Chapter 21 — The Heroes Association
Watching Zenin Kyūjō speak to Saitama in that oddly gentle tone—like a parent trying to soothe a fussy child—Amai Mask could only avert his gaze. He simply couldn't bear to witness it.
A hero as mighty as Lord Saitama, fooled so easily by something so simple… it was almost painful to watch.
But then, Tatsumaki suddenly interjected, crossing her arms with her usual sharp glare.
"By the way, baldy—aren't you a hero registered under the Association too? I heard they were even considering promoting you to Class S recently." Her tone was laced with sarcasm. "And yet, you're this obsessed with supermarket discounts? What kind of S-Class hero can't even afford groceries?"
Her green eyes narrowed, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.
"Honestly, besides being bald, you're also ridiculously stingy, aren't you?"
She pointed at Saitama accusingly, puffing her cheeks slightly as she continued to scold him. It would've been cute—if not for the daggers in her tone.
But before Saitama could even respond, Genos stepped forward, his voice full of righteous indignation.
"Miss Tatsumaki! Please do not say such things! The situation isn't what you think!"
He clenched his fists. "Lord Saitama is a truly extraordinary man! Most of the money he earns from defeating monsters—he donates it all to charitable foundations, helping civilians rebuild their lives after disaster! He expects nothing in return and wishes only for them to live in peace!"
"Because of that, he lives a humble life himself! But even so, I deeply respect him for his noble heart! He and my master, Zenin Kyūjō, are the two guiding lights in my life!"
The room fell into awkward silence.
Zenin Kyūjō (internally): Seriously, Genos? Are you reciting a heroic speech now?
Saitama scratched his head, looking completely lost. The truth was much simpler—he didn't actually intend to be charitable. He just had more cash than he needed, so he donated the excess without much thought.
And, well… having no money left afterward gave him a good excuse to freeload meals at Kyūjō's place.
Genos, bless his mechanical soul, had clearly misunderstood everything.
Saitama sighed inwardly. Ah, whatever. Let him think that. Saves me the trouble of explaining.
— — —
That night, after everyone else had left, Zenin Kyūjō silently floated out from his balcony, soaring through the night sky above Z-City.
Where was he headed this late?
If he said "the supermarket," would you believe him?
No? Fair enough.
Then maybe… he'd just buy the entire supermarket instead.
From tomorrow onward, everything would be permanently fifty percent off.
Problem solved.
— — —
The next morning, Saitama arrived early at Kyūjō's house. After a hearty breakfast with Genos, the trio set out for the center of Z-City.
When they arrived at their usual market, Kyūjō pointed toward a massive banner fluttering above the entrance.
"Saitama, see? I wasn't lying yesterday."
Saitama's eyes lit up. The excitement was almost childlike. He stared at the bright red letters sprawled across the banner:
"Grand Opening! EVERYTHING 50% OFF! Shopping is fortune! Shopping is victory!"
Without hesitation, the bald hero dashed straight inside, merging with the chaotic crowd like a man possessed.
The three spent nearly four hours in that supermarket—yes, four full hours—before finally emerging with both hands loaded with overstuffed shopping bags.
But just as they returned to Kyūjō's quiet district in Z-City, ready to rest and enjoy their victory haul, all three of their Hero Association communicators began buzzing simultaneously.
— — —
Less than five minutes later, a Heroes Association helicopter descended near Kyūjō's balcony, kicking up dust and loose leaves.
The trio boarded, and the aircraft immediately took off toward A-City, home of the Association's central headquarters.
— — —
When the elevator to the top floor slid open, the three stepped out into a vast, gleaming hall.
"Oh, it's Saitama! And Genos, the Demon Cyborg! And… Zenin Kyūjō, the White Light of Z-City. Welcome!"
It was Bang, the S-Class Rank 3 hero—also known as Silver Fang. He bowed slightly, smiling in greeting.
But before they could respond, the man beside him—Atomic Samurai, chewing on a toothpick—snorted.
"Bang, these two—baldy and white-hair—they're not S-Class, are they? I heard there's some planet-level threat coming. So why are they here?"
His tone dripped with disdain. "Even my A-Class disciples didn't get summoned. What makes these two so special?"
The air grew tense.
Bang sighed quietly, about to explain. He had seen Saitama fight with his own eyes. That single punch that obliterated a Dragon-level monster—no other hero could have done that.
But before he could speak, Genos's engines flared, bright heat searing through his armor vents.
How dare this samurai insult his master and Lord Saitama?!
Every booster roared to life as he prepared to attack—only to feel a calm hand rest on his shoulder.
"Enough, Genos."
Kyūjō's voice was low but firm. "I don't care what he says, and neither does Saitama. Let's just move on."
He gave Bang a brief nod, then walked past Atomic Samurai without another glance.
Watching the three disappear down the hallway, Bang sighed, rubbing his temple.
"I was trying to be polite, you know," he muttered. "Did you really have to mouth off like that?"
Atomic Samurai just clicked his tongue.
— — —
By the time all the S-Class heroes had arrived, everyone's attention was inevitably drawn toward one corner of the meeting room—where Zenin Kyūjō, Saitama, and Genos sat quietly.
The last to enter was Puri-Puri Prisoner, who froze mid-step the moment he saw them. His eyes sparkled with… far too much interest.
"Ooooh~! That white-haired young man is so handsome! And that cyborg—mmm, not bad either~! Which one should I choose~?"
The nearby heroes all instinctively shifted their chairs a little farther away.
Meanwhile, Zombieman (Rank 8) muttered under his breath,
"With Blast and Metal Knight absent, that's… everyone. If they've called the full roster, it must be something catastrophic."
Metal Bat (Rank 15) leaned back lazily, cracking his neck.
"Whatever it is—monster, alien, or god—I'll just smash it."
Watchdog Man (Rank 12) crouched in his seat like a bored dog, nose twitching before his eyes narrowed.
"Someone just farted."
Superalloy Darkshine (Rank 11) flexed silently, inner monologue blazing like sunlight.
Yes… everyone's watching. Behold! Marvel at this perfect, radiant physique!
Tatsumaki (Rank 2) hovered in the air with her usual arrogance, sweeping her gaze over the room before stopping at Pig God (Rank 10), who was still eating noisily.
"Besides Zenin Kyūjō and that bald guy, everyone else looks useless… and that fat pig! Can he stop eating for one second?"
Lastly, King (Rank 7) sat in the corner, face pale and expression grim.
Dum... Dum... Dum...
The sound of the King Engine echoed softly through the room.
And with that, the meeting of Earth's mightiest heroes began—each one unaware that their true test was already approaching.
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