With a colossal boom that shook both sea and sky, the Dark Matter Pirates' massive battleship — hurled by Saitama's sheer brute force — plunged down over the unmanned sea area at the outskirts of Z City.
Like a floating mountain of steel, it loomed above the churning waves. This region had long been designated a forbidden zone due to the frequent appearance of ferocious sea monsters, making it the perfect site to house such a massive alien warship. Hidden away behind a natural barrier, it would neither disturb the citizens nor allow outsiders to snoop.
Genos, jets blazing, descended from the sky carrying Saitama — who had just finished his "porter" mission — and landed smoothly on the warship's vast top deck, right in front of Kaito.
"Phew—!"
Saitama let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, wiping imaginary sweat from his bald head. "I'm exhausted! Totally exhausted! That was only slightly easier than fighting those super-idle aunties for rice on supermarket sale days!"
"Hmph! A B-class is just a B-class! You dare complain about this much work? So useless!"
A proud, nasal voice cut in.
Tatsumaki was sprawled in Chiba Reina's rather "lethal" embrace, her emerald curls sticking to her flushed, sweaty face. Pale as paper from overusing her psychic powers, she could barely float — yet still lifted her chin with stubborn pride.
"If I'd gone all out," she muttered, "I wouldn't have needed help from a mere B-class like you!"
Chiba Reina sighed softly, taking out a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the beads of sweat from Tatsumaki's forehead. "Tatsumaki-sama, you've been using your powers for six hours straight. Now's not the time to be stubborn. Please, rest for a while."
Her gentle voice and calm rhythm only made the scene more surreal — her ample chest rising and falling with her breathing, letting Tatsumaki, nestled in her arms, feel as if she were lying on a warm, swaying cloud.
"Who's out of it?! Who said I'm out of it?!"
Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Tatsumaki wriggled furiously, trying to escape Reina's embrace. But her slender arms trembled uncontrollably — she couldn't even grip Reina's clothes. Just as she was about to collapse back into that soft, maddeningly comfortable hold, a broad, warm hand gently came to rest on her head.
Kaito half-knelt in front of Reina, his deep, steady eyes meeting Tatsumaki's tired jade-green ones. His voice dropped to a soft murmur.
"You've done wonderfully, little Tatsumaki. You performed exceptionally. Now, it's time for a hero to rest — and recover her strength."
The Emperor Engine's steady rhythm pulsed softly through his palm, flowing into her, nourishing her depleted spirit.
"Hmph! Who—who asked for your concern! Meddling… And don't call me 'little Tatsumaki'!"
Her lips pouted in protest, but her resistance was already fading. The tension drained from her small frame; the strength she had been clinging to slipped away quietly.
Within moments, she turned her face aside with a faint huff, half-burying it into Chiba Reina's chest — the softness almost swallowing her.
Seconds later, her breathing evened out, a tiny, adorable snore escaping her lips. The exhaustion faded from her doll-like face, replaced by a faint, blissful smile.
Having soothed the proud, stubborn "fluffy cat," Kaito straightened up and glanced at Reina. She gave a small nod of understanding — a silent assurance that Tatsumaki was safe in her care. Gently adjusting her hold, she cradled the sleeping esper with maternal tenderness.
With everything settled, Kaito turned and handed Saitama the fleshy orb sealed by Geryuganshoop.
"Brother Saitama, I'll trouble you to look after this fellow for a few days."
Saitama poked at the orb with one finger, grimacing at its slimy texture. "Huh? What is this gross thing? I'm not keeping it! You hold onto it, King!"
Kaito had already anticipated that response — but he also knew exactly where the bald man's weakness lay.
He slowly drew his hand back, musing aloud in a casual tone.
"Ah, what a pity… I heard that the tentacles of this cosmic octopus are hundreds of times more delicious and springy than the finest sashimi on Earth. And the best part is…"
He paused deliberately, glancing sideways at Saitama.
Sure enough, the hero's ears perked up, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
"This thing has incredible vitality," Kaito continued smoothly. "Its tentacles regenerate infinitely once cut. Just think about it — an endless supply of top-grade seafood, far more economical than those frozen fish and discount shrimp you wrestle over in supermarket sales. But since Brother Saitama isn't interested, I suppose I'll have to reluctantly—"
Before he could finish, Saitama's eyes instantly "shua" lit up like searchlights!
Infinitely regenerating top-grade seafood? And a hundred times better than supermarket discounted goods?!
"Wait!"
With movements faster than the speed of sound, Saitama snatched the fleshy orb from Kaito's hand and loudly declared,
"King! You just promised it to me! You have to keep your word!"
Fearing Kaito might go back on his promise, he hastily waved to Genos and shouted,
"Genos! Let's go, let's go! We need to find it a... uh, a 'fish tank'!"
Before his words even faded, he "whoosh" leapt off the deck's edge, speeding toward his home in Z City. His movement left a blurred afterimage in the air.
Genos gave a respectful bow to Kaito.
"Mr. King, please excuse me. I'll go look after my teacher now."
The thrusters on his back ignited, spewing blue flames as he followed Saitama into the distance.
Kaito watched the two figures rapidly vanish into the sky, then suddenly remembered something. With a smile, he called out,
"Genos! Don't forget — for the hotpot party in a few days, make sure to invite your grandfather, Dr. Kuseno, too!"
Dr. Kuseno — the genius mechanical engineer and scientist — was a man of great renown, an expert in the fields of mechanical modification and invention.
When Genos was young, his hometown had suffered a great catastrophe. It was Dr. Kuseno who had rescued him from the ruins, barely alive, and transformed him into a cyborg — saving his life.
Ever since, the doctor had treated Genos like his own grandson, giving him meticulous care and guidance.
The distant mechanical figure paused in midair. A clear response came back over the wind:
"Yes, Mr. King! I'll definitely deliver your invitation!"
As he turned, Kaito caught sight of Chiba Reina, who was lightly covering her mouth. Her eyes shimmered with the afterglow of the sunset — breathtakingly beautiful.
By now, the noise had faded away, and twilight was slowly drawing in.
On the upper deck of the massive spaceship, only Kaito, Chiba Reina — holding the sleeping Tatsumaki — and the calm sea breeze remained.
The salty wind brushed against their faces, making Kaito's clothes flutter lightly.
He stretched his shoulders and walked toward Chiba Reina, casually opening his arms. His tone was relaxed, warm.
"All right, Miss Reina. It's time for us to head home too. Come."
Two soft blushes bloomed on Chiba Reina's fair cheeks — like cherry blossoms at dawn.
Holding Tatsumaki close, she lowered her head slightly, whispering in an almost inaudible voice,
"Mm… thank you."
Then she carefully stepped forward, gently nestling the sleeping Tatsumaki — and herself — into Kaito's sturdy, reassuring embrace.
Kaito's arms wrapped around the two of them securely. With a single thought, a faint "thump… thump…" resonated from his chest as dark red qi surged outward, lifting them gracefully into the air.
They soared toward the Z City high-speed rail station, carried by the fading warmth of sunset.
The evening sky was awash in hues of orange and violet, glowing with tranquil beauty.
From a distance, one could see a tall, composed man holding a gentle, radiant woman — and in her arms, a petite, green-haired girl sleeping soundly.
Together, they looked just like a family of three returning home at dusk after a peaceful spring outing.
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