Chapter 32 – Bang
"Garou, do you know why this martial art is called Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist?"
"In my eyes, water is the most unique element in existence. In its gentleness, it can cradle everything in the world… but when enraged, it can shatter mountains and shake the heavens themselves."
"Whether it flows softly or rages violently… depends entirely on the one who wields it."
After saying those words, Bang bent down slightly and struck the surface of a small stream beside the dojo with a single sharp palm.
Splashhh! The water exploded upward in a dazzling burst.
Garou—still a young disciple back then—watched as the large boulder that had once blocked the current cracked apart, breaking into countless tiny fragments under the force of the raging stream.
— — —
That memory resurfaced vividly in Garou's mind.
As soon as he realized it, he opened his eyes wide.
Drawing in a deep breath, he began to adjust his stance, his breathing, and his focus, imitating the motion and spirit of the man who had once been his master—Bang.
At the same time, he could sense the strange, pulsating power radiating from Metal Bat—an overwhelming pressure that could only be described as aura.
Gifted with a natural instinct for battle, Garou began to awaken a similar power within himself. He could feel it stirring, rising, twisting together with the flow of his Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, fusing into something new.
From two directions, both Superalloy Darkshine—his black fists gleaming like forged steel—and Metal Bat, whose fighting spirit blazed through his steel club, charged toward him simultaneously.
And at that moment—time itself seemed to freeze.
Garou's temperament shifted in an instant. His movements became perfectly fluid—calm and yet overflowing with deadly purpose.
Both palms moved in harmony. He performed a refined, evolved version of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
With his left hand, he gently swept aside Metal Bat's steel club, mimicking the serene flow of a quiet stream.
But with his right hand, he struck with all the ferocity of a raging torrent—infused with something beyond technique… an emotion that burned deeper than hatred.
It was the True Malevolent Intent that Demands Equality.
Plak!
Dumm!!
Two distinct sounds erupted at once—one sharp, one booming—echoing across the shattered landscape.
In that instant, both Metal Bat and Superalloy Darkshine were blasted backward like rag dolls.
Metal Bat's arms twisted grotesquely, bending into unnatural arcs that made anyone who saw them shiver in pain.
Superalloy Darkshine's body convulsed violently—blood spurted from every pore, his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all at once. It was as if an invisible storm had torn through his body from within.
Meanwhile, Garou stood tall and silent. His breathing was steady. His eyes gleamed with an eerie, tranquil light.
He had finally grasped it—
the true essence of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist.
He didn't continue his assault. The two heroes before him were broken, unable to stand. There was no need.
Looking down at the still-conscious Metal Bat, Garou spoke coldly:
"Evil desires equality… Justice doesn't always mean victory. Hero Association—allow me, Garou the Human Monster, to bring your era to an end."
With those words, his figure flickered—and vanished.
His next destination: City Q.
Having undergone a drastic evolution, Garou now sought to finish what he had once failed to accomplish.
"Watchdog Man… are you ready? The Hero Hunter is coming."
As for the S-Class hero who had once humiliated him—the bald man known as Saitama, One Punch Man, Rank 9—Garou had yet to put him on his revenge list.
Because deep down, even now, that single punch still haunted him.
Even after all this growth, he wasn't confident he could defeat that "damned bald guy."
— — —
High above, floating in the clouds, Zenin Kyūjō observed silently as Garou disappeared into the horizon.
He murmured to himself, "This kid's talent for martial arts… it's almost demonic. His will is unbreakable."
"If he truly manages to break his limiter someday… could I still defeat him?"
He paused for a moment, then chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
"Can't win, huh? Hah… but that doesn't mean I'll give up either."
"A limiter, huh…? Honestly, I'd like to break mine too."
Extending his hand, Kyūjō looked down at the battlefield below. Superalloy Darkshine lay on the brink of death, while Metal Bat's arms were grotesquely twisted.
Two small orbs of glowing green light appeared in Kyūjō's palm. He flicked them downward, sending them drifting toward the two fallen heroes.
The orbs sank gently into their bodies, mending a portion of their injuries.
Only then did Zenin Kyūjō turn away, disappearing into the sky once more.
— — —
Not long after, the Hero Association Headquarters in City A received word of the incident.
The news spread like wildfire—
Garou, the Human Monster, had defeated three S-Class heroes in a single battle at City V:
Metal Bat, Tanktop Master, and Superalloy Darkshine.
The organization was thrown into chaos.
That same evening, a global announcement was made.
— — —
HERO ASSOCIATION – OFFICIAL MOST-WANTED NOTICE
Name: Garou
Alias: The Human Monster
Threat Level: Dragon (Peak Tier)
Evaluation:
An extraordinarily dangerous individual attempting to overthrow human civilization itself. Considered an enemy of all mankind.
Additional Notes:
Anyone possessing verified information about Garou's whereabouts will be rewarded 10 billion yen upon confirmation.
WARNING:
This individual is extremely dangerous. All civilians are advised to evacuate immediately upon sighting him.
Heroes below S-Class are strictly forbidden from engaging Garou alone.
In case of contact, evacuate and report via the following official channels:
Emergency Line: 0758-6666
Garou Capture Hotline: 0758-7777
— — —
In City Z, inside a quiet dojo, Bang—Hero Association S-Class Rank 3, known as Silver Fang—stared at his phone screen in silence.
The global manhunt notice for his former disciple glowed brightly on the display.
"…So it's come to this, huh, Garou…"
Without another word, he switched off his phone and stepped outside the dojo.
But the moment he did, a figure appeared before him—blocking his path.
It was Atomic Samurai, S-Class Rank 4. His expression was hard, voice sharp, hand gripping the hilt of his blade.
"Silver Fang! So the monster who nearly killed my student Iaian… was your student all along?"
"If you can't give me a damn good reason today, I'll have no choice but to handle him myself."
Bang exhaled softly, his face calm.
"Kamikaze… what Garou has done is my responsibility as well. I no longer deserve the title of hero."
"You have my word—I'll handle this myself. I'll uphold the honor of my dojo… and bring Garou back."
"For what he did to your disciple… I apologize."
Bang bowed deeply.
Atomic Samurai's fury faded a little. He stepped forward and helped the old man straighten.
"Then let me come with you," he said firmly. "You shouldn't face him alone. Garou defeated three S-Class heroes in a row—his power is beyond belief."
Bang nodded slowly.
"Garou's progress has been terrifying. Even I'm not sure I can defeat him anymore… Even together, it might not be enough."
"Then we'll find help," Atomic Samurai replied. "You said it yourself—Garou was your student. If anyone can stop him, it's you."
Bang gave a faint smile. "Before that, we'll need to visit my elder brother—Bomb. He's far stronger than I am."
And with that, the two S-Class heroes departed together—
to hunt down a man who was no longer just human,
but something far greater,
and far more dangerous.
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