Kaito, in the end, was still kindhearted. He didn't torment the high-ranking executives too much, even though they were nothing more than petty bullies who had dared to look down on Saitama.
Amidst the thunderous roar of the Emperor Engine, the phantom outline of a towering figure seemed to emerge behind him.
"Ahhhhhh—!!!"
Geburich and the others let out heart-wrenching screams. Their minds were dragged into a boundless abyss, swallowed by darkness. From that void, countless scarlet eyes glared at them, as if ready to shred them apart.
Their pupils shrank violently. Their faces twisted in terror, mouths frothing as drool spilled uncontrollably.
Three seconds later, every single executive collapsed onto the ground—unconscious, incontinent, stripped of all dignity. The so-called elites of the Association were reduced to broken wrecks.
[Ding! Successfully intimidated Hero Association executives. Intimidation Points +0 (Target too weak).]
Kaito curled his lip in disdain. These useless worms weren't even worth the points.
"Look, Saitama, my friend."
He turned, flashing a brilliant smile, and gestured at the bodies sprawled around them."Instead of letting these scumbags buzz in your ears, wouldn't it be quieter to just smack them flat with one hand?"
Saitama forced a stiff smile, clearly in a foul mood, though he nodded in thanks. In his tired, dead-fish eyes flickered a rare hint of complexity.
The truth was simple: the executives had only dared to act so arrogantly around Saitama because he held back. He never raised a hand against ordinary people—no matter how detestable. That was his principle. That was his bottom line.
But the more he endured, the bolder these parasites became.
And when they finally crossed someone like Kaito—someone who lived by the rule of "might makes right"—their luck had run out. Kaito tolerated no insult, no injustice. To him, these insects flailing at his feet were just begging to be crushed.
Bang gazed down at the twitching bodies and sighed."This time… we've caused trouble."
The silver-haired martial arts master's frown deepened, as though the wrinkles on his face had been etched a little deeper. Already, he was thinking of how to shoulder the blame—perhaps even cutting ties with the Association if necessary.
If anyone had to be punished for killing Hero Association executives, then Bang would share the responsibility with Kaito. After all, in Kaito, he had seen a martial arts prodigy whose talent rivaled even that of his own wayward disciple. To see such a talent snuffed out by politics was something Bang could not bear.
Kaito, however, only chuckled at Bang's heavy words. He placed a hand on the old master's shoulder.
"Old man, you're worrying too much."
His voice carried unshakable confidence."Not only will the Association not punish me for killing these scumbags—they'll come begging me for forgiveness."
Bang blinked in shock. Doubt clouded his old, weathered eyes.
Kaito swept his gaze across the group. He saw confusion on Bang's face, on Child Emperor's, on Genos's as well. Only Tatsumaki looked unimpressed, arms crossed, lips curled in a pout. She had figured it out long before the rest.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Kaito shook his head, half amused, half disappointed. "You haven't fully grasped how this world really works."
He lifted a finger and tapped at the air, as if emphasizing each word.
"In a world filled with extraordinary powers, authority doesn't come from rank or position."
His voice hardened, booming like a war drum:
"Authority belongs to whoever holds absolute power."
The declaration exploded in their ears, reverberating like thunder.
Too many strong fighters, Kaito thought, were still chained down by illusions of rules, status, and order. They failed to see the essence of power itself.
And so, with a sly smile, he spread his arms as though embracing the entire world.
"Right now, the three strongest beings alive—Saitama, Tatsumaki, and myself—are all standing here. Shouldn't the world run according to our ideals, rather than some garbage regulations?"
The words echoed across the plaza, heavy and undeniable.
Bang felt something inside him break free. A fog that had clouded his mind for decades lifted all at once.
Then—he laughed.
"Hahahahaha!"
The old master's laughter rang loud and clear, filled with relief and admiration.
"Well said! Well said indeed!"
He thumped his back with a fist, eyes shining with youthful brilliance."All these years, and I still hadn't seen it as clearly as you!"
After all, Bang hadn't exactly been a saint in his youth either. He only came to his senses after being severely beaten into humility by his older brother, Bomb.
Because of that, his outlook wasn't rigid or outdated. In fact, he was surprisingly open to Kaito's perspective.
Child Emperor, on the other hand, seemed indifferent to the fate of the fallen executives. Adjusting his glasses, the boy genius let out a small sigh, his face marked with concern.
"King, the reconstruction of A-City might be delayed now. The Association's operations still relied on these… vermin."
Kaito waved dismissively."Don't worry about that. Those scumbags didn't climb their way up because of skill or brilliance—they only got where they were because the system gave them a platform."
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he continued:
"We can pull capable people directly from the grassroots ranks of the Association to fill their places. Honestly, they'll probably do a better job."
Then, with a knowing smile, he added:"And when new officials are appointed, they tend to work themselves to the bone to secure their positions. For a while, at least, the Association might actually become efficient—maybe even incorruptible."
Child Emperor's eyes widened, his mind instantly grasping Kaito's meaning. His gears started turning rapidly, and excitement lit up his small face.
"I see! This is the perfect chance for a major reshuffle of the Association!"
Clapping his hands, he added with enthusiasm, "I'll start compiling a list of reliable grassroots members right away!"
Truth be told, Child Emperor had long been aware of the Association's corruption and had even collected evidence of its darker dealings. Executives secretly selling captured monsters to wealthy clients for entertainment was just one of many scandals hidden behind their polished image.
As he darted off with renewed determination, Kaito nodded in satisfaction.
Turning his head, he noticed Saitama watching him with a complicated expression.
"What's wrong?" Kaito asked, raising an eyebrow.
Saitama scratched the back of his bald head, then—rarely—broke into a genuine smile."Nothing. I just feel… it's really good to have you around."
The simple words warmed Kaito's heart. He knew all too well that for someone as blunt and emotionally dense as Saitama, being able to say such a thing was already a huge sign of acknowledgment.
"Let's go," Kaito said with a grin, patting Saitama on the shoulder. "We still need you to move this big guy!"
The mention of work snapped Saitama right out of his brief sentimentality. Rolling up his sleeves, he looked energized again, thumping his chest.
"Just leave it to me!"