work as of late.
While the esper had been enjoying the space and freedom she had, it was more than a little frustrating for her not to have the time to go about her day. A few days passed before she realized she hadn't gotten the chance to give back the baldy's manga yet, so she went on her way as soon as she had free time.
But she really didn't have much to say. And it didn't look like the baldy had anything to say to her, either.
Maybe it wasn't that great of an idea to come over, after all.
"Here ya go," the baldy said, handing her paper bag back.
"Eh?" the esper was taken aback. "You don't want your manga back?"
"Man, you must really be tired," the man said. "I went inside and put the next few volumes in there while you spaced out."
"Oh— huh?" the girl said, checking inside. Indeed, a couple of new books had been placed inside the bag.
"Make sure you have time to read it," he said.
"Sure," Tatsumaki said. "Yeah, I will."
She stifled a smile.
"Alright," Saitama stretched his shoulders. "I think it's time for us to get back to what we were doing."
"Ah? Right, right," she said. The baldy probably wanted to go back to sleep. "I'll be seeing you then."
"Wait," he said.
"Hm?"
He smirked. "I don't have anything on my face today?"
"What're you—" the girl started, then realized. "A-ah?!"
Saitama leaned down.
"Nothing?" he asked. "Hmm?"
"Gh!" she said. "That was— shut up!"
"Hahah! Thought you could just do that and get away with it?" he laughed. "Guess you just really liked shopping with me, huh?"
"Shut! Up!" she said. "I was just thanking you for the beddings!"
"Well," Saitama patted her head. "You're welcome."
The girl huffed. "Just forget that happened, okay?!"
"Sure," the baldy said, walking back into the apartment. "But if you ask me," Saitama held the door open. "It was really cute."
The door closed behind him.
.
The esper stood there.
Her face was completely red.
"Oh, yeah!" the baldy peeked through the door, making the esper jump. "And make sure you bring those manga back next week! I haven't read them yet."
"I— you…!" she stammered, turning around. "Fine!"
"'Kay, see ya then." He closed the door.
Tatsumaki gripped the paper bag to her chest.
.
"…Hmph!"
.
.
I've been wanting to use that word since this whole story started.
Kinda poetic, isn't it?
.
Anyway. Enough of that. Part one is finally COMPLEEEETTEEE!
It's been, what, half a year since I started? Jeeeez. A lot of you probably think this isn't such a big deal, but this is probably the longest writing project I've ever done. And I really appreciate everyone for supporting me. To those who took the time to chat and leave reviews, I cannot thank you enough. Without all the comments and advice, I definitely would have ended up writing a much less colorful story than what you've all been reading now.
I hope that wasn't too sappy, hehe!
I wanna chat more, but it'll probably end up being longer than the chapter. Feel free to contact me though! I'd love to hear your favorite chapter so far :))
Alright, I'll be signing off now!
-b—
Wait.
You have something on your face.
.
Here's a hug ;)
-bb