Ding! Congratulations to Mr. Bruce Banner. You are honored to become the friend of the Invincible Demon King of the Universe, Saitama-sama. You now possess two-way traversal rights, remaining uses (0/100); and the obligation to appear before Saitama-sama when summoned.
The system prompt rang simultaneously in the minds of Saitama and Bruce.
The two now shared a subtle link, one where much could be understood without words.
"You should get ready, Bruce. Once I wrap things up here, I'll be heading back to the One Punch World."
Saitama spoke calmly.
"Alright! I can't wait to see your One Punch World!"
Bruce was full of excitement, practically itching to go there immediately.
—Research Base—
The place was still in chaos.
Fully armed soldiers and heavy weapons lined the perimeter.
General Ross knew it was barely worth anything—but at least it was some reassurance.
"Father… what about Saitama and Bruce…?"
Betty was anxious.
Only now did she realize—
Saitama already held an irreplaceable weight in her heart.
"Daughter, the situation is complicated. Whether it's Bruce or Saitama… believe me, it won't end so easily. The best thing for you is to stay far away from them…"
Ross's voice was low and heavy.
Bruce transforming into Hulk had been shocking enough.
And his father, David Banner, turning into an elemental being of lightning—it was beyond comprehension.
It meant that under certain conditions, nanotech particles and gamma rays could trigger something like… a second evolution of humanity.
But even compared to Bruce and David—
Ross's attention was fixed on the bald man: Saitama.
A superhuman who crushed Bruce with overwhelming power while still looking like a normal human.
But now…
They had no idea where he'd gone.
"Look—over there!"
Just as everyone was at a loss, a soldier shouted.
From the desert horizon, a trail of dust surged forth.
Its speed surpassed a Formula 1 racer!
In only a few breaths—
Whoooosh—!
The gale whipped up by Saitama's sprint sent soldiers staggering and tumbling to the ground.
Faces were full of shock and alarm.
Rifles pointed at him—
But not a single trigger was pulled.
Because Saitama stood there unharmed… and Hulk was nowhere in sight.
Gulp.
The sound of throats swallowing echoed.
For the first time, General Ross felt his scalp go numb.
Not long ago, he'd watched Saitama eat breakfast harmlessly beside Betty. Now…
He'd never believe such a man was harmless again.
"Betty, the danger's over."
Saitama stopped beside her. For this mercenary mission to be considered complete, he still needed acknowledgment from his client.
"Th-thank you, Saitama! What about Bruce?"
Betty asked nervously.
Ross and the soldiers stiffened, listening closely.
"He ran off."
Saitama shrugged helplessly. Going to the One Punch World could count as running off, right? "I just came to tell you—the mission's basically done. I'll be leaving soon."
"Ah?"
Betty felt a pang of loss, nodding softly.
*Ding! Congratulations, Saitama-sama. You have completed the Incredible Hulk world's main storyline and fulfilled your hired mission. Reward: Mystery Chest 1.
Ding! All rewards will be issued after leaving this world.
The system prompt sounded, and a glowing chest appeared in Saitama's storage space.
With that settled, Saitama turned to leave.
"Wait."
Betty suddenly called out.
"Thank you… Saitama."
Her lips, soft like petals, brushed against his cheek. Betty's face flushed red.
"Will I… will I ever see you again?"
"…Maybe. It's possible."
For once, Saitama allowed a faint smile as he turned away.
From start to finish—
General Ross and his soldiers stood in absolute silence, watching as Saitama's figure grew smaller in the distance.
"General… should we try to capture him?"
A soldier asked, voice trembling.
"Did you see anything?!"
Ross's face darkened, his voice harsh. "Report that Bruce was driven back by our firepower and temporarily escaped. As for that man called Saitama—he was never here. Understand?!"
Soldiers: "…"
—
"System, let's go home."
Far from the base, Saitama muttered. Darkness swallowed his vision once more.
This time, however, something was different.
Another light was traveling alongside him—he could feel it. It was Bruce Banner.
*Ding! Congratulations, host. You have completed the Incredible Hulk main mission. Reward: Mystery Chest 1. Open now?
*Ding! Congratulations, host. You have defeated the Absorbing Man, David Banner. Reward: Special Chest 1. Open now?
Two prompts rang in his mind.
"Of course open them. What kind of salted-fish idiot wouldn't?"
Saitama replied without hesitation.
(End of Chapter)
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